2012 Honda Insight

A frugal sticker is the 2012 Honda Insight's (Base MSRP: $18,500 to $21,965) main asset -- but now that the 2012 Toyota Prius c (Base MSRP: $18,950 to $23,230) offers an estimated 50 mpg for about the same price, experts don't recommend the 42-mpg Insight hybrid as much.

Honda tweaked the Insight's exterior and styling for 2011, also insulating it better against noise and adding some new options (better upholstery in the upper trims and a rearview camera with the navigation system). Honda also tweaked the hybrid powertrain, eking out 1 mpg more in both city and highway driving.

Still, the mild-hybrid Insight can't run on electricity alone, so it can never match the fuel economy of the full-hybrid Prius c or regular 2012 Toyota Prius (Base MSRP: $24,000 to $29,805), which also gets an estimated 50 mpg. Some testers find the Insight rougher-riding and more crowded inside than the Prius c, too -- and certainly less refined than the bigger Prius.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates

• City: 41 mpg

• Highway: 44 mpg

• Combined: 42 mpg

NHTSA Safety Ratings

• Front Impact: Not rated

• Side Impact: Not rated

• Rollover Resistance: 4 stars

• Overall: Not rated

IIHS Safety Ratings

• Front Offset Impact: Good

• Side Impact: Good

• Rear Impact: Good

• Roof Strength: Good

• Named 2012 Top Safety Pick

For additional details, see our review of the 2010 model

The Honda Insight gets a minor styling and feature refresh this year, but otherwise it has seen no substantial changes since 2010. For full details and an analysis of what experts think of this hybrid car, please see our report on the 2010 Honda Insight.