2013 Honda Insight Expert Review

Vehicle Overview

The compact Honda Insight is one of two dedicated hybrid models from the Japanese automaker. The four-door hatchback's 1.3-liter I-4 engine and electric motor produce a combined 98 hp, which is routed to the front wheels through a CVT. That drivetrain along with the Insight's slippery, Prius-like shape helps the car achieve an EPA-rated 41/44 mpg city/highway.

The Insight is among the cheapest hybrids you can buy, and its price advantage helped it eke out a win against the hybrid king Toyota Prius in a 2009 comparison test. Although it was the victor in that match, the Insight didn't impress reviewers with its rough, noisy ride, sloppy steering, and cramped rear seat. The car was refreshed for 2012, and received revised mpg numbers, upgraded interior and seats, and a slight increase in rear head room. Despite those changes, the refreshed Insight failed to impress us: "We appreciate the refreshed Insight's low price, but the hybrid hatchback presents too many compromises for daily driving. The car strikes us as a has-been actor left competing with fresh-faced actors who can do the job better."

The 2013 Honda Insight comes standard with automatic climate control, power windows, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, and a two-speaker CD audio system with auxiliary input (higher-trim models get four- or six-speaker systems). The Insight earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and was awarded a four-star rollover rating by NHTSA.

New for 2013

The Honda Insight carries over from last year, when the hybrid received a refresh including an updated interior, tweaked front and rear fascias, and improved mpg numbers.