“Still absolutely loving my 2019 Honda Insight! Amazing fuel economy, super comfortable to drive, and very stylish interior. Love this car!”
Honda Insight: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Honda Insight is a compact hybrid car sold as a practical hatchback and, in its final generation, a more conventional sedan. It is known for strong fuel economy, easy everyday usability, and a less specialized look and feel than many hybrids.
Across its generations, the Insight was Honda’s way of making hybrid fuel savings easier to live with. The 2010-2014 version was a five-passenger hatchback focused on affordable everyday efficiency. The 2019-2022 model returned as a sleeker, more upscale compact sedan with pleasant road manners and familiar controls. Its shape changed, but its purpose remained the same: use less fuel without making daily life feel unusual.
Strengths
- Fuel economy is a central strength, with the 2022 Insight rated at 51 to 55 mpg in the city depending on trim.
- The Insight delivers hybrid savings while looking and feeling more like a familiar compact car than a specialized eco model.
- The 2019-2022 sedan has pleasant driving manners and a comfortable cabin for five people.
- Every 2019-2022 trim came with Honda’s driver-assistance and collision-avoidance safety suite.
- The later sedan combines a roomy passenger area with a useful trunk, making it practical for commuting and routine errands.
Who it's for
The Insight suits commuters and small households that want to spend less on fuel while keeping the comfort and familiarity of a regular compact car. The later sedan is the better fit for someone who prefers a more polished, conventional design, while the 2010-2014 hatchback appeals to shoppers who value a practical rear hatch.
Honda Insight lineup
On 2010-2014 hatchbacks, the base model was the simplest entry point, LX filled the middle, and EX sat at the top of the range. On 2019-2021 sedans, LX was the value-and-efficiency pick, EX offered the middle ground, and Touring emphasized near-luxury comfort. For 2022, Honda dropped LX, so EX became the starting point while Touring remained the comfort-focused step up. Pick EX for the core Insight experience, or Touring when a more upscale cabin matters more than getting the lowest-trim version.
Honda Insight generations
From 2010 to 2022, the Insight spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2019, following the 2nd Generation (2010–2014).
3rd Generation (2019–2022)
The Insight returned as a conventional compact hybrid sedan after several years away. It paired a 151-hp two-motor hybrid system with standard driver-assistance safety features and a more traditional design than the earlier hatchback.
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2022Trim changes
The LX trim leaves the lineup, so EX becomes the entry trim. This is the final U.S. model year for this generation.
2021
EX and Touring gain blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
2020
Only the paint-color selection changes.
2019New generation
The Insight returns as an all-new hybrid sedan in LX, EX, and Touring trims.
2nd Generation (2010–2014)
The Insight name returned on a five-seat, five-door hybrid hatchback, replacing the earlier two-seat format. It used a 1.3-liter hybrid system and an automatic transmission throughout this generation.
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2014
The existing three-trim hatchback lineup carries over for this generation’s final year.
2013
The trim lineup, hybrid system, and equipment structure carry over.
2012Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling joins slightly better fuel economy, more rear headroom, and improved rear visibility.
2011Trim changes
A new base trim joins the lineup, and stability and traction control become standard across all trims.
2010New generation
The Insight returns as an all-new five-seat hybrid hatchback in LX and EX trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Honda Insight.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Honda Insight always a hybrid?
Yes. Every Honda Insight is a gasoline-electric hybrid. The 2010–2014 hatchback uses a 1.3-liter hybrid system, while the 2019–2022 sedan uses a 151-hp two-motor system with a 1.5-liter engine.
Is the Honda Insight a sedan or a hatchback?
It depends on the generation. The 2010–2014 Insight is a five-door hatchback, while the redesigned 2019–2022 model is a four-door sedan. That difference changes both the look and how the cargo area is accessed.
Why do older and newer Honda Insights look so different?
They come from two very different generations. The 2010–2014 Insight is a small, efficiency-focused hatchback. The 2019–2022 version returned after a break as a more conventional compact sedan with a stronger hybrid system and more modern safety technology.
What is the Honda Insight known for?
The Insight is known for combining strong fuel economy with familiar everyday manners. The 2019–2022 sedan especially feels and looks more like a conventional compact sedan than a specialized eco car, while still offering a roomy five-seat cabin and standard driver-assistance features.
Is the Honda Insight a good commuter car?
Yes. The Insight suits commuters who want low fuel use, automatic climate control, seating for five, and an easy-to-drive automatic transmission. The 2019–2022 sedan also adds a broad standard driver-assistance suite for highway and stop-and-go driving.
Does the Honda Insight have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2019–2022 Insight sedan is front-wheel drive. Its design focuses on fuel economy and everyday road use rather than extra traction from an all-wheel-drive system.
Is the Honda Insight practical for a small family?
Yes, especially for a small family that prefers a compact, efficient car. Both the 2010–2014 hatchback and 2019–2022 sedan seat five. The hatchback has a folding rear seat, while the newer sedan offers a roomy cabin and a useful trunk.
Honda Insight Reviews
What owners are saying about the Honda Insight.
4.2
Honda Insight
(2,019 reviews)
“The best thing about this car is the hybrid I'm getting 50 miles, the driving assist and the panoramic back up camera.”
“I like the advertised fuel mileage, but real world numbers are lower. The image is similar to the Accord. I like the idea of a hybrid vs. EV since I won't be stuck on the side of the road looking for a charger.”
“I really enjoy the Honda Insight. It has tons of features that work with your phone but has to be plugged in for them to work. It also is a little slow unless it is in sport mode which can be an issue on the highway but drives great in the city.”
“It's a good value for money if you plan to get a car for long term. Looks good inside out and gives great mileage. Comes with most of the advanced features built in.”
“My car is very responsive - I love that it's a hybrid and senses my key etc. so I don't have to do anything but get in - love the heated seats when it's cold - love the way it maneuvers.”
Sources
- automobiles.honda.com — Wave 1 / Electric / MY21 Hybrid Electrified Brochure Wave1 Model Site
- automobiles.honda.com — Wave 1 / Electric / MY20 Hybrid Electric Brochure Wave1 Final PDF
- global.honda — Worldnews / 2018 / 4180514Insight Sedan Production Indiana
- global.honda — Worldnews / 2018 / 4180326All New Insight
- automobiles.honda.com — Insight / Brochure / MY19 Insight Brochure
- automobiles.honda.com — 2014 / Insight Hybrid / 2014 Insight Brochure
- automobiles.honda.com — 2014 / Insight Hybrid / 2014 Insight Hybrid Factsheet
- automobiles.honda.com — 2013 / Insight Hybrid / 2013 Insight Hybrid Factsheet
- automobiles.honda.com — 2013 / Insight Hybrid / 2013 Insight Hybrid Brochure
- global.honda — Worldnews / 2009 / 4090111Insight Hybrid World Debut
- automobiles.honda.com — 2012 / Insight Hybrid / 2012 Insight Hybrid Brochure
- automobiles.honda.com — 2012 / Insight Hybrid / 2012 Insight Hybrid Factsheet