Honda Fit Safety Rating: Small but Secure

Sandy B
Mar 5, 2021

Orage 2020 Honda Fit From Front-Driver Side

You’re after a small car that can keep your fuel use low. That’s why you’re thinking about the Honda Fit. You’re unsure, though, about its safety. Can a car this small really keep you safe on the road? It can, in most cases, and for several reasons.

How safe is the Honda Fit?

The 2020 Honda Fit received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA and mostly the highest score option of “Good” at IIHS. Combined with a 4.71-Star Owner Review rating and 4.6/10-Expert Review rating at Vehicle History, you’ve got safety on your side.

These ratings sound good, but there’s more to the story than they tell you. Here, we’ll take a look at those test results and explore the safety features built into the vehicle. You’ll be able to make a wise decision in whether to buy the Honda Fit at that point.

2020 Honda Fit Crash Test Results

Several organizations put vehicles through numerous collisions and crashes to test the outcome. It’s this data that can tell us what we can expect when we’re on the road with the Honda Fit. Here’s how the 2020 model year did in those results.

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Test Results

The IIHS found the 2020 Honda Fit to be a strong safety pick. It gave it the highest possible rating of “Good” in all areas of crashworthiness. This includes side, front overlap risk, roof strength, and head seats. It has a “Superior” rating in front crash prevention in vehicle-to-vehicle hits.

In crash avoidance and mitigation testing, the headlights were a concern. It only gave the vehicle a “Marginal” rating in the headlights that are standard. In headlights for some trim models, it assigned it a “Poor” rating.

Also important to note is the child seat anchor testing. IIHS gave this vehicle an “Acceptable” rating for the LATCH system in considering its ease of use. That’s a lower mark than the “Good” rating.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Test Results

NHTSA does a lot of work to determine vehicle safety and gave the 2020 Honda Fit the best possible 5-Star Overall Safety Rating. That includes a full 5-Star rating in Overall Front Star Rating and in Side Crash Ratings. Front and side ratings, both driver and passenger side, are solid.

The only deviation from this comes in the Rollover Rating. NHTSA gave the Honda Fit a 4-Star Rating here. While it did not tip in the dynamic tip test, the agency assigned it a 14.7% risk of rollovers. That’s slightly higher than some of the company’s competitors.

2020 Honda Fit Available Safety Tech

To hit high scores on these crash ratings, the manufacturers, including Honda, are investing more so in technology. Available safety features, including driver assist technology, can help to make your car safer for you to drive – and helps in those moments of distraction. Here’s what Honda offers.

Honda Sensing

Honda’s vehicles, including the 2020 Fit, feature Honda Sensing. This is a suite of technologies used to provide driver assist features and added safety. There are both active and passive features on these vehicles to reduce collision incidents and damage. The following are some features within Honda Sensing.

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

This system’s goal is to keep you from striking a person, car, or object in front of you. Should an object be detected by the sensors, the car will apply the brake. It will stop the vehicle in cases where an accident is likely.

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

This available technology helps you to avoid breaking the law (and avoid accidents while doing so). It will notify you if you are traveling at a speed limit that’s above the posted signs. It does this using a small camera.

Blind Spot Information System

Car Blind Spot Monitoring System Warning Light

This system is designed to provide drivers with information about who is behind them and to the lane next to them – in your blind spots. It will beep and has an indicator blink feature that helps you to make better decisions about switching lanes.

Cross Traffic Monitor

The Honda Fit has a multi-angle rearview camera. This camera will pick up on approaching vehicles so that you don’t back out into them. That’s going to be handy in the grocery store parking lot!

Auto High-Beam Headlights

Honda Sensing also offers Auto High-Beam Headlights. If you’re driving over 25 mph, the system will automatically turn on your high beams. If it senses oncoming traffic, it will work to automatically switch to low beams to prevent blinding the person in front of you.

Here’s What Other People Ask about the 2020 Honda Fit

When you have questions, you just want answers. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Honda Fit.

Is the Honda Fit a reliable car?

This subcompact vehicle is a nice little package of features, tech, and durability. It has ample room, but it’s also reliable with few reported problems from owners. It has a good reliability rating for the quality of the materials on board.

Do all Honda Fit come with Honda Sensing?

While most of the modern vehicles (2018 onward) have driver assist features, they do not all come with the same features. Some trim models have more features and optional upgradable options. These can be a good option when you want to enhance your safety more so.

Will a Honda Fit last for a long time?

As a reliable car, good maintenance and upkeep can keep you on the road with this car for a long time. There are some reports of drivers reaching over 100,000 miles without any noted significant upgrades or repair needs on them. That could be much longer.

Should You Buy a Pre-Owned Honda Fit? Do So Safely

When it comes to making your buying decision, Vehicle History has you covered. Use our free tool that pulls in 140 million owner comments and millions of data points from partners such as KBB and Ipsos to give you all of the data you need in one place.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Kailah D on August 22, 2021
I like that the car locks on its own after a few minutes unattended.
So far I have not run into any significant issues with my car. Gas mileage is good, it runs smoothly, and it has a nice design. However, I do get a bit of squeaking from possibly the belt when driving at speeds above 35 mph, despite the car being brand new. Also, if you are tall or have long legs, then it may take a bit of effort to be comfortable as I have to bend my legs quite a bit to use the pedals, which leads to some discomfort. Overall, though, I really enjoy driving this car.
accountCircle Ashleigh O on May 14, 2021
Smart and gas efficient car.
I love this car because the seats can recline very far back; perfect to camp in. It has great gas mileage which is convenient for my husband and I because we like to go out on a lot of adventures. I also love the touch screen that controls music and directions because it will just automatically hook up to either of our iPhones. The speakers are decent but we will probably eventually put in better ones. Otherwise this car is great and a good buy.
accountCircle Amanda P on June 20, 2021
Fast, fun, reliable, safe.
It has a safety features: side view camera, brake assist, back up camera. It has apple carplay, sport mode, great gas mileage. Inexpensive to fill tank. I believe it is very reliable. My trim has nice rims and a beautiful orange color. The back seats drop down all the way for additional storage space and it has a tall storage mode where the back seats collapse upwards to store tall plants and furniture.
accountCircle Michalla R on June 26, 2021
Safety! My car is very safe for my family.
Honda has given me a great vehicle for my children to be safe! It is very cheap on gas cost, the mileage is wonderful! I can drive multiple places and multiple times a week and only need gas once a week! I have Honda emergency in my car in case of an accident they can send me help it is similar to OnStar. I love the comfortable seats, the cold ac and the way it provides safety for my family.
accountCircle Sarah G on March 31, 2021
Honda fit - small but mighty!
I recently bought the Honda fit lx. I have had no problems with it so far. It drives great and is fun to drive. For a subcompact car, the magic seats allow for a spacious backseat and trunk area for storage and road trips. The fit also has a great hands-free Bluetooth connectivity system so that you can connect your phone's music to the stereo system without any cords.
accountCircle Jeff S on April 15, 2021
Honda fit might be for you.
Good gas mileage but small gas tank. The added economy feature is nice. Good size for parking in small areas, especially in my area. More spacious inside than appears outside. Great visibility. Doesn't have much power bit for an economy car and driving around town, it's perfect. A little noisy but just turn up the music and that fixes that problem.
accountCircle Madeline H on June 22, 2021
Honda fit is perfectly designed for my commute, excellent gas mileage, 37 mpg!
There is a back up camera and a right blind spot camera which are both so helpful. I also really like the cruise control feature that allows me to set how many car lengths I want to be behind the car in front of me, it senses and controls how fast I will go in order to keep me a safe distance from other cars. My Honda fit is safe and convenient!
accountCircle Bree C on July 5, 2021
Great for traveling and everyday life. The cameras are my favorite.
We absolutely love our new Honda fit. It gets great gas mileage and is comfortable enough to road trip all over the country in! The side and backup cameras are my favorite feature. The smart knowledge slows you down automatically if you get too close to someone or start to leave the road. Weird at first but my favorite safety feature!
accountCircle Rachel W on April 29, 2021
Love my Honda fit! Perfect city car.
It is so cute and comfy! Good amount of space for a compact car. Reliable and gets great gas mileage. It works so well for a city. Bluetooth stereo, backup camera included, and has anti-theft measures. I think it is the perfect amount of space to have friends in the car, and the trunk fits so much space for luggage/stuff.
accountCircle Ryan S on June 26, 2021
Amazingly safe car, great fuel economy!
Lacking some features of other cars, but has amazing safety features. It is a very smooth drive and has great fuel economy. I have had zero problems driving this car. It is very comfortable to drive but does not have any actual armrests. It is reliable and only has some problems on ice or snow covered roads.
accountCircle Shay L on March 7, 2021
Fast but unsteady at times.
I hate how lightweight the car can be. Every turn and bump feels like the car is going to turnover. However it is nice and comfy for its size. It accelerates very well and has adequate trunk and seat space. I like the look and feel of the car as well. It can be improved but it is not bad.
accountCircle Eileen Morrison on June 4, 2023
This Car saved my life. Thank you honda
2017 fit with no repairs….serious accident where a truck hit me turning left…going fast…direct hit to my left light. The car went airborne, up on right grassy area and knocked down light poles. I can’t believe I walked away with only bumps and bruises. Thank you honda
accountCircle Anna W on July 19, 2021
Because it is small I am able to fit in most parking spots.
I haven't had any real problems with the car it runs really good I get good gas mileage I do wish it was little bigger. Other than that it is very comfy for my two boys. I wish it had heated seats though and I wish the odometer was digital and I wish it had brake assistance.
accountCircle Jenalyn V on May 7, 2021
Why the fit is a mixture of a great car and sporty car.
I absolutely love my Honda fit! It is such an easy car to drive and also comes with the latest updates. Also love how it does on gas mileage. It is also my first hatchback and I love how much space this car gives. I was able to fit some much in it. Such a comfortable car!
accountCircle Chris P on March 12, 2021
A great little car for a great price.
Best car I have ever driven in terms of gas mileage and seat comfort for my back. Do not like how low the undercarriage is to the ground - feel as if I am always scraping bottom when going up a steep, sudden incline. Does not have the best pick up but will last forever.
accountCircle Katie K on April 17, 2021
Comfort, convenience & style.
I like the size of my Honda fit. It has room to store most items in the back when the seats are laid down. It also has nice leather seats, which are comfortable for longer car rides. It handles nicely, and the turn radius is a pro: it is easy to park in smaller spaces.
accountCircle Lisa G on July 7, 2021
Great small car that feels like a big car!
Very reliable and great gas mileage. Very comfortable to drive, feels like an SUV because it is not so low to the ground like other small cars. Bluetooth is great. Seats fold down in the back for extra cargo room. A lot of legroom in front and back for passengers.
accountCircle Jason M on July 21, 2021
2020 Honda fit with apple CarPlay.
Roomy interior. Rough ride, good gas mileage. Apple CarPlay is a must. I really like this car. It is a budget get around town car. I use it for doordash and it meets my needs. One of the things I have come to like the most is the visibility in the driver's seat.
accountCircle Maddy O on June 23, 2021
Comfortable and safe ride at an affordable price point.
The performance so far has been excellent, it gets really great gas mileage and all of the extra features with the lx model are totally worth it. As someone who lives in a city, it is nice to have features like the sensors to keep me and my vehicle safe.
accountCircle Chase A on June 25, 2021
The vehicle is amazing on gas, drives smooth. Has tons of space inside.
After having the vehicle for a month the tire air pressure sensor broke. Other than that there is nothing wrong with it. Everything else is amazing. It drives smooth and amazing on gas. Its small but huge on the inside. The back seats even fold down.
accountCircle Dana R on July 11, 2021
Honda fit - the perfect match.
If I could add one feature, I wish it had the sensors that beep if you are attempting to switch lanes and a car is near/in your blind spot. This is the ideal car for me! Safe, efficient, and affordable.
accountCircle Donna Patterson on July 18, 2021
Reliable 4 cylinder Honda Great car
It gives 38 mph on highway, it also is a 4 cylinder that means not a lot of money in gas and well it’s a Honda, a very reliable car. So yea I would recommend it
accountCircle Brian S on September 8, 2021
Great vehicle. Great miles per gallon. Great storage.
I enjoy the safety features in Honda sense, such as adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, passenger camera, etc.
accountCircle Liz M on May 18, 2021
Cute sporty Honda Fit
Backup camera and turn camera features make a safer ride. Keyless entry and start are nice features as well.
accountCircle Diane K on March 20, 2021
Safety features and very economical to drive.
Good mileage, comfortable, easy to load, good color, like hatchback, good handling, keyless entry.
accountCircle Anna Marie V on September 11, 2021
A wise choice. This car is "fit" in every meaning of the word. Feel safe & happy.
Has many safety features (rear camera, blind-spot mirror, brake warning)
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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