2012 Honda Insight

While fuel-efficient and reliable, the 2012 Honda Insight doesn’t measure up to its archrival, the Toyota Prius.
For 2012, the Honda Insight receives a mild refresh. Exterior changes include a new grille design, restyled front and rear bumpers, redesigned headlights and brake lights and slightly wider tires for more confident handling. Inside there is a reconfigured rear seat area (with 0.5-inch more headroom and better visibility), a redesigned gauge cluster, and reshaped cupholders that hold larger drinks. The EX and LX models also get upgraded upholstery and a more supportive front armrest.

This Honda’s primary weakness concerns ride comfort. While it offers a less isolated and more engaging driving experience than the Prius, the Insight doesn’t feel nearly as refined on the road, thanks largely to a suspension that’s less forgiving of pavement flaws. It also comes up short in utility. It trails the Prius in cargo capacity, and though 2012 upgrades leave it with a slightly roomier backseat, its second row remains less spacious than the Prius’ in every measure.

Overall, the 2012 Honda Insight isn’t a bad pick for affordable transportation. Still, most buyers will be better served by that other choice in this two-horse race, the Toyota Prius, given that model’s superior versatility and refinement. You might also want to consider Honda’s new Civic Hybrid, which is a nicer car to drive and actually returns slightly better fuel economy.

2012 Honda Insight Hatchback

The 2012 Honda Insight is available in three trim levels: base, LX and EX. Standard equipment on the base trim includes 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, driver-seat height adjustment, a trip computer and a two-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.

2012 Honda Insight LX Hatchback

The LX adds cruise control, a front center armrest and storage bin, floor mats, steering wheel audio controls, four speakers for the sound system and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The EX adds 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel shift paddles, Bluetooth, vanity mirrors and a six-speaker sound system.

2012 Honda Insight EX Hatchback

The 2012 Honda Insight’s hybrid system consists of a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor paired with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. The gas engine is good for 88 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motor chips in 13 hp and 58 lb-ft. Due to varying power peaks, the maximum combined output is 98 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. Power flows to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Every 2012 Honda Insight comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum), brake assist, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

The Insight’s cabin has a spare feel, and doesn’t aspire to transcend the car’s low price tag. This is particularly noticeable in the base model, which lacks a front armrest and has just two speakers for the stereo. Though rear headroom sees a slight improvement for 2012, the Insight still trails the Prius when it comes to headroom and legroom in the second row.

Because of its “mild hybrid” setup, the 2012 Honda Insight feels more like a traditional gas-only car than the Prius; there’s no transition between electric and gasoline modes since the Insight’s engine is assisted by its electric motor rather than working in tandem with it. For some drivers, this may be an advantage.