10 Reasons the 2019 Honda Fit Won the AutoWeb Buyer’s Choice Best Hatchback Award

On the Fit, this system is a $1,000 option on the LX and Sport trims (if you also opt for an automatic transmission), and standard on the EX and EX-L models. It’s impressive that all these features are even available at all, much less on the base model — many affordable cars bundle the best tech with other expensive luxuries. The Fit also achieved the top five-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

And like Honda Sensing, these colors are available on every Fit trim. That means you can get your favorite color along with your choice of features.

Unlike some extra-efficient cars, the Fit also has an acceptably powerful engine: a 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 128 to 130 horsepower, depending on the transmission. Overall, it sips fuel while still being drivable.

The Fit’s well-executed six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment on the LX, Sport, and EX models. So unless you demand leather upholstery or an in-dash navigation system, you can get all the Fit features you want along with the manual. That even applies to the Honda Sensing safety features, which aren’t offered on the LX or Sport manuals but come standard on the EX.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are making their way through all market classes, though many affordable cars reserve them for higher-grade trims. Honda keeps them accessible starting at the $17,500 Fit Sport model. Most Fit trims also are compatible with the HondaLink mobile app, which can lock or unlock the car and even remotely start the engine.

While the current-generation Fit, on sale since the 2015 model year, isn’t as overtly sporty as past iterations, the car’s small size and light weight keep it agile. At the same time, it maintains better composure than older Fits at highway speeds. It also boasts a tight 35-foot turning circle, which makes it easy to maneuver the Fit through narrow streets and crowded parking lots.

A tilting and telescoping steering wheel and height-adjustable driver’s seat are welcome standard equipment that some budget-priced subcompact cars do without. Available leather upholstery and heated front seats, both standard on the top EX-L model, are another nice extra at this price point. The Fit is no limousine, but don’t assume that just because it’s a little city car, it can’t also carry a crowd. 

Adding to the Fit’s flexibility is its second-row “Magic Seat.” It doesn’t only fold flat with ease, but it also lets you flip up the cushion against the rear seatback. This class-exclusive feature creates an extra-deep and protected cargo hold between the front and rear seatbacks, which happy owners have used to hold everything from furniture to dogs to small trees. 

Even the fully loaded Fit EX-L, with heated leather seats, a power sunroof, and a navigation system, is just $21,520. Most cars don’t even cost that little on their base models. What’s more, the Fit promises the best resale value in its class, which will help you afford your next car when it comes time to sell it or trade it in.

Overall, it’s no surprise that AutoWeb users love the Fit. It epitomizes the spirit of the hatchback — maximum space in the minimum footprint — while throwing in outstanding fuel economy, a wide array of available features, and a pleasant driving experience.