2012 Honda Insight a fuel-efficient and reliable hybrid

Find out why the 2012 Honda Insight remains a top choice for buyers looking for a dependable and affordable hybrid car

The LX model comes standard with most modern conveniences, and the EX features extras such as a navigation system, steering wheel-located paddle shifters, Bluetooth capability, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and lightweight alloy wheels.

The 2012 Honda Insight was originally aimed at first-time buyers and those under 35, with a price tag that was more affordable than that of the Civic Hybrid or the popular Toyota Prius.

Now, over a decade later, the 2012 Insight continues to attract attention from budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable and fuel-efficient used vehicle.

In 2012, the Insight was two years into a significant refit. Its technology, closely aligned with the Civic Hybrid’s, delivered impressive fuel consumption ratings: 4.8 litres/100 km in the city and 4.5 litres/100 km on the highway. These figures were better than those of the Prius at the time and only slightly less efficient than the first-generation Insight.

The 2012 Insight features a compact electric motor positioned between its internal combustion engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine displaces 1.3 litres, and the electric motor produces 10 kilowatts. Together, they generate 98 horsepower and 123-foot pounds of torque.

The engine incorporates Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing technology and a drive-by-wire throttle, similar to the Civic Hybrid but slightly less powerful. Purpose-built for hybrid drivetrains, this “low friction” powerplant runs on a nickel-metal hydride battery pack with a total output of 128 volts. Honda claimed a lifespan of 15 years or 240,000 km for the battery pack, whichever came first.

Behind the wheel, the Insight’s two-tier instrument panel and multi-information display provide real-time feedback. The speedometer is surrounded by a tri-colour background that changes according to your driving efficiency: green for optimal fuel economy, light blue for moderate efficiency, and dark blue for inefficient driving. Like all good hybrids, the Insight also features regenerative braking, which captures energy during deceleration to recharge the battery.

An Econ mode button on the dash allows drivers to choose driving modes, and the multi-information display includes a tree graphic that scores your driving performance. The economy mode optimizes engine, motor, and transmission performance, reduces air conditioner use, and controls engine idle time at stops. Drivers are encouraged to keep the display in green mode to maximize fuel efficiency, promoting long-term fuel-efficient driving habits.

The 2012 Insight comes in two trim levels: LX and EX. The LX includes standard modern conveniences like power windows, while the EX offers extras such as a navigation system, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, Bluetooth capability, steering wheel audio controls, and lightweight alloy wheels.

The U.S.-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had eight technical service bulletins on file for the 2012 Insight, including loose roof mouldings, foggy taillight lenses, and a major airbag recall affecting a wide range of Honda vehicles.

Consumer Reports was somewhat lukewarm in its assessment of the second-generation Insight, praising its fuel efficiency but finding it less refined than the Honda Civic Hybrid or the Toyota Prius. According to CR: “We found it far inferior to the Toyota Prius: noisy and stiff riding with so-so handling.”

However, owners seemed to have a more positive experience, with comments like “would buy another,” “the torque of the electric motor is a real kick,” and “I do not regret my purchase.” The car’s excellent fuel economy remains a standout feature.

From an original base price of just under $22,000, the 2012 Insight has held its value reasonably well. As of 2024, prices for a used 2012 Honda Insight in Canada range from approximately $7,500 to $13,500, depending on condition and mileage. The better-equipped EX model typically commands a premium of $1,000 to $2,000 more than the base LX.

2012 Honda Insight Overview

• Original base price: $21,990
• Engine: 1.3-litre four-cylinder with a 10-kilowatt electric motor
• Horsepower: 98
• Torque: 123 foot-pounds
• Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
• Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 4.8 city, 4.5 highway, with regular fuel
• Drive: Front-wheel drive
• Alternatives: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2012 Honda Insight remains a solid choice for buyers seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient hybrid with a good reputation for reliability.

Ted Laturnus has been an automotive journalist since 1976. He has been named Canadian Automobile Journalist of the Year twice and is past president of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

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