If you’ve taken a look at the wide range of new vehicles on the market today, you know that it seems everyone has gone hybrid-mad.  You’ll find smaller hybrids like the vaunted Prius, but you’ll also find full size SUVs that promise the benefits of hybrid technology.  However, while you might think that a hybrid is a hybrid, this is not actually the case.  While some of those larger vehicles might technically qualify as a “hybrid,” you won’t get the fuel mileage and extremely reduced emissions that you will with other models.  What is the best option for your needs?  Actually, the Honda Insight is one of the top choices.

What’s so great about the Insight?  How does it stack up against the competition?  Isn’t the Insight the same thing as the Prius, just with different badges on it?  The answer to this is a resounding “no.”  The Insight stands head and shoulders above the competition, including Toyota’s much famed hybrid car.  Where are the differences?

Let’s start with price.  The Prius starts out at about $22,700.  The Insight, on the other hand, comes in at about $20,500.  Therefore, you’ll see that you can save $2k right off the top.  Those savings continue with the various options packages offered for the Insight and the Prius.  At all levels, the Insight is more affordable than its Toyota-bred cousin is.

What else does the Insight bring to the table?  You’ll find that the in-line 4-cylinder engine is seamlessly mated to Honda’s groundbreaking CVT (continuously variable transmission).  This beats Toyota’s offering by quite a bit, in terms of both efficiency and in longevity.  You’ll also find that the small engine puts out 98 horsepower at 5800 RPM, though the actual torque produced is 123 lb ft.  The electric motor adds 13 hp to the package, as well as an additional 58 lb ft of torque.

For fuel mileage, drivers of the Insight can expect to enjoy 40 mpg in the city, and 43 mpg on the highway, with a combined mileage rating of 41 mpg all around.  This is about the same as the Prius, but it seems that the Insight gets better fuel economy in around-town driving, according to independent research.

The Honda Insight also comes with the unique Eco Assist system, which helps drivers make use of their hybrid to a better extent than would otherwise be possible.  You’ll find that this system teaches you how to drive more efficiently, through a unique user interface.  You’ll also find that you can simply press the ECON button and the Insight starts increasing fuel efficiency automatically.  However, you don’t have to use the Eco Assist system to enjoy incredible fuel savings – the Insight is quite capable of this without any other help.

The Honda Insight stands as one of the best examples of hybrid technology and the benefits of advanced design.  It’s sporty, comfortable and offers quite a few benefits over Toyota and other hybrid models currently on the market.

Tags: Honda, Honda Insight, Hybrid Honda