In most markets, the Honda Fit uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with Honda’s i-VTEC. A hybrid Jazz (the name used outside North America) adds a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric motors, while a limited electric-only Fit EV was offered briefly in the early days of the model. The exact setup varies by generation and region.
Gasoline powerplant (standard Fit)
Overview of the gasoline engine used by the standard Fit in recent generations, including how power is delivered and transmissions available.
- 1.5-liter inline-4 engine with Honda’s i-VTEC variable valve timing
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual or CVT (most markets default to CVT; some trims offered with a manual)
- Horsepower/torque varies by market and year but is typically around 130 hp and 114 lb-ft in recent models
Note that specifications can differ by year and region, but the 1.5L i-VTEC gasoline engine has been the standard Fit option across multiple generations.
Hybrid option: Jazz e:HEV
The hybrid variant used in many markets pairs a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with two electric motors, delivering electric assist and regenerative braking through an electronic CVT system.
- 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 engine
- Two electric motors integrated with an e-CVT transmission
- Hybrid powertrain is the main option in markets where offered; US availability varies and Jazz e:HEV is not always sold there
Hybrid Jazz models emphasize fuel economy and city-driving efficiency, with electric motors providing propulsion at lower speeds and aiding engine optimization at higher speeds. Availability and exact specs vary by country and model year.
Electric variant: Fit EV (brief)
In the early 2010s, Honda produced a limited electric version of the Fit for select markets, primarily the United States, as part of a small-scale lease program.
- Electric motor driving the wheels, with no gasoline engine
- High-voltage battery pack; limited production and availability
- Today largely phased out of regular sales; not offered broadly in recent years
If you’re shopping for a Fit today, you’ll primarily encounter gasoline or hybrid powertrains, depending on the market.
Markets and availability
Overall, engine offerings for the Honda Fit depend on generation and region. The United States saw the Fit primarily with the 1.5-liter gasoline engine until its departure from the U.S. market after the 2020 model year. Europe, Asia, and other regions continue to offer the Jazz with both gasoline variants and the hybrid e:HEV option, reflecting Honda’s broader strategy for subcompact powertrains.
Summary
The Honda Fit’s engine lineup centers on a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with i-VTEC as the standard option in many markets, paired with either a manual or CVT transmission. A hybrid variant, the Jazz e:HEV, uses a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors and an e-CVT. A limited electric Fit EV existed briefly in the early 2010s. Availability varies by market and model year, with the US market no longer offering the Fit after 2020 while other regions continue to offer gasoline and hybrid Jazz variants.
What is the best month to buy a Honda?
The end of the year, particularly the months of November and December, can be a good time to purchase a Honda. This is because many dealerships offer special promotions and incentives to clear out their inventory before the new models arrive.
What kind of motor is in a Honda Fit?
Regardless of trim level, all variants get a non-direct-injected 1.5-litre L15Z SOHC i-VTEC engine paired to an Earth Dreams CVT.
What year to stay away from Honda Fit?
With the most reported complaints of all model years of the Honda Fit, the 2015 Fit is one we definitely recommend avoiding if you are looking to purchase from the last generation of this model. These early models tend to carry more issues that would be rectified later in the car's production life.
What billionaire drives a Honda Accord?
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos was still driving a 1997 Honda Accord years after becoming a billionaire. Bezos's choice of car came to light in a “60 Minutes” interview with Bob Simon in 1999. At that time, Amazon was a 5-year-old company known mainly as an online bookstore.