2019 Honda Insight 4dr Touring Hybrid Review by David Colman + VIDEO - It's E15 Approved
A Green-vehicle review for car shoppers concerned with fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles and gasoline and diesel exhaust emissions.
SEE ALSO: Honda Insight News, Opinion and Feature Archive
Great fuel economy and realistic proposition for a long tour
with four adults and all their luggage
with four adults and all their luggage
By David Colman
Special Correspondent to The Auto Channel
![]() 2019 Honda Insight Touring |
The Insight's power delivery is acceptable under normal driving, but leaves something to be desired when you floor the throttle. At that point the normally quiet powertrain issues a noisy moan as it struggles to provide more oomph. The electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission provides little direct oversight of power demand. The revolutions of the 1.5liter engine soar in number and noise as the gas/electric combo struggles to meet throttle demand. Although Honda provides the Insight with a pair of "shift" paddles, using them has little apparent effect on engine performance.
![]() 2019 Honda Insight Touring |
Not only is it more economical than the Zombie styled Prius, but it's also far better looking. It's understated design is more refined looking than its twin under the skin Civic. Where the Civic is all odd angles and overwrought details, the Insight looks more rounded, more graceful, and more pleasing to the eye and to the air rushing over its sleek surfaces. About the only aerodynamic deficiency is the flat planed rear window, which never clears accumulated rain drops and definitely needs a wiper blade.
![]() 2019 Honda Insight Touring |
I wish I could say the same for the seats, but they lack sufficient support in the lower back area. Though the leather trimming is pleasing to the eye, they could stand to afford more lateral support as well. The back seat offers generous flop space for long legs, thanks to the Insight's 106 inch wheelbase. This interior caters to 4 adults in comfort, 5 in a pinch. Compared to the 2 inch shorter Civic's 13 cubic feet of storage, the Insight offers 15 cubic feet of trunk space. That's impressive considering the amount of room devoted to the storage battery. Thus, insight is a realistic proposition for a long tour with four adults and all their luggage aboard.
Best of all, you will almost never have to stop for fill ups, because the Insight's range is well over 400 miles - despite the fact that it carries just 10.6 gallons of fuel. You can thank the regenerative brakes and the electric motor for reproducing energy while you drive. It really is a lovely green concept.
2019 HONDA INSIGHT 4DR TOURING
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ENGINE: 1.5 liter i-VTEC in line 4 Cylinder gas plus electric motor
HORSEPOWER: 151hp
TORQUE: N/A
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 51MPG City/45MPG Highway
PRICE AS TESTED: $28,985
HYPES: Subdued Civic Restyle, Exceptional Mileage
GRIPES: Loud Engine, Middling Performance, No Rear Wiper
STAR RATING: 8 Stars out of 10