2018 Honda Fit Is The Winner Of The Subcompact Space Race

The 2018 Honda Fit has been refreshed for the 2018 model year. Available in its current third generation version since the 2015 model year, the 2018 Fit has been upgraded to compete more strongly in the subcompact hatchback segment.

Subcompacts are a very small segment within the entire US new vehicle market. These are the lowest priced and most affordable new cars. They are ideal for those on a tight budget who want the security of a brand new vehicle with a new car warranty. 

For the most recent month with available statistics, June 2017, the Fit came in fourth place among subcompacts with 4,444 US sales. It trailed the leading Nissan Versa (8,155), the Chevrolet Sonic (6,550), and the Hyundai Accent (5,028). 

For reference, consider that the total of 33,741 US subcompact sales in June 2017 is dwarfed by the 203,728 full-size pickup trucks sold here during the same month. America loves trucks!

2018 Fit Comes With Loads Of Space

For those new car buyers who are interested in a subcompact car, the 2018 Fit offers a more creative take than your typical subcompact. More tall and upright than most of its competitors, the Fit offers a low floor for loading and a wide variety of seating configurations for maximum utility and functionality.

The 2018 Fit’s second-row Magic Seat folds forward to provide a huge 52.7 cubic feet of storage space inside, more than any of its competitors. The 60/40 split second row also folds partially for carrying both passengers and cargo. You can even fit a pet crate back there.

Fit Upgrades For 2018

As is typical for a mid-period refresh, the 2018 Fit gets sportier looks through its newly redesigned front and rear fascias, an updated chrome and piano black grille, and some new wheel designs and finishes. New exterior color options are Helios Yellow and Orange Fury. 

A New Trim Level Joins The Fit Lineup

The 2018 Honda Fit comes in four trim levels: LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. The Sport trim is new for 2018.

Standard equipment on LX and all trims includes a rearview camera, tailgate spoiler, auto on-off headlights, LED brake lights, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, center storage console with an armrest, and a redesigned driver’s meter incorporating a large analog speedometer and digital tachometer.

The new Sport trim on the 2018 Fit features a more aggressive look with aero form features, integrated fog lights, and a front splitter highlighted in bright orange. A rear diffuser, similarly trimmed, completes the look outside. The 16” alloy wheels are finished in gloss black.

Inside, the Fit Sport comes with a black interior with unique cross-hatched fabric on the seats and doors. The orange accent theme continues inside with bright orange stitching on the seats, armrest, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the shift knob. Premium features previously available only on EX trims include a 180-watt six-speaker audio system, plus a 7” Display Audio touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The EX trim includes the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance technologies, standard for the first time on both automatic and manual transmission models. Also included are Honda LaneWatch, XM Radio, Push Button Start, Smart Entry with Walk Away Auto Lock, and a power moonroof.

The top of the line EX-L adds leather-trimmed seats with front seat heating, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and available navigation with HD Traffic and Radio.

Power Is Adequate For The Mission

The 2018 Fit is powered by a 1.5L DOHC direct-injected 4-cylinder engine with Variable Cam Timing. It produces 130 horsepower with the manual transmission and 128 with the automatic. The encouraging news, for those who prefer a manual transmission, is that the 2018 Fit offers a six-speed manual in the LX, Sport, and EX trims. Great news if you like to row your own! Automatic fans will be relieved to know that all trims are available with the CVT.

Mileage varies based on the model and transmission selected. EPA estimates for the 2018 Fit are 29 to 33 MPG City and 36 to 40 MPG Highway.

2018 Honda Fit Is A Unique Entry In An Unappreciated Segment

If you like the idea of a small car with a huge amount of space inside, one that gets great mileage and is fun to drive as well as easy to park, check out the 2018 Honda Fit. It is a standout in the subcompact hatchback market.