Two questions with similar themes percolate throughout the auto industry. Consumers want to know the best car for the money and the best car money can buy. The answers are subjective. But the first question is more relevant to more buyers, and so here’s one vote for the 2018 Honda Fit.
Now in its third generation and 11th year since replacing the Honda Civic hatchback, the Fit is a five-door subcompact with more interior room than its appearance indicates. Versatile, well-constructed inside and outside and value-priced, the little engine that can is arguably the best new car available in the United States for less than $20,000.
Key Takeaways
- Still one of the best new cars under $20,000: The third-generation Fit holds its spot as the most useful subcompact value proposition, now 11 years into the nameplate’s US run.
- Magic Seat folds four ways: The 60/40-split rear bench folds flat into the floor, and the seat bottoms flip up to hold tall objects. Fold the front passenger seat and the Fit swallows objects nearly eight feet long.
- 52.7 cubic feet of cargo in a subcompact footprint: Best in class and close to the cargo volume of some small crossovers, without the crossover price or fuel-economy penalty.
- 130 hp, 29/36 mpg, 0-60 in 8.8 seconds: The 1.5-liter four-cylinder with manual transmission is no speedster but is class-competitive. Sport trim adds CarPlay, 16-inch alloys, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
- $17,500 Sport trim, $18,390 with delivery: The tested Sport undercuts the top EX-L trim and stays well under the $20,000 threshold while adding genuinely useful equipment.
The 2018 Honda Fit is available in LX, Sport, EX and EX-L trims. All Fits have 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engines with front-wheel drive. A standard six-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available except on EX-L trim. It only has a CVT. With a manual transmission, the engine is rated at 130 horsepower.
The new Sport trim (my test vehicle) has a 7-inch touchscreen interface that connects with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a six-speaker sound system. A few new styling extras include 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Also new for 2018 is an upgraded suspension and improved safety features.
The Fit’s interior space is impressive, including ample legroom in the back seat. Like many vehicles with manufacturer’s claims of five-passenger seating, the Fit is more appropriate for four adults. The second-row seating called “Magic Seat” is innovative. The 60/40-split rear bench folds flat into the floor, and the seat bottoms prop up to provide upright space for tall objects.
With both rear seatbacks folded down, the Fit has 52.7 cubic feet of cargo room, not too much less than some smaller crossovers and the best in its segment. With the Fit’s front passenger seat folded flat, items nearly eight-feet long will fit.
The Honda Fit shouldn’t be expected to break land speed records. But for its class, it’s no slouch. Its 0-60 mph test speed of 8.8 seconds is among the strongest in its segment. Gas mileage averages are 29 miles per gallon in city driving, 36 miles per gallon on the freeway.
On the open road, the Honda Fit drives predictably. It’s a lightweight vehicle, so it doesn’t have a lot of authority. And compared to previous years’ models, the new Fit has more engine noise at freeway speeds.
With three two friends and a combined occupant weight of about 550 pounds, the new Fit fared well and without issues on a 275-mile round-trip from Sacramento to Half Moon Bay. The engine’s high pitch is prevalent, particularly exceeding 70 miles per hour. But it’s not problematic.
Still, the Fit is at its best in city driving. It maneuvers well through traffic, has a tight turning radius and is confident, as it should be, in tight parking spaces. Overall road vision is impressive, in part because the Fit has 10 windows. It’s another reason why the Fit has a larger presence than its subcompact status.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the top-line EX-L model just surpasses $20,000, but the remaining fit trims are all less expensive. The MSRP for the Sport model is $17,500. With its delivery charge, the total is $18,390.
The topic of best car money can buy is still open for discussion as is the best car for the money. But the 2018 Honda Fit makes its case just as it has for the past decade.
What We Like
- Magic Seat second row folds flat and flips up for cargo flexibility
- 52.7 cubic feet of cargo with rear seats down, best in segment
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on Sport trim and above
- 29/36 mpg city/highway fuel economy
- Tight turning radius and 10 windows for excellent outward visibility
What We Don’t
- Engine noise prominent above 70 mph
- Lightweight feel on windy freeways
- Rear seat is tight for three adults despite five-person rating
- Manual transmission not available on top EX-L trim
- Infotainment screen graphics trail newer rivals
Facts & Figures: 2018 Honda Fit
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4-cylinder, 1.5L |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual or CVT |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 29 city / 36 hwy / 32 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2018 Toyota Yaris | |
| 2018 Nissan Versa Note | |
| 2018 Hyundai Accent | |
| 2018 Kia Rio | |
| 2018 Chevrolet Sonic |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2018 Honda Fit have?
The 1.5-liter four-cylinder produces 130 horsepower with the six-speed manual transmission. All Fits use the same engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Honda Fit?
EPA ratings are 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined on regular gasoline, depending on trim and transmission.
How fast is the 2018 Honda Fit?
0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds, among the strongest times in its segment and faster than most subcompact competitors.
How much cargo space does the 2018 Fit have?
52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat — best in the subcompact class. With the front passenger seat also folded, items nearly eight feet long fit inside.
What is the Magic Seat?
Honda’s name for the Fit’s uniquely versatile rear bench. The 60/40 seats fold flat into the floor for cargo, and the bottom cushions flip up against the seatbacks to create an upright space for tall objects.
How much does the 2018 Honda Fit cost?
The Sport trim MSRP is $17,500, or $18,390 with delivery charges. Top-line EX-L trim pricing starts just over $20,000.
What trim levels are offered for the 2018 Fit?
Four trims: LX, Sport, EX, and EX-L. All come with the 1.5-liter four-cylinder and front-wheel drive. The EX-L is only available with the CVT.
What are the main rivals to the 2018 Honda Fit?
Primary competitors include the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa Note, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Chevrolet Sonic in the subcompact hatchback segment.
Article Last Updated: April 17, 2026.
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A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.