2018 Honda Fit

Honda offers the 2018 Fit in four trims with prices ranging from $16,190 to $21,520 with a span of $5,330.

The LX is the cheapest model at $16,190 before taxes, destination charges, and licensing. The next rung up is the new-for-2018 Sport trim with a sticker price of $17,500 followed by the EX model with a base MSRP of $18,160. The EX-L tops the line-up with a base price of $20,520.

The Fit has always provided buyers with one of the most playful chasses in the subcompact segment, and the 2018 revisions keep that true. The front-wheel drive chassis is light on its feet with precise steering and sharp handling dynamics.

The suspension, sharpened for 2018, rides a little firmer than before but doesn't compromise on giving occupants a pliant ride. Over rapidly changing surfaces the Fit absorbs most surface changes easily, while mid-corner bumps fail to upset the Fit. Optional HFP performance shocks are stiffer and offer better performance and handling dynamics with better absorption of secondary jitters.

Overall, the steering is light but weights up naturally. It's devoid of feel, but that's nothing unseen in this segment as most offer electronically power-assisted numb steering. Where the Fit falters is in its braking, with a brake pedal that feels a little softer than it should, despite braking performance still being decent.

A crucial upgrade for 2018 which has made a world of difference is the higher levels of insulation equipped to the doors, wheel arches, and underbody. The earlier model years of this generation allowed too much noise into the cabin, while the updated model now offers vastly improved cabin noise insulation.

Other rivals in this segment might provide a slightly more engaging drive and a little more power, along with more intuitive infotainment, but that's the only way in which the Honda Fit can be bested. In all other aspects, the Fit is just about unbeatable. Solid build quality, high levels of safety, and great value for money are all key drawcards, but the Fit's frugality and keen driving dynamics are real high points. More than that, it's comfortable, can house five people, and is extremely versatile. The multi-way configurable interior gives best in class practicality, while even rear passengers will be comfortable on the long haul. Add to all that extra refinement and tauter suspension, and there's little to fault about the Honda Fit. If you're looking for the benchmark subcompact, this is it.

While the Fit Sport might seem like an enticing option, the best of the lot is the Fit EX. It comes in at under $20,000 and with the upgraded infotainment, standard safety features, and comfort features like keyless entry and a power sunroof, it offers all the comfort features you really need. The lack of onboard navigation is a non issue as the standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enable navigation via smartphone. The EX also offers a benefit over the higher EX-L in that, should buyers wish to trade fuel economy for a little more control, a manual gearbox is still available.

The Fit is an exceptional subcompact hatchback, but Toyota's own Yaris is another viable small car with an enticing price tag and relatively decent practicality. The Yaris scores highly on predicted reliability and it comes with more standard safety features, including lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and pre-collision braking on all models. The Fit, however, pulls it back in overall practicality, with a much larger cabin and more versatile cargo area. The Honda is also more enjoyable to drive, has better suspension tuning with a more pliant ride, and it boasts superior handling. The finishing blow is the impressive gas mileage offered by the Honda Fit. Overall, the Yaris is a good buy, but we'd recommend the Fit.

If the budget plays a big role in your decision, then the Ford Fiesta is a cheaper alternative in the subcompact market. The Fiesta scores highly from a driving perspective with a wonderful chassis, keen driving dynamics, a lithe suspension setup, and wonderfully tactile steering. It also scores highly for its intuitive infotainment system. But it's an older model and the materials feel rougher, and it boasts one of the smallest cargo areas in this segment. Where the Fit decimates the Fiesta is the rear seating accommodation, which is cavernous in the Honda compared to being highly cramped in the case of the Ford Fiesta. The Fit is a far more premium offering, with better space utilization and higher specification levels.