Honda Insight MPG Rating

By: Susan Harris
Staff Writer
Published: Jul 26, 2009

Achieving The Highest MPG Rating From The 2010 Honda Insight

It's hard to believe that the latest hybrid cars that are on the market were only released this year. All of them offer similar gas mileage and they all compete based on fuel efficiency. The 2010 Honda Insight hybrid vehicle has an official EPA rating of 40 mpg in the city and 43 miles per gallon on the highway.

The Honda 2010 Insight automobile also has the potential to increase its mileage depending on various road conditions. For example, drivers in Florida are reporting higher gas mileage because most of the roads are flat. There are no hills to climb in the sunshine state, and if you don't live near a major city, you can definitely get up to 50 miles per gallon.

During our own Honda Insight test-drive from Orlando to Miami, and back, we averaged 46 miles per gallon. We drove the hybrid on the turnpike on the way south and then hopped onto I-95 to Stuart where we drove on US-1 until we reached Cape Canaveral. We then took interstate 192 back to Orlando.

The road test gave us several advantages for highway driving and stop-and-go driving conditions. We used all the new techniques for fuel-efficiency including coasting to stops, slower braking, and slower acceleration. We were very impressed with the multi-information display that provides feedback on braking and acceleration to help with better fuel economy.

In normal driving, achieving more than 40 miles per gallon isn't too difficult, but I must admit I was a lead-foot driver up until this point. I never realized before how many gallons of fuel that gets wasted on fast acceleration. The feedback and coaching system to achieve higher mileage is one of the best things that come with these new hybrid cars.

The 2010 Honda Insight is an excellent vehicle for fuel efficiency. In comparison to other hybrid vehicles, the 2010 Insight offers a sportier and stylish design. While the interior is a little tight, the high fuel efficiency alone makes this vehicle worth a test drive.

The Honda Insight reduces the brake pumping losses from traditional braking systems. The loss means wasted energy and by capturing it means greater electrical regeneration and improved fuel economy. During braking, a Honda braking pressure sensor sends a signal to the IPU, which maximizes the level of regenerative braking.

Moreover, the Honda Insight sophisticated feedback system uses ambient color behind the speedometer to indicate the amount of efficiency as you drive. The gauge display includes an "Eco Assist" speedometer that changes background color from blue (inefficient) to green (the most fuel efficient), depending on your driving style. These are some of the new technologies used to provide driver feedback in an effort to increase gas mileage.