Honda has always been known for making reliable and economical cars, creating some of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road. But its latest hybrid creation, the Insight, takes Honda’s economical designs to new heights. And although the 2020 Honda Insight might be the most average car you’ll see on the road, it might just be worth another look.

How the experts feel about the Honda Insight

Consumer Reports provides some of the most accurate reviews and information about new cars, and its final word on the 2020 Honda Insight is cool at best. The newest Honda Insight receives a super-average overall score of 77, reflecting its performance in the road test, predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores, safety feature availability, and results on crash tests.  Both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction scores stand at four (out of five) while the Insight received a 73 (out of 100) for its performance on the road test.

The rest of Consumer Reports’ 2020 Honda Insight ratings aren’t great, but they aren’t bad either. Breaking down its scores for performance, the Insight receives mostly scores of four (out of five), with the exception of the acceleration category which earned a three. The Honda Insight’s comfort got fairly “more average” ratings, earning scores of three-out-of-five for its front and rear seat comfort, interior fit and finish, and cabin noise. Driving and riding comfort, as well as usability, received a four. Access to the front and rear, however, was only rated with a score of two.

Even U.S. News puts the 2020 Honda Insight in the middle of the road with an overall score of 8.1 (out of 10). While its safety received a perfect 10.0, it only received a 7.5 for its interior and an overall 7.8 by the critics. According to U.S. News, the 2020 Honda Insight simply “does little to stand out.”

Why average ratings make the Insight something to consider

While the Insight’s “average” overall rating of 77 by Consumer Reports doesn’t seem so great, the highest-rated car within the segment only receives an overall rating of 79. This makes the 2020 Honda Insight Consumer Reports’ second-best-rated, new compact hybrid/electric car.  With its highest-ever-rated compact EV only receiving an overall score of 81, the 2020 Honda Insight competes with the best of the best. 

While the newest Honda Insight isn’t receiving scores to write home about, it’s still a strong contender in the eyes’ of the experts. After all, the biggest job of a hybrid is its fuel-efficiency, and that’s where the Insight gets its best reviews. According to Car and Driver, “the Insight accomplishes its mission as a fuel-efficient family sedan with clever technology and a comfortable interior.” With some of the highest gas mileage estimates in the segment, the Honda Insight is one of the best-performing hybrids available.

What you get with the 2020 Honda Insight

Not just able to save you money at the pump, the 2020 Honda Insight also comes with a bargain price tag. According to Car and Driver, the base Insight LX comes with a starting price of under $24,000, while the highest Touring trim starts at just over $29,000. The hybrid powertrain uses a 1.5-liter gas engine combined with an electric motor that makes a total of 151 hp. Both LX and EX trims earn an estimated 55 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway, while the highest Touring trim earns 51 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway.

Standard features on all trim levels include push-button start, LED headlights, and Honda’s Sensing suite of safety and driver-assist technologies.  A 5-inch touchscreen comes standard in the LX, while the other two trims receive a standard 8-inch screen – all with available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.