The 2022 Honda Insight 1.5L 4-cyl gets 52 MPG combined, and that’s its main selling point. It’s not a sporty or luxurious sedan. It’s a commuter designed for those who want to save fuel above everything else. Its owners are often practical and value reliability and low running costs, people who crunch numbers and understand the long-term benefits of using less gas.

City and highway performance

The 52 MPG combined figure is impressive, and the city and highway figures show more about the Insight’s strengths. The 55 MPG city rating demonstrates the hybrid powertrain’s effectiveness in stop-and-go traffic, where regenerative braking captures energy. This allows the Insight to depend on its electric motor in urban environments, maximizing efficiency. The 49 MPG highway figure is still excellent, reflecting its ability to maintain efficient cruising speeds because of its aerodynamic design and the Atkinson cycle engine. This difference highlights that the Insight works best in city driving, but it is economical on longer trips.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Honda Insight at $850. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This is a significant saving compared to many gasoline-powered vehicles. A car achieving 25 MPG would cost nearly twice as much to fuel annually under the same conditions. For budget-conscious drivers, that $850 figure shows the Insight’s efficiency, making it a fiscally responsible choice. Buyers considering all Honda fuel economy data will find that even within Honda’s efficient lineup, the Insight stands out.

Real-World Expectations

The EPA provides valuable standardized testing data. Real-world fuel economy can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and weather. Insight owners often report achieving figures close to the EPA estimates, especially in city driving. Aggressive acceleration, sustained high speeds, and air conditioning can impact fuel consumption. The Insight’s hybrid system benefits from gentle driving; smoother acceleration and braking allow the regenerative braking system to capture more energy, boosting efficiency. Expect to see numbers closer to the 55 MPG city figure when driven carefully in urban environments.

How It Compares

The Insight competes with other hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles in the compact sedan segment. The Toyota Prius gets an EPA-estimated 56 MPG combined in its Eco trim, and the Hyundai Ioniq Blue trim reaches 59 MPG combined. These differences in MPG may be considered small by some, but for a hyper-miler, the incremental savings matter. The INSIGHT MPG across all years offers consistently efficient driving within the Honda ecosystem. The decision between these models often comes down to styling, features, and brand preference, not just fuel economy.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Insight. Avoid aggressive starts and sudden bursts of speed, as these actions force the gasoline engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Smooth and deliberate driving allows the electric motor to assist improving overall efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Use the Insight’s “ECON” mode. This setting adjusts throttle response and other vehicle systems to prioritize fuel efficiency. It may slightly reduce performance but is a worthwhile trade-off for drivers focused on maximizing MPG, especially when the vehicle is commuting in city driving.

Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Refer to the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb for the correct tire pressure and check your tires at least once a month or before long road trips.

Minimize aerodynamic drag. Remove any unnecessary roof racks or cargo carriers, as these items increase wind resistance and reduce fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds. Keeping the car clean can also help reduce drag, although the impact is less significant than removing bulky accessories.