2020 Honda Fit

The Honda Fit has shaped the subcompact hatchback segment as we know it, and despite a 13-year tenure spanning two generations, it remains at the forefront of the class. Although the US market hasn't gotten its hands on the all-new Fit and is unlikely to, the second-gen model we've come to know since 2015 remains quite impressive. The Fit employs a 1.5-liter four-pot across all four trim levels. It produces between 128 and 130 horsepower depending on the choice of configuration, including either the six-speed manual transmission or the CVT automatic. Once again, the charming Jap provides ample space, excellent fuel economy, and exemplary safety ratings. Can the Fit outshine notable rivals, including the Toyota Yaris or the Kia Rio? It almost seems a given it will.

The Honda Fit looks almost like a minivan that shrank in the wash, though it isn't as watered down as your typical run-around. At base level, the Honda includes 15-inch steel wheels while the Sport trim and above sees the addition of standard 16-inch wheels, finished in black here with a machine finish on upper trims. Opting for the Sport trim will add a sporty rear spoiler, front underbody spoiler, and side skirts with orange accents, and a chrome exhaust tip, while the foglights carry over to the EX and EX-L trims. These two premium trims are also the only models in the Fit range to receive a standard sunroof.

A length of 161.4 inches and a width of 67 inches on the Fit means that despite its minivan-like appearance, it's only slightly larger than the Kia Rio 5's 160-inch length. It rides on a diminutive 99.6-inch wheelbase but puts the space to good use, with innovative packaging making it a more spacious subcompact than nearly every other rival. It's heavier than several segment competitors, however, with a curb weight ranging from 2,522 pounds to 2,648 lbs, depending on trim level and gearbox choice.

The Honda Fit offers a palette of seven colors, with last year's Helios Yellow cut from the options list. Interestingly, all trims get access to the full palette, but your choice is limited based on the transmission you select. The base model LX only offers two shades with the manual gearbox, Lunar Silver and Modern Steel, while equipping the CVT unlocks the additional five hues as standard. These additions include Aegean Blue, Milano Red, and Orange Fury as metallic options, while Platinum White and Crystal Black make up the Pearl tones. For us, Aegean Blue and Orange Fury are the better options, making the Fit look less minivan and more sultry hot-hatch.

A marginal power difference can be found between the six-speed manual transmission and CVT-equipped models, however, it's hardly enough of a gap to influence a choice of configuration, with just two horsepower separating the manual and the CVT. Nevertheless, the six-speed manual supplies more power to the front-wheel-drive Fit than the CVT and manages an 8.5-second scuttle from 0-60 mph, which doesn't exactly seem quick, until you start comparing it to rivals. The Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio both take over ten seconds to get from 0-60 mph, making the Fit one of the best performing in its class. The extra power doesn't even come at the sacrifice of fuel economy, with the Fit maintaining its class-leading figures - it's still more efficient than both of its main rivals, but we'll get to that later. The Honda doesn't offer an AWD option, but the absence of it isn't a downfall; the Fit puts power down like a pro, and in terms of performance, the Sport trim equipped with the six-speed manual transmission is the winner in the trim lineup. We just wish it had more power.

The Honda Fit hatchback range employs a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine throughout all trim levels and the choice of two transmissions is available, depending on certain trims. The LX, Sport, and EX all come stock-fitted with a six-speed manual transmission with the option to spec the continuously variable transmission (CVT). In contrast, the top of the range EX-L comes with the CVT as standard and, unfortunately, no manual option is available for the premium trim. Power outputs vary between the two transmissions, and the CVT puts out a slightly lower 128 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque in comparison to the manual transmission's 130 hp and 114 lb-ft figures. The Fit is by no means a speedster, but it performs well on the daily commute with reasonable initial acceleration power. Prepare for a slight struggle on the highway, though, as passes and merging won't come effortlessly for the hatch. It's almost a no-brainer when it comes to choosing the better transmission, with the manual offering more power and less annoyance than the CVT - even if it comes at the expense of fuel economy.

Say what you will about the performance of this hatch, but one can't bemoan the ride comfort and handling of the Honda Fit, or its pleasant in-cabin experience. Not much mechanical noise makes its way into the cabin, but opting for the CVT will result in a bit of a noisy drone which ruins the refinement overall.

A short wheelbase and smaller size are responsible for the exceptional handling and the Fit soaks up bumps and imperfections on the road with ease. The Fit also has fantastic grip for a front-wheel-drive car, though there's likely to be some body roll when it's tossed into corners. The optionally available Honda Factory Performance Package adds a sport-focused suspension that further improves comfort and handling ability, if that's your kind of thing.

In terms of steering, the Fit isn't exactly a pro. The presence of electric power assistance results in a bit of numbness in the steering of the Honda, though it's adequately weighted and rather sharp, so it's not all bad. Overall, the Fit is a pleasant drive, even if it isn't as driver-focused as previous generations.

When equipped with the CVT at the base level, the Fit is fantastic in terms of fuel economy. The LX will lightly sip on the gas and provide class-leading EPA estimates of 33/40/36 mpg city/highway/combined, matching these segment-best gas mileage figures with the Kia Rio. The Toyota Yaris is slightly behind the other two with EPA estimates of 32/40/35 mpg. Opting for the manual transmission will see a substantial drop in fuel economy with figures dropping to 29/26/31 mpg, so the less powerful and slightly noisy CVT might just be worth it. On upper trims, the CVT returns 31/36/33 mpg. The Fit plays host to a 10.6-gallon fuel tank, and, equipped with the manual transmission, you'll get around 330 miles on a full tank of gas, while the CVT-equipped LX will return an extra 50 miles.

Minimalist design and user-friendly tech dominate the inside of the Fit, making it a comfortable place to spend time. Considering the Honda's affordability, you'd expect to find cheap materials everywhere, as that's the norm for the segment. However, the Honda surprisingly utilizes a considerable amount of high-quality materials and doesn't feel discounted on the inside; it's one of the best in the segment. The Honda Fit is a champion in the space category and is almost unmatched by rivals in terms of spaciousness and versatility, besting rivals not only on the spec sheet, but in the real world, too.

The five-seater hatch is the king of capacity and offers a cavernous interior, with ample space available in the front and the back. An array of seating adjustments are available for both front and rear seats, while the second-row seats are Honda's appropriately named Magic Seats, offering unrivaled versatility and storage capability. This doesn't come at the expense of comfort, however, as both the front and rear seats are supportive, have ample adjustability, and will accommodate taller adults better than any other subcompact, thanks to a minimum of 37.5 inches of rear headroom and 39.3 inches of legroom, both improved upon in the front seats. The rear of the Fit boasts class-leading space and six-footers aren't likely to have a problem sitting comfortably for long distances.

Each of the four trim levels come with unique combinations in terms of colors and materials. Across all models, hard plastic hasn't been overused on the inside and the dash is pleasantly clad in soft-touch material. The base-level LX and mid-level EX come standard with black cloth upholstery. The Sport trim comes with black sport cloth upholstery and is further distinguished from other trim levels by its leather steering wheel and unique orange stitching on the seats. The top-of-the-range EX-L trim is the only model that sees black leather used throughout.

The Honda Fit is an absolute champion in the space department and is no doubt a class-leader.

Dubbed the Magic Seat, the Honda's second row can transform into four different modes. Utility mode allows for 52.7 cubic feet of space when the second-row seats are folded, increasing from the basic 16.6-cube allotment, while Long mode can be used for transporting lengthier items by folding down the front passenger seat. The Tall mode makes up to four feet of vertical space available by removing head restraints and tipping up the rear seat bases, and the final and most notable mode of them all, Refresh Mode, folds the front seats back and reclines the rear seat for relaxation. Large door pockets and cupholders are found throughout the spacious hatch, making for ample in-cabin storage solutions, too.

A multitude of features can be found in Honda Fit cars from its most basic trim, the LX, and upwards. All models come standard equipped with air conditioning, central locking, electric windows, cruise control, and a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering wheel. The EX brings aboard a one-touch sunroof and push-button start, while moving up to the premium EX-L sees the addition of heated seats. In terms of safety, standard features include cruise control and a rearview camera but moving up to the EX will see the addition of Honda Sensing that includes lane-keep assist and frontal-collision avoidance technology, as well as adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

At a base level, the Honda Fit doesn't offer an overly useful amount of tech-focused features and comes standard equipped with a five-inch non-touch screen and Bluetooth capability; there is also one USB port and a four-speaker sound system. Things get better, though, as you move up in the range with full smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coming in as a standard feature from the Sport trim upwards. This also adds a seven-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker sound system with standard SiriusXM satellite radio to the features list.

The Fit hatchback is sturdy and reliable and is above the standard of rivals in the segment. JD Power has given Fit cars a 78 out of 100 quality and reliability rating, which falls below the Toyota Yaris and Kia Rio's shared rating of 80. Nevertheless, no recalls have been issued thus far for the 2020 Fit models, and you'd have to go back to 2016 in order to find one on record. This is a good sign for the Fit range in terms of dependability. If you find yourself unable to part with lingering doubts, Honda offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance available 24 hours a day, should you encounter any issues.

Awarded a five out of five rating overall by the NHTSA, the Fit is quite the safety-conscious hatchback. The IIHS was a bit stricter in its review of the Honda Fit and only provided results for three crash tests - nonetheless, it scored top marks of Good in all three; the headlights scored less than favorable marks, however, but front crash prevention systems scored Superior marks.

Honda Sensing makes an appearance as a standard feature on the EX trim level and upwards and adds a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning and assistance, as well as adaptive cruise control. The EX and EX-L models also see the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring in the form of a camera on the passenger side to keep track of what's happening in the lane furthest from the driver. If you're opting for a lower-level trim, you'll still be protected by six standard airbags, including front-impact, side-impact, and side curtain airbags, and a rearview camera comes standard across the range.

It might not be the prettiest in the segment in the USA, but the Honda Fit is everything to write home about. Class-leading space and reliability are provided by the practical hatch and it doesn't stop there. Affordability is also part and parcel of the Fit package with substantial bang for your back across all trim levels. Pair this with great ride quality, impressive safety features, reliability, and an exceptional amount of space to work with - all while avoiding a hefty price tag - and it's a no-loss situation. The Japanese hatch is certainly the gaffer of the subcompact segment and is unbeatable in many categories, even if it is a little lazy on the highway. It's quite easy to overlook its half-pint minivan appearance when you start to list the pros of purchasing it and, considering that it's still ahead of its rivals after 13 years of production and two generations, the 2020 Honda Fit is still as good a buy as it was in 2008.

The epitome of frugal practicality, the price of the new Honda Fit base model LX is $16,190 MSRP when equipped with the manual transmission and rises to $16,990 when equipped with the fuel-conscious CVT. The manual Honda Fit Sport model will cost $17,600, and equipping the Sport with a CVT will add a charge of $800. The EX trim level comes standard equipped with a CVT and begins at an MSRP of $19,060 while the price of the Honda Fit EX-L starts from $20,620. All prices exclude licensing, registration, tax, and a $955 destination charge.

The Honda Fit range comprises four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is shared throughout the range, with both the LX and the Sport equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT which is the stock transmission on the upper pair of trims.

The base model LX comes standard equipped with 15-inch wheels, electric windows, and air conditioning. Infotainment features include a five-inch LCD screen that allows for Bluetooth connectivity and a four-speaker sound system. Cruise control and a rearview camera also come as standard features.

Moving upwards to the Sport model sees the addition of sporty exterior extras, including a chrome exhaust tip and 16-inch gloss black alloy wheels. The inside also sees some extra sport bits with a leather steering wheel and orange-stitched black sport cloth upholstery. The addition of a seven-inch touchscreen that allows for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities and this model employs a six-speaker sound system.

One model under the top of the range, the EX comes standard equipped with a sunroof, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and the Honda Sensing safety suite, which adds a range of standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

The top-of-the-range EX-L trim level adds an abundance of leather to the interior and sees leather upholstery for the seats, a leather steering wheel and gearshift, and also adds heated front seats.

The most notable addition to begin with, is the option to add the CVT to the LX and the Sport for an extra $800. Honda sensing is also available for the CVT-equipped lower trim levels. It adds an array of safety features including lane-keep assist, lane-departure mitigation, and forward-collision warning, as well as automatic high-beam assist for $1,000.

For those wanting a sportier feel from the Fit, the Honda Factory Performance package is made available from the Sport upwards at an additional cost of $3,307 and adds a sport suspension, 16-inch black alloy wheels, and HFP exterior badging as well as sport pedals and a titanium shift knob.

While there's great value for money on all models for sale, you ultimately want a trim equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver aids. Unfortunately, this means you must have a CVT-equipped model, meaning you have to forego the wonderful six-speed manual. We'd skip past lesser models and go for the EX trim, as it adds Honda Sensing as a standard feature and increases safety significantly. It also includes a seven-inch touch screen as a central display that comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Sirius XM. The only notable things missing from the EX would be heated seats and the option for navigation, but it's a small price to pay when one considers the value for money brought by the model that's just short of the top of the range.

As we've said time and time again, the Honda Fit is pretty much untouchable within its segment, and when lined up against the Yaris, it becomes obvious why. The Fit offers more power with 130 hp in the manual guise in comparison to the Toyota's 106 hp. You'd think that the extra power would come at the cost of lower fuel-economy from the Fit, but no, the Honda is more efficient than the Yaris, even if only marginally so. We don't mean to kick the Yaris while it's down, but the Fit also boasts a much more substantial amount of interior space. The Yaris claws back with an endearing chassis and an automatic gearbox instead of a dreadful CVT, but with a similar price tag to the Fit, it really can't match up.

With just over $5,500 separating the Fit and the Civic, there are bound to be some differences between the relatives. The Civic occupies the larger compact segment, employing a 1.5-liter turbo engine to develop 174-180 hp to the Fit's 130 hp. It gets a great manual gearbox, but the extra torque it has means that even the CVT isn't dreadful. But with extra power comes greater thirst: the Civic's fuel economy isn't as good as that of the Fit's and has EPA estimates of 31/40/34 mpg against the frugal Fit's 33/40/36 mpg estimate. The Fit also offers more cargo space with up to 52.7 cubic feet of space standing against the Civic's 46.2 cubic feet, but in standard form, the Civic walks the comparison with 25.7 cubes. The Civic gets more standard safety and a better quality interior. It's also better to drive and feels vastly more refined. At the end of the day, it's a much better car, but if you're on a budget you won't be disappointed by the Fit.