2019 Honda Fit vs. 2020 Honda Fit: Which is Better?
It’s an exhibition match between different model years as we set the 2019 Honda Fit against the 2020 model to figure out which one is better.
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
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The Honda Fit is a budget-friendly subcompact car with great gas mileage and a surprising amount of storage space, but which model year is better—2019 or 2020?
Since its debut in 2001, the Honda Fit has become a popular car the whole world over, thanks to its combination of practicality and affordability. Newer model years are no longer sold in North America, but the Fit is still popular on the secondhand market, so it won’t be going anywhere anytime soon!
The question remains, though—which Honda Fit model year is the best? Let’s compare and contrast the 2019 and 2020 model years to help you make an informed decision.
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Pricing
One of the Fit’s major selling points has always been its affordability, so needless to say the pricing will be fairly similar between these two adjacent model years.
- 2019 Honda Fit: $18,000–$25,000
- 2020 Honda Fit: $20,000–$25,000
As you can see, the price range between these two models is comparable, with the major difference being that the 2019 Fit starts around $2,000 cheaper.
If you take a closer look at the five-year true cost of ownership for both cars, you can see that the similarities keep on coming. That’s because the 2019 Fit’s ownership costs come out to roughly $29,996, compared to $29,952 for the 2020 Fit (based on estimates from Edmunds).
Performance
You might not believe it, but it’s another toss-up. For both the 2019 and 2020 model years, all Honda Fit models are powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive (FWD). No extra engine options are offered for either model.
Both the 2019 and 2020 Fit also have the same transmission options—a standard six-speed manual (130 hp, 114 lb-ft) and an optional CVT transmission (128 hp, 113 lb-ft).
How does all of this pan out on the blacktop, though? More or less the same, because both Fit model years take around 8.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph.
MORE: What’s the difference between horsepower and torque?
Fuel efficiency
We’ve got ourselves another tie! We don’t know if this is turning into a nail-biter or a snoozefest, but the 2019 and 2020 Honda Fits have the exact same fuel economy according to the EPA. When equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, both Fit models have an estimated fuel efficiency of 31 combined mpg (29 city, 36 highway).
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the specific transmission you have will determine your fuel economy. The optional CVT, for example, bumps your Fit’s fuel efficiency up to 36 combined mpg.
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Technology
In case you haven’t noticed the established pattern, the 2019 and 2020 Honda Fits have a lot in common when it comes to the onboard tech.
Both are standard-equipped with a five-inch display screen and a four-speaker audio system, but the 2020 Fit has the added perk of coming with a rearview camera. Upgrading to the CVT automatic transmission on certain 2019 trims will also get you safety features like automatic braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Choosing higher trims for either model year will also net you certain luxury features, including:
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Sunroof
- Extendable sun visors
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather upholstery
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Heated front seats
Reliability
According to RepairPal, Hondas have the lowest annual repair costs of all major car brands, costing only $428 per year on average. Quick, try to guess which model year got a higher reliability score. Have a guess?
If you guessed that both the 2019 and 2020 Honda Fit have the exact same 4.5/5 reliability score, then you’ve really been paying attention! RepairPal also noted that the 2019 Fit has an average annual repair cost of $390 (even lower than the Honda average), ranking it the 4th best subcompact car in terms of reliability.
Since RepairPal doesn’t have enough data to comparatively rank the 2020 Honda—and because we’re all getting sick of ties—we’re gonna go ahead and give this one to the 2019 Fit!
Interior
The interior for both Honda Fit model years is notable for its accessibility, storage space, and ample legroom. Both are equipped with Honda’s patented Magic Seats, which are highly configurable and can be folded in multiple ways to better accommodate cargo. Let’s take a closer look at the interior dimensions for these two Fit models:
Measurement | 2019 Honda Fit | 2020 Honda Fit |
|---|---|---|
Cargo volume | 16.6 cubic feet | 16.6 cubic feet |
Passenger volume | 95.7 inches | 95.7 inches |
Headroom (front seats) | 39.5 inches | 39.5 inches |
Legroom (front seats) | 41.4 inches | 41.4 inches |
Hip room (front seats) | 51.5 inches | 51.5 inches |
Shoulder room (front seats) | 54.8 inches | 54.8 inches |
Headroom (rear seats) | 37.5 inches | 37.5 inches |
Legroom (rear seats) | 39.3 inches | 39.3 inches |
Hip room (rear seats) | 37.5 inches | 37.5 inches |
Shoulder room (rear seats) | 52.6 inches | 52.6 inches |
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Once again, there isn’t a lot separating the interiors of these two model years. Both have the Honda Magic Seats, plenty of cargo space, and the same amount of surprising spaciousness within the interior.
MORE: How to protect, clean, and organize your car trunk
The final word
Well, it was a close-fought contest—extremely close-fought, even—but the superior model year between the 2019 and 2020 Honda Fit is pretty much up to you. Almost nothing separates these two cars: they’re both affordable, surprisingly spacious, and downright good on gas.
If we had to pick between the two, we would probably go with the 2019 Fit. It’s $2,000 cheaper on average and comes with almost all of the same features!
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