Chicago Sun-Times

2019 HONDA

- — John Stein, for the Sun-Times

The 2019 Honda Insight is filled with many promises that the Japanese manufactur­er is banking on for its continued foray into elite hybrid status. While the Gen-1 Insight was unable to topple the Prius, this all-new Insight is the real deal for hybrid technology. The 2019 Insight promises fuel economy of up to 55 mpg in the city in a sedan size that easily fits between the Civic and Accord. A 1.5-L 4-cylinder engine pairs with dual electric motors (one geared to the engine itself and the other tied to the differenti­al) and a lithium-ion battery pack. Total system output is rated at 151 horsepower and 197 pound-feet of torque.

Passport

The all-new Passport is a shortened version of the establishe­d three-row Pilot. The 2019 Passport offers two rows and room for five passengers. Honda says the Passport is the most off-road-worthy of its SUVs, and the inclusion of the same optional AWD system found in the Pilot and Ridgeline is a huge check on the plus-side. One distinctio­n of note is 41 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row, which grows to a substantia­l 100 cu. ft. with the rear seat folded down. Honda’s 3.5-L V6 engine, delivering 280 hp, is mated to a 9-speed automatic going to four wheels.

HR-V

The 2019 Honda HR-V gets a much-needed refresh, featuring sleeker, more modern bumpers, a bolder signature grille, new headlights featuring LED daytime lamps, and all-new taillights. Equally important (and impressive) is the new safety suite on trim levels EX and higher – called Honda Sensing. New Sport and Touring trims levels are added to the lineup. Honda says HR-V models have received increased sound deadening measures.

Civic

The Civic brand offers continued reliabilit­y and trust factors that have been hard earned over decades of service on U.S. shores. Starting with the LX trim, and progressin­g through EX, Sport, EX-L, EX-T, and Touring trims, the Civic lineup is vast and it offers coupes, sedans and hatchbacks. The 2019 variants will tout a few upgrades worth noting, including the inclusion of active safety technology that is now standard on all Civics. Inside, the new infotainme­nt system has updated software, as well as a 5.0-in. screen on base Civic LX, all other models get a 7.0-in. touchscree­n offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibil­ity.

OTHER VEHICLES

Accord, Pilot, Fit, Odyssey, Ridgeline

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