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- Highs Lots of space for people and cargo, comfortable and well-equipped cabin, good value proposition.
- Lows Listless engine, lack of steering feel, less fun to drive than many competitors.
- Verdict The 2018 Honda Fit offers good value in a subcompact, with lots of features, a cavernous interior, and clever storage solutions, but some rivals are more fun to drive.
Overview
The Honda Fit is aptly named: You can fit much more stuff inside it than in any other subcompact thanks to its boxy shape and multi-way folding rear seats. It also is a strong value, with class-competitive refinement and build quality. What the Fit doesn’t fit into its mix of capabilities is fun. At best, it's pleasant to drive—which is a bit of a disappointment considering that the previous-generation model was very engaging. But if interior space and versatility are what you’re looking for, the Fit is still a car we highly recommend.
What's New for 2018?
The Fit received a mid-cycle refresh for 2018. Available features now include automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Sport trim gets such cosmetic upgrades as black-painted wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, and a more aggressive rear bumper.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- LX: $17,085
- Sport: $18,395
- EX: $19,055
- EX-L: $21,415
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Fit buyers get the choice of a six-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Sadly, every Fit shares the same lethargic 130-hp 1.5-liter inline-four engine, although horsepower drops to 128 for CVT-equipped models. At the higher engine speeds where you’ll spend lots of driving time, the engine is buzzy. The Fit handles competently enough, but Honda didn't tune much sass into the chassis, leaving it less satisfying to drive than the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Only the Fit’s ride quality stands out; the car is almost supple when driving over road imperfections. There is ample body roll in corners, and the steering offers little road feel. Call it competent, not fun.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Cleanly styled and assembled well from quality materials, the Fit’s interior shines among the best in the segment. Factor in spaciousness, and its cabin is a pleasant place to be. Ergonomics are excellent, and higher trim levels have slick color gauge displays flanking the speedometer. Storage bins, pockets, and cupholders are everywhere. Although the Fit’s 17-cubic-foot cargo volume is matched by the Kia Rio, the Fit jumps into the lead when its configurable rear seats are folded to open up a whopping 57 cubic feet of storage space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Fit’s infotainment system includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen on Sport, EX, and EX-L models, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a physical volume knob and two additional audio speakers. Base Fits make do with a 5.0-inch LCD screen with traditional button controls. Every Fit comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity, a backup camera, at least one USB port, and redundant steering-wheel audio controls. Honda has removed the Fit’s auxiliary audio input this year, going solely USB.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Honda Fit’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
