I test drove a 2021 Honda Insight EX hybrid sedan last week. Here is what I think of this car.
The good,
- The headlights are fantastic. They got a good rating in IIHS tests.
- Acceleration is smooth. It has 151 hp and 200 lb.ft torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in ~8 seconds, much faster than Corolla hybrid.
- The climate control has physical knobs and buttons for temperate, fan speed, circulation, and mode.
- The factory radio can display Chinese characters and receive HD radio/XM. Both are not available on 2020 Toyota corolla.
- The radio display is of high quality. The UI is very smooth and responsive.
- Audio quality is good.
- The instrument cluster is half LCD and half analog. The LCD part can be configured to display various info including a compass.
- It is equipped with blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert at no additional cost.
- The telescopic steering wheel has quite a bit range of motion.
- The gear selector is intuitive and easy to operate.
- Backup camera has dynamic guidelines and multiple views.
- In addition to keyless entry, the car can lock automatically when you walk away with the key.
- Fuel economy is good. I got 40+ mpg.
The bad,
- The small gas engine can get a bit noisy if you keep the car at full throttle for a while.
- The seats are a bit low even at the highest position.
- The seat fabric does not feel as good as Toyota Corolla's.
- The headliner is always beige regardless of the seat color.
- Rain sensing wiper is only available in the touring trim.
- The factory radio does not support wireless Carplay/Android Auto. But 2021 Accord EX-L supports.
- MSRP is a bit high. And currently Honda does not have big incentives.
- The rear blinkers are incandescent, not LED.
- It will release the parking brake automatically. But it would not engage the break when shifted to P. Toyota Corolla can do both.
- The speakers generate fake engine noise in sport mode.
- I could not pause audio with steering wheel controls. The salesman said it is not possible.
- The trunk release button is on the driver side door. I think it should be placed beside the gas door release button.
- No spares tier in the trunk. I would like at lease a donut.
- No dedicated buttons for Carplay/Android Auto/Map on the infotainment screen.
- The center console storage bin is small. And the arm rest is too low.
