2020 Honda Insight

Unlike earlier hybrids, the new Insight isn't a mind-numbing vehicle to pilot. The steering is responsive, well-weighted, and reasonably sharp, no doubt the benefit of being based on the excellent Civic. It's by no means sporty, but combined with the eager hybrid powertrain, it's also more fun to drive than a Prius. You can choose between Normal, Econ, Sport, and EV modes, but Normal is probably where you'll want to leave it most of the time - Econ mode isn't just lazy, it'll have you thinking that the throttle is completely disconnected from the engine, so long does it take for the car to respond with any power at all. EV mode is only good for around a mile of pure electric driving because of the small battery pack, but it's there if you want to creep inside the garage late at night without waking anyone up.

The Insight also rides with pleasing reassurance. Some bigger bumps will disturb the refined cabin, but most of the time, the Insight is comfortable without being floaty. The brakes are also effective, and an adjustable regenerative braking system - when in its most aggressive mode, and in the right conditions - can slow down the vehicle without the driver needing to use the brake pedal at all. The system can be adjusted easily via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

It's taken a while, but Honda has finally hit the mark with the Insight. The subcompact is no longer merely an ultra-efficient hybrid but also gets a thumbs up for a stylish and classy design, an advanced and spacious cabin, and driving dynamics that don't make you feel as though you're about to fall asleep behind the wheel. For the most part, the hybrid powertrain is a solid proposition, with the only real price to pay being the gas engine's coarseness. All the trims are equipped to a good standard, although the LX misses out on Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and gets a small infotainment screen. It's hard to talk about the Insight and not mention the Toyota Prius stalwart, and while the Prius is even more efficient, it's gawky design and lazier performance don't leave the same positive impression as the Honda. For our money, the Honda is a great bet if you want a comfortable sedan and aren't keen on frequent visits to the gas station.

The Honda Accord is another excellent entrant from Honda. Competing against other mid-size sedans, it's a step up from the Insight in overall size - the Accord is 8.6 inches longer and has even more cargo space and a larger trunk with 16.7 cubic feet of packing space. Like the Insight, the Accord is a high-value prospect, but you wouldn't know it based on its smart, well-trimmed cabin and sophisticated driving dynamics. Being the more premium model, there's just a bit more calm and polish to the way the Accord goes about its business over the Insight. If you want an Accord Hybrid, it'll cost you around $1,000 more than the mid-range Insight EX, although you do get more grunt from the Accord's 212-hp powertrain. Both of these cars are well-engineered and well worth the money, but if you can make the stretch to the Accord, it does offer a more premium driving experience and the availability of more luxury features.

The Insight and Prius are now a truly interesting match-up, especially since Honda has significantly stepped up its game with the latest model. While the Prius remains an oddball and is as much of a lifestyle statement as it is an efficient hybrid, the new Insight has gone for a more traditional approach while maintaining exemplary economy figures. The Prius has a higher starting asking price and doesn't accelerate with the Insight's verve, but it's also up to four miles-per-gallon more efficient than the Honda. Still, we'd say that the Insight has a superior blend of performance and efficiency. The Honda is also more enjoyable to drive and boasts a better infotainment system, but the Prius fights back with a massive trunk, the option of all-wheel-drive, and a broader range of trims. At the same price point, the Honda is our choice, but as a range, the Prius will probably still appeal to more people.