2007 Honda Fit Sport vs. 2008 Scion xD Comparison Test Video

By Edmunds Video Productions | Published September 25, 2009

3:54 min

For some, the answer to rising gas prices and tightening budgets is obvious � get a smaller car. But the dilemma doesn�t end there � which small car is best? If you put fun to drive on equal footing with great gas mileage then we�ve got two cars that deserve your attention; The Honda Fit Sport and Scion xD. Both are inexpensive, both appear to appeal to Gen �Y kids and both are so sensible the parents of those kids will want one too. Still, Scion has made quite a name for itself with younger drivers. However, the smallish xA proved much less popular than the xB and therefore Toyota has completely revamped the smaller Scion � though now it�s called the xD. The xD has ditched the previous car�s anemic 103-hp engine, and replaced it with a 128-hp 1.8-liter inline four with variable valve timing. The xD also makes side airbags standard. The wheels and tires have grown to 16s and electronic stability control is available as an option. Features such as cruise control and keyless entry are now standard � Same as the Fit. The Scion does have one notable advantage in terms of features � it�s audio system is more flexible and will like appeal more to those who just can�t be seen without an iPod. Riding on an almost identical wheelbase, Honda�s Fit looks more upright and has a more flexible interior. It�s also powered by a transverse mounted inline four although the Fit�s engine displaces just 1.5 liters and it good for 109 hp � nearly 20 less than the Scion xD. But the Fit Sport makes up for the power deficit by offering a more flexible and ultimately roomier interior. In fact, the Fit offers about 6 cubic feet more of overall living space. Thanks to the Fit�s flat load floor, it�s also easier to haul your stuff around. Agile handling is also one of the Fit�s strong points. Our track tests bear out the Fit's edge in agility, as its 63.3-mph slalom performance was a bit better than the Scion's efforts of 61.1 mph. The Fit also topped the Scion on our skid pad. Also, The Fit's electric power steering didn't seem to compromise steering effort or feedback unlike the Scion. But thanks to an larger, more powerful engine, the Scion xD offers snappier acceleration � it took 8.4 seconds to get from 0-60 while the Fit takes a full 9 seconds to hit the same speed. Both the Fit and xD have standard four-wheel ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution and the Scion adds brake assist if it senses a panic stop. At the test track, both cars stopped equally well from 60 mph, with the Fit coming to a halt in 122 feet, and the xD stopping in 123 feet. When all is said and done, both of these four door economy hatchbacks have a lot to offer. The 2007 Honda Fit Sport seems the more practical of the two, with fractionally better fuel economy and huge cargo space. Its agility is a plus, too. But the 2008 Scion xD is the one that comes out on top for us. With just enough power to deal comfortably with traffic, a more refined ride, a longer list of standard convenience and safety features than the Fit and the availability of stability control, the Scion xD is simply the best package for us.