Flash Drive

2020 Honda Insight

March 17, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Honda Insight 4DR Touring

The 2020 Honda Insight hybrid is conservative, but handsome outside and roomy inside.

Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, engine + hybrid output 151 horsepower, 99 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel-drive

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

Base Price: $28,340

As Tested: $29,270

Performance:

Smooth highway ride

Acceptable acceleration

Paddle shifters

The Honda Insight was reintroduced in 2019 after a five year hiatus. It covers long distances effortlessly.

Drive modes: Econ, Sport, EV

Great regenerative braking system

Excellent fuel economy—our best was 45.6-mpg highway

Very bright headlights

Highly efficient windshield wipers

Comfort:

Spacious, comfortable interior

Soft headrests

Stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom

Power seats, but no power lumbar

Front seat room and comfort are excellent.

Three temperatures heated front seats

Nicely contoured thick leather trimmed steering wheel

Lots of very good auxiliary controls

Very good tilt/telescopic column range

Large sunroof brightens interior

Spacious, comfy rear seat

Adults fit with front seats all back

Roof line a little low for tall passengers

Pretty big rear floor hump affects middle seating position

Soft folding armrest with cup holders

Rear seat room in the 2020 Honda Insight is good and there is an armrest with cup holders.

Utility:

Bright interior lights when car is unlocked, then gradually soften

Big infotainment screen

Deep console bin with sliding armrest/cover

Large sliding visors

Very big non-locking glovebox

Medium size front door bins

Charging tray on console for electronic devices

One seatback storage pouch

The split rear seat folds flat for long cargo while still leaving passenger room if needed.

Medium size rear door bins

Large trunk with flat floor

Big pass through

Split folding rear seats have slight slope

WOW Factors:

Excellent safety features

Roomy interior

Conservative, but attractive styling

Charging tray for smart phones

Whines:

Still not thrilled with Honda’s button style transmission shifter

The multi-button shifter on the 2020 Honda Insight isn’t our favorite feature, but the smart phone charging pad is very handy.

Thin, cheap carpet in trunk

Bottom Line:

The Honda Insight returned to the lineup in 2019 after a five-year hiatus. The new Insight is a huge improvement over the tiny original Insight. The 2020 Insight Touring is the top option and it’s the same as the 2019 model. The Insight is a roomy, comfortable, practical compact sedan with great fuel efficiency and Honda’s sterling reputation for engineering excellence.