The Insight is set to return this spring, but this time as an all-electric crossover SUV. Honda unveiled the Insight EV in Japan on Thursday, with a WLTC driving range of over 310 miles (500 km).
Meet the Honda Insight EV
Launched in 1999, the first-generation Insight was Honda’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. Since then, the 2-seat hatchback evolved into a 5-seater and, in its third generation, into a 4-door sedan.
Honda discontinued the Insight after the 2022 model year to focus on better-selling nameplates like the Civic and CR-V, both of which received hybrid variants.
The Insight will make a comeback this year as a high-tech all-electric crossover SUV. Although it will be sold in Japan, the new EV will be based on the e: NS2, an electric crossover from Honda’s joint venture with Dongfeng Honda, which has been on sale in China since June 2024.
Although it didn’t reveal battery specs, Honda said the Insight EV will have a WLTC driving range of over 310 miles (500 km).
For comparison, the e: NS2 delivers 339 miles of CLTC range from a 68.8 kWh battery, which would be about 240 miles on the EPA scale.
Honda’s new EV will be powered by a single front-mounted electric motor with 200 hp and 310 Nm (228 lb-ft) of torque.
Like many Chinese models, the interior is focused on advanced tech and safety features, premium upgrades, and digital screens.
Top comment by Dan B
This is no more an "SUV" than the Buick Envista is.
This addiction to SUV's and CUV's has gotten so bad that the companies have taken to re-classifying anything they can as SUV.
The interior features a 12.8″ central touchscreen, a 9.4″ driver cluster, and a large head-up display. It also includes four driving modes: Sport, Normal, Econ, and Snow. Sport mode mimics the feeling of acceleration and deceleration, while the Active Sound Control feature adds sound effects.
Honda will open reservations on March 19 with the Insight EV set to go on sale in Japan in spring 2026. While it could be sold in other overseas markets, don’t expect Honda to bring the electric Insight to the US, given that it borrows Chinese tech.
Meanwhile, Honda is gearing up to launch its first 0 Series electric models later this year in North America, starting with an SUV and a sedan (saloon).
The new 0 Series models will be built at Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio. Unlike the Insight, the 0 Series EVs will be based on Honda’s dedicated platform and operating system.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments