Tech Tuesdays: Honda Insight vs. Toyota Prius Gadget Smackdown

You probably can't find two vehicles that are more alike than the 2010 Toyota Prius and 2010 Honda Insight -- and not based on looks alone. Some of the most cross-shopped competitors, when you look at the tech amenities of the two hybrid hatchbacks-- and how much they cost fully loaded with all the bells and whistles -- they start to stand apart. Way apart.

First there's the huge discrepancy in price; a fully loaded Prius V costs $32,720 compared to the top-of-the-line Insight EX with Navigation that goes for $23,770. So you would think that tech-wise you'd get much more for your money with the Prius. But that's not always the case, as we found in a recent feature story in which we compared the two cars' tech amenities side by side.

There's a huge disparity between two hybrids in six categories: MPG display, audio, Bluetooth, navigation, safety and miscellaneous tech features.

For example, the Insight allows accessing digital music files in a variety of flavors: via a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, an aux-in jack and a USB port that accepts a "thumb" drive loaded with tunes and is also available for plugging in an iPod using the device's supplied cable. There's even a PC card slot behind the head unit's fold-down faceplate for yet another avenue for music files. The Prius has only a four-disc CD changer, an aux-in jack and Bluetooth wireless music streaming.

The Prius bested the Insight in Bluetooth since it has much better voice activation and allows calling a contact in a phone's address book by simply hitting a button and speaking the name. The Prius also won in navigation and safety, although much of what you get in those categories comes as part of the car's $4,500 Advanced Technology Package option.

While most people probably won't pick one of these cars based on technology alone (not including the hybrid variety) these gadgets can make a big difference in everyday and long-term enjoyment of the vehicles. And it's an important element to consider when cross-shopping for these two popular hybrids -- since looks can be deceiving.

Posted by

Doug Newcomb September 22, 2009, 11:00 AM

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Automotive Technology, Car Audio and Electronics, Car Tech Tuesdays, Honda, Toyota

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Bluetooth, Honda Insight, navigation, safety, Toyota Prius