Although the two five-door hatchbacks look similar, the Prius is a longer midsized car. In theory, the Honda Insight pricing starts at $19,800 which has pressured Toyota to offer a Prius with a base price only $2,000 higher. The 2010 Insight that I drove included upgrades such as a navigation system and six speaker audio system. The vehicle price, including pre-delivery service, was $23,770.
I started the Insight, and then touched the ECO button. Even in that mode, I had enough acceleration to get on any freeway in a hurry. The ECO mode helped me minimize demands on the 1.3L gasoline engine as I navigated the roads hugging Monterey’s dramatic coast. Like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, I was rewarded with a display of green leaves for my eco-driving behavior.
Handling was smooth and a bit sporty. Driving the Honda Insight was smooth and quiet even when I went up a sustained 16 percent grade, demonstrating that its electric motor is quite effective in blending power with the 98 hp engine.
Price will definitely be a factor in buyers deciding between the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. In some markets, such as California, another factor may be the ability to get an HOV sticker with the Insight. For my money, if I could get a larger more fuel efficient Prius for only $2,000 more, then I would get the Prius. On the other hand, if there was a $5,000 price differential at the dealer, then I would go with the Insight. All in all, both are wonderful cars.
If you want great fuel economy, few compromises, and driving pleasure, test drive the latest hybrids from automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Ford. The intensified competition between them is bringing better performance and safety and economy.
Complete Article including MINI Cooper test drive.
John Addison publishes the Clean Fleet Report and is the author of Save Gas, Save the Planet.
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ford has made hybirds for while with it escape hybird first time it made a car hybird aleaset in it’s core brand, I want ford to make a Ranger hybrid. There very few hybrid pickup trucks if any.
ford has made hybirds for while with it escape hybird first time it made a car hybird aleaset in it’s core brand, I want ford to make a Ranger hybrid. There very few hybrid pickup trucks if any.
Thanks much!
I am on the fence between a Fusion and an Insight. I also love the Prius but am thinking of supporting Ford… it won’t be an easy decision, but for either model it will be a good one.
Thanks much!
I am on the fence between a Fusion and an Insight. I also love the Prius but am thinking of supporting Ford… it won’t be an easy decision, but for either model it will be a good one.
Thanks much!
I am on the fence between a Fusion and an Insight. I also love the Prius but am thinking of supporting Ford… it won’t be an easy decision, but for either model it will be a good one.