Honda Insight vs Nissan LEAF

Twenty years ago, the original Honda Insight was the first hybrid to go on sale in America. It had two seats and a funky teardrop shape, but amazing fuel economy.

Honda’s next Insight was a Prius copycat, but smaller, cheaper, and less satisfying than the Toyota.

Now, this third-generation 2019 Honda Insight adopts traditional 4-door sedan design and offers plenty of interior and trunk space. Plus, it is undeniably more attractive than the Civic on which it is based.

Should consumers looking for a practical, affordable, and efficient car consider the new Insight?

The 2026 Nissan Leaf represents the latest redesign of Nissan’s pioneering EV since the 2017 model year. This third-generation Leaf boasts more range, up-to-date tech and charging hardware, and new styling that looks more crossover than hatchback. But where the original Leaf was pioneering, the new Leaf returns to a mature segment populated by competent rivals from Chevrolet, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

Verdict: The new Leaf picks up where the old one left off with low pricing, and it only occasionally reminds you of that.