The first-generation Honda Insight was a two-door, two-seat hybrid liftback, and its second was a four-door liftback with space for five. In its third generation, it turned into a four-door sedan, and now Honda's Insight has changed again, with the 2027 Insight revealed as a four-door crossover that's now all-electric. Another big change is that, while America has had access to previous models, the new model is only available in Japan, though other global markets are likely to get access eventually. The U.S. probably never will because, although Honda hasn't said so, the 2027 Insight appears to be based on China's Dongfeng Honda-produced e:NS2.
2027 Honda Insight Performance
Honda hasn't revealed everything there is to know about the Insight just yet, but it did say that the single front-mounted motor produces 229 lb-ft of torque, which matches the figure of the e:NS2. Assuming nothing has changed, that means 201 horsepower. While those figures are relatively low for an EV, Honda claims the vehicle is light and promises "exciting, nimble handling." Honda has also confirmed a driving range of 311 miles on the WLTC cycle, which is more forgiving than the EPA's test procedures. Interestingly, China's e:NS2 gets 339 miles (on the CLTC cycle) from its 68.8kWh battery pack.
If going as far as possible isn't your chief concern, a Sport mode with added sound effects aims to spice up the drive, and there's something called Agile Handling Assist. Normal, Econ, and Snow modes are also included. As for recharging, Honda has only said that the Insight offers "excellent charging performance," adding that the vehicle has bi-directional charging to allow the EV to feed home appliances or devices.
2027 Honda Insight Interior
Open a door via an automatically retracting flush door handle, and a large 12.8-inch touchscreen dominates the cabin, with no physical buttons for climate control or volume adjustment. Happily, the heated steering wheel (covered in synthetic leather) still has what appear to be tactile buttons, and behind it, a narrow 9.4-inch display serves as the driver cluster. Tiny paddles allow the driver to control the rate of deceleration. There's also a head-up display, ambient lighting, a fragrance-dispensing system that lets one cycle through up to three of six aromas, and a small electric smoked glass sunroof.
The reclining front and rear seats are a mix of synthetic and genuine leather and offer heating (plus ventilation in front), and there's a 12-speaker Bose sound system. The standard interior is black, but a limited-edition Honda ON variant will offer white. Finally, a drive recorder captures the areas in front of and behind the vehicle.
2027 Honda Insight Colors and On-Sale Date
The boomerang-shaped headlights and illuminated badge, connected by a thin LED strip, give the crossover a futuristic look, and at the rear, similarly-shaped taillights are integrated into a full-width lightbar that is somewhat reminiscent of Lexus designs. The straked lower areas of the front and rear bumpers set the vehicle apart, though, and an accent on each of the front doors aims to give a sense of sportiness, as does the roof spoiler and the overall shape of the fastback crossover. 18-inch aluminum wheels complete the look, and five colors are on offer: Diamond Dust Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Slate Gray Pearl, Aqua Topaz Metallic II, and Obsidian Blue Pearl. Sales begin in Japan in the spring, and reservations open on March 19.
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