2021 Honda Insight — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Honda Insight is a saloon/sedan powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 58 mpg (UK) / 48 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Honda Insight workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Honda Insight: Fuel economy slips from 62 to 58 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating. EPA passenger volume changes from 98 to 95 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 95 cu ft (2,690 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 58 combined / 61 urban / 54 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 48 combined / 51 city / 45 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 114 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 9 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2021 Honda Insight, all with the 1.5L 4-cyl engine. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 58 | 48 (51/45) | 114 | $1,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Honda Insight
Running Costs: 2021 Honda Insight
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Honda Insight at 58 mpg combined, expect roughly 627 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Honda Insight Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Honda Insight (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 26V332000, reported 21 May 2026. Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
- Air bags — campaign 24V064000, reported 1 February 2024. Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Electrical system — campaign 20V798000, reported 17 December 2020. Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Honda Insight. The most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (8), Unspecified (6), Service brakes (4). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 41 complaints across the 9 Honda Insight model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Honda Insight
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 3 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Driver-assist sensors (8 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Brakes (4 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Honda models in our database average about 35 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Honda Insight's 58 mpg is 23 mpg above that make average. Its 114 g/km CO₂ figure is 83 g/km lower than the 197 g/km Honda average.
Of the 9 Honda Insight model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (58 mpg UK combined, against a high of 62 mpg). See every Honda Insight year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Honda Insight
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Honda Insight have?
It's fitted with a 1.5L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Honda Insight?
The most efficient configuration returns around 58 mpg (UK) combined, or 48 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2021 Honda Insight cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Honda Insight have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Honda Insight have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Honda Insight (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (2), Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Honda Insight?
Among the 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (8 complaints), Unspecified (6 complaints), Service brakes (4 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Honda Insight have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 95 cubic feet (about 2,690 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.