2010 Honda Insight vs. 2009 Toyota Prius Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

3:59 min

Even though Honda is responsible for the first hybrid passenger car sold in the US, it�s Toyota that gets all the credit. The Prius has been so successful that many simply equate the word hybrid with the Toyota Prius. The completely new 2009 Honda Insight is the first hybrid challenger that seems poised to give Toyota a run for their fuel sipping money. Although the two cars look almost identical, the two cars are surprisingly different. For example, the Insight takes a simpler approach mechanically. The all-new Insight combines an updated version of Honda�s Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system with a 1.3-liter, inline-4. The powertrain produces a combined output of 98 horsepower and it routes that power through a CVT transmission. It�s a more basic system than the Prius and that ultimately keeps the price down. Even with similar equipment, the Insight is thousands of dollars less that the Prius. The Insight is also more straightforward in another way - It uses a more traditional dash layout. There�s a real gauge cluster in front of the driver as well as non-virtual heating and ventilation controls. The Insight also has a more natural driving position, with lots of adjustments. With the Prius, there are no conventional gauges, and instead the vehicle speed and other information peek out from a narrow slot at the base of the windshield. Even the �gear� selector is unusual. Different isn�t always better. But the Toyota Prius does offer slightly better performance with 12 more hp than the Insight. Still, neither car is especially quick. The Prius gets from 0-60 half a second quicker than the Insight. The Prius also gets through the slalom quicker, although the electric steering is anything but responsive. By comparison, the Insight�s steering is quicker and more naturally weighted � the Honda simply feels more alive and alert. The compromise comes in the real world, where the Honda Insight has a busier highway ride. Of course, to many, the only thing that really matters is fuel economy. On our 100 mile driving loop, we found that the Prius barely beat the Honda by getting 54.4 miles per gallon. The Insight gets 51.5 mpg � both numbers are better than EPA estimates. But factor in the Prius� higher sticker price and it would take more than 400,000 miles of driving to make your money back even if gas shoots back up to $5 gallon. But extra cash in your pocket is only part of the reason the Honda Insight wins in this comparison. A more normal interior layout and comfortable driving position are also important. It was Honda that kicked off the current trend toward hybrid passenger cars, but it never really got the credit they deserved. Thanks to the 2009 Honda Insight, that�s about to change.