2020 Honda Fit

Since its major redesign in 2018, the Honda Fit carries over with no noticeable changes for the year 2020. Likewise, the 2020 Honda Fit is available in four different trims. The lineup begins with the base LX model, which costs a little over $16,000. For that kind of money, the base Honda Fit features several necessary attributes, like Cruise Control and Hill Start Assist, which makes it a fairly rounded package.

At the top of the trim ladder lies the EX-L variant of the Fit, and for a price of $20,620 offers great value for money. With upmarket features like leather seats, leather steering wheel, and power moonroof, the EX-L variant might only be slightly more expensive than the base models of some hatchbacks but feels a lot more premium.

Trim	LX	Sport	EX	EX-L
MSRP (MT)	$16,190	$17,120	---	---
MSRP (CVT)	$16,990	$17,920	$19,060	$20,620
Key features	ECO Assist system	Apple CarPlay	SiriusXM Radio	Same as EX
	HandsFreeLink	HondaLink	Honda Sensing	Leather seats
	Cruise control	Android Auto	Honda Lane Watch	Leather-wrapped steering wheel
	Hill-start assist	Underbody spoilers	One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature	Heated front seats
	5-inch LCD screen	7-inch touchscreen	Pandora Compatibility	Heated, body-colored power side mirrors
	4-speaker audio system	6-speaker audio system	1.5-Amp USB Smartphone/Audio interface	Smart Entry with Walk-Away auto lock

Which trim to go for?

The Honda Fit is a fun-to-drive, everyday commuter that delivers excellent efficiency with relative performance and comfort. In order to get the best out of your Honda Fit opt for the EX-L variant and get the additional Honda Factory Performance package that adds higher-performance suspension, external body parts, HFP stickers, sports pedals, a titanium shift lever, and blacked-out alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet of all 2020 Honda Fit models lies a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable automatic transmission. Rated at 128 hp and 113 lb.-ft. torque for the automatic variants, and 130 hp and 114 lb.-ft. torque for the manual units, the Fit’s four-pot feels lively enough to comfortably haul this subcompact around. Though don’t expect it to excite or enthrall you as power delivery isn’t instant.

The six-speed manual unit is standard on the LX and Sport variants but they do offer the option to avail the other CVT unit. On the other hand, the EX and EX-L variants can be had only with the 2-speed CVT with no option to choose the manual gearbox. Regardless of that choice, power from the 1.5-liter four-cylinder is sent only to the front wheels of all Fit models.

Models	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
MSRP	$16,990	$16,690	$17,750	$19,420
Engine	1.5-liter I4 regular	1.6-liter I4 regular	1.5-liter I4 regular	1.4-liter I4 regular
Transmission	2-speed CVT w/OD	2-speed CVT w/OD	6-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual	6-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual
Horsepower	128 hp @ 6.600 rpm	120 hp @ 6,300 rpm	106 hp @ 6,000 rpm	138 hp @ 4,900 rpm
Torque	113 lb.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm	112 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm	103 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm	148 lb.-ft. @ 1,850 rpm

The Chevrolet Sonic is the heaviest hatch of the lot. Consequently, it also gets the most beefier engine. At 138 hp, the Sonic Hatchback’s 1.4-liter engine is the most potent in this lineup.

How fast is the Honda Fit?

The Honda Fit is most enjoyable with its six-speed manual as it allows you to manipulate power sent to the front wheels. Also, the manually driven Fit makes slightly more power than the ones equipped to the CVT. That automatic unit is more efficiency-minded, and even though shifts are on-point all the time, they are in no way fast.

Still, the Honda Fit’s 1.5-liter engine is one of the most potent ones you will find in subcompacts of the same clique. This results from Honda’s i-VTEC and Variable Timing Control technology, which makes up for punchier performance at higher revs and better efficiency at lower speeds. So the Honda Fit slowly but surely picks up pace to leave other hatches behind.

Model	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
0-60 MPH	8.6	8.9	10.2	8.5
Quarter Mile	16.8	16.9	17.8	16.4
Engine	1.5L I4	1.6L I4	1.5L I4	1.4L I4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)	5.6	4.9	5.1	6.1

The Chevrolet Sonic is the only hatch whose engine makes more power than the one on the Honda Fit. Consequently, it is also the fastest in this lineup.

What about the braking performance of the Honda Fit?

Braking on the Honda Fit is adequate for such a sedate subcompact. The pedal feels soft and is also easy to operate. However, just like its acceleration, braking on the Honda Fit is never sudden. It's decent for a hatchback, this small and we aren't complaining on that front either.

The CVT variants of this Honda feature automated emergency braking which makes those sudden stopping scenarios feel like a relatively easier task.

Model	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
Brake front (in.)	10.3	11.0	10.2	10.8
Brake Rear (in.)	7.9	8.0	9.0	9.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2568	2762	2396	2896
60-0 MPH (ft.)	126	119	N/A	124

The Kia Rio hatchback gets the best brakes in this business. It may not be a lightweight, but its brakes do a phenomenal job shedding this hatch’s speed quicker than any other subcompact.

What about its driving dynamics?

Even before you begin to drive the Honda Fit, you can simply judge by its appearance that this Honda is not meant to create menace on the race track or on a drag strip. Nonetheless, Fit’s smaller wheelbase and compact dimensions mean that it is relatively agile. But its standard suspension setup and numb steering don’t deliver the kind of confidence required while diving in and out of curves.

However, that translates to a competent city cruiser. Despite its smaller size, the Honda Fit absorbs most bumps well. At the same time, the lightly-weighted steering wheel means this Honda remains fairly composed while cruising. While peak mid-range torque ensures minimal shifts in traffic, power higher up on the rev-range makes up for remarkable haul ability at highway speeds.

All inline-fours are pretty fuel-efficient and the Honda Fit is no exception. While its sluggish performance also translates to improved efficiency, Honda’s i-VTEC and Variable Timing Control features allow the Fit to be even thriftier. The only complain for the Fit that we have against it, is it's fuel tank capacity. However, the good gas mileage allows for over 350 miles of overall driving range.

Model	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
MPG (city)	33	33	32	26
MPG (highway)	40	41	40	34
MPG (combined)	36	36	35	29
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)	10.6	11.9	11.6	12.2
Range (city/highway) (miles)	350/424	393/488	371/464	317/415

The Kia Rio is the only other subcompact to offer the same level of efficiency as the Honda Fit. However, the Fit gets a bigger fuel tank. So it offers more range. The Sonic offers the lowest driving range of this entire lot, owing to it's less optimized motor. The Kia Rio hatchback scores high on the overall driving range front.

For a subcompact, the Honda Fit is incredibly accommodating. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is just as comfortable. While roominess is plenty all around and the seats are wide, they lack the kind of support to ensure leisure over longer drives.

The standard cloth upholstery feels inexpensive, and the rest of the cabin is also lined with thin plastic, which is soft-touch but also feels inexpensive and bland. But opting for the EX-L variant wraps the seats and steering wheel in leather which makes the Fit’s cabin feel a lot more premium.

Model	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
Passenger Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	39.5/54.8/41.4	38.9/54.1/42.1	38.2/53.2/41.9	41.8/53.4/41.8
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	37.5/52.6/39.3	38.0/53.3/33.5	37.2/50.0/33.4	38.1/53.0/34.6

It is the Kia Rio hatch whose first row offers the most legroom. However, as far as roominess all around is concerned, no other subcompact impresses as much as the Honda Fit.

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

Standard on the base Honda Fit is a 5-inch non-touch LCD screen. Moving up the trim ladder, from the Sport variant onwards, will get you a 7-inch touchscreen display, which makes this Honda feel contemporary. The several features aboard the 2020 Honda Fit are:

Here is a list of few of the other features on the infotainment system:

• Multi-angle rearview camera
• Bluetooth
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• HondaLink
• Pandora compatibility
• SiriusXM radio

What about utility?

Despite a smaller wheelbase, the Honda Fit manages to free up enough space on the inside to offer exceptional practicality. A lot of that results from the Fit’s oval shape. Besides its spacious trunk, the second-row magic seats can also be configured to maximize storage.

The loading bay for the cargo area is low as well, making life a lot easier for people carrying a lot of luggage.

Model	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (ft.3)	16.6	17.4	15.9	19.0

The Honda Fit does have an above-average boot space, but it’s not quite as big as what the Chevrolet Sonic hatch or Kia Rio hatch has to offer.

What creature comforts are on offer?

The cabin build quality might not be that upscale on the Honda Fit, but it doesn’t shy away from offering relevant features to improve comfort. These features include:

• 60/40 split 2nd-row magic seats
• Eco Assist system
• Cruise control
• Multi-reflector halogen headlamps w/ auto on/off
• Air conditioning
• 4/6 speaker sound system
• 5 Amp USB smartphone/audio interface
• One-touch power moonroof
• Push-button start
• Heated front seats

The Honda Fit looks nothing like any other subcompact out there. In fact, its shape might have you confused for a minivan. Its overall oval design not only maximizes interior space but also improves aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency. So the Honda Fit may lack form but is plenty practical.

The front fascia of the Fit is typical Honda. While halogen headlamps surround the chrome strip Honda grille, the hood bulges upwards from the sides to give the Fit a meaner appearance. Along the sides, linear and appealing sculpts add aerodynamic enhancements. At the rear, exaggerated taillights give this Honda a slight appeal.

Model	Honda Fit Hatchback	Kia Rio Hatchback	Toyota Yaris Hatchback	Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2568	2762	2396	2896
Length (in.)	161.4	160.0	161.6	159.8
Width (in.)	67.0	67.9	66.7	68.3
Height (in.)	60.0	57.1	58.9	59.7
Ground Clearance (in.)	N/A	5.5	5.5	N/A
Wheelbase (in.)	99.6	101.6	101.2	99.4
Track Width (in.) F/R	58.3/58.0	59.8/60.0	58.8/58.4	59.4/59.4

The Honda Fit is small even for a subcompact. It has the shortest wheelbase in this segment. Yet it boasts the most spacious cabin and a trunk that offers more storage than most.

What are the most eye-catching features?

The most notable exterior features of the 2020 Honda Fit that will make you look twice are:

• Halogen headlamps
• 16-inch black alloy wheels
• Body-colored power side mirrors
• Underbody spoilers
• Chrome exhaust finisher

The Honda Fit does not compromise on practicality. Neither does it on safety. Even the base variant is well equipped with all the essential safety features that include:

• Multi-reflector halogen headlamps with auto on/off
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure
• Security system with remote entry
• Fog lights
• Auto high-beam headlights
• Honda Lane Watch

IIHS and NHTSA are yet to test out the 2020 Honda Fit and we will update this section, once those have been done.

Honda Fit Hatchback vs. Kia Rio Hatchback

The Rio Hatchback is an interesting, little subcompact. Now, the Honda Fit might seem like it offers better value for money, but in reality, it’s Rio which turns out to be the better overall package. The Rio Hatchback offers a lot more features than the Honda Fit. Also, it looks and feels a lot more premium than the Fit. To top it all off, it offers the same level of efficiency as that Honda too. The Fit’s only upsides are its bigger fuel tank and more accommodating cabin.

Honda Fit Hatchback vs. Toyota Yaris Hatchback

The Honda Fit is powered by a more potent engine than the one on the Yaris hatch. Still, the Fit offers better efficiency than the same. Then again this Honda is a lot more practical than that Toyota with its bigger boot, trunk and fuel tank. Also for the starting price of the Yaris Hatchback, you can get yourself the Sport variant of the Fit with the CVT, which just tips the odds in favor of the Honda Fit.

 

If getting an extremely premium feel from your car as you lock yourself into it isn’t your top priority, there are hardly any other subcompacts on the market that do what the Honda Fit can. It lives up to the promises of being a reliable everyday commuter, but that is about it for this Honda. In that aspect, the Kia Rio is one hard to beat hatch.