Consider these figures for the base models of these two
hybrids:
Insight LX $20,510[1] | Prius II $22,750[1] | Savings $2,240 |
The entry-level 2010 Prius II, at $22,750, costs
$2,240 more before taxes and registration fees. At this price point, the cars
are similarly equipped. The Honda's higher value becomes more clear when you
consider the fact that the Eco Assist? system[3] is a standard feature on the
base LX trim level.
Navigation systems are very important to many of
today's drivers. Let's compare the MSRPs for the Prius and Insight equipped with
navigation systems:
Insight EX with
Navigation $23,810[1] | Prius III with Navigation $25,780[1] | Savings $1,970 |
As you can see, it's much less costly to get the
keys to a Navi-equipped Insight. Like the Prius, the Insight with Navigation
includes
Bluetooth HandsFreeLink with voice
recognition[4] capability for a significantly lower price.
Some car buyers would never settle for less than a
fully loaded car. Let's take a look at how their prices compare when fully
equipped:
Insight EX with Navigation $23,810[1] | Prius V with Advanced Technology
Package $33,200[1] | Savings $9,390 |
Even fully loaded, the two cars are, at their core,
40 mpg-plus hybrids. The Prius's "Advanced Technology Package," includes a
number of bells and whistles but lacks the Insight's Eco Assist? system[3] and
the "fun factor" provided by the Insight's paddle shifters. Depending on the tax
rates of your state, this $9,390 price difference can easily exceed $10,000. Are
a few technological gadgets worth that much more money? That's for you to
decide.
As you can see, the Insight is the most affordable hybrid of the
bunch at any trim level. With the revolutionary Eco Assist? system[3] as a
standard feature on all Insights, the value is obvious.
[1] 2010 Insight LX [MSRP $20,510]/2010 Prius II [MSRP $22,750]/2010 Insight EX
with navigation [MSRP $23,810]/2010 Prius III with optional navigation [MSRP
$25,780]/2010 Prius V with Advanced Technology Package [MSRP $33,200].
Comparison based upon comparably equipped vehicles. Manufacturer's Suggested
Retail Price includes: Insight $710.00 destination charge, Prius $750
destination charge, excludes: taxes, license, registration/title, optional or
regionally required equipment. Dealer prices may vary. Pricing information is
based on information obtained from each manufacturer's Web site as of 9/29/09.
You are advised to check with each manufacturer or its representatives as the
final authority on its products.
[2] 40 city/43 hwy/41 combined mpg.
Based on 2010 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods
beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to
models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and
maintain your vehicle.
[3] Eco Assist is a trademark of Honda Motor Co.,
Ltd., and may not be used or reproduced without prior written approval.