2019 Honda Insight Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

This model year, Honda has revamped its hybrid, the Insight, and it is stiff competition for other vehicles in the market. Many will be surprised to learn that the original Insight was actually introduced to the market several months before the first Toyota Prius. While the Prius has become something of an industry standard, it is now getting upstaged by this incredibly fierce rival that has been absent from the market since Honda pulled it in 2014.

The 2019 Honda Insight is all-new, and it now comes as a sedan, not a hatchback like in years past. This is surely in response to consumer demand for something both roomy and practical yet with enough power to make for an enjoyable drive. An enjoyable - and eco-friendly - drive is what you get from all three of the Insight's trim levels: the LX, EX, and Touring.

Each of these five-seater midsize sedans receives its power from the same 1.5-L 4-cylinder engine and AC synchronous permanent-magnetic electric motor. Together, this powertrain is capable of generating 151 hp and 197 lb-ft of torque. The Insight also has a lithium-ion battery placed beneath the rear seats. Additionally, the line-up comes with standard active noise cancellation, en Eco Assist System, and immobilizer system. It has a CARB emissions rating of LEV3-SULEV30.

Of course, each trim level has something different to offer in terms of its features. Even the base LX is remarkably well-equipped, although this tends to be a trend with Honda. Still, knowing which trim level best fits your unique needs might not be obvious at first glance.

By the end of this review, you should have a clearer idea of which 2019 Honda Insight is right for you. Now, let us take a look at the details that separate these three trim levels.

Compare the 2019 Honda Insight LX vs EX Trims. What is the difference?

The 2019 Honda Insight's base trim is called the LX. For being a base trim, it is anything but basic. There are quite a few standard features that come wrapped into this neat little package.

As far as the exterior goes, the LX rides atop 16-inch alloy wheels which are equipped with all-season tires. Each Honda Insight comes with a tire repair kit that includes 24-hour assistance. The LED headlights come with an off/on function, and there are also LED brake lights taillights in the rear. The roof has a fin-shaped antenna, and the side-mirrors are body-colored and heated. Also, there is a security system already installed with a trunk release feature and remote entry into the vehicle.

The LX comes with a pretty lengthy list of standard active safety features. Of course, Honda is known for safety being a focal point. LED daytime running lights, brake assist, and a multi-angle rearview camera all come standard. Also, the Honda Sensing suite gives the vehicle forward collision warning and braking mitigation, a lane departure warning, and a road departure mitigation system. There is also a system for helping the driver recognize and adhere to traffic signs.

The LX's interior is quite comfortable and does not come off as being cheaply manufactured. There is an automatic single-zone climate control system that keeps the cabin's temperature feeling cozy. Additionally, the vanity mirrors on the sun visors are illuminated, as are the window and door lock controls for the driver and front seat passenger. The console is lit with ambient LED lighting, and map lights come standard as well. A 12-volt power outlet, illuminated controls mounted onto the steering wheel, and push button start also come standard on the Insight LX. The driver's seat is manually height adjustable, and the rear seat folds down flat.

As far as technology goes, the LX has a modest 5-inch color LCD screen, a 160-watt 6-speaker audio system, and a single 1.0-amp USB audio jack on the console up front. The vehicle does have Bluetooth capabilities, Pandora connectivity, and a radio data system. It is not a lot, but this is more than what you might find on other base trims in this class.

The EX is, of course, packed with a lot more standard features than the LX. The EX does have everything that you can get on the LX, but it makes some significant upgrades and additions. The wheel size and use of all-season tires as standard equipment are still the same, as is the powertrain and exterior lighting. The EX, however, adds the smart entry with walk away auto lock system. Also, you can opt to get LED fog lights included on the EX, whereas they are not available on the LX.

The EX is equipped with most of the same active safety features that come on the LX. The multi-angle rearview camera does get a slight upgrade to dynamic guidelines on the EX. Also, Honda LaneWatch comes standard on the EX; it is not available on the LX.

The EX gets a massive boost to its infotainment set-up. The EX comes with a 180-watt 8-speaker sound system, an 8-inch display screen (with a physical knob for volume control), smartphone connectivity through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HondaLink, SMS text messaging, HD radio, SiriusXM radio, and two 2.5-amp USB ports on the front console.

The interior of the EX is not drastically different from the cabin on the LX, but there are a few noticeable changes. For example, the EX has a center armrest in the rear seat, which is a 60/40 split folding seat.

Compare the 2019 Insight EX vs Touring Trims. What is the difference?

The Touring marks the biggest upgrade in the 2019 Honda Insight line-up. This line-topper might have a modest price tag, but it looks and feels pretty luxurious for a vehicle in its class. It has the same powertrain as the two lower trim levels, so the differences will be mostly reflected in the features added for comfort and convenience.

On the exterior of the Touring, there are a few noteworthy alterations. First of all, chrome trim gets added to the body to give it a more luxurious appeal. Chrome accents can be found on the heated side mirrors and door handles. The body also gains rain-sensing windshield wipers and a one-touch tilting power moonroof.

Unlike the LX and EX trims, the Touring gets dual-zone automatic climate control for its cabin. The Touring also comes with a passenger-side seatback pocket and an automatically dimming rearview mirror. The HomeLink Remote System, which allows you to control your garage door and home electricity from your vehicle's cockpit, comes standard. The steering wheel is clad in leather, and the upholstery also gets upgraded to a high-quality leather material. The cabin also gains power adjustment for the front seats. These seats are heated for your convenience.

The infotainment set-up also gains some serious upgrades. The 180-watt 8-speaker sound system found in the EX gets swapped out for a 450-watt premium audio system that includes 10 speakers and a subwoofer. Like the EX, the Touring has two 2.5-amp USB jacks up front. Of course, you can still opt to use the 12-volt power outlet if you prefer it. The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System comes standard as well and provides high-definition traffic read-outs and has voice recognition capabilities. A HondaLink subscription is included along with mobile hot spot connectivity.

As far as safety features go, everything that comes on the EX is included on the Touring trim level. This is due to the fact that Honda values safety so much that they swap the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids on all of their trim levels. That way, you do not have to pay more to get the best safety features that this automaker has to offer. These safety features help you avoid frontal collisions, return you to your proper lane if you veer out of it, and help you maintain safe driving distances between your Insight and the vehicles around it.

Final Thoughts

The reintroduction of the Honda Insight is sure to make an impact on the hybrid sedan market this model year. With a combined 52 miles per gallon on the LX and EX trims and 48 on the Touring, the Insight is going to be hard for its competitors to top. The fact that there are so many safety features included as a part of the standard Honda Sensing suite makes the Insight all the more attractive for potential buyers.

But which trim provides the best value? Clearly, that honor goes to the mid-range EX trim level. The EX provides just enough creature comforts without inundating the driver with technology. And, for the price, the EX is quite a reasonable investment. It is just as comfortable as the line-topping Touring trim and just as practical as the base LX trim. Overall, it makes for a great purchase.

Still, regardless of which Honda Insight trim you decide to buy, you are getting a sweet deal.