Source: Shutterstock
When you’re entering the subcompact market, you need to make sure you can provide a car that gives three main things. They need to be economical, they need to be practical and they need to give you just enough fun to put a smile on your face. Both the Honda Fit and the Ford Fiesta provide exactly that. They are two of the very best options available in the subcompact
Economical
Both cars provide solid gas mileage. The Fit can provide you between 29 mpg to 32 mpg during city driving. The Fiesta is close, but is closer to 26 mpg to 27 mpg in city driving. Both peak at 37 mpg during highway work. Both cars are relatively equal on price with each topping out around $20,000 if they are fully loaded, and starting between $13,000 and $16,000. In the end, both cars are really reasonable.
Source: Honda
Practical
Both cars seat 5 humans. Now, these aren’t necessarily all human adults. As subcompacts, there’s only so much that they are able to do when it comes to size. When it comes to people in the back seat, there’s a lot more room in the Honda Fit. That’s sort of surprising considering the Ford Fiesta is actually a wider car. Perhaps the extra room lacking in the Fiesta is made up for in the front room. The Fiesta has a lot more headroom and legroom up front. Tall people can feel comfortable in the Fiesta. For those who are 6’6” or taller, the Fit is incredibly difficult to sit in due to the dashboard.
Both are available as hatchbacks and attempt to maximize their available space. It’s generally going to be able to handle any cargo that you need to haul or can function if you have dogs you need to transport.
Source: Honda
Fun
There’s been an argument made that a car is more exciting when it’s pushed closest to the limit. Smaller cars are easier to get to the limit. Small tires and sharp turns at lower speeds can produce some of the same thrill a sports car can reach when it’s also pushed to the maximum. It’s not quite the same, but it can get close. The Fiesta does have more horsepower. It’s got a little more giddy up than most of the sub compacts that are available. The Fiesta has really excellent handling for the price.
When it comes to looks, neither is going to be confused with a design by Aston Martin. However the Fit has some odd angles and can sometimes be a bit awkward. The Fiesta is a little bit cleaner. Appearance is subjective to most people, but the Fiesta does seem to tick more boxes for more people.
Source: Shutterstock
Verdict
After consideration, the verdict here goes to the Ford Fiesta. It’s a close battle, but the Fiesta narrowly edges out the Fit. It’s a better car for a small family and provides more space for the adults and the proper amount of space for the children. It provides a touch more power and a little bit better handling.
