DecodedCars2021 Honda Insight
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 107 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 52 combined · 55 city / 49 hwy
- Length
- 183.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,047 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 90% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 107 hp, versus about 206 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Honda Insight is a midsize car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,047 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (55 city / 49 highway), 90% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Insight — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Insight →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Greensburg, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2021 Insight configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 183.5 in | 74 in | 55.5 in | 106.3 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,047 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insight Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 55 / 49 / 52 | +90% | $1,300 | 170 |
| Insight Touring Hybrid | 1.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 45 / 48 | +75% | $1,400 | 184 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda INSIGHT 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.3% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Honda Insight (this car) | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Honda Accord | 48 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · May 21, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V332000 · 98,892 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021, 2023 Acura TLX, 2019-2024 RDX, 2017-2020, 2022-2026 MDX, 2017-2021, 2023, 2025 Honda Ridgeline, 2017-2022 Pilot, 2019-2021 Passport, 2018-2026 Odyssey, 2019-2022 Insight, 2019-2021 HR-V, 2018-2020 Fit, 2020-2022 CR-V Hybrid, 2017-2022 CR-V, 2017-2018, 2021 Civic Type R, 2017-2021 Civic hatchback, 2016-2020 Civic coupe, 2016-2022 Civic, 2017-2022 Accord Hybrid, and 2016-2022 Accord vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, which can cause the air bags to deploy unintentionally during a crash.
- Risk
- Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 29, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Feb 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V064000 · 750,114 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura RDX, and 2020-2021 Acura TLX vehicles. The front passenger seat weight sensor may crack and short circuit, failing to suppress the air bag as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Charging › Module › Software · Dec 17, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V798000 · 27,838 vehicles
- Problem
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2020-2021 Insight vehicles. The DC-DC converter may shut down and prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, possibly resulting in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power converter unit (PCU) software, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners can contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is K9E.
Not every 2021 Honda Insight is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Honda Insight buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Service Brakes — 4 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Honda Insight. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Insight years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 33 |
| 2020 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 31 |
| 2019 Insight | 52 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 99 |
| 2014 Insight | 41 | – | Not rated | 3 | 5 |
| 2013 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 43 |
| 2012 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 8 | 57 |
| 2011 Insight | 40 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 31 |
| 2010 Insight | 41 | 172.4 in | Not rated | 10 | 80 |
| 2006 Insight | 52 | 155.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2005 Insight | 52 | 155.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Honda. How we calculate this →