Featured 2019 Honda Insight Hybrid: Intriguing Competitor to Prius

another competitor in a shrinking market. not sure why they want in, pride?

 

Looks like they’ve finally gotten it up to 50MPG (based upon a quick Google search at least). Still not quite a match for a Gen-4 Prius, but respectable.

I gather the Hyundai Ionic plug-in hybrid actually very slightly beats the Gen-4 Prius. But reliability...

Honda has had some reliability issues in recent years, although just off the top of my head at least, I can’t immediately recall any huge complaints about the Insight in particular.


iPad ? Pro

 

Being a former Civic owner, I do like the new design of Insight. If it was out 5 years ago, I might have considered. When I switched from Civic hybrid to Prius Gen3, no way ever buying another non-hatchback sedan. BTW, I think I did consider Gen2 Insight back then, but I can't remember what was a deal breaker for that model.

 

a/c shut off with the engine.

 

Ooo, not good!

 

the new one does, sk asked about gen2. they learned their lesson.

 

I totally agree. Pri Gen3 was my first hatchback ever. I don't know how I lived without this utility prior to that. If fuel efficiency is no concern to me, I would have bought Civic hatch when it was reintroduced.

 

The Gen-3 Honda Insight is the perfect replacement for a Gen-1 Prius. I test drove one and it is a nice, hybrid sedan.

Bob Wilson

 

That would be case for the IMA Honda hybrids, but the 2-motor hybrids, Accord and Insight should keep A/C running with engine stopped, when stopped, right?

 

I got a bit tired lifting up a big liftback, pulling tonneau cover closed to hide things. I have a trunk and it's easy to use. IF you haul cargo and need a hatch / liftback then it's must have.

 

Do some research before speaking, ok?

 

Yes it has all electric A/C. There are NO BELTS on Insight engine. Gen 3 Insight IS NOT an IMA hybridl. It is a 2-motor hybrid and I'm sure the friggen A/C can running continuously.

New Insight is a smaller version of Accord Hybrid which btw outsold Camry hybrid in June.

 

exactly.

you're not following the thread. didn't mean to step on your binkie.

 

I sure seems to fit the bill - easily matching 12 yr old Toyota tech, for both roominess and economy. The true litmus test will be Honda's traction pack durability. In the past, Honda deliberately programmed / over-worked their traction pack, which (in the short run, it let Honda achieve higher EPA's ... BUT) it eventually caused capacity loss, MUCH faster than Toyota's packs. Once that capacity went bye bye, the ICE had to do more of its share of the load, leading worse mpg. Honda's ICE wasn't as naturally efficient as Toyota - w/ or w/out the electric assist. So, a class action ensued against Honda. NOT the bad rep that Honda should have allowed to happen. I hope Honda learned from the experience, but until their latest iteration hits ~60K miles ... who can say.
.

 

It's design is more mainstream and will appeal to more people than the Prius futuristic styling.

People would test drive it and not even know it is a hybrid, trust me there are a lot of people out there that don't have a clue about hybrids.

 

Yea! Nothing in the world beats a hatch back ... more room than you can imagine, bar none;



But . . . . even if you decide you DO need to bring an extra 300Lbs or so with you, just strap one of these bad boys on. Either the lockable type like this, or the open type. I may try & see how easy it'd be to lift the 6Kw inverter/generator up there, along w/ a couple jerry cans.



happy camping!

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The 2019 Honda Insight would have been on my shortlist if it was a hatchback. The sedan, although a nice looking car, is not quite as practical. Looks like with the EX model 50 mpg is a reality. fuelly.com as 3 2019 Honda Insights with over 50 mpg average. I'm sure after an initial break in on the engines 55+ mpg in the summer will be a piece of cake and 60 mpg reachable as well....