The 2021 Honda Insight is an efficient but inconspicuous hybrid

The 2021 Honda Insight is the third-generation hybrid to bear the name. This one shares a platform with the Civic but manages to look more inconspicuous.

The images from our 2000 Honda Insight review are temporarily MIA, but as you can see from this photo, it’s still a futuristic-looking car even 20 years later.

Unlike the old car, this one will seat five. It’s probably a bit less aerodynamically efficient, but it actually uses even less gas in city driving.

Under the hood is a 1.5L Atkinson-cycle engine, which spends most of its time acting as a generator for the car’s electric propulsion motor.

The interior is typical of Honda these days. The front seats are comfortable, and all of the switchgear is easy to reach.

The multifunction steering wheel controls are intuitive. The paddles aren’t for shifting gears—there is no gearbox in this car—but they increase or decrease regenerative braking.

The main instrument panel is not flashy, but it is legible.

You need the EX or Touring if you want CarPlay.

The first few times you use this P/R/N/D selector are annoying, but you soon become used to it.