2009 Honda Civic Hybrid vs. 2009 Honda Fit Sport Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

3:11 min

Few cars combine economy and utility like the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and the 2009 Honda Fit. But these fuel sipping superstars are as different as they are similar. But which is the better choice? To find out, we spent two weeks behind the wheel of fully loaded versions of both the Civic Hybrid and the Fit Sport. New for 2009 the Honda Fit is bigger than the previous version but keeps its remarkably flexible interior. Our tester also has full power accessories, a five-speed automatic transmission and voice-activated navigation system � total bill, about $19,400. The Civic Hybrid with navigation and leather rings up at about $8,000 more. It�s clearly a nicer car as features like leather seats and climate control are just not available on the Fit. (20.6 cubic feet for Fit vs. 10.4 cubic feet for Civic). 57.3 cubic feet with seats flatBut you don�t have to look far to realize how much more practical the Fit is. Even with its rear seats in the upright position, it offers almost twice as much cargo space as the Civic. Fold those seats flat and cargo volume is even more expansive. The Civic lacks even a simple pass through because of its Hybrid battery pack. Of course, that battery pack that puts the Civic ahead when it comes to fuel economy. It easily wins every fuel consumption test. Civic 45.7 MPG average Fit 32.8 MPG averageThe Civic Hybrid earns an average of 45.7 mpg in our controlled tests. Fit, however, is still respectable. It produced a 32.8 mpg average. There�s no question that both these cars offer more economy than speed. Still, even economy cars have to live in the real world where brisk acceleration is important. 0-60 in 11.0 seconds If a little fun is what you�re looking for, the Fit Sport is the one to get. It�s not exactly a rocket ship in terms of acceleration but it is noticeably quicker than the Civic Hybrid. 0-60 in 13.5 secondsThe Civic borders on frustratingly slow � the full effect of a 13 second 0-60 run isn�t fully appreciated until you try to merge onto an LA Freeway � even if you�re patient, other drivers are not. Fit - 67.8 mph vs. the Civic�s 64.1The Fit also gets through the slalom faster than the Hybrid, is reasonably agile, offers better grip, and is simply more fun to drive. Plus the Civic is more expensive. Even with the added saving from using less fuel, a Civic Hybrid owner will break even only after 26 years of ownership. When it comes to fuel economy and utility, both the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Fit Sport have their merits. But the Fit is the more economical choice overall and it�s more fun to drive and has a more useful interior. When it comes to flexible and efficient fuel sippers, it�s the Honda Fit we�d rather have parked in our driveway.