When the Honda Fit debuted eight years ago it quickly became a favorite of economy car shoppers. It’s fair to say it wasn’t because of the car’s rather controversial styling, but with its flexible configurations for interior seating and cargo, a fuel-efficient engine and a relatively fun-to-drive demeanor, the Fit proved that you didn’t need to suffer an anonymous econobox just for good mileage.
The Honda Fit is available in two main trim levels: base and Sport. Both come with a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 117 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, with a five-speed automatic transmission being optional. Paddle shifters are included with the automatic for the Sport version. Fuel economy is respectably good with either transmission.
On the base Fit, air-conditioning, cruise control, keyless entry a tilt-and-telescoping steering column and a four-speaker audio system with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and iPod/USB audio interface are standard. The Honda Fit Sport gains bigger wheels, sportier exterior trim details and a six-speaker audio system. Fit Sports can also be optioned with a touchscreen navigation system that includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and voice controls.
The Fit is Honda’s smallest automotive product, but it nearly matches the total passenger space of the larger Civic sedan. To help achieve this, Honda has installed a compact rear suspension design and placed the fuel tank underneath the passenger seat. Another key advantage for the Fit is its innovative, highly versatile rear seating arrangement.
The “Magic Seat” has seatbacks that fold flat and seat cushions that can be flipped upward, creating a tall load area right behind the front seats — sort of like a crew cab pickup’s rear seats. Maximum cargo capacity is an impressive 57 cubic feet.
Now entering its third generation, the 2015 Honda Fit looks to keep the good times rolling while also becoming even more appealing.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2015 Honda Fit is offered in LX, EX, EX-L and EX-L with Navi trim levels.
A 7-inch touchscreen interface is included starting at the EX trim level. Leather upholstery is standard in EX-L models.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2015 Honda Fit features a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on LX and EX models, while a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. EX-L models are only offered with the CVT.
During Edmunds testing, a 2015 Honda Fit EX-L with Navi ran from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds; that’s pretty quick for the subcompact segment.
Equipped with the manual transmission, the Fit returns an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined (29 city/37 highway). CVT-equipped models deliver 35 mpg combined (32 city/38 highway), except for the entry-level LX. At 36 mpg combined (33 city/41 highway), it yields the best fuel economy of the lineup.