Flash Drive

2019 Honda Insight

December 4, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2019 Honda Insight Touring Hybrid

The 2019 Honda Insight is the company’s latest fuel efficient hybrid that’s also a strong value.

Engine:1.5-liter I-4 plus electric motor, 151-horsepower, 197 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatictransmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 51-mpg city, 45-mpg highway, 48-mpg combined

Base Price: $28,090

As Tested: $28,985

Performance:

Acceleration boosted with electric motor

Eco Assist mode

The Insight’s hybrid powertrain is very efficiently packaged to allow maximum passenger and cargo capacity.

Sport mode

EV mode

Excellent fuel economy

Quiet, smooth acceleration

Pleasant highway ride

Ideal economical city vehicle

Adaptive cruise control

Collision Mitigation Braking System

Lane Keeping Assist System

Paddle shifters

Comfort:

Front seat comfort and amenities are excellent.

Spacious interior for 4-5 adults

Rear center person has to straddle tall floor hump

Adequate headroom

Leather seating surfaces in Touring level trim

Stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom

Three temperatures heated front seats

Power adjustability both front seats

Sliding sun visors

Good auxiliary controls

The back seat room is adult friendly with ample leg, knee, and shoe room.

Large range adjustments for tilt/telescopic column

Soft headrests

So-so quality interior materials, lots of plastic on door panels

Soft, wide rear seat armrest with drink holder

Utility:

Oversized infotainment screen

Rain sensing wipers

Large trunk with flat floor, wide opening

Inexpensive trunk carpeting

The 2019 Honda Insight has a large trunk and split, folding rear seats for larger items.

Excellent, multi-compartment storage under trunk floor

7-inch lift-over

Big, wide pass-thru

Split, folding seats have upward slope

Handy folding seats releases in trunk

Medium moonroof

Large glovebox, but no lock

One seatback pouch

Medium door bins front and rear

Large, deep console bin with removable

We’re not big fans of Honda’s unique push button gear selection system, but the smart phone charging pad is great.

cupholders

Rubber covered tray on console next to multiple charging ports

WOW Factors:

Great fuel economy

Ample interior room front and rear

Large trunk

Excellent hybrid functionality

Strong value proposition in LX and EX trim

Pleasant, conservative styling

Whines:

Low rent owner’s manual

The 2019 Honda Insight is a great long distance touring car because it’s comfortable and it can get almost 50 mpg.

Odd pushbuttons for gear selection

Cheap trunk carpet

Lots of plastic on door panels

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Honda Insight is the newest hybrid in the company’s product lineup. The hybrid functionality is excellent as is the interior/cargo space. Styling is conservative, but attractive. The value proposition is impressive.