Back-to-back hybrid smack: Insight vs. Prius

 

In the handful of people who might actually enjoy seeing gasoline return to $4 a gallon, let's include marketing managers for the 2010 Honda Insight (shown left) and 2010 Toyota Prius (shown right), a pair of all-new hybrids set to do battle this spring. They'll be successful with gas at $2 a gallon, but they'd likely be smash hits if gasoline prices go back up.

Though both names are familiar, these are two new cars. The Honda Insight introduced gasoline-electric hybrids to the U.S. market in 1999, but that car was a little hot dog-shaped two-seater that never sold in big volume. Toyota was a little later to the hybrid party with the Prius, but it was a four-door with a usable rear seat, and it became a far bigger hit than the Insight. It still sells well - the Prius accounts for more than half the hybrid cars sold in the U.S.
  
For 2010, the Insight is back, but it's an entirely different car - in fact, the resemblance to the Prius is undeniable. It's a four-door hatchback with room for five, powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, aided by an electric motor.
  
The 2010 Prius is slightly larger than the 2009 model it replaces, and is classified by the EPA as a "midsize" car, while the Insight is a "compact." Really, the difference in interior space is not that noticeable. The Prius' 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine is now 1.8 liters, and while the basic hybrid battery pack is essentially the same as in 2009, the rest of the drive system is, Toyota says, 90 percent new.
 
Here are the dueling hybrids in a nutshell:

2010 Honda Insight: While Honda still makes the Civic Hybrid, the new Insight is the first hybrid-only Honda since that original two-seat Insight. It's a handsome car, with room for two adults in the rear, three in a squeeze. The interior is not quite deluxe, but it's on par with the Civic.
  
The base-model Insight lists for just under $20,000, but don't expect to see many at that price on dealer lots. The test Insight had the navigation system with voice activation, and listed for $23,770. Fuel mileage is EPA-rated at 40 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway. I averaged just over 43 mpg.
  
2010 Toyota Prius: Knowing in advance that the Insight was coming, Toyota stepped up the makeover for the 2010 Prius, and it's impressive: There will be a base model likely priced above the current starting price of around $22,000, but add options, and it seems certain the Prius can top $30,000. Options include a sunroof with a solar panel that doesn't generate electricity for running the car, but for running fans inside the car that can keep the interior cooler while the Prius is parked in the sun. There's also the "park assist" feature offered on Lexus models that can actually parallel-park the Prius on its own, with the driver's hands literally off the steering wheel. Add those two features to leather upholstery and a navigation system, and the Prius becomes almost a luxury hybrid.
  
Toyota won't release prices of the new Prius for a month or so, closer to its arrival at dealers. But it has released mileage figures: It's EPA-rated at 51 mpg in the city, 48 mpg on the highway. Why is the city mileage better than the highway mileage? Because you can press a button labeled "EV," and the Prius can run on electric-only power at speeds up to 25 miles per hour, and depending on the charge level for the battery, for a distance of almost a mile, using no gasoline at all. There is a "plug-in" Prius coming - plug it into household current overnight, and it will go father on electric power than the current model - but it is at least a year away. I averaged 51.8 mpg in the Prius.
  
One interesting feature on the Prius: Open the hood, and you'll notice that there are no belts. Most everything, including power steering, air conditioning and even the water pump, is now electric, so nothing is belt-driven.
  
So the biggest question from customers cross-shopping the Insight and the Prius is likely to be this: If the Insight has a smaller gasoline engine, why does it get worse mileage than the Prius?
  
The answer is because the Prius is a "full" hybrid, meaning it can move along on electric power alone. The Insight is considered a "mild" hybrid, meaning the gasoline engine is always turning. With both cars, the gas engine stops at a red light. With the Insight, it re-starts when you take your foot off the brake. With the Prius, it can accelerate - slowly - on electric power alone before the gas engine starts up.
  
Actually, though, it isn't quite that simple, due to Honda's new "integrated assist" feature: While all the internal components of the gas engine are always rotating as the car drives down the road, under certain and very limited conditions - rolling downhill, for instance -- the onboard computer can actually cut the gasoline supply to the engine, while the electric motor does the work. In essence, the car is operating on battery power alone, but since the engine is always turning, you don't get the stealthy, silent-running experience you do in a Prius. This less complex system helps make the Insight less expensive than the Prius, but as mentioned, the mileage isn't as good.
  
That said, for pure driving experience, I slightly prefer the Honda. The new Prius steers and handles much better than the current model, but the Honda has a sportier feel, and I'd submit that it's the better-looking car. If I lived in a big city, though, and was constantly caught in heavy stop-and-go traffic, the Prius would be the better buy in the long run.
  
Both cars are aimed carefully at their target markets, and both score direct hits. One of these is likely to be the 2010 car of the year.

2010 Toyota Prius
Base price: $22,750 (estimate)
Engine size: 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 98 horsepower.
EPA overall fuel mileage rating: 50 mpg
EPA classification: Midsize car.

2010 Honda Insight
Base price: $20,470
Engine size: 1.3-liter four-cylinder with 88 horsepower.
EPA overall fuel mileage rating: 41 mpg
EPA classification: Compact car.

-- Steven C. Smith

Photos: Toyota and Honda

Comments

[Lance]

Both of these cars are horribly ugly and I can't believe you used the words "deluxe" and "Civic" in the same sentence. Does either have a telescoping steering wheel yet? I tried a Prius for a week (and have rented one many times since) and find it a very poorly driving vehicle, partly because you have to sit so far from the wheel.

[Alastair Dallas]

When I bought my 2005 Prius, they said plug-in model would be coming 09 or 2010. The reason nothing compares to the Prius, in my opinion, is that the designers were totally committed to efficiency. Even Toyota doesn't seem to appreciate what the Prius designers gave them--they don't know how to sell the Prius next to the Highlander and the Yaris. It's the most intelligently-designed mass-market vehicle in recent history--it would be perfect if they could solve its weird visibility issues. So, yeah, the best Honda can do is imitate it, and clueless Toyota suits don't seem to realize how important the plug-in feature is. Sigh. I love mine, though.

[Marty Arnold]

My wife & I boht own a 2008 Prius & are both planning on buying the plug in's as soon as they arrive. Our son owns a Hybrid Highlander & will do the same. As for how they drive, the above comment, we traded in a Mercedes SL500 & Lexus GX450 & we think these two cars drive GREAT & we can afford to drive ANYTHING we choose & we chose the Prius & will again not only because it drives very nicely but because IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO !!! for our grandchildren. (Yes if the Volt comes out as advertised we would buy one of those first to try)

[Lance]

Ooo, a Merc and a Lexus huh? Neither of which are considered good DRIVING cars, just big luxo barges. Also, your grandchildren will thank you for destroying the environment to build the batteries in your precious hybrids. Don't buy a hybrid for the environment until battery technology is improved.

[Dave]

A couple of corrections to the article:

1. The difference in interior room between the Insight and Prius is very significant - especially in the rear. If you are 5'10" or taller, plan on hunching over in the Insight if you want to sit in the rear. Rear leg room is also significantly less.

2. EV mode will only improve fuel economy under ideal conditions. The Prius still gets all it's energy from burning fuel and storing that energy in the battery is not 100% efficient. Over using the EV mode will result in worse fuel economy.

3. The Insight is quite willing to turn off the engine. Basically any time you take your foot off the gas it will turn off to give more opportunities to cut fuel usage.

Lance:

It has already been well demonstrated that the addition cost (both in money and to the environment) of producing a hybrid is more than compensated for in reduced fuel consumption. The batteries are already non-toxic (NiMH - same as your common rechargeable). And we should start seeing Lithium based batteries in mainstream vehicles very soon which are even better - having more capacity/power for the same weight.

[Mike Correra]

"The Honda Insight introduced gasoline-electric hybrids to the U.S. market in 1999, but that car was a little hot dog-shaped two-seater that never sold in big volume" could there BE a more blatant worship of all things toyota? You completely fail to even acknowledge the impact of the Insight and the fact that it is the SAME shape as the oh so amazing prius!!!!! Honda pioneered the hybrid market, toyota bought the public's (and the Times it seems) adoration with brilliant marketing! todays prius and the new Insight are only evolutions of the shape introduced by Honda. perhaps actual car people should write for newspapers, oh wait, we may not pay attention to who is buying the most advertising......

[Richard Lord]

Well I agree with Marty Arnold about trading down. I have now disposed of my Bentley Conti and chosen an Audi TT. I have added a Toyota IQ as my shopping trolley. But I am now considering the new Prius when it arrives as a replacement for the TT.

One thing, I am sick to death of the wannabe boy-racers that always want more driver appeal. My daughter fell sucker to this and bought a Mini Cooper. After 3 years she was glad to get rid of its heavy steering and notchy gearbox. She bought a tiny Ford Ka and loves it. I feel exactly the same about my IQ. Despite being bought for urban use only, I find myself choosing it over my Audi, despite the Audi supposedly being the better drivers car.

[John Yuseff]

Uhm, please if you are going to post an article such as this be certain your facts are correct. EV mode in the 2010 is NOT the reason the Prius gets better mpg in the city. ALL 3 generations of Prius have gotten better city mpg and neither one before the 3rd gen has had EV mode. It is the deisgn of the hybrid setup that Toyota uses which leads to higher city mpg.

[Larry Marchionda]

I have owned every generation of the Toyota Prius and currently drive the 2006 Prius with #6 Package. Last week I test drove the new Honda Insight Hybrid. Honestly, I would not even trade my 2006 Prius for the new Insight even up. Why?

It is noticeably smaller, The dash board is confusingly laid out! Toyota and Apple have the right idea. Everything is laid out and works like you brain does. Easy and were you would expect it to be.

The Toyota Prius is an incredible vehicle and once you have one you will know what I mean.

[Mark Gervais]

A $26,000.00 avg. investment for about $200.00 savings per year. These two hybrids are quite honestly a joke. I'll take the Chevy Cobalt for $13,000.00 and save 13 grand up front. It's much better looking and is American made. Something you other "Americans" would benefit from no matter how much it hurts.

[Waqidi Falicoff]

We own a 2010 insight EX model for just over a week. We have just put around 300 miles on the car so it is hardly broken in. Let me say a few things about the car. First, I think it is a very nice design. The front seats are very comfortable, better than our 2006 Accord we traded in. Secondly, I am 5' 9" and I have at least 2 inch head clearance in the back seat. Given that I have a fairly long torso, I doubt someone 5' 10" will have to "hunch over" in the back. Also, the car does have a telescoping steering wheel.

We were able to get 50mpg on a 50 mile trip from Santa Clarita to Ventura, Ca. This was at speeds of 55 to 65 mph using the econo mod. Around town with lots of stops and starts the mpg is around 40 mpg. More aggressive driving gets you into the high 30s in city driving.

The handling of the car is ok, not quite as good as my Subaru Impreza (which is very good). I believe the steering is much lighter than the Prius. The Noise level at speeds around 70mph is on par with our 2006 Accord (which is quite good). There is more tire noise than a luxury car (but not much more overall noise). Look up the dBs and see for yourself. Also you feel the road quite a bit, especially on rough roads, similar to a Civic.

The acceleration in econo mode is sluggish. Switch to sports mode and it is reasonably peppy, about the same as the 2010 Prius.

The transition at lights with the gasoline engine off to on is smooth with almost no lag.

Based on what I have read the Mpg should go up a little more after the break-in. If we can pick up another couple of mpg this will be a very economical car to run.

One thing that really could be improved in the car are the rear head rests. A brick would be just as comfortable. The handling could be improved with better tires (the Dunlops are not very good) and a little better tuned suspension would make the car go from average handling to great. But as it is I am quite happy with the handling. The main area for improvement is on rough roads where the "track" is affected more than I am used to. (I drove a WRX before).

I am very impressed with the car so far. The value for money on the EX model is outstanding. Detailing and fit of parts on key components is superb. Finally, as I have said earlier, I very much like the lines of the car. Beauty, as the saying goes, is in the eyes of the beholder!

[Waqidi Falicoff]

Larry M has the opinion that the Insight dash board is confusing. I did not find this was the case with the EX model without navigation. (I did not try the model with Nav). I have read that the 2010 Prius has a more "substantial" feel than the Insight. However, most of the professional reviewers preferred the lighter handling of the Insight. They preferred it even though the raw numbers (skid test, slalom) favored the 2010 Prius. Most of these professional drivers all preferred the comfort of the front seats in the Insight (which have better side support than the Prius).

As an update on the mileage report I posted earlier, my wife just drove the car and achieve a combined city highway mileage of 48 mpg. The car is on its second tank of gas. She drove the car around the town and then went over the hill in the San Fernando Valley on interstate 5. Coming back should used the sports mode to go up the hill. 48 mpg is considerably better than the EPA numbers for the Insight.

I agree that the space in the Insight in the back seat is significantly smaller than the Prius. However, the luggage space is larger. This car is ideal for a couple with perhaps a small kid (or grandchild as in our case).

A very impressive little car so far. (We did have to travel down to Orange County to find a dealer who would sell us the car without a "premium".) If you you can't afford a Prius, I would highly recommend the Insight.

[Queen Mary]

Mark, the typical ignorant "American".

*yawn*

[Chris]

For those favoring american cars, why can't we get over it and take this competition head-on? Until our American cars scale to this efficiency, this is an open market and open country - people should feel free to buy what they thiink is best. You just go back to the american car companies and tell them to either do or die.

[Mark Gervais]

Queen Mary, dropping $26,000.00 for an ugly little car that nobody should want to be seen in for the chance to maybe save $200.00 a year on fuel is not a statement of my ignorance. In your case I would still recommend you buy the Cobalt and just send a check for 13 grand to the Japanese Government to help offset the huge subsidies they spend on their cars here. This would have the same effect as buying a Prius only you would have the better car and it would keep some of the money here in America.

Chris, the Japanese have never made better products than America, just cheaper. From tennis shoes to stereos and from televisions to automobiles. Never better, just cheaper. My 1995 Pontiac Bonneville gets 34 mpg on the highway. My brothers 2004 Camry gets 30. My 98 Olds Bravada has 230,000 miles on it and still runs strong. My 97 Chevy pickup has 170,000 and runs great. I also liked your comments on our open market. It's too bad the Japanese don't have one. They can peddle their products here and enjoy a protected market at home.

One day, hopefully before our entire middle class is gone you will all wake up. But I doubt it.

[Jeff Mucha]

What did I hear about a 2009 Insight with 5 speed?

[anonymous1]

Mark! You are so ignorant! The more you write the more you show it. First off you are talking about China, that while outwardly communist in nature is really capitalistic. Japan does have a free market, and they do make better, more expensive products, always! China is the cheaper not better version. Second, it took the downturn of the world economy to push the Cobalt into existence. The first insight came out in 1999 which means they had been working on it for more than 5 years previous. The Cobalt? Give me a break! I wouldn't drive that piece of crap! A cheap imitation not meant to last just like most other America cars. Let me give you a hint: that is the reason Detroit WILL NOT survie this depression! Their lack of innovation is just what led them to this. They kept thinking that bigger was better and it wasn't. The Japanese are on a whole different playing field. And even now with the Cobalt they will not win over the Japanese, because they dominate the hybrid market. But go ahead, keep driving your Suburban XLS with 2.1 kids or whatever. I hope you respond so I can thow it down again IDIOT!