What type of engine system is used in the Honda Insight?

The Honda Insight is a hybrid vehicle, not a conventional gasoline-only car. In its latest generation, it pairs a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four engine with Honda's two-motor hybrid system, known as i-MMD, to provide electric-drive capability and efficient operation. Earlier Insight models relied on Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid system.

To understand how this question plays out across the model’s history, it helps to trace the evolution of the engine systems Honda used in the Insight and to explain how the current i-MMD setup works in practice.

Generations and engine systems

What follows is a generation-by-generation snapshot of the engine architectures used in the Honda Insight.

• First generation (1999–2006): Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) mild-hybrid. A small gasoline engine is paired with an electric motor that assists the engine and recharges the battery, using a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) pack.


• Second generation (2009–2014): Continued reliance on the IMA-based hybrid system, with refinements aimed at improving fuel economy and emissions without enabling full electric-only propulsion.


• Third generation (2019–present): i-MMD (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) two-motor hybrid system paired with a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine. The vehicle can operate on electric power at low speeds, blends power from both the engine and motors for efficiency, and uses a lithium-ion battery in modern implementations.

In short, the Insight’s engine system has evolved from a straightforward IMA mild-hybrid setup to Honda’s more sophisticated two-motor hybrid configuration in its latest generation, expanding electric-drive capability and efficiency.

How the i-MMD system works

The current Insight relies on Honda’s i-MMD hybrid architecture, which centers on a small gasoline engine driving a generator and a pair of electric motors. The car can run on electric power at city speeds, switch to a blended hybrid mode for propulsion, or engage engine-driven operation as needed to maximize efficiency and keep the battery charged.

Key components of the i-MMD system include:

• 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four gasoline engine


• Drive motor(s) that propel the wheels using electricity


• Generator motor that charges the battery and supplements drive power


• Battery pack (typically lithium-ion in modern models)


• Planetary gearset and sophisticated control software to manage power flow and drive modes

These elements allow the Insight to prioritize electric propulsion at lower speeds while smoothly transitioning to hybrid-assisted operation for longer trips, contributing to overall efficiency and responsive performance.

Summary: The Honda Insight’s engine system has progressed from early IMA-based mild hybrids to the current i-MMD two-motor hybrid arrangement. The latest Insight combines a 1.5L Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors to enable efficient, flexible operation, while earlier generations focused on assistive hybrid technology.

What kind of engine does a Honda Insight have?

Get hyped for a legendary drive in one of the best hybrid cars the road can offer—with a 1.5L 4-cylinder motor and an electric engine, you'll ride with a net 236 horsepower and 296 lb-ft torque starting at 0 rpm for a near-instant blast of acceleration when you push the gas pedal to the floor.

What is the common problem in Honda Insight?

Common problems for the Honda Insight include hybrid battery degradation, CVT transmission shudder, and issues with the automatic emergency brake system and headlights. Other frequent complaints involve the climate control system (specifically the AC compressor and blower motor), engine performance issues, and various electrical problems like blank display screens and charging faults. 
Hybrid and electrical system problems 

• Hybrid battery failure: This is a very common issue, leading to warning lights, reduced acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. 
• Electrical system faults: Owners report various issues, including error messages, battery charging problems, and faults with the 12V battery that can prevent the engine from restarting. 
• Automatic emergency brake: The system has been linked to problems and complaints, including false alerts and issues with forward collision avoidance. 
• Headlight problems: Dipped beam headlights can fail, sometimes due to heat damage to the switch or wiring. 
• Display screen issues: Blank screens, freezing, and reboots on the infotainment or navigation screen have been reported. 

Powertrain and engine issues 

• CVT transmission shudder: A common complaint is a shaking or shuddering sensation during acceleration, often due to a worn start clutch in the CVT.
• Engine hesitation or surge: This can be caused by issues like clogged EGR passages.
• Rough idle: A faulty EVAP emission control solenoid can cause the engine to idle roughly.
• Fuel system: Problems with the fuel cap and filler neck can trigger a "check engine" light. 

Other common problems

• Climate control: Issues with the AC compressor, blower motor, and refrigerant leaks have been reported. 
• Body and paint: Some models have experienced paint issues like chipping or peeling, and there have been reports of the hood vibrating or shaking at highway speeds. 
• Brake system: The regenerative braking system can sometimes feel spongy or less responsive. 
• Structural issues: Some owners have reported the hood flipping up while driving, or even a moonroof exploding. 

This video discusses common issues with the Honda Insight, including problems with the automatic emergency brake, CVT transmission, and the hybrid battery: 50sVerdier 400YouTube · Feb 4, 2022

Why did Honda discontinue Insight?

The Honda Insight was discontinued due to a strategic shift to focus on hybrid versions of its core models, like the Civic and CR-V, and changing customer preferences. By discontinuing the standalone Insight, Honda could streamline its hybrid lineup and increase production volume for its more popular and mainstream hybrid offerings. 
Here are the key reasons for the discontinuation:

• Focus on core models: Honda decided to concentrate on hybrid versions of its most popular models, such as the Civic and CR-V, rather than a dedicated hybrid model. The Insight was replaced by a new Civic Hybrid. 
• Streamlined hybrid lineup: The move was part of a larger strategy to make hybrid technology more accessible and to simplify the brand's product offerings. 
• Changing customer preferences: Customer preferences were shifting towards more fuel-efficient SUVs and away from a dedicated hybrid sedan like the Insight. 
• Low sales relative to other models: The Insight sold in much smaller numbers compared to models like the Civic, making it less economically viable to continue producing as a standalone model. 
• Opportunity to increase hybrid volume: By making the Civic and Accord hybrid, Honda expects these models to represent a much larger portion of their sales mix, helping them meet their electrification goals. 

Is the Honda Insight basically a Civic?

The 2022 Honda Insight is the spiritual successor to the Civic hybrid. With a similar size and shape as Honda's compact sedan but an efficient gas-electric powertrain under the hood, the Insight is like a Civic that's quieter at low speeds and and delivers better mpg.