The 2018 Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit are more than thrifty; these subcompacts are high-tech and modern. They represent the best this segment has to offer, including streetwise safety aids and complete smartphone integration. But which model has the edge - the Fiesta or the Fit? Our comparison guide is here to help you make the right choice.
Creature Comforts: 2018 Ford Fiesta
If you face a long commute every day, the Fiesta will help you maintain optimism levels. This subcompact might be inexpensive, but its options list is full of luxuries, like leather upholstery and heated front seats. On the highway, the Fiesta delivers one of the quietest rides in the segment, so you can brainstorm uninterrupted.
We like the Honda Fit's wide, supportive seats; they maintain comfort levels for hours on end. However, you'll notice more wind and road noise in this subcompact, which can be distracting, especially if you've got a long commute every day.
Infotainment Options: 2018 Ford Fiesta
When it comes to infotainment, the Ford Fiesta wins, hands down. The standard Sync voice control technology helps you make hands-free calls and stream music from devices. Upgrade to Ford's Sync 3 system for enhanced smartphone integration, courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Smartphone apps - such as your maps, phone, and messaging apps - are displayed on the central touchscreen to reduce distraction.
As with the Ford Fiesta, you can upgrade your Honda Fit to include a 7-inch touchscreen and the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay interfaces. There's just one catch - Honda's onscreen menus can be finicky and hard to figure out.
High-Tech Driver Aids: 2018 Honda Fit
In this inexpensive segment, the Honda Fit stands out with its high-tech driver aids. Add the forward collision alert system with automatic braking to guard against costly accidents. The lane keeping assist technology detects steering anomalies and gently guides you back into the proper lane. In rush-hour highway traffic, the adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed according to traffic flow for a surprisingly peaceful ride home from work.
The Fiesta isn't quite as high-tech, but it offers solid protection. The 2018 Ford Fiesta comes standard with a rearview camera, so you can spot any obstacles lurking in your path before you back up. Starting with the mid-range SE trim model, the Fiesta includes MyKey parental controls. Use these to set speed limitations for your teen driver and rest easy when he's out on the town.
Sportiest Performance: 2018 Ford Fiesta
When it comes to athleticism, the Ford Fiesta is a segment standout. All models are tuned for performance, taking you around turns and down winding highways with quick steering and solid handling. For a high-performance version of the Fiesta, check out the Ford Fiesta ST hatchback. The ST's exclusive turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension is exactly what you need to zip around town in style. In addition to a sporty ride, this subcompact is also good with fuel, earning up to 27 city/37 highway mpg.
The Honda Fit isn't quite as fun to drive, but it does put an emphasis on fuel economy. Depending on your choice of transmission, the Fit earns up to 33 city/40 highway mpg. You won't exactly zip around town, but you will enjoy a thrifty commute.
Although both the 2018 Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit deliver high-tech features and modern comfort at an extremely reasonable rate, we think the Fiesta is the ideal candidate for your daily drive. Besides deliver impressive fuel economy, it's also fun to drive. That's not something you see a lot in this segment. Inside, you'll find all the basics, and, if you spend a little extra, you can even add upscale luxuries.