2012 Honda Insight: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The biggest change for the 2012 Honda Insight is a mid-cycle refresh. It brings revised styling, slightly better fuel economy, and modest updates to the rear-seat area and cabin.

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About the 2012 Honda Insight

2nd generation (2010-2014 US), mid-cycle refresh year

Honda positioned the Insight as an accessible hybrid hatchback for drivers who care about fuel economy but still want a car that feels familiar and practical. The big selling points were its lower price than larger hybrid rivals, five-passenger hatchback usefulness, and a driving experience Honda described as more natural and engaging than many hybrids. It is essentially the budget-friendly, city-friendly, efficiency-focused choice in Honda’s lineup, aimed at commuters who also want fold-down cargo flexibility.

The 2012 Insight is a five-door hybrid hatchback offered in base, LX, and EX trims. The base trim covers the essentials with automatic climate control and a folding rear seat, while the LX adds cruise control and USB connectivity. The EX is the more fully equipped version, with standard Bluetooth, paddle shifters, automatic headlights, and leather-wrapped controls.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

Friction-reduction updates to the engine and continuously variable automatic transmission improved EPA fuel economy by 1 mpg in city, highway, and combined testing, reaching 41/44/42 mpg across the lineup.

Styling

Honda revised the front and rear appearance with a new grille, updated bumpers and lights, and changes to aerodynamic details.

Structural

The rear-seat area was repackaged to provide slightly more headroom and better rear visibility. The cupholder design was also revised, and reviewers noted additional sound insulation.

Tech

The gauge cluster was updated, and Bluetooth changed from optional to standard on the EX trim.

2012 Honda Insight specs and features by trim

Feature	2012 Honda InsightEX0 in stock	2012 Honda InsightLX0 in stock	2012 Honda InsightBase0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, Hybrid VTEC 1.3L	4-Cyl, Hybrid VTEC 1.3L	4-Cyl, Hybrid VTEC 1.3L
Transmission	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT	Automatic, CVT
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid
MPG City	41 mpg	41 mpg	41 mpg
MPG Highway	44 mpg	44 mpg	44 mpg
Horsepower	98 hp	98 hp	98 hp
Torque	123 lb-ft	123 lb-ft	123 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	15.9 cu-ft	15.9 cu-ft	15.9 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33 in	33 in	33 in
Seats	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Cruise Control
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Heated Mirrors
Rear Spoiler
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel

How the 2013 Honda Insight compares

The 2013 Honda Insight is a true carryover with no major changes from 2012. It keeps the same three-trim lineup, hybrid powertrain, styling, safety equipment, and technology.

See the full 2013 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2012 Honda Insight?

The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with revised front and rear styling. Honda also improved fuel economy and made modest updates to the rear-seat area and cabin.

Is the 2012 Honda Insight more fuel-efficient than the 2011 model?

Yes. The 2012 Insight is EPA-rated at 41 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 42 mpg combined, an increase of 1 mpg in each measure over the 2011 model.

What changed in the back seat of the 2012 Honda Insight?

The 2012 Insight has slightly more rear headroom and better rear visibility. Honda achieved this by revising the rear-seat area as part of the refresh.

Does the 2012 Honda Insight EX have standard Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth is standard on the 2012 Insight EX after being optional on the 2011 EX.

Was the 2012 Honda Insight fully redesigned?

No. The 2012 Insight is a mid-cycle update of the second-generation model, not a full redesign. Its basic hybrid hatchback design and trim structure continue from 2011.