If you’re looking at a Honda Fit, you’re probably thinking about its legendary gas mileage. The Honda Fit MPG /Gas Mileage [2002 – 2023] is a major reason this car became a global favorite for over two decades. It’s known for squeezing every last mile out of a gallon, whether you’re commuting in the city or heading out on a road trip. This guide will give you the real-world numbers, show you how different years compare, and explain how to get the best fuel economy from your Fit.
We’ll break down the EPA estimates, talk about what actual owners experience, and look at the changes between generations. You’ll get a clear picture of what to expect at the pump.
Honda Fit MPG /Gas Mileage [2002 – 2023]
The Fit’s fuel efficiency story is one of steady improvement with a few key jumps. It all started with the first generation, which set a high bar. Honda then refined the engine and transmission technology over the years. The numbers you see are a result of smart engineering focused on keeping this small car incredibly economical.
Here’s a quick overview of the EPA estimates for each generation sold in the United States:
* First Generation (2007-2008): The Fit debuted in the U.S. for the 2007 model year. It came with a 1.5L engine and either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
* Second Generation (2009-2013): This model got a slight power bump and a more efficient 5-speed automatic. The exterior was also redesigned to be more aerodynamic.
* Third Generation (2015-2020): A big leap forward. Honda introduced a new direct-injected 1.5L engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that significantly boosted highway mileage.
* Fourth Generation (2020-2023 – Not in U.S.): The final generation was not sold in North America, marking the end of the Fit in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Detailed Year-by-Year MPG Breakdown
Let’s get into the specific numbers for each model year available in America. Remember, these are the official EPA estimates. Your actual mileage will depend on your driving habits, maintenance, and conditions.
2007-2008 Honda Fit MPG
The original U.S. Fit made a strong first impression. It was lauded for its space and its thriftiness. The manual transmission was the efficiency champion in this generation.
* 2007 Honda Fit (1.5L I4, 5-Speed Manual): 28 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined.
* 2007 Honda Fit (1.5L I4, 5-Speed Automatic): 27 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined.
* 2008 models had identical EPA ratings.
Owners often reported hitting or even exceeding the highway number on long trips. The car’s light weight and relatively simple mechanics worked in its favor.
2009-2013 Honda Fit MPG
The second-gen Fit arrived with a more modern look. Under the hood, engineers worked to improve refinement and efficiency, especially for the automatic model.
* 2009-2013 Honda Fit (1.5L I4, 5-Speed Manual): 27 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined.
* 2009-2013 Honda Fit (1.5L I4, 5-Speed Automatic): 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined.
Notice a shift? The automatic model now officially matched or beat the manual in city mileage, thanks to gear ratio optimizations. This generation solidified the Fit’s reputation for reliable, above-average fuel economy.
2015-2020 Honda Fit MPG
This was the game-changer. The third-generation Fit received a complete powertrain overhaul. The new Earth Dreams 1.5L engine with direct injection and a CVT transformed its highway capabilities.
* 2015-2020 Honda Fit (1.5L I4, 6-Speed Manual): 29 mpg city / 36 mpg highway / 32 mpg combined.
* 2015-2020 Honda Fit (1.5L I4, CVT Automatic): 33 mpg city / 40 mpg highway / 36 mpg combined.
The CVT model’s 40 mpg highway rating was a standout figure, putting it in contention with some hybrids for highway driving. The manual also saw a nice bump, proving that traditional stickshifts could still be very efficient.
Real-World Owner MPG Reports
EPA numbers are a great standard, but what do drivers actually experience? Data from fuel logging websites and owner forums paints a consistent picture: the Fit often meets or exceeds its ratings.
For the 2015-2020 CVT models, many owners report:
* Consistent 36-38 mpg in mixed driving.
* Easily achieving 40-42 mpg on steady highway journeys.
* City mileage in the low 30s, which is impressive for stop-and-go traffic.
Older generations also tend to do well, with many first- and second-gen owners seeing 32-35 mpg in daily use. The car’s simple, lightweight design means there arn’t a lot of heavy systems dragging the numbers down.
How to Maximize Your Honda Fit’s Fuel Economy
You can take steps to ensure your Fit is running at its most efficient. These habits make a noticeable difference over time.
1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: This is the easiest and most effective tip. Under-inflated tires create rolling resistance. Check your pressure monthly and keep them at the PSI listed on the driver’s side door jamb sticker.
2. Follow the Maintenance Schedule: A clean air filter, fresh spark plugs, and timely oil changes with the recommended weight of oil are crucial. A well-serviced engine runs cleaner and uses less fuel.
3. Drive Smoothly: Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard braking. Anticipate traffic lights and coast when you can. The Fit’s responsive engine encourages zippy driving, but gentle acceleration is key for mpg.
4. Use the AC Wisely: Air conditioning puts a load on the engine. At city speeds, consider rolling down the windows. On the highway, the aerodynamic drag from open windows can be worse than using the AC, so use it judiciously.
5. Lighten the Load: Don’t use your Fit’s magical cargo space as a permanent storage locker. Remove unnecessary heavy items from the trunk and cabin.
Factors That Hurt Your Fit’s Gas Mileage
Even the most efficient car can suffer if certain things are neglected. Be aware of these common pitfalls.
* Roof Racks and Cargo Boxes: Adding anything to the roof destroys aerodynamics. Remove racks when you’re not using them.
* Aggressive Tires: Performance or all-terrain tires often have higher rolling resistance than standard low-rolling-resistance tires.
* Poor Alignment or Worn Brakes: Dragging brakes or a misaligned chassis forces the engine to work harder.
* Extended Idling: If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s often more efficient to turn the engine off. Modern starters are designed for this.
* Using Premium Fuel Unnecessarily: The Fit is designed for regular 87-octane fuel. Using premium offers no benefit unless you have a specific performance tune, which is rare.
Manual vs. Automatic Transmission MPG Comparison
This is an interesting point for the Fit. Traditionally, manuals were more efficient. With the Fit, it depends on the generation.
* 2007-2008: The manual had a 1 mpg combined advantage.
* 2009-2013: The automatic took a slight lead, especially in city driving.
* 2015-2020: The CVT automatic is decisively more efficient, offering a 4 mpg combined advantage over the manual.
The modern CVT is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient rev range at all times, which is hard to match with a manual. However, the manual is often more engaging to drive, so it’s a trade-off between enjoyment and ultimate efficiency.
The Fit Compared to Its Competitors
How does the Fit stack up against other subcompact and compact cars of its era? Quite favorably.
* Vs. Toyota Yaris: The Fit generally matched or slightly beat the Yaris, especially in later years.
* Vs. Chevrolet Sonic: The Fit was consistently more efficient.
* Vs. Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio: The Fit held a small but clear advantage, particularly with the CVT.
* Vs. Mazda2: The Fit and Mazda2, which shared a platform later on, were very close, with the Fit often having a slight edge.
Its combination of space, driving dynamics, and fuel economy made it a triple threat that was hard for competitors to match all at once.
Why Was the Honda Fit So Efficient?
Several key engineering choices contributed to the great gas mileage.
* Lightweight Construction: Honda used high-strength steel and smart design to keep the curb weight low.
* Excellent Aerodynamics: Despite its tall shape, the Fit had a surprisingly low drag coefficient, especially in later generations.
* Engine Technology: The progression from port injection to direct injection (Earth Dreams) improved power and efficiency significantly.
* Transmission Development: The move from a 5-speed automatic to a CVT allowed the engine to operate at optimal RPMs more often.
* Electric Power Steering: This system, used on all U.S. Fits, saves energy compared to traditional hydraulic steering.
The End of the Road: Why the Fit Was Discontinued
Honda stopped selling the Fit in the U.S. after the 2020 model year. The main reason was shifting consumer preference towards SUVs and crossovers, like the Honda HR-V. Stricter emissions and safety regulations also made it more expensive to keep updating a low-margin subcompact car for the American market.
For those who own one, this means the Fit is now a bit of a modern classic—a last hurrah for a simple, practical, and incredibly efficient small hatchback.
FAQs About Honda Fit Gas Mileage
What is the best year for Honda Fit gas mileage?
The 2015-2020 models with the CVT automatic are the most efficient, with an EPA rating of 33 city / 40 highway. They represent the peak of the Fit’s fuel-saving technology.
Can a Honda Fit get 50 mpg?
Under perfect conditions—like a long, steady downhill drive—you might see 50 mpg on the instant readout. However, a sustained 50 mpg average over a full tank is highly unlikely for a non-hybrid Fit. Realistic excellent numbers are in the low 40s.
Why is my Honda Fit gas mileage dropping?
Common causes include low tire pressure, a need for an oil change or new air filter, dragging brakes, alignment issues, or carrying extra weight. Seasonal fuel blends and colder weather can also cause a temporary drop.
Is the Honda Fit good for long road trips?
Absolutely. Its comfortable seats, huge cargo space, and excellent highway mileage make it a superb road trip car. You can go many miles between fill-ups, which saves time and money.
What does the EPA MPG rating actually mean?
The EPA tests cars on a dynamometer (like a treadmill) using standardized driving cycles to simulate city and highway driving. It’s a consistent benchmark for comparing different vehicles, but your personal mileage will vary.
The Honda Fit’s legacy is built on smart packaging and brilliant efficiency. From 2002 to 2023, it proved that you didn’t need a complicated hybrid system to achieve outstanding gas mileage. You just needed thoughtful engineering and a commitment to simplicity. Whether you own one or are considering a used model, you can trust that the Fit will keep your fuel costs low for many miles to come.