It’s no surprise that, according to Reuters, sales of gas-electric hybrid cars reached a record level in the U.S. in 2021 despite rising gas prices. In fact, more than 801,000 hybrid cars were sold last year, accounting for five percent of U.S. light-vehicle sales. With interest from consumers rising across the country, there are plenty of hybrid cars to choose from, including in the sedan segment. Here’s what you need to know about Honda’s hybrid compact sedan, the 2022 Honda Insight. 

2022 Honda Insight specs

The 2022 Honda Insight is offered in two trim levels: the EX and Touring. Both Honda Insight models are equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine that helps supply power to an electric motor that powers the front wheels. Overall, the setup gives you 151 hp behind your right foot. The EX can get you a combined 52 mpg compared to the Touring’s 48 mpg.

The engine is quiet and gives you controlled amounts of power. It can reach 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, faster than competitors like the Hyundai Elantra with its 0 to 60 in 8.4 seconds and the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at 8.0 seconds. Car and Driver report the engine may get louder under hard acceleration, but that’s the only time you’ll likely notice it.

From the outside, the Insight looks like a standard sedan. It’s more palpable for those who don’t like the Toyota Prius’ look. Despite that setup, the Insight can fit a lot of cargo at 15.1 cubic feet. That’s more than the Elantra at 14.2 cubic feet and the same as the Corolla Hybrid. 

What features are standard on the new Honda Insight?

The base Honda Insight EX gives you a lot of amenities in the cabin, including keyless entry, push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an eight-speaker audio system, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Standard driver aids include forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert.

The Touring trim adds several luxury features. There’s leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The wheels are a bit bigger at 17 inches, and you can also enjoy LED foglights.

How is the Honda Insight to drive?

The Insight is often compared to Honda’s hallmark Civic, one of the best-selling sedans on the market. The current Insight is based on the 10th-generation Civic. Car and Driver reviewers say it is pleasant to drive similarly to the Civic. Steering is responsive, and the suspension eases the impact of bumps on the road.

MotorTrend reviewers say the “exceptionally smooth ride and capable handling make it one of the best compact sedans on the market today.” They also commend the easy-to-use cruise control on long trips. Like Car and Driver, they say the noise at hard acceleration is noticeable.

Why is the Honda Insight being discontinued?

The 2022 model year is the final year for the Honda Insight. It was brought back to the market in 2018 and sold more than 70,000 units. But seeing as it’s based on the previous Civic generation, Honda has opted to retire the Insight.

Honda’s hybrid sales have grown each year for the last five years, but it hasn’t been the Insight leading the way. Instead, it’s been hybrid versions of models like the Honda CR-V and Honda Accord. With this in mind, Honda’s moving instead to keep its “core models” and expand them with hybrid options. This will mean a return of the Civic Hybrid, last sold in 2015, which the Insight has been for the last few years.

Is the Honda Insight worth buying?

With an MSRP of $25,210, the Insight is one of the more expensive compact sedans. It’s also more than other hybrid sedans like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid at $23,650 and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid at $23,750.

MotorTrend put the Elantra Hybrid ahead of the Insight on its ranking of the best compact hybrid sedans, too. TrueCar also ranked the Elantra Hybrid ahead of the Insight. However, if it’s a new hybrid you’re after, the 2022 Honda Insight is worth checking out.