When they write the history of the hybrid car, a common designation may be “BP,” or “Before Prius.” There is little doubt that the Toyota Prius proved the viability of a mass-produced hybrid vehicle that also had mass appeal.
Honda did push the envelope in hybrid design years before the Prius debuted with the introduction of the Insight. Over its six-year run, only 18,000 Insight Hybrids were produced. It was an ambitious, even revolutionary vehicle at the time, but the quirky two-seater never did generate mass appeal with buyers.
Cut to the present. Since the Toyota Prius has advanced hybrid technology and proved the marketability of a hybrid vehicle, Honda has now re-entered the fray with the introduction of the 2010 Insight.
The new Honda insight bears little resemblance to its forbearer, having evolved into a sophisticated four-door, five-passenger vehicle that Honda hopes to sell at a rate of 90,000 per year. Comparisons are inevitable: Toyota Prius vs. Honda Insight—which is the current leader in this interesting hybrid vehicle class?
With a larger battery and beefier electric motor, the Toyota Prius holds the edge in fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 48 mpg highway compared to 40 city and 43 highway for the Insight. Acceleration is slightly better, too—zero-to-60 mph in 10.4 seconds for the Prius, compared to 10.9 seconds for the Insight. With its series-parallel design, the Prius engine ceases rotation and, like a stealthy submarine, is rigged for silent running in electric mode.
As you would expect from Toyota, the Prius delivers a quiet and comfortable ride with less road noise penetration than the Insight. Backseat passengers reap the benefits of its true midsized dimensions with plenty of leg- and headroom. For safety and security, the Prius comes with a backup camera and SmartKey keyless entry and ignition. An upgrade will give you leather seats.
For all its many virtues, the 2010 Insight is a true compact car, which is to say, the rear seat is close quarters for adult-size people. And although you may enjoy its firm ride, the tradeoff is more road vibration and noise transmitted into the cabin. Likewise, the Insight’s engine is somewhat noisier than the Prius engine.
There are a number of conveniences that come standard on the Prius that are not available on the Insight including illuminated vanity mirrors, a heated exterior mirror, reading lights, rear-seat center folding armrest, seatback storage and an overheard storage console. Speaking of storage, the Toyota Prius has significantly more cargo room – 21.6 cubic feet versus 15.9 for the Insight.
Standard safety features for the Prius include stability control and brake assist. Neither of these important items is available on the Honda Insight.
The comparison in words is just one thing to consider. What you need to do now is call us to arrange a test drive of the hybrid that has moved ahead of its competition, the 2010 Toyota Prius.
