The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback that has been praised for its versatility, fuel efficiency, and affordable pricing. Honda offers the Fit in four trim levels – LX, Sport, EX and EX-L. The two trims we will compare are the base LX and the more premium EX.
The key differences between the LX and EX trims come down to features and options. The EX builds upon the LX by adding more convenience items, advanced safety technologies, exterior styling upgrades, and a more powerful engine option. For most buyers, the upgrades and extras that come with the EX trim will be well worth the slightly higher price.
Pricing
The 2020 Honda Fit LX has an MSRP starting at $16,190, while the 2020 Honda Fit EX has an MSRP starting at $18,650 according to Kelley Blue Book. The average transaction price for a 2020 Honda Fit LX is around $17,500, and the average transaction price for a 2020 Honda Fit EX is around $19,800 based on Honda’s press release.
So in summary, the base LX model has an MSRP around $16,000 while the higher EX trim has an MSRP around $19,000. However, due to discounts and negotiations, the average amount paid is slightly lower at around $17,500 for the LX and $19,800 for the EX.
Exterior
The Honda Fit LX comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, while the EX model upgrades to 16-inch alloy wheels (exact_sources). The EX model also includes body-colored power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, chrome door handles, fog lights, and a chrome tailpipe finisher (exact_sources).
In addition to the larger 16-inch alloy wheels, the EX model offers a more stylish and sporty exterior look with its extra chrome accents and standard fog lights. However, aside from the wheel size and slight styling enhancements, the overall exterior dimensions and basic exterior features are identical between the LX and EX trims.
Interior & Convenience
Both the LX and EX trims come standard with a 5″ color LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a 4-speaker 160-watt audio system. However, the EX adds an available 7″ touchscreen display with HondaLink smartphone integration, SMS text messaging function, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility (https://www.pattypeckhonda.com/2020-honda-fit-trim-level-comparison/).
The EX trim also comes with some extra interior features and conveniences including a one-touch power moonroof, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and paddle shifters for the CVT transmission (https://www.hughwhitehondaathens.com/research/fit-trims.htm). The EX provides more premium details and technology inside the cabin.
Performance
When comparing the LX and EX models of the Honda Fit, there are some key differences in performance specifications to consider.
The LX is powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 130 horsepower. The EX upgrades to a more powerful 1.5L 4-cylinder producing 174 horsepower. Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic transmission [1].
In terms of fuel economy, the LX edges out the EX slightly according to EPA estimates. With the CVT transmission, the LX is rated for 33 mpg city/40 highway/36 combined. The EX gets 32/36/34 mpg city/highway/combined [2]. Both models achieve excellent gas mileage, but the less powerful LX has a slight advantage.
Overall, the EX offers more powerful performance and acceleration, while the LX aims for maximum fuel efficiency. The choice comes down to preferences for power or saving money at the pump.
Safety
Both the Honda Fit LX and EX trims come equipped with the basic essential safety features including:
- Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) with traction control (https://www.hondainfocenter.com/2019/Fit/Feature-Guide/Safety-Features/Fit-Safety/)
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist
- Driver’s and front passenger’s airbags
- Side airbags
- Side curtain airbags
The higher EX trim adds some additional advanced safety technologies including (https://www.autoblog.com/buy/2020-Honda-Fit/safety-features/):
- LaneWatch side view camera
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Honda LaneWatchTM blind spot display
So while both models provide the essential safety features, the EX trim offers extra technologies for added peace of mind and protection.
Cargo Capacity
The Honda Fit offers ample cargo space for a small hatchback. Behind the rear seats, the Fit LX and EX trims provide 16.6 cubic feet of cargo volume (Honda Infocenter). This gives you plenty of room for groceries, luggage, and other daily items without having to fold down the rear seats.
Need to haul larger items? The Magic Seat system allows the rear seats to fold down flat, opening up a maximum of 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space (U.S. News). This gives the Fit sedan-like cargo versatility in a much smaller package. Few other subcompacts can match this amount of maximum cargo capacity.
Warranty
The 2020 Honda Fit comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. This covers most major components like the engine, transmission, drivetrain, etc. against defects in materials or workmanship (Source).
The anti-corrosion warranty covers body panel rust-through from the inside out for 5 years/unlimited miles. This protects against rust and corrosion of the body panels (Source).
Recommendation
The Honda Fit LX and EX trims offer different features at different price points. The EX costs around $2,000 more than the LX, but adds more premium interior features like a moonroof, heated front seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen display. The EX also has slightly better safety ratings thanks to additional driver assist technologies.
For buyers focused purely on value, the LX may be the better option. It still comes reasonably well equipped, especially for an entry level model. However, the EX delivers more comfort, technology, and safety upgrades that could be worthwhile for many buyers.
Ultimately, the EX is likely the smarter long-term purchase for buyers who can afford the higher monthly payments. The additional features help justify the extra cost and bring more everyday enjoyment. The LX still represents a solid value for budget-focused shoppers, but most buyers would probably appreciate the EX upgrades.
References
This article provides an overview and comparison of the key features and specifications of the 2019 Honda Fit LX and EX trim levels. Information and statistics referenced in this article were obtained from the following sources:
- Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices and MPG ratings were sourced from fueleconomy.gov, the official U.S. government source for fuel economy information.
- Vehicle dimensions, engine specifications, standard and optional features were referenced from Honda’s official website for the 2019 Honda Fit.
- Safety ratings and crash test results were sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
All information presented in this article is intended for general reference and education purposes only. Interested buyers should conduct their own research and due diligence before making a purchase decision.
