The Toyota Prius and Honda Fit are the best subcompact cars to buy right now. Brand-defining reliability, practicality, and good looks are just a few of the advantages that both vehicles have.
We’ll take a look at the Toyota Prius vsHonda Fit generation-by-generation to see which is best. Find out which model is ideal for you by reading on.
Comparison Criteria
It is important to know exactly what is being compared before determining which car is superior. The Prius family includes multiple models, such as the Prius Prime, Prius v, Prius c, and Prius Plug-in Hybrid, while the Honda Fit lineup consists of only one model.
Prius is one class above Fit, has more equipment, and more powerful engines; and of course, it costs more. It would be unjust to compare it to Fit. The Toyota Prius is a better vehicle when the price is taken out of the equation.
The Toyota Prius c, on the other hand, is a superior choice for this comparison. It’s a five-door hatchback in the same class as the Honda Fit.
Honda Fit has been on the market since 2001, whereas Prius c production began in 2012 and terminated in 2019. Only the third generation Fit (2014-2020) will be included in this comparison because it competed directly with the Prius c..
Honda Fit vs Toyota Prius C
To begin, let’s look at how Honda Fit and Toyota Prius C differ from one another and assess their advantages and disadvantages in this area.
Powertrain
The best way to begin comparing the two models is to look at the differences in power.
The only hybrid engine option for the Toyota Prius c is a 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve petrol engine with a high voltage battery and an auxiliary 12-volt battery, which has been in production from the model’s introduction. When it comes to horsepower, the 1NZ FXE’s internal combustion engine can provide up to 73, while the hybrid synergy drive motor can produce up to 60. A total of 99 hp can be expected from the two engines working together.
While the Toyota Prius only has one engine option, the Honda Fit offers an array of six.
30 hp electric motor
The total output is 135 horsepower.
98 lb-ft of torque from a gasoline engine
118 lb-ft of torque from an electric motor
125 lb ft of combined torque
In response to the Toyota Prius’s hybrid technology, Honda developed a new 1.5-liter DOHC I VTEC engine with a high output electric motor and lithium ion battery. Subcompact cars have a lot of horsepower, thus the 36 horsepower gap is enormous. However, the Honda Fit offers four gasoline engines and one turbo diesel that can compete with the Prius c.
The Honda Fit has the advantage when it comes to gearboxes. The CVT is the only transmission available on the Toyota Prius c. (Continuously Variable Transmission). A 7-speed DCT (Dual clutch transmission) or CVT transmission, like the one in the Prius c, are all options for the Honda Fit. The front wheels of both vehicles receive power.
It’s easy to see that the Honda Fit has the best powertrain out there. Although Toyota’s engines have a solid reputation for dependability, that doesn’t mean Honda’s are any less reliable. Both hybrids have their advantages, but the Fit is more powerful than the Prius. Fit’s competitive advantage comes from its wide range of engine and transmission choices.
Fuel Consumption
Even though Toyota’s Prius c can go up 43 to 48 miles per gallon, Honda’s hybrid and the diesel don’t lag far behind when it comes to fuel economy. The combined mileage of 32-36 mpg for a gasoline engine is still highly economical, even though it is lower than the combined mileage for an electric motor.
Fuel consumption variations between Toyota Prius c and Honda Fit are insignificant as a consideration when purchasing either vehicle.
Interior Comfort
The interior comfort and space of a subcompact car are critical. To get a good perspective, we’ll need to lay out the inside measurements on a table.
In the back row, the most noticeable variations can be found: rear seat legroom is 3.0 cm shorter than in Fit, but hip space is 5.7 cm larger. For families with four adults or five adults and children, the Honda Fit is a better choice than the Toyota RAV4. When it comes to the backseat of the Prius c, there isn’t much room, but it’s enough hip room to fit three adults for a short period of time.
In the subcompact class, it’s customary to find uncomfortable seats covered in shoddy fabric, but the seats in the Prius c and Fit are actually quite nice. There is a distinct advantage for Toyota over Honda in the front row, as the latter’s seats are quite uncomfortable. Both vehicles have a similar amount of cargo space and can therefore haul luggage of the same size.
Features
Because these are pre-owned automobiles, the original owner has already chosen the trims and options. Optional accessories lose a lot of their worth as a financial investment as soon as the vehicle accumulates several years of use.
The Entune music and multimedia system, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, steering wheel controls, power front row windows, and power door locks are some of the most noticeable features of the Toyota Prius c.
Since the Honda Fit shares a lot of the same characteristics, there’s no need to go into great detail about it. Comparing the attributes of the most wanted models might help you decide which one is best for you.
Safety
When purchasing a small automobile, one of the most important considerations is how safe it is. With near-perfect scores in the subcompact class, the era of unreliable and risky compact automobiles is over. Now, let’s compare the 2018 Fit and Prius c models in terms of safety ratings.
Seeing Toyota lose a safety competition is unexpected, but the Prius c didn’t beat the Fit. A near-perfect five-star rating was achieved by Honda, which received 4 stars in the rollover test to tie with the Prius c for first place.
The four-star ratings are more than adequate, but the three-star ratings for front driver side protection are cause for concern. Both vehicles received flawless marks for overall and side protection for the backseats of the second row. Even though both vehicles will perform a wonderful job of protecting your passengers, the Honda Fit goes the extra mile to ensure that you, the driver, are equally well-protected.
Price
Toyota’s vehicles have the highest resale value of any automaker, according to some analysts. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this, depending on how you view it. The Prius c will hold its value better in the long run, but it will cost you more up front. While the Honda Fit is less expensive on the whole and does preserve its value, Toyota’s price retention is superior.
Verdict
If you’ve read this far, you’ve probably already formed an opinion and selected a favorite. Toyota has always been a favorite of mine, but the Honda Fit has won me over with its performance and security. It can compete with the Prius c and even outperform it, all while costing less. Regardless of which car you choose, you won’t be dissatisfied in your purchase!
