2020 Honda Fit

Overview

The 2020 Honda Fit might as well be one of those magical clown cars, what with its seemingly impossible ability to hold way more stuff than its small size suggests. Honda's subcompact hatchback also has more passenger space than most people would think possible, and its multi-way folding back seat is the key to its phenomenal versatility. While this generation of Fit lacks the fun-to-drive personality of its predecessors, it still has a very fuel-efficient engine and smooth ride quality. Of course, the hatch's buzzy engine and some unspectacular interior materials bely its bargain pricing. Still, the 2020 Fit is among the most practical and versatile small cars on the market.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Honda doesn't make any significant changes to the Fit lineup. While the company debuted an all-new model at the 2019 Tokyo auto show, we've been told it won't be sold in the U.S., and that the Fit will be discontinued here altogether.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Most Fit shoppers are looking for an affordable way to get from point A to point B, but they also want more desirable features than the base Fit offers. This includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as well as flashier exterior addenda. In this light, we'd recommend stepping up to the still-affordable Sport trim level. While a manual transmission is standard—and we're big fans of the added engagement—we think the optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is worth the extra money because it nets even better fuel-economy ratings. Likewise, choosing the CVT unlocks the Honda Sensing package that adds adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The only powertrain decision that Fit buyers must make is the choice between the six-speed manual transmission and the CVT, although horsepower drops to 128 for CVT-equipped models. At the higher engine speeds, however, the engine is buzzy. The manual transmission affords greater control for getting the most power out of the engine; the CVT saps life from the engine and isn't as satisfying to drive. Only the Fit's ride quality stands out as a highlight. The car is almost supple when driving over most road imperfections, particularly when equipped with the bigger tires of the base LX iteration. What rides well doesn't always handle well, though, and the Fit's soft suspension leaves it dynamically unexceptional. There is still ample body roll in corners and the steering offers zero road feel—nor is it as precise as it was in the previous generation of the Fit. Call it competent, not fun.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The LX model with the CVT manages an exceptional 40-mpg highway rating from the EPA; all other Fits score a 36-mpg highway estimate. Only Fits with the manual transmission fail to breach the 30-mpg mark in the city from the EPA. We tested a manual-equipped Fit, which the EPA rates as the least efficient, yet we nonetheless recorded an impressive 41 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Cleanly styled and well assembled from quality materials, the Fit's interior shines among the best in the segment. Factor in its spaciousness and the interior is a pleasant place to be. In most dimensions, the Fit's cabin is the largest in the subcompact class. Its rear-seat area in particular is astonishingly roomy and has significantly more legroom than any direct competitor; it nearly matches that of some full-size sedans. The model has built its reputation on the back of its rear Magic Seat. That split bench can fold flat—forming an uninterrupted surface from the rear bumper to just behind the front seats—or can flip its bottom cushion up and into a vertical position, allowing tall, wide items to be loaded through the side doors and set across the rear footwells. The result is unmatched configurability that is bolstered by the boxy Fit's cavernous interior and cargo volumes. With the rear seats folded, we fit 20 carry-on suitcases inside the Fit's cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2020 Fit comes standard with Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, at least one USB port, and redundant steering-wheel audio controls. The 7.0-inch touchscreen, found on every Fit but the base LX trim, adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability and two additional speakers for the sound system (for a total of six). In a sign of our smartphone times, Honda actually removed the Fit's auxiliary audio input, going solely USB.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The 2020 Fit earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it wasn't named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The subcompact Honda also offers a bevy of optional driver-assistance technology. Key safety features include:

• Available automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Honda provides a competitive limited warranty, but the company falls short of competitors that have better powertrain coverage and offer complimentary maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance