Best Honda Insight Model Years (Ranked) in 2027

1. 2022 Honda Insight Touring

The 2022 Touring is the definitive Insight because it is the final, fully sorted iteration of the third generation, combining the mature two-motor i-MMD system with the highest equipment level. It delivers 151 combined horsepower and an EPA-rated 48 mpg combined, trading 4 mpg for 17-inch wheels, leather, navigation, and a sunroof. As the last model year, it carries the most remaining service life and the strongest resale value.

This is for the buyer who wants a small luxury sedan that happens to be a hybrid, not the absolute maximum fuel economy. It trades the LX and EX's 52 mpg for equipment and a quieter, more premium feel. Compared to the 2021 Touring, the differences are minimal, but the 2022's final-year status and slightly higher residual value justify its top rank for those prioritizing completeness over cost.

2. 2021 Honda Insight Touring

The 2021 Touring ranks second because it is mechanically identical to the 2022 model, offering the same 151-horsepower two-motor hybrid and the same 48 mpg combined, but at a slightly lower used price due to being one year older. It includes all the premium features—leather, navigation, LED headlights, and a sunroof—that define the top trim. The i-MMD system has a clean reliability track record by this point, with no widespread battery failure patterns.

This is for buyers who want the top-trim experience without paying the final-year premium. It trades a small amount of residual value for a meaningful acquisition discount. Compared to the 2022, the practical differences are negligible, making it the smarter financial pick for those who prioritize value over having the absolute newest model year.

3. 2020 Honda Insight Touring

The 2020 Touring ranks third because it offers the same premium equipment and the same 151-horsepower i-MMD powertrain as the 2021 and 2022, but at a further reduced used price, making it the best value among top-trim Insights. It still delivers 48 mpg combined and includes leather, navigation, and a sunroof. The 2020 model year benefits from the third generation's mature design, which was introduced in 2019 and carried over with minimal changes. Honda Sensing remains standard.

This is for the buyer who wants the fully loaded experience but is willing to accept a slightly older car to save money. It trades a bit of remaining warranty and service life for a lower entry cost. Compared to the 2019 Touring, the 2020 is essentially the same car, so the ranking favors the 2020 for its marginally better depreciation curve and the 2019 for pure bargain hunting.

4. 2022 Honda Insight EX

The 2022 EX ranks fourth because it is the best combination of maximum fuel economy and final-year refinement, delivering 52 mpg combined from the same 151-horsepower i-MMD system. It includes a larger touchscreen, alloy wheels, and a power driver's seat over the base LX, while avoiding the Touring's fuel-economy penalty from larger wheels. As the last model year, it offers the most remaining service life and the strongest resale among non-Touring trims.

This is for the daily commuter who prioritizes mpg and longevity over luxury features. It trades leather and navigation for a 4 mpg improvement over the Touring. Compared to the 2022 LX, the EX adds meaningful convenience for a modest price increase, making it the better overall value for most buyers.

5. 2021 Honda Insight EX

The 2021 EX ranks fifth because it provides the same 52 mpg combined and the same 151-horsepower i-MMD powertrain as the 2022 EX, but at a lower used price, offering exceptional value for a nearly new car. It includes the larger touchscreen, alloy wheels, and power driver's seat, plus standard Honda Sensing. The third-generation design is fully mature, with no significant model-year-specific issues.

This is for the budget-conscious commuter who still wants a recent-model hybrid. It trades one year of service life and resale value for a meaningful discount. Compared to the 2020 EX, the 2021 is largely the same car, but the 2021's slightly newer age and better depreciation curve give it the edge in this ranking.

6. 2020 Honda Insight EX

The 2020 EX ranks sixth because it delivers the same 52 mpg combined and the same 151-horsepower i-MMD system as later EX models, but at a significantly lower used price, making it the best pure value pick in the third generation. It includes the larger touchscreen, alloy wheels, and power driver's seat, along with standard Honda Sensing. The 2020 model year is identical in function to the 2019, but benefits from a slightly better depreciation position.

This is for the buyer who wants the third-generation's fuel economy and Civic-grade cabin without paying for the newest model year. It trades a couple of years of remaining life for a substantial upfront savings. Compared to the 2019 EX, the 2020 is essentially the same car, but the 2020's slightly newer age and similar price make it the better pick in this ranking.

7. 2019 Honda Insight EX

The 2019 EX ranks seventh because it is the first year of the third generation and offers the same 52 mpg combined and 151-horsepower i-MMD powertrain as later models, but at the lowest used price of any EX trim. It includes the larger touchscreen, alloy wheels, and power driver's seat, plus standard Honda Sensing. As a launch-year model, it has the most depreciation baked in, making it the cheapest way into the refined third-generation experience.

This is for the bargain hunter who wants the modern Insight's efficiency and comfort but is willing to accept the oldest third-generation example. It trades a few years of service life and the newest features for the lowest entry cost. Compared to the 2020 EX, the 2019 is functionally the same car, so the ranking favors the 2020 for its slightly better condition and the 2019 for maximum savings.

8. 2014 Honda Insight

The 2014 Insight ranks eighth because it is the best of the second generation, benefiting from Honda's final refinements to the 1.3-liter IMA hybrid and CVT, which improved ride quality and interior materials over earlier models. It delivers a practical 41-42 mpg combined and offers a versatile five-door hatchback body with fold-flat rear seats. As a 2014, it has the lowest entry cost of any usable five-seat hybrid.

This is for the budget commuter who needs hatchback practicality and the lowest possible purchase price. It trades the third generation's refinement and 52 mpg for a significant cost savings. Compared to the 2013, the 2014 is the pick of the second generation due to its final-year improvements, but both require careful battery health verification before purchase.

9. 2013 Honda Insight

The 2013 Insight ranks ninth because it is nearly identical to the 2014 model, offering the same 1.3-liter IMA hybrid, CVT, and 41-42 mpg combined, but at a slightly lower used price. It includes the same practical five-door hatchback body and improved interior materials that came with the 2013 model year refresh. The car is cheap to acquire, but the nickel-metal-hydride IMA pack is the dominant cost risk.

This is for the buyer who wants the second generation's practicality and low cost but is willing to accept a slightly older car. It trades a year of potential service life for a small price reduction compared to the 2014. Compared to the 2012, the 2013 is significantly better due to the refresh, making it the smarter choice for most budget buyers.

10. 2006 Honda Insight

The 2006 Insight ranks tenth because it is the best of the first generation, representing the final year of the original two-seat aluminum coupe with the 1.0-liter three-cylinder and IMA hybrid. It is the most refined and collectible version, especially with the five-speed manual, and can achieve real-world economy in the 60s mpg. Its curb weight is under 2,000 pounds, and it was the first mass-production hybrid sold in the U.S.

This is for the collector or hypermiler who sees the Insight as an artifact, not a daily driver. It trades all practicality—two seats, tiny hatch, scarce parts—for historical significance and a fuel-economy party trick. Compared to the 2005, the 2006 is essentially the same car, but the final-year status and potential for better condition make it the top pick for enthusiasts.

How we ranked these

We ranked Honda Insight model years by measuring real-world fuel economy, hybrid system reliability, cabin refinement, standard safety features, and total cost of ownership. We weighted third-generation (2019–2022) cars highest for their two-motor i-MMD system, 52 mpg combined, and Civic-grade interior. Second-generation (2010–2014) cars were scored on affordability and practicality, while first-generation (2000–2006) cars were evaluated as collector items, not daily drivers.

We deliberately ignored brand loyalty, subjective styling preferences, and the hype around the original Insight's hypermiling legend. We also excluded trim-level luxury features like leather and navigation from the core ranking because they don't affect the hybrid powertrain's core value. The goal was to identify which year actually delivers the best combination of efficiency, reliability, and livability for a typical buyer, not which one wins a nostalgia contest.

Related questions

Is the third-generation Insight the same car as a Civic?

They share a platform and much of the interior architecture, and both were built on the same production lines. The Insight is differentiated by its hybrid powertrain, unique sheetmetal, and extra sound insulation. Think of it as a Civic-based hybrid sedan with a distinct exterior and a more efficient drivetrain.

How many miles will an Insight go?

Third-generation cars routinely pass 100,000 miles without hybrid-related issues, and there's no evidence of a hard ceiling. First- and second-generation cars can run indefinitely mechanically, but the limiting factor is IMA battery pack life. Replacing the pack may not make economic sense on a low-value car.

Does the Insight qualify for any EV incentives?

No. All three generations are conventional hybrids that charge their own batteries from the engine and regenerative braking. They cannot be plugged in, which excludes them from plug-in and battery-electric purchase incentives everywhere those programs exist. Any seller suggesting otherwise is mistaken.

Is a manual-transmission Insight worth the premium?

For a collector, yes. The first-generation five-speed is the enthusiast configuration and commands a rising premium as clean examples thin out. For a daily driver, no—the premium buys engagement, not economy or reliability, and manual cars are often the ones that were driven harder.

What is the cheapest way to buy a usable Insight?

A 2013–2014 second-generation hatchback with documented battery health is the lowest entry cost. You get a practical five-door with fold-flat rear seats and about 41–42 mpg. The hatchback body is more versatile than the third-gen sedan's trunk, making it a smart budget pick if the pack is sound.

How does the Insight compare to the Prius?

The Prius usually wins on paper for maximum mpg per dollar. The Insight wins on feel—it drives like a conventional quiet sedan, doesn't announce itself visually, and offers a more refined cabin. If you want the most efficiency and don't care about looks, choose the Prius; if you want a normal sedan that sips fuel, pick the Insight.

Why was the Insight discontinued?

Honda folded hybrid capability directly into the Civic and CR-V lineups after 2022. That's good news for used buyers: the two-motor architecture remains supported and familiar to Honda technicians. The powertrain didn't die with the nameplate, so parts and service knowledge stay available.

What should I check before buying a used Insight?

Fix the generation first, then pull the vehicle history and look for a battery replacement record. Scan for codes with a Honda-capable tool to check module spread. Drive it cold and hot, including a sustained climb. Inspect generation-specific items like aluminum corrosion on first-gen, CVT smoothness on second-gen, and Honda Sensing calibration on third-gen.

FAQ

Which Honda Insight model year is the best overall?

The 2021 and 2022 cars are the best of the run. By then the third generation was fully sorted, the two-motor i-MMD system had a clean track record, standard Honda Sensing covered safety, and the cabin had the refinement earlier generations lacked. They also carry the most remaining service life, which matters on a hybrid.

What is the best value Insight?

The 2019–2020 LX and EX trims of the third generation are the smart-money picks. They're functionally the same as the 2022 models but sell for a discount. You get 52 mpg combined, a Civic-grade cabin, and standard Honda Sensing. The Touring trim costs more and drops to 48 mpg due to larger wheels.

Are first-generation Insights worth buying?

Only as collector cars or hypermiling projects. They're impractical two-seaters with a bespoke aluminum body and scarce parts. Clean, low-mileage manual examples have rising values, but you're buying into a hobby, not a daily driver. Budget for IMA pack replacement and specialist bodywork if needed.

How reliable is the second-generation Insight?

Mechanically it's solid, but the IMA battery pack is the weak point. A replacement can cost a meaningful fraction of the car's value. The 2013–2014 models got refinement improvements over the 2010 launch cars. A documented pack replacement is worth more than low mileage.

What is the real-world fuel economy of the third-generation Insight?

EPA combined is about 52 mpg on LX and EX trims, roughly 48 on Touring with its bigger wheels. Real-world owners often match or exceed these figures in mixed driving. At 12,000 miles a year, you'll burn about 230 gallons annually, which is significantly less than the second-gen's 293 gallons.

How much does it cost to replace an IMA battery?

Dealer-supplied new packs are expensive, often four figures, and can approach the value of a second-gen car. Reconditioned and aftermarket options cost less, but quality varies widely by supplier. Always check warranty terms before buying. A documented replacement adds more value than low mileage on older cars.

What maintenance does a used Insight need?

Baseline service includes fluids, filters, and cleaning the battery cooling fan and intake vent. That vent lives in the cabin and clogs with dust and pet hair, raising pack temperature and shortening pack life. It's a cheap job that directly extends the life of the most expensive component.

How does the Insight's braking system work?

Regenerative braking does most of the deceleration, so the friction brakes see far less use. This means brake pads last unusually long, a real running-cost advantage. The two-motor system has no torque converter or stepped gearbox, reducing wear items compared to a conventional automatic.

What should I do if the IMA light comes on?

It's not always a dead pack—it could be a module imbalance or a recalibration issue. But a seller who says 'it just needs a reset' is telling you they don't know or hope you don't. Price the car as if it needs a pack replacement, then get a proper diagnosis.

Is the Insight good for tall drivers?

The third-generation sedan has a Civic-based cabin with ample headroom and legroom for most drivers. The second-generation hatchback is also roomy. The first-generation two-seater is tight and not recommended for tall drivers. Test sit before buying, especially in the older models.

Sources

• https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/insight
• https://www.edmunds.com/honda/insight/
• https://www.kbb.com/honda/insight/
• https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/insight/
• https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/honda/insight/
• https://www.cars.com/research/honda-insight/
• https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/Find.do?action=sbs&id=44133
• https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/honda-insight-4-door-sedan

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