Demand for hybrid cars is skyrocketing in the U.S. market, as more consumers require improved efficiency to curb the ever-increasing gas prices. They are also proving to be a much more financially viable option
compared to fully electric vehicles
, which are considerably more expensive and depreciate at a much faster rate. The main reason why you’d want to consider a hybrid vehicle ownership experience is to save on your monthly gas expenses.
Over the last 12 months, the overall EV market has grown thanks to a few compelling options, but this growth rate has not been as high as we’ve seen with the new HEV market, which reached new sales heights in 2024. A big reason for this success is thanks to noteworthy progress in battery and electric motor technologies, which have helped make HEVs more accessible and efficient.
The hybrid sedan market is not a highly represented one in the U.S., but there are a few very compelling options available from both Japanese and South Korean manufacturers. Despite Japanese brands
selling HEVs that top the sales charts
, they sometimes miss the mark when it comes to creating a hybrid configuration that goes against the norms. There’s one somewhat premium HEV sedan that continues the legacy of a very important but obscure moniker. Despite its considerably impressive execution, the brand really struggled to get sales off the ground throughout its short lifespan.
Granted, it’s not the most thrilling or aspirational model, but the brand has done a great job at putting together an affordable and high-quality product that excels at returning some of the most impressive fuel consumption figures the industry has seen to date, with the added bonus of a very reliable reputation. Despite no longer being available, it benefits from a niche and dedicated following that caters to hyper-milers who are happy to sacrifice performance for fuel efficiency, range, and comfort.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and J.D. Power.
Honda
Divisions
Acura, Honda Motorcycles, Honda Racing, HondaJet
Founded
1946
Founder
Soichiro Honda
Headquarters
Minato, Tokyo, Japan
Current CEO
Toshihiro Mibe
Status
Active
Expand
The Honda Insight Is The Best Kept Secret In The Used Market
The now-defunct Honda Insight is a forgotten gasoline-electric hybrid sedan that has proven its worth in reliability, thanks to several examples that have covered great distances since they left the dealership. Factoring in how few units the brand sold during its availability, from 2018 to 2022, makes it a really well-kept secret for good reliability in the used market. According to J.D. Power, the 2019 ZE4-generation model year is the one to get, as it benefits from a 78/100 overall score, which includes 77/100 for quality and reliability, 81/100 for the driving experience, and 76/100 for resale.
It is admittedly subject to seven recalls relating to the fuel system, seat belts, and other components, but as for the drivetrain itself, it appears to be a very trustworthy unit that will run for a long time, so long as you conduct the correct care and maintenance.
Pros
Impressive fuel economy
Comfortable ride
Comprehensive safety equipment
Cons
Fussy controls
Front seat comfort could be better
Lower ride height worsens access to the cabin
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The Honda Insight Produces 151 Horsepower
Honda
The Honda Insight features the brand’s naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with one permanent-magnet synchronous motor
attached to a CVT
. This system drives 151 horsepower and 197 pound-feet to the front wheels, exclusively, resulting in an 8.1-second 0-60 MPH time and 114 MPH top speed.
2019 Honda Insight Performance Specifications
Powertrain
1.5-Liter Four-Cylinder And One Permanent-Magnet Motor
Horsepower
151 HP
Torque
197 LB-FT
Transmission
Direct-Drive eCVT
Driveline
Front-Wheel Drive
Battery
1.2 kWh
0-60 MPH
8.1 Seconds
Top Speed
114 MPH
The Honda LEB-MMD engine, part of Honda’s Earth Dreams Technology lineup, serves as the internal combustion component in Honda’s hybrid powertrains. This 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine prioritizes thermal efficiency and fuel economy. The Atkinson cycle, achieved through delayed intake valve closing, allows for a longer expansion phase, maximizing energy extraction from combustion. Honda optimizes the LEB-MMD’s design with lightweight aluminum construction and a low-friction architecture to reduce internal resistance.
The engine integrates seamlessly with an electric motor and generator, functioning primarily as a power generator while the electric motor handles propulsion. This design eliminates the need for a conventional transmission, enhancing mechanical simplicity and reducing energy losses. The engine’s high thermal efficiency, aided by an advanced exhaust gas recirculation system and optimized combustion chamber design, further improves fuel economy and emissions. Honda’s attention to durability and refinement ensures minimal wear and exceptional longevity, making the LEB-MMD a standout in hybrid powertrain engineering.
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The Insight’s Class-Leading Fuel Consumption Estimates
Honda
The main reason why you’d want to consider the Insight is because of its outstanding fuel consumption returns. The base derivative is the most appealing option, as it returns 55/49/52 MPG on the EPA’s city/highway/combined cycle and covers 551 miles on a single 10.6-gallon tank with some help from the 1.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. You can expect to save up to $4,000 on fuel every five years and spend $950 on fuel every year. A full tank of gas will cost you $33.
2019 Honda Insight EPA Fuel Consumption Estimates
Trim
LX/EX
Touring
Gas Consumption (city/highway/combined)
55/49/52 MPG
51/45/48 MPG
Range
551 Miles
509 Miles
Five-Year Fuel Savings
$4,000
$3,500
Annual Fuel Cost
$950
$1,000
Cost To Drive 25 Miles (EV/Gas)
$1.51
$1.64
Cost To Fill The Tank
$33
$33
Tank Capacity
10.6 Gallons
10.6 Gallons
If you opt for the more premium Touring trim, you’ll take a hit on consumption and range because of the larger wheels. This model returns 51/45/48 MPG and covers 509 miles on a single tank. You can expect to save $3,500 on fuel every five years and spend $1,000 every year. It costs you $1.64 to drive this hybrid 25 miles.
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How Much A Used Honda Insight Costs In 2025
Honda
A 2019 Honda Insight
sells for around $13,600 to $16,800
, depending on your specification, condition, and mileage. When new, the LX cost $22,930, the EX $24,160, and the Touring $28,190. These prices exclude the $930 destination charge. The LX comes standard with automatic climate control with rear air vents, cruise control, manually adjustable front seats, a 160-Watt six-speaker audio system, a five-inch LCD interface, LED ambient console lighting, and one USB port for data transferring.Upgrading to the EX gets you a rear-seat center armrest, a 60/40-split-folding rear bench, an improved 180-Watt eight-speaker audio system, and an eight-inch semi-touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Sirius XM, and HD Radio. There are also upgraded USB ports.The flagship Touring derivative adds the larger 17-inch alloy wheels, LED turn signals on the chrome-finished door mirrors, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, LED fog lights, a passenger-side setback pocket, HomeLink, dual-zone climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Additional features include:
Front seat heating
An electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seat
Leather upholstery
Navigation
Premium 450-Watt 10-speaker audio system with a subwoofer
Key Safety Features On The Honda Insight
Honda
This generation of the Insight also has the bonus of featuring an impressively comprehensive suite of passive, active, and advanced safety systems. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and traffic sign recognition. Additional features include Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, airbags covering the front, sides, and curtains, and auto-on high beams.
Why Honda Scrapped The Insight Moniker In The U.S.
Honda discontinued the Insight in the U.S. market due to weak sales and shifting consumer preferences toward SUVs and electric vehicles. Despite being one of the first hybrid models introduced in the early 2000s, the Insight struggled to gain traction against dominant rivals like the
Toyota Prius
. The third-generation Insight, launched in 2018 as a hybrid sedan, was positioned as a more premium alternative to the Civic Hybrid.
Honda Insight Sales In The U.S.
Year
Examples Sold
2018
12,513 Copies
2019
23,686 Copies
2020
15,932 Copies
2021
18,685 Copies
2022
7,628 Copies
However, it failed to capture a significant market share in an increasingly competitive segment. Honda’s focus on electrification and the expansion of its hybrid lineup, particularly with the Accord and CR-V hybrids, further diminished the Insight’s relevance. Additionally, the company’s strategic shift toward fully electric vehicles played a role in reallocating resources away from the Insight. With the Civic lineup now offering hybrid powertrains, the Insight’s role became redundant, ultimately leading to its discontinuation in 2022.
AloJapan.com