2022 Honda Insight Review: A Clever Hybrid With Style

Being eco-friendly is becoming easier, cheaper, and more stylish by the year, and the Honda Insight is an excellent example of this. Based on the handsome Honda Civic, the compact sedan veers away from the quirky design philosophy that so many electrified vehicles seem magnetically drawn to. Three years after its full overhaul in 2019, the Insight is still up-to-date and the powertrain remains unchanged, which isn't a bad thing. The gas engine, coupled with the electric motors, develops a combined 151.5 horsepower, and the nimble handling of the sedan gives it more personality than the gawky Toyota Prius. More orthodox styling, plenty of passenger and cargo space, and a decent list of driver-assistance features under the Honda Sensing umbrella make the Insight a top pick for those who want a hybrid sedan without all the pretense.

What’s the Price of the 2022 Honda Insight?

The 2022 Honda Insight remains a relatively affordable sedan, even with last year's LX base-level car's discontinuation. The EX is for sale at a starting MSRP of $25,210 and the Touring adds $4,030 to the base price at $29,240. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and the manufacturer's $1,015 handling fee, which is $60 up from last year.

Handling and Driving Impressions

While it may be a hybrid, the Honda Insight neither looks nor feels the part. With precise, responsive steering, there's little doubt that the Insight is closely related to the nimble Civic. That's not to say the sedan is sporty by any stretch of the imagination, but it can definitely feel that way compared to clunkier hybrids. Several drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Econ, and EV, allow for a variety of driving dynamics.

But, while Econ may deliver the best fuel economy, it may make you feel like you're pedaling a 1.5-ton bicycle. EV is equally as pointless, with the small battery only storing enough charge to power the sedan for a mile or so. So we'd suggest sticking to Normal for most day-to-day driving. But if you want a little bit of fun, the Insight is ready to deliver it in Sport mode. A bit more feedback and surprisingly sharp steering make the compact quite engaging around town.

The Honda also rides quite well for an affordable hybrid sedan. Sure, some larger bumps will cause it to bounce around a little, but, for the most part, it sticks to the road quite well and never feels particularly floaty. Naturally, the brakes come with a regenerative function, which can actually bring the sedan to a stop without even touching the pedal, if you set them high enough. Wind and road noise is well-managed, for the most part, but the whine of the engine when pushed to its limits can be quite annoying.

Verdict: Is the 2022 Honda Insight A Good car?

Sticking with what works, Honda has made very few changes over the 2021 Honda Insight for the 2022 model year, and we certainly aren't complaining. The Insight hybrid still impresses with excellent fuel economy, bested only by a select few like the Hyundai Elantra Blue. The Insight gets bonus points for stylish design and a spacious, well-appointed cabin. Its near-athletic driving dynamics don't hurt its score, either.

Every model comes equipped with Honda Sensing and a full suite of driver-assistance features. The infotainment suite is responsive and easy to use, too. Add to this the Insight's competitive trunk space and appealing price tag, and Honda's award-winning subcompact is still earning high marks in our books.

What Honda Insight Model Should I Buy?

Since the optional packages don't really offer much value, it all comes down to which trim has the best list of standard features. With the base trim now being the EX, it's no longer a bit bare-bones like last year's LX. Priced well below $30k, the Insight EX doesn't get the heated power front seats or leather upholstery that the Touring gets, but it does get the same eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, smartphone integration, improved driver-assistance features, and a decent enough sound system. It also gets better fuel efficiency than the Touring.

2022 Honda Insight Comparisons

2022 Honda Insight vs Honda Accord Hybrid

Larger than the Insight, the Honda Accord Hybrid gets all the benefits that come from adding a few inches here and there. This means it has even more passenger space, as well as a generous 16.7-cubic-foot trunk. Naturally, the bigger sedan needs a bit more oomph to get it moving with the same degree of quickness, which it gets from the 212-hp powertrain. The Accord comes well-appointed, too, with Honda Sensing and all the basic comforts you'd expect from a modestly priced sedan. If money isn't quite so tight, the upper trim levels of the Accord border on the premium level, and the available features can make the smaller sedan look a bit basic. With competitive gas mileage and better driving dynamics, the Accord is the slightly better choice.

2022 Honda Insight vs Toyota Prius

The go-to name in small hybrids, the Toyota Prius is still extremely popular. It definitely flaunts its hybrid status a bit more than the toned-down Insight, thanks to its eccentric styling. And, while this may appeal to some, those who don't find it endearing will see the Honda Insight as a breath of fresh air. Powered by a less impressive four-cylinder engine paired with a single electric motor, the Prius can only put out a combined 121 hp, and it doesn't have the almost 200 lb-ft of torque available to the Honda, either. However, it does get access to AWD, which recommends it to buyers living in areas that are prone to poor weather. But, thanks to its updates in both looks and technology, the Honda Insight just feels like the better pick, and you no longer have to sacrifice fuel economy in the process.