2021 Honda Insight

Pros: Peppy acceleration for a hybrid; nicely-finished interior; under-back-seat mounting of the hybrid battery allows for a spacious trunk and split-folding rear seat

Cons: Engine is noisy in fast acceleration; lacks the hatchback versatility of its primary rivals

CG Says: The 2021 Honda Insight gains standard blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert on EX and Touring models. The Insight is a gas/electric hybrid sedan that shares some of its basic design with the Honda Civic (the Civic lineup no longer offers a hybrid model, but the Insight essentially takes the place of the departed Civic Hybrid in Honda’s model line). Technically, the Insight that was introduced for 2019 is a third-generation model; Honda previously used the name from 2000-06 and from 2010-14 on earlier hybrid compacts. The Insight combines a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors for a combined 151 horsepower. The electric motors power the drive axles directly, eliminating the need for a conventional automatic transmission. LX, EX, and top-line Touring models are offered; all come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which includes forward-collision warning and mitigation, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and traffic sign recognition. Other available features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity, push-button start, LED headlights, Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic high-beam headlights, and a multi-view camera. The Honda Insight doesn’t quite hit the fuel-economy numbers of its primary rivals (the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Toyota Prius), and its engine can get noisy during acceleration. However, the Insight’s styling is pleasantly conventional compared the Ioniq or Prius, its driving personality is more engaging, and it has a classier interior as well—particularly in Touring trim. If you’re looking for a fuel-sipping compact car but desire something a bit more dynamic than the typical hybrid offerings, the Insight is for you.