2020 Honda HR-V vs Fit

Subcompact vehicles are popular among drivers who prioritize affordability. Honda produces some of the best small vehicles on the American market. When shopping for a new ride, many people will be deciding between the 2020 Honda HR-V and the 2020 Honda Fit.

The Honda Fit has long remained a highly recommended hatchback. Excellent passenger and cargo space make the Fit an extremely versatile car. A competitive number of standard features add to the Fit’s value.

Many people also love the Honda HR-V’s versatile design. Although the HR-V is not built to handle rugged terrain, it’s perfect for the everyday grind. Fresh styling also helps make the HR-V a serious bang for the buck. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll find out which one of these subcompact models is the better option.

Size and Styling

From a styling standpoint, these vehicles look completely different. However, both have some attractive design cues. While the base Fit is unlikely to turn heads, the upper trims have a far cooler look. This is especially true for the Fit Sport. Honda decks it out with 16-inch black wheels and a racier front fascia.

Understandably, the Honda HR-V has become a hot item among younger car shoppers. They are drawn to the HR-V’s sporty physique. Upgraded wheels make the higher trim levels look more appealing. In the eyes of some automotive journalists, only a few crossovers in this price class have a more pleasing appearance.

In regard to size, both of these subcompact vehicles can easily fit into tight spaces. This is a huge benefit from drivers who spend the majority of their time in the city. However, the 2020 Honda Fit is still a better vehicle for urban dwellers. It’s a full 9.0 inches shorter than the HR-V. A narrower body also helps the Fit to squeeze into cramped parking spots.

Although the Honda HR-V and the Honda Fit may be small, they have a spacious cabin. Both provide five-passenger seating. When sitting in the rear of these vehicles, there’s not a noticeable difference in rear leg space. However, extra rear hip room does give the HR-V a slight edge. In the front, the Fit offers just a hair more legroom.

When it comes to everyday practicality, these vehicles shine brightly. The Honda Fit provides a good amount of cargo space for such a small hatchback. If the driver needs to haul a larger item, Honda’s rear Magic Seat can be moving around in several different positions. Nonetheless, there’s more overall storage space in the Honda HR-V. When taking a road trip, families can pack the HR-V with a few extra travel bags and other belongings.

Test drivers continue to rave about the Honda Fit’s outstanding visibility. A slanted hood helps drivers to gain a great view of any obstacles in the road. There also aren’t any major blind spots from the rear. Like the Fit, the Honda HR-V offers class-leading outward visibility.

Drivability

Putting the Honda HR-V in motion is a four-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower. An automatic CVT handles the task of feeding the power to the wheels. While the CR-V feels responsive during light cruising, it’s not going to wow anyone with its performance.

The Honda Fit’s four-cylinder engine pushes out 130 horsepower. Although the Honda Fit may have less muscle under the hood, a lighter design enables it to offer a stronger overall performance. Tests show the Fit can hit 60 mph in as quick as 8.2 seconds. By comparison, the heavier Honda HR-V has an estimated 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds.

An available manual gearbox also gives the Honda Fit another advantage in the performance department. Its manual transmission brings another level of fun. Fit models equipped with an automatic CVT aren’t as quick or engaging.

When it comes to fuel economy, the Honda fit outclasses its stablemate. Opting for the Fit’s automatic transmission results in an EPA rating of 33 mpg town/40 mpg freeway. Although the manual Fit accelerates quicker, efficiency takes a hit. Drivers can plan on getting about 29 mpg town/36 mpg freeway. The best you can expect from the Honda HR-V is 28 mpg town/34 mpg freeway, which is very good for a crossover SUV.

The Honda Fit’s excellent steering helps inspire drivers with confidence. Although the Fit is far from a pure sports car, it handles well around curves. Drivers especially appreciate the Fit’s exceptional brake feel. When drivers need to stop quickly, they can expect the Fit to respond accordingly.

Although the Honda HR-V is larger than the Hit, it handles just as well. Car reviewers rank it among the most agile models in the subcompact crossover segment. Smooth driving dynamics make the HR-V an enjoyable commuter vehicle. A solid braking system gives drivers more reason to like the HR-V.

The Honda HR-V holds a big advantage over the Honda Fit during bad weather. While the Fit is strictly a front-wheel-drive car, Honda offers the HR-V with an optional AWD system. This feature will maximize grip on frozen roads. With the HR-V being a crossover, it naturally sits higher off the pavement. The extra ground clearance helps prevent drivers from getting stuck in the snow.

Neither vehicle is capable of towing a big load. However, Honda does list the HR-V with a tow rating of around 1,000 pounds. Drivers can use the HR-V to pull light campers and small trailers. The Fit is not recommended for towing.

Comfort, Options, and Performance

Although the 2020 Honda Fit is Honda’s least inexpensive vehicle, it doesn’t feel cheap on the inside. Critics rave about the Fit’s outstanding build quality. While high-grade upholstery comes standard, leather is found on the top-of-the-line trim. In terms of overall quality, the 2020 Honda HR-V matches the 2020 Honda Fit. While the HR-V may not boast the most luxurious cabin in its segment, this crossover’s interior materials are nice for the price.

When it comes to overall seat comfort, the Fit slightly edges out the HR-V. Some taller drivers may prefer the design of the Fit’s seats. There’s no difference in the cabin quietness of these models. Both allow just a bit of wind and road noise to enter the cabin at speeds above 55 mph.

Although the HR-V is a strong value, it does cost roughly $4,600 less than the Fit. This could be a factor for car shoppers who are seeking the lowest possible payments. Getting the HR-V with all-wheel drive further increases the price difference between these vehicles. Keep in mind that the list of standard features is almost the same.

Both vehicles come standard with a basic 5.0-inch infotainment display. Base models do not receive Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone support. Some of the other similar features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a four-speaker stereo, and hands-free Bluetooth.

Honda’s Display Audio system is a big upgrade. It swaps out the standard display for a 7.0-inch touchscreen. Smartphone connectivity is included. Heated front seats and navigation are available as well. Be aware that neither vehicle offers a premium sound system. However, a slightly more entertaining stereo with six speakers is available.

Aside from having a lower starting MSRP, the Honda Fit also holds another edge over the Honda HR-V. A four-star reliability rating puts the Fit among the most dependable subcompact cars on the market. By comparison, J.D. Power gives the HR-V a below-average dependability score.

Safety

The 2020 Honda Fit is an extremely secure passenger vehicle. This well-built hatchback aced the federal government’s crash tests by earning a five-star overall rating. While the 2020 Honda HR-V also received a five-star overall safety rating, it received a four-star rating in frontal impact protection. The Fit has a five-star frontal crash rating.

A backup camera is standard on both models. While the standard camera gets the job done, higher trims feature an upgraded reverse camera with dynamic guidelines. Drivers will have more help when attempting to safely back out of parking spaces.

Like the Honda HR-V, the Honda Fit offers a Honda Sensing safety system. It bundles together some very helpful driving aids. While forward collision intervention activates the brakes during emergencies, road departure mitigation helps prevent drivers from veering off the street. Active lane control and smart cruise are also included in Honda Sensing.

Auto high-beam headlights are also found on every model. Honda’s LaneWatch system is available on the upper trims. It uses a camera to reduce passenger-side blind spots, which gives drivers greater security when switching lanes.

Which Model to Choose?

These are two great subcompact vehicles. However, buyers must decide which one best suits their lifestyle. Choosing to buy the 2020 Honda Fit car shoppers to save some money. However, the 2020 Honda HR-V is still very affordable for a crossover SUV.

One area of concern could be the HR-V’s lower reliability rating. Traditionally, Honda vehicles are known for their long-term dependability. After the HR-V’s warranty expires, owners may have to spend more money on repairs.

The smaller Honda Fit offers a more pleasing level of performance. Although the HR-V’s engine develops an extra 11 horsepower, it doesn’t give the crossover an advantage during real-world driving. Some drivers may also prefer the Fit’s available manual transmission, which is among the best in the segment. Furthermore, a highway fuel economy rating of up to 40 mpg also enables the Fit to save more money at the pump.

Drivers who need a vehicle for the snow will want the Honda HR-V. Its higher ground clearance and optional Real Time AWD system will come in handy during the winter. While the HR-V is not an extreme off-road vehicle, drivers can take it on a camping adventure.

When it comes to passenger comfort, these vehicles are an even match. Both provide a surprisingly accommodating backseat. Cold-weather comfort is further enhanced with the available heated front seats. Some families will benefit from the HR-V’s larger storage area. While the Honda Fit provides 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space in its rear hatch, the HR-V boasts more than 24 cubic feet of cargo space.

While some people will debate over which vehicle looks the best, both are attractive. The available Sport trims have an especially athletic appearance. Similar paint options are available.

The 2020 Honda HR-V is a greater alternative to a huge SUV. It’s smaller size ensures easier parking. However, a shorter wheelbase makes the 2020 Honda Fit even better for the big city.

In closing, the Honda Fit is a great all-around commuter car. Families will have no issues with this small hatchback's interior space. Meanwhile, some drivers will love the Fit’s available manual transmission. Drivers willing to sacrifice some gas mileage should strongly consider the Honda HR-V. It provides more storage space, which is a big plus for some people. Of course, folks living in snow-prone regions will consider the HR-V’s Real Time AWD to be a must-have feature.