2019 Honda Fit

2019 Honda Fit Review

The 2019 Honda Fit is a big bundle of practicality in a small, modern package.
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by Travis Langness
Edmunds Editor

There's a lot to like about the 2019 Honda Fit. As small economy-minded hatchbacks cars go, it's engaging to drive around turns and comfortable when you're just cruising on the highway. This is especially nice when you consider just how good the Fit is at maneuvering through tight spots in big cities and how versatile its special configurable rear seats are. The Fit is one of the most efficient vehicles in the class as well. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Fit are as high as 36 mpg combined (33 city/40 highway) with the automatic transmission.

In-car technology is a strong point for the Fit. Last year, Honda added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which helped to address the lack of navigation in the lower trim levels. Safety features on the Fit are impressive, too. If you opt for a base-level LX but upgrade to the automatic transmission, you'll get forward collision warning with emergency automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and adaptive cruise control. That's quite a bit of equipment for a relatively low price.

If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive, high-quality subcompact car, there's no doubt that the 2019 Honda Fit should be at the top of your list.

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what's new

For 2019, Honda Fit models with the optional Honda Sensing system get automatic high-beam headlight control. Otherwise, the Fit carries over from the previous year.
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we recommend

We recommend the EX trim for most buyers because it represents excellent value for the class. It comes with the larger 7-inch touchscreen interface, Honda's LaneWatch technology (essentially a blind-spot camera for the right side of the car), proximity entry with push-button start, and even a sunroof. At the EX level you're missing out on the EX-L's available navigation upgrade, but smartphone owners can connect with either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to fill in that gap.
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trim levels & features

The 2019 Honda Fit is available in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX and EX-L. All Fits have a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that drives the front wheels. A standard six-speed manual or optional CVT automatic are available on all but the EX-L trim, which only comes with the automatic. With the manual transmission, the engine is rated at 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Those numbers drop slightly to 128 hp and 113 lb-ft with the CVT automatic.

The Fit LX gets you 15-inch steel wheels, a rearview camera, remote entry, air conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and driver-seat height adjustment. Infotainment duties are handled by a 5-inch display screen with Bluetooth and a four-speaker stereo. You also get the Fit's party piece, the 60/40-split folding rear seat. These Magic Seat rear seats can be positioned in a number of configurations, making the Fit able to handle more types of cargo than other hatchbacks.

Upgrading from the manual to the CVT automatic on the LX will get you forward collision warning with emergency automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and adaptive cruise control.

The Sport trim adds some sporty styling highlights, as well as 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Sport's infotainment system is a 7-inch touchscreen interface that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Step up to the EX and the Fit receives a sunroof, proximity entry with push-button start, and extendable sun visors. Both manual- and CVT automatic-equipped cars get Honda Sensing, which on the EX also includes LaneWatch, a camera mounted to the passenger-side mirror that gives a clear view of the adjoining lane when the right turn signal is activated.

At the top of the Fit range, the EX-L adds heated side mirrors, heated front seats and leather upholstery. Navigation is a stand-alone option for the EX-L.

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trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Honda Fit EX (1.5L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD) as well as a first drive of a Honda Fit EX-L (1.5L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since the 2015 test was conducted, the current Honda Fit has received some revisions, including new safety and technology features, driver aids, more sound insulation, and updates to suspension and steering. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Honda Fit, however.

driving

The Fit isn't overly quick to accelerate, but it is nimble around turns and generally fun to drive. It's also stable at freeway speeds. Though by no means what we would call a "hot hatch," the Fit is responsive and an easy car to live with on a daily basis.

acceleration

Around town, the four-cylinder's power feels adequate. The CVT automatic has somewhat slow responses, but in our testing the Fit did 0-60 mph in a decent 8.8 seconds.

braking

The pedal feels a little soft, but it's also progressive and easy to modulate. Making smooth stops in traffic is effortless.

steering

The Fit's steering is linear and direct. Effort is light, but it builds naturally. It offers almost no feel of the road, but that's not unusual for this segment.

handling

Honda's little hatchback is nimble and light when going around turns. It's also stable at freeway speeds. It changes direction quickly, although the grip limits of the tires aren't high.

drivability

The light action of the controls makes the Fit easy to use, and the CVT automatic is unobtrusive in day-to-day driving. The manual transmission's shifter is precise, though the clutch pedal doesn't offer much uptake feel. Parking is dead-simple thanks to tiny overhangs and a standard rearview camera.

comfort

Considering the Fit's simple suspension design and short wheelbase, the ride quality is certainly decent. The seats are comfortable, and the cabin is decently quiet.

seat comfort

The seats offer just enough adjustability. They are wide, allow plenty of leg movement and are comfortable even on longer trips. The bolsters are moderate, but they provide good lateral support.

ride comfort

The ride quality doesn't feel too busy or fidgety. It's appropriately compliant and comfortable enough for long road trips.

noise & vibration

At highway speeds, the cabin is slightly above-average in terms of wind and road noise. Neither is excessive, but they're there. Engine noise is not a factor when just cruising, but it does drone at high revs.

climate control

The climate control is simple (there's no automatic setting) and easy to adjust, thanks to its clearly marked knob-based interface. It's also more than capable of regulating the small cabin's temperature.

interior

Clever packaging and ease of use are hallmarks of the Fit. Thanks to the configurable rear seat, this is a truly versatile cabin. Cargo capacity is impressive, and legroom is generous all around. The only shortcoming is rear headroom.

ease of use

The Fit's chunky temp knobs and cabin controls are well-placed and easy to use. The 7-inch touchscreen interface isn't the most intuitive, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay help.

getting in/getting out

The Fit is quite easy to climb in and out of, thanks to short doors that can open fully in small spaces and tall door openings. The biggest issue is the rear-seat stepover: The rear floor is uneven near the door, so finding sure footing requires more reach.

driving position

The driving position is upright and comfortable, and the height-adjustable seat means any driver will fit. Taller drivers might wish the armrests were higher.

roominess

This is a small car with a shocking amount of space and an airy-feeling cabin, thanks to smart packaging. Backseat passengers have a huge amount of legroom, but passengers over 6 feet will have to lean forward a bit or they'll run out of headroom.

visibility

The high windshield and low beltline, along with door-mounted mirrors, contribute to excellent visibility. A curved driver's mirror and camera on the passenger's mirror address blind spots, but the thick rear roof pillars still obstruct rear three-quarter visibility in some situations.

quality

There are some hard plastics, but the touch surfaces are generally soft. The controls have a slick action, and there's no overriding sense that this is an inexpensive car. Everything feels solidly put together.

utility

For such a small car, the Fit shines when it comes to moving cargo. The Magic Seats allow for a number of configurations, so the Fit can tackle all sorts of jobs.

small-item storage

There are quite a few spots around the cabin for storing small items, but none are particularly large, somewhat limiting their usefulness. The front and back door pockets can accommodate water bottles.

cargo space

The ingenious back seat allows for many loading options, and it folds flat to create a surprisingly large maximum cargo area. The seat bottom flips up for tall, upright items. The Fit is unrivaled in its class in this category.

child safety seat accomodation

The rear LATCH points are easy to find and easy to access. The tall door openings and generous rear space will make installing child seats less arduous.

technology

For 2018, the Fit has been updated with driver aids and active safety features, as well as full smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

audio & navigation

Honda's infotainment system is decent, but the on-screen menus look clunky and stilted. Smartphone owners can get navigation via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which means they might forgo the optional navigation system.

smartphone integration

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard on all but the base LX trim, and plugging in this way makes it unnecessary to pair your phone via Bluetooth: It's automatic. USB ports are available in the center console and the armrest bin.

driver aids

Forward collision alert with automatic braking and lane keeping assist are nice to have at this price. Adaptive cruise works well, but only at speeds above about 34 mph. There's no blind-spot monitoring, but Honda's LaneWatch camera is a decent alternative.

edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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