Newcomer of the Year: The 2019 Honda Insight

Dec 5, 2018

A compact, five-seat sedan, the 2019 Honda Insight is attractive, efficient, and quiet. Its front-wheel-drive system works with a one-speed direct drive transmission. Its hybrid capability allows for electric and gas engine driving and makes the Insight one of the best additions to the Honda line-up.

Engine

Its 1.5-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine produces 107 horsepower and 99 pound-feet of torque and works with a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor that creates 129 horsepower and 197 pound-feet of torque. The joint setup produces 151 horsepower. You can drive the Insight on the electric motor for about a mile and then switch seamlessly to the gas engine. The hybrid batteries come with a 10-year warranty.

Exterior

Available in LX, EX, and Touring trims, the 2019 Honda Insight’s graceful, aerodynamic design features a front grille with chrome accents, LED headlights, taillights, and accent lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

The perforated, leather-trimmed seats are comfortable and you can fold the rear seats for multiple seating and space arrangements. There are a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch display audio with touch screen and smartphone compatibility, and LED accent lights. You can program the auto-dimming rear-view mirror to work with HomeLink to activate smart household devices.

Performance

Recharge the battery with regenerative braking at your own pace. The driver information interface shows battery usage and energy flow data, and you can switch modes from ECON to Sport and from Park to Drive. With the HondaLink app, customize connectivity and service. You’ll feel great no matter where you’re driving.