Honda Insight used buyer's guide: all three generations, mpg and best years

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Honda Insight was a hybrid sold in the US in three generations: a two-seat 2000–2006 hatchback, a five-seat 2010–2014 hatchback and a 2019–2022 sedan. The final 2022 Insight paired a 1.5L engine with an electric motor for 151.5 hp, rated up to 55/49/52 mpg, and listed from $25,760 new.

Type
Compact hybrid sedan (2019–2022); earlier hybrid hatchbacks (discontinued in the US after 2022)
Price (MSRP)
$25,760–$29,790 (2022 MY) · Original MSRP when new, excluding the $1,095 destination charge (Honda pricing, May 2022); EX lowest, Touring highest. Not a used-car value.[1]
Powertrains
Insight EX (2022), Insight Touring (2022) · 151.5 hp
Current generation
Third generation, 2019–2022

2019 Honda Insight price and trims

The third-generation Insight is a compact hybrid sedan built in Greensburg, Indiana, with a 151-hp two-motor system and no conventional transmission. Honda Sensing is standard on every trim. LX and EX are rated 55/49/52 mpg; Touring adds leather, power seat and navigation but drops to 51/45/48. For 2022 only EX and Touring were offered.[24][25][26][27]

Honda Insight trims with 2019 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2019)Powertrain
LX$22,930excl. $920 destination (2019 MY); $23,850 incl. destination1.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder two-motor hybrid (151 hp total system output; 197 lb-ft motor torque)[24][25]
EX$24,160excl. $920 destination (2019 MY); 2022 EX $25,760 excl. $1,095 destination1.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder two-motor hybrid (151 hp total system output; 197 lb-ft motor torque)[24][25][26]
Touring$28,190excl. $920 destination (2019 MY); 2022 Touring $29,790 excl. $1,095 destination1.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder two-motor hybrid (151 hp total system output; 197 lb-ft motor torque)[24][25][26]

Every Insight trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Honda Insight engines, horsepower and mpg

Honda lists 151.5 total system hp; the 1.5L engine makes 107 hp and 99 lb-ft and the electric motor 129 hp and 197 lb-ft, but Honda gives no combined torque figure. The tank holds 10.6 gallons. The 2019 lineup also included an LX, rated 55/49/52 mpg like the EX.

Honda Insight powertrains with Honda-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Insight EX (2022)EX1.5L four-cylinder + electric drive motor, lithium-ion battery[2][1][3]151.5—e-CVTFWD55/49/522022 MY[3]
Insight Touring (2022)Touring1.5L four-cylinder + electric drive motor, lithium-ion battery[2][1][4]151.5—e-CVTFWD51/45/482022 MY[4]

Output is as rated by Honda; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Honda Insight generations compared

Honda specifications and current EPA ratings for each generation.[9][7][5][2][6][10]

Honda Insight generations compared
2000–20062010–20142019–2022
Seats255
Powertrain1.0L 3-cyl + IMA1.3L 4-cyl + IMA1.5L 4-cyl + electric drive motor
Combined output73 hp98 hp151.5 hp
BatteryNi-MHNi-MHLithium-ion
Best EPA combined53 mpg (manual)41 mpg52 mpg
  • The 2019–2022 sedan has roughly double the output of the original Insight with nearly the same combined mpg.
  • Only the first generation was offered with a manual transmission.

Which used Honda Insight years to buy

The 2021–2022 Insight is the cleanest pick on recall history. The 2019–2020 sedans share several early campaigns: a 2019 rearview camera display fix, a 2019–2020 body control module software update that could disrupt wipers, defroster, lights and camera, a 2019 front seat belt buckle recall, and low-pressure fuel pump replacements (2019–2020, later widened to 2019–2022). 2020–2021 cars also had a DC-DC converter software update to prevent a loss of drive power, and 2019–2022 cars are in the 2026 passenger seat-weight sensor recall.

Second-generation hatchbacks (2010–2014) are covered by Takata driver air bag inflator recalls across 2010–2014 and passenger inflator recalls for 2010–2012 and 2014. First-generation cars (2000–2006) are now 20 years old or more; the NHTSA recall data we searched lists no recall that names the 2000–2006 Insight, so condition and hybrid-system records matter most.[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]

Used Honda Insight inspection checklist

Run the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup; on 2010–2014 cars, confirm the air bag work before anything else.

  • 2019–2020: confirm the body control module and rear camera software updates
  • 2019–2022: confirm the fuel pump replacement (recalls 20V-314 / 21V-215 / 23V-858)
  • 2020–2021: confirm the DC-DC converter software update
  • 2010–2014: confirm Takata driver and passenger inflator replacements
  • All years: check that no hybrid-system or IMA warning lights stay on after start-up, and ask for hybrid service records
  • [13][12][15][23][16][17][19][21]

Three very different Insights

The first Insight was an aluminum-bodied two-seater with a 1.0L three-cylinder and Honda's IMA electric assist; EPA rates the manual at 53 mpg combined for 2000–2003. The second generation became a five-seat hatchback with a 1.3L four and IMA, rated 41 mpg combined.

The third generation switched to a sedan body and a 1.5L engine with a 129-hp electric drive motor, Honda Sensing on every trim and a 55/49/52 mpg EPA rating for LX and EX. The Insight left the US lineup after 2022.[9][7][5][6][10]

Honda Insight generations by year

Every US Honda Insight generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Third generation2019–20221.5L four (107 hp) + 129-hp electric motor, 151.5 hp total; lithium-ion battery; e-CVTA five-seat sedan that launched for 2019 as LX, EX and Touring, with the Honda Sensing suite on every trim. EPA rated LX and EX at 55/49/52 mpg and Touring at 51/45/48. The 2022 lineup was EX and Touring; EPA lists no Insight after 2022.[5][2][1][6]
Second generation2010–20141.3L four with IMA motor, 98 hp combined; Ni-MH battery; CVT (paddle shifters on EX)A five-seat hybrid hatchback offered as LX and EX, with 15.9 cu ft of cargo space (31.5 cu ft folded). EPA rated it 40/43/41 mpg for 2010 and 40/42/41 for 2012–2014. EPA lists no Insight for 2015–2018.[7][6][8]
First generation2000–20061.0L three-cylinder with IMA motor, 73 hp combined; Ni-MH battery; 5-speed manual or CVT (CVT from 2001)An aluminum-body hybrid that EPA classes as a two-seater, weighing 1,850–1,975 lbs (2006). Under current EPA methods the manual is rated 53 mpg combined for 2000–2003 and 52 mpg for 2004–2006 (48/58), the CVT 47 mpg (45/49).[9][6][10][11]

Honda Insight problems and recalls

By NHTSA recall count, the 2010–2011 Insight has the most campaigns (10 each), nearly all for Takata air bag inflators. The 2019 sedan follows with 8, including camera and body-control software fixes, and 2020–2021 cars have a DC-DC converter recall. We found no recall in the DOT dataset naming the 2000–2006 Insight.

Documented Honda Insight issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
DC-DC converter may shut down and cause loss of drive power (recall 20V798)[28][29][30]3rd generation (2019–2022)2020–2021Recall 20V798
Body control module software may disrupt wipers, lights and camera (recall 20V771)[31]3rd generation (2019–2022)2019–2020Recall 20V771
Rear camera display may not work (recall 18V629)[32]3rd generation (2019–2022)2019Recall 18V629
Low-pressure fuel pump may fail (recalls 20V314, 21V215, 23V858)[33][34][35]3rd generation (2019–2022)2019–2022Recall 23V858
Seat weight sensor, seat belt and SRS unit recalls (26V332, 24V064, 23V158, 21V900, 18V664)[36][37][38][39][40]3rd generation (2019–2022)2019–2022Recall 26V332
Takata driver and passenger air bag inflators (recalls 16V061, 18V661 and others)[41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][30]2nd generation (2010–2014)2010–2014Recall 16V061

All 6 documented Insight issues and 6 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show real buyer-reported prices, dealer invoice estimates and current asking prices for the Honda Insight.

More Insight research

See how an Insight was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Honda build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Honda build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What is the best year for a used Honda Insight?

The 2021–2022 Insight has the fewest recalls of the hybrid sedan generation and the same 55/49/52 mpg EX rating as the 2019–2020 car.

When was the Honda Insight discontinued?

The 2022 model year was the last US Insight; EPA lists no Insight after 2022. The final cars listed at $25,760 (EX) and $29,790 (Touring) before destination.

How many miles per gallon does a Honda Insight get?

EPA rates the 2019–2022 LX and EX at 55 city / 49 highway / 52 combined mpg and the Touring at 51 / 45 / 48. The 2010–2014 hatchback is rated 40–41 mpg combined and the 2000–2006 manual 52–53 mpg.

How much horsepower does the Honda Insight have?

Honda lists 151.5 total system hp for the 2019–2022 Insight, 98 hp combined for the 2010 model and 73 hp combined for the 2006 two-seater.

What years of Honda Insight should you avoid?

No year is a blanket avoid. 2019–2020 sedans carry the most software and fuel-pump recalls, and 2010–2014 hatchbacks need proof the Takata air bag inflators were replaced.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Honda for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2022 Honda Insight Pricing and EPA Ratings (May 3, 2022) — Honda News (hondanews.com, American Honda)
  2. 2022 Honda Insight Specs & Features (May 20, 2021) — Honda News (hondanews.com, American Honda)
  3. 2022 Honda Insight 1.5L hybrid (EX) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. 2022 Honda Insight Touring 1.5L hybrid — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. 2019 Insight Specifications and Features (Jun 20, 2018) — Honda News (hondanews.com, American Honda)
  6. Honda Insight fuel economy, 2000–2022 model years — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. 2010 Honda Insight Specifications and Features (Jan 11, 2009) — Honda News (hondanews.com, American Honda)
  8. 2014 Honda Insight 1.3L hybrid, CVT with paddle shifters — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. 2006 Honda Insight Specifications (Sep 22, 2005) — Honda News (hondanews.com, American Honda)
  10. 2006 Honda Insight 1.0L hybrid, 5-speed manual — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. 2006 Honda Insight 1.0L hybrid, CVT — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  12. NHTSA recall 18V-629: Rearview Image Display Failure/FMVSS 111 (2018-09-13) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. NHTSA recall 20V-771: BCM Software Malfunction/FMVSS 103/111 (2020-12-10) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. NHTSA recall 23V-158: Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch (2023-03-09) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. NHTSA recall 20V-314: Fuel Pump May Fail (2020-05-28) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. NHTSA recall 23V-858: Fuel Pump May Fail (2023-12-18) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. NHTSA recall 20V-798: Loss of Drive Power from DC-DC Converter Shutdown (2020-12-17) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. NHTSA recall 26V-332: Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash (2026-05-21) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. NHTSA recall 16V-061: Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (2016-02-03) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. NHTSA recall 16V-346: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (2016-05-24) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. NHTSA recall 17V-030: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture (2017-01-10) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. NHTSA recall 18V-661: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode (2018-09-27) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. NHTSA recall 21V-215: Fuel Pump May Fail (2021-03-25) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. 2019 Honda Insight Pricing and EPA Ratings (Jan 3, 2019) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
  25. All-New 2019 Honda Insight Brings Style, Sophistication and 55 mpg City Rating (Jun 20, 2018) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
  26. 2022 Honda Insight Pricing and EPA Ratings (May 3, 2022) — Honda Newsroom (hondanews.com)
  27. Honda Insight fuel economy, model years 2000–2022 — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  28. Recall 20V798: Loss of Drive Power from DC-DC Converter Shutdown — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. 2019 Honda Insight Press Kit — Honda News (American Honda Motor Co.)
  30. Honda Marks 25 Years Of Hybrid-Electric Sales (Dec. 12, 2024) — Honda News (American Honda Motor Co.)
  31. Recall 20V771: BCM Software Malfunction/FMVSS 103/111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  32. Recall 18V629: Rearview Image Display Failure/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  33. Recall 23V858: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  34. Recall 20V314: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  35. Recall 21V215: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  36. Recall 26V332: Air Bags May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  37. Recall 24V064: Air Bag May Deploy Unintentionally During a Crash — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  38. Recall 23V158: Seat Belt Buckle May Not Latch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  39. Recall 21V900: Seat Belt Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  40. Recall 18V664: SRS May Become Disabled Due to Manufacturing Error — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  41. Recall 16V061: Driver's Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  42. Recall 18V661: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  43. Recall 16V346: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  44. Recall 17V030: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  45. Recall 18V042: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  46. Recall 19V500: Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  47. Recall 19V502: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  48. Recall 17V545: Incorrectly Installed Replacement Air Bag — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  49. Recall 18V268: Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  50. Recall 19V378: Improperly Installed Passenger Air Bag Inflator — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  51. 2010 Honda Insight Press Kit: Overview — Honda News (American Honda Motor Co.)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd. or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda, Type R and the model names are trademarks of their owners.