It seems that the automotive industry is going through a bizarre phase where all the great hybrid vehicles are getting pushed to the wayside in lieu of EVs. For example, Hyundai is doing away with the Ioniq Hybrid Blue and its incredible 60+ mpg performance to make way for the Ioniq 5 EV. Though there’s no EV on the visible horizon for Honda in the U.S. market, the iconic Japanese automaker is saying goodbye to this fuel economy hero despite its “best small car” status.

Rest in peace, Honda Insight

One can only imagine that they aren’t selling all that well, but that’s a bit of a bummer. The Honda Insight namesake has a long-running history of delivering fuel economy numbers north of 55 miles per gallon. The 2022 model is no exception, either! The 2022 Honda Insight sees fuel economy numbers as high as 55 mpg city and 49 mpg highway.

U.S. News even placed it in its top five best small cars for 2022. Understandably, too! The Insight offers an extremely fuel-efficient alternative to its legendary compact comrade, the Civic. According to U.S. News, though, it isn’t all peaches and cream to be behind the wheel of a 2022 Insight.

According to the report, the 2022 Honda Insight’s gasoline engine is remarkably loud. That can certainly be a downer when it comes to road trips and other long drives. That’s too bad, too, because the massive fuel economy figures are nothing short of exploration-inspiring. Additionally, the report states that the Insight doesn’t have much rear-seat headroom– another bummer for road trips since they’re a lot more fun when you bring your friends.

For car enthusiasts, though, the biggest ding U.S. News gives the 2022 Insight is certainly that it’s “less agile than rivals.” When you think of Honda compact vehicles, your mind immediately goes to the Civic. The Civic manages to be both efficient and fun to drive. Evidently, the Insight doesn’t quite deliver the same experience.

So, despite the relatively few complaints, one would think that an Insight would still be a great daily commuter that gets incredible fuel economy. Why would Honda get rid of it?

Out with the Insight, in with the Honda Civic Hybrid

That’s right! Long live the king.

According to CNET, Honda discontinued the legendary Insight namesake (for the second time in its history) to make room for the incoming Honda Civic Hybrid. After all, it wouldn’t make much sense to have two compact hybrids in the lineup. Obviously, it makes more sense to go with the one that has worldwide appreciation and recognition associated with its name.

Additionally, the 2022 Honda Civic has all sorts of critical acclaim. Whether it be a sedan, hatchback, base model, or the top-trim Si, critics love them, understandably. The 2022 Civic makes a great addition to the history of the legendary name.

Now, all the world can do is hope that the incoming Honda Civic hybrid nets some similar fuel economy figures to the Insight. Additionally, everyone should do a rain dance in hopes that the price doesn’t escalate much from the Insight.

As of now, the Insight starts right around $25,000, which puts it in the middle of the 2022 Civic’s price range. That seems like a pretty reasonable price for a hybrid variant to fulfill, too.

So long, and thanks for all the fish, Insight.