2019 Honda Insight
The 2019 Honda Insight marked a significant return for the nameplate, repositioning itself as a stylish and efficient compact sedan with a sophisticated hybrid powertrain. This generation moved away from the quirky two-door design of its predecessors and embraced a more mainstream, four-door sedan body style, directly competing with established players like the Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The Insight aimed to deliver a compelling blend of fuel economy, comfortable ride, and Honda's signature reliability.
Highlights
- Powertrain: The 2019 Insight is powered by a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with Honda's two-motor hybrid system. This setup produces a combined 151 horsepower. The system intelligently switches between electric power, gasoline power, or a combination of both for optimal efficiency and performance. It features three distinct driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive.
- Safety Features: Honda is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the 2019 Insight is no exception. Standard across all trims is the Honda Sensing® suite, which includes:
- Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): Uses a camera and radar to detect potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to reduce impact severity or avoid an accident.
- Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): Detects if the vehicle is about to inadvertently depart from its lane without a turn signal and can provide steering assistance to keep the vehicle in its lane or apply braking.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a set speed and a preset following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to keep pace.
- Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): Helps to center the vehicle in its lane by making subtle steering corrections.
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): Displays traffic sign information (like speed limits) on the instrument panel.
- Automatic High-Beam Headlights: Automatically switches between high and low beams based on detected lighting conditions.
- Trim Summary: The 2019 Honda Insight was offered in three well-equipped trims:
- LX: The base trim provides a solid foundation with the standard Honda Sensing suite, LED headlights and taillights, and a 5-inch color infotainment display.
- EX: Building upon the LX, the EX adds a larger 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, a push-button start, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio.
- Touring: The top-tier Touring trim elevates the experience with premium features such as leather-trimmed seats, a heated steering wheel, a power moonroof, a premium audio system, and a HomeLink® universal remote.
- Notable Aspects:
- Refined Ride and Handling: The Insight offers a more engaging driving experience compared to many other hybrids, with responsive steering and a well-balanced suspension that provides a comfortable and composed ride.
- Spacious and Comfortable Interior: Despite its compact exterior, the Insight boasts a surprisingly roomy cabin, particularly for rear-seat passengers. The interior design is modern and functional, with good quality materials.
- Excellent Fuel Economy: As expected from a hybrid, the 2019 Insight delivers impressive fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long-distance travel.
What to Expect
Owning a 2019 Honda Insight generally translates to a smooth and predictable ownership experience, characterized by Honda's reputation for reliability. The hybrid system is designed for longevity, and routine maintenance typically involves oil changes, tire rotations, and checking fluid levels, similar to conventional gasoline vehicles. However, it's important to note that hybrid-specific components, such as the battery pack and electric motors, may have different service intervals and potentially higher costs if repairs are ever needed outside of warranty.
Insurance costs for the Insight are generally competitive, often falling in line with other compact sedans, though factors like your driving record, location, and chosen coverage levels will ultimately determine your premium. The advanced safety features might even contribute to slightly lower insurance rates from some providers. Expect good resale value, a hallmark of the Honda brand.
Potential Considerations
- Braking Feel: As with many regenerative braking systems found in hybrids, some drivers may notice a slightly different feel to the brake pedal compared to traditional hydraulic brakes, particularly at lower speeds. This is a common characteristic and not necessarily a defect, but it can take some adjustment.
- Engine Noise Under Acceleration: While the Insight is generally quiet, under hard acceleration, the gasoline engine can become more noticeable as it works to provide power, a common trait in many hybrid vehicles.
- Limited Cargo Space (Compared to some rivals): While the trunk is reasonably sized for a compact sedan, it might be slightly smaller than some competitors that are specifically designed with maximum cargo capacity in mind, such as dedicated hatchback hybrids.
Overall Summary
The 2019 Honda Insight stands out as a highly competent and well-rounded compact hybrid sedan. It successfully blends impressive fuel efficiency with a comfortable and spacious interior, a refined driving experience, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. For buyers seeking an economical, reliable, and stylish daily driver that doesn't compromise on comfort or practicality, the 2019 Insight presents a compelling and sensible option.
