2021 Honda Insight Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Added safety comes to Honda’s little hybrid for 2021, as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert finally becomes standard on EX and Touring trims. That’s a big change, as these very popular features weren’t previously available, even as options. Because of this, the other change for 2021 is likely to be overshadowed, but pay attention because Radiant Red Metallic paint is also debuting as a new option.
While the Insight never lacked for safety—the “Honda Sensing” suite of safety features is standard throughout the lineup—the lack of a nearly ubiquitous feature like blind-spot monitoring was a definite weak point in an otherwise very solid offering. After all, the Insight boasts being the most efficient sedan around town on the market, offering up to 52 mpg combined and 55 mpg around the city. Those are impressive numbers, even for a hybrid, and the only vehicle that can currently compete is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which also manages 52 mpg, but instead prefers to concentrate on highway efficiency rather than city efficiency. If you want better numbers than that, you’re going to have to find a plug-in.
And how the Insight achieves those numbers is no secret. Honda first experimented with hybrid tech with the first generation Insight back in 1999. Since then several versions of the car have come and gone, but they’ve all had the same fuel-efficient focus. Today, the Insight is powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. With this setup, power is primarily delivered via that electric motor to the front wheels, and the gasoline engine works largely as a generator to power the battery packs. And while the combined 151 equivalent horsepower doesn’t sound like much, 60 mph will still come in around 7.7 seconds, which is fast enough to at least keep pace with most compact cars. However, if you push the car that hard, the engine will kick in to supplement the power, and when the 1.5-liter is strained, it doesn’t exactly sound good.
Thankfully, the Insight is well insulated, so the noise doesn’t intrude too much. And in normal use, it’s a very quiet and composed ride. Most buyers will look beyond the base LX trim, as it offers a different infotainment system that doesn’t handle smartphone integration and has a smaller, 7-inch touchscreen display. That said, push-button start, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and LED lights throughout are nice features to be found at this base level. And with standard Honda Sensing, you won’t be left in the lurch when it comes to safety, either.
Moving up to the EX will get you an upgraded infotainment system and an 8-inch screen with the very desirable option of utilizing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and that alone will be enough for some people to spend a little extra. The fact that you also get remote engine start, an upgraded stereo with Sirius and HD radio, and two 2.5-amp USB ports only sweetens the deal, not to mention the extra safety this year.
The Touring adds a lot and takes away a little at the same time. You’ll get power heated leather seats, navigation, dual-zone climate controls, LED foglights and turn indicators, an even more powerful stereo, and a power moonroof, but for all that you’ll lose a couple of combined mpgs, as well as a small amount of trunk space, dropping from 15.1 cubic-feet to 14.7 thanks to a subwoofer in the trunk.
Regardless of the trim, the Insight provides a big return for your investment, whether you’re looking at quality, safety, or efficiency. If you’re looking to get into a hybrid sedan, the Insight needs to be on your list of cars to check out.
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2021 Honda Insight Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.42
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.1 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 129 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 96 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 107 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 99 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 12.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 180 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.42
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.1 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 129 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 96 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 107 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 99 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 12.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Pandora internet radio · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 450 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.1 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.42
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free · EV battery capacity: 1.1 kWh · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 129 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 96 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 107 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 6000 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 99 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 5000
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color with chrome accents · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color with chrome accents · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 12.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 26 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 16 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: HondaLink · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse