Test Driving a 2021 Honda Insight EX

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.