The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback that has been on the market since 2001. It's received many awards for its design and fuel efficiency, but what's more important than those things? The drivetrain of the car! In this article, we've researched to let you know whether the Honda Fit is AWD.
The Honda Fit does come in all-wheel drive, but only in Europe. Currently, the Honda Fit only comes in front-wheel drive in the United States. So if you plan on driving this fuel-efficient car in the snow, then getting snow tires is a good idea!
The Honda Fit is a good subcompact car that gets incredible gas mileage. However, if you are looking for an all-wheel-drive car, this isn't the best choice. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Honda Fit drivetrain and gas mileage, so read on!
Does Honda Fit Have AWD?
The 2020 Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback with overwhelming versatility with its multi-way folding back seats and large interior space for passengers.
While the engine can be somewhat buzzy at times, and some materials within the car are not as premium as one would expect given this price range, it still provides excellent fuel efficiency relative to other models in its class.
The Honda Fit models in the US do not have all-wheel drive, much to Americans' dismay. Instead, you can find a similar product in a sport utility vehicle from Honda, named HR-V, that uses Fit's platform as its basis.
If you want a hatchback that has all-wheel drive, the Fit isn't the best choice. Instead, take a look at the Subaru WRX hatchback, Subaru Outback, or Subaru Crosstrek.
These Subaru models are known for their impressive all-wheel drive. In addition, the Subarus get superb gas mileage and have spacious cargo.
For 2020, Honda didn't make any significant changes to the Fit lineup. While they debuted an all-new model at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Show, it's been said that it will not be sold in the US and thus discontinue sales of its current models hereabouts as well.
Power & Handling
With 128 horsepower, the manual or CVT transmission options on Fit models are both efficient and satisfying. However, the engine gets buzzy at higher speeds with either option, making it less appealing to drive.
The Fit's ride quality is the only highlight. When driving over most road imperfections, the car feels almost supple, particularly with bigger tires on the base LX iteration.
What rides well doesn't always handle well, though, and while there isn't much body roll in corners, it can feel unresponsive during turning, or it doesn’t offer any feedback from how it handles itself to its driver, who leaves you feeling unsatisfied at best.
Interior Comfort
The interior of the Fit is a clean style and well assembled from quality materials. The spaciousness of this car makes it a pleasant place to be inside, even with many people in its cabin area.
In most dimensions, the Fit's cabin has more legroom than any other competitor making it feel like an actual sedan rather than just another subcompact vehicle.
Is Honda Fit good in the snow?
The Honda Fit is a great car for gas mileage. But it doesn't have all-wheel drive, so if you want a good car in the snow, this one isn't the best choice.
However, if you are set on the Honda Fit, that's okay because you have options! Tire companies like Tirerama make excellent all-season tires and studded snow tires that will help your Honda Fit in the winter.
In addition, many vehicle consumers own front-wheel-drive cars like the Honda Fit that put snow tires on their vehicle and do just fine in the snow.
Since the Honda Fit isn't very heavy, it needs the extra help of snow tires to get out of tough spots. The front-wheel-drive systems send all of the power to the front of the vehicle, which can cause the tires to spin.
Having studded snow tires will avoid the spin, helping you gain traction on icy roads.
Subcompact AWD Alternatives
As mentioned above, there are some good choices out there if you set on a subcompact car with all-wheel drive. First, take a look at the Subaru lineup.
The Subaru Outback is a popular choice in regions that get snow. This is because it has a powerful all-wheel-drive system, gets good gas mileage, and has spacious cabin seating five passengers.
Another good choice but a bit small than the Outback is the Subaru Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is pretty much a mini version of the Outback, and there are not many features or body style changes between the two.
It's a little boxy, but the Subaru Forester is also a great choice for an all-wheel-drive hatchback. It gets similar gas mileage to the Crosstrek and Outback but has a look of its own.
Lastly, if you want something with more power, then look at the Subaru Outback WRX hatchback. This car pushes 300 horsepower but still offers an efficient all-wheel-drive system.
If you want German engineering, then you can also look at the Audi A3 hatchback. Audi has a reputation for excellent all-wheel-drive vehicles. The Audi A3 is small but doesn't lack power.
What wheel drive is a Honda Fit?
The Honda Fit is a front-wheel-drive vehicle only in the United States. There have been all-wheel-drive versions overseas, but they never came to America.
In all trims, a four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive come standard.
In addition, a six-speed manual transmission is standard in LX and Sport models, while continuously variable automatic transmissions are available for $800 on the EX, or, if you need it as an upgrade, in other trims too.
The car comes with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that has different horsepower ratings depending on the transmission chosen.
Still, it may be too slow for your liking to get up to speed at high speeds, or power delivery might not meet expectations when cruising around town.
How far can a Honda Fit go on a tank of gas?
The Honda Fit is a fuel-efficient vehicle in the subcompact car market. When it's most fuel efficient, the Honda Fit has the potential to go up to 382 miles on a full tank of gas. What's crazy is that it's only on 10.6 gallons of gas!
When choosing the LX model with its CVT, you should be able to get an EPA estimated 40 mpg on highways.
How many miles does Honda Fit last?
The Fit is a long-lasting vehicle. It has an engine that can last up to 11 years or 150,000 miles before needing major repairs. The Fit is a strong vehicle and can go the distance.
To make your Honda Fit last as long as possible, you should change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate the tires every 7,500. Moreover, it would help if you took it in for routine maintenance to ensure that your engine is running at its best.
Like any vehicle, repairs are going to happen. Honda makes reliable cars, but even they will need a repair once in a while. Here are the top issues by consumers on the Honda Fit:
- Denso Fuel Pump Failure
- Honda Sensing Problems
- TRW Crash Sensor Defect
- Honda Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags
- TPMS Warning Light
- Honda's Extremely Uncomfortable Seats
- Rodents Chew Soy Wiring
- Fit Bumper Safety Defects
While this may not happen to your Honda Fit, it is good to keep it in mind. If you see or hear anything weird from your car, get it to your local dealer for inspection.
Final Thoughts
Overall, if you are looking for a compact car that doesn't cost a lot to fuel up, the Honda Fit is a good choice. However, it doesn't have all-wheel drive which may be a deal-breaker for some consumers.
Nonetheless, putting studded snow tires will definitely help in icy road conditions.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out:
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Do you drive a Honda Fit in the snow? Let us know how it does!