2013 Honda Insight vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

The 2013 Honda Insight has a new competitor, in the form of the new subcompact Toyota Prius C.

With better gas mileage, more room inside, low-speed electric running, and a price within $1,000, the Prius C poses a direct threat to the Insight's subcompact-hybrid niche.

The larger Prius Liftback, too, has better mileage despite being a mid-size car inside--though it's $5,000 more expensive.

But the Insight faces competition even inside Honda showrooms.

The Honda Civic Hybrid, all new last year, delivers better gas mileage--44 mpg--and is larger and more luxurious, though at a higher price.

On the other end, the Fit subcompact is more than $3,000 cheaper and offers gas mileage of 30 mpg or better, more space inside, an amazingly versatile interior, and crisp, responsive handling.

New for 2013 is the Ford C-Max Hybrid, about $5,000 more expensive but with higher gas mileage and a much nicer driving experience than the Prius and Insight.

Finally, if you do most of your miles at highway speeds, the clean-diesel VW Jetta TDI--in sedan or Sportwagen models--gets similar highway mileage, though lower city ratings.