2022 Honda Insight Sedan

　　

2022 Honda Insight Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Hybrids were once all about announcing their eco-status through radical styling and bright colors. But these days most of them go about their fuel-efficient business without garnering a second look. Case in point: the 2022 Honda Insight. About the same size as the all-new 2022 Honda Civic, the Insight and its staid styling don't really hint at its impressive EPA-estimated 52 mpg (in combined city/highway driving). Instead, the Insight looks like any other small sedan and offers many of the same features at a competitive price.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Honda Insight EX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$73/mo  for Insight EX

　　Insight EX

　　EX 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $25,760 MSRPTouring 4dr Sedan (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $29,790 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Other low-key, fuel-efficient hybrids include the hybrid versions of the Toyota Corolla and the Hyundai Elantra, while larger sedans including the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata also come in hybrid versions. And should you want a little eco-flair with your hybrid, Toyota's Prius is still worth a look. To see what we like, and don't, about the Honda Insight, read our Expert Rating below to see if this Honda hybrid is right for you.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Insight drive? The Insight leans more toward sobriety than spirit, but it's livelier and more refined than a Prius. The electric motor feels torquey around town and makes for seamless and responsive acceleration. It's not fast, but at 8.1 seconds to cover 0-60 mph, it's quick among hybrids. The steering is precise, and the Insight is tidy around corners and willing to change directions.

　　Our test Insight stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is decent for the class. The braking is predictable and easy to control, but the pedal feels a bit disconnected during hard braking. We were also bothered that, in normal driving mode, the adjustable regenerative braking system kept resetting itself.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Insight? Honda has gotten most of the fundamentals right. The seats are comfortable, with medium-firm foam and enough contouring to provide support over long drives, although some drivers may miss adjustable lumbar. There's some bounciness when driving over humps in the road, but single-wheel impacts and smaller road textures are snubbed deftly.

　　The climate system has big and clearly marked physical controls, and the vents provide good coverage. The main downside is noise. The gas engine can idle loudly and create vibrations when the battery needs charging, and the Insight makes more noise at freeway speeds than some competitors. Wind noise is well suppressed, but there's also noticeable road noise at speed.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below