Used 2019 Honda Fit EX Hatchback Review

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.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Honda Fit as one of Edmunds' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

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.

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.