Is the Honda Fit a 3-cylinder engine?
The short answer: No. The Honda Fit (known as the Honda Jazz in many markets) has always used inline-four engines in its official configurations, including a 1.5-liter gasoline four and a four-cylinder hybrid option. There has not been a factory three-cylinder Fit offered in the model’s mainstream lineups.
For readers seeking the full picture, this article examines how the Fit/Jazz has been powered across generations, why a three-cylinder option hasn’t appeared, and what powertrain choices are available today for buyers abroad and in markets where the model remains in production.
Current powertrains in the Honda Fit/Jazz lineup
Across its global lineup, the Jazz/Fit has relied on four-cylinder powerplants, with one variant focused on efficiency via hybrid technology. In markets where the model is still sold, you’ll typically find a gasoline four-cylinder engine as the backbone, and a separate hybrid version that uses the same four-cylinder block paired with electric motors.
- Gasoline inline-4 powerplant: typically around 1.3–1.5 liters, serving as the standard engine in most generations.
- Hybrid variant: a 1.5-liter inline-4 paired with an electric motor system to deliver higher efficiency (e:HEV/Hybrid variants).
- No official three-cylinder option: Honda has not offered a factory three-cylinder Fit in its main markets; all engines have been four-cylinder configurations.
Conclusion: In practice, buyers should expect a four-cylinder gasoline engine or a four-cylinder hybrid in the Fit/Jazz lineup. In the United States, the Fit was discontinued after the 2020 model year, while the Jazz nameplate continues in Europe, Asia, and other regions with similar four-cylinder powertrains.
Historical context and market variations
Historically, Honda’s subcompact has leaned on four-cylinder power across its generations. While some small cars around the world explore three-cylinder options for efficiency, the Fit/Jazz has not been marketed with a factory three-cylinder engine in its major markets. The model’s availability and powertrain specifics vary by region and generation, but the three-cylinder configuration has not been part of the official Fit/Jazz lineup in recent decades.
Summary
Bottom line: The Honda Fit is not powered by a three-cylinder engine. It relies on four-cylinder gasoline engines, with four-cylinder hybrids available in many markets. The U.S. market saw the Fit exit new-car listings after 2020, but the Jazz continues internationally with similar four-cylinder powertrains.
What is the weakness of Honda Fit?
Some Honda Fit vehicles tend to develop driveability issues as early as 50,000 miles due to ignition coil failure. This is a widely reported problem for the 2007 to 2016 model years. Ignition coil failure typically causes issues like loss of power, engine stalling, and stuttering at high speeds.
Why was the Honda Fit discontinued?
The Honda Fit was discontinued in North America due to declining sales, a shift in consumer preference toward SUVs, and economic factors. Honda replaced it with the more profitable HR-V crossover, which shares a platform with the Fit and is a more popular segment. Other contributing factors include new fuel economy regulations and changing market dynamics.
Reasons for discontinuation
- Declining sales and market trends: The subcompact car market has shrunk significantly, with sales of models like the Fit declining for years. Consumers are increasingly favoring SUVs and crossovers, and the Fit's sales numbers dropped considerably, especially compared to the HR-V.
- Profitability: The HR-V crossover is more profitable for Honda to produce and sell than the Fit. By shifting production of the HR-V to the Mexico factory that previously built the Fit, Honda was able to allocate resources to the more lucrative crossover market.
- Changing market dynamics: A period of lower gas prices also contributed to the decline in demand for fuel-efficient small cars, as consumers became less concerned about fuel economy and more interested in the features and higher driving position of SUVs.
- Regulatory pressures: Stringent future fuel economy targets may have made it less feasible for Honda to produce the Fit profitably in the U.S. market.
- Replacement strategy: Instead of bringing the new fourth-generation Fit to the U.S., Honda replaced it with the related HR-V to capitalize on the market's demand for crossovers.
What kind of engine is in the Honda Fit?
The Honda Fit is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine, specifically a Direct Injection DOHC i-VTEC engine on recent models. This engine produces around 128–130 horsepower and is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Depending on the market and year, other engine options, like 1.2L or 1.3L variants, have also been offered.
Key engine features
- Type: 1.5-liter, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine on recent models
- Horsepower: Approximately 128–130 hp (with slight variations depending on the transmission)
- Torque: Around 113–114 lb-ft
- Transmission: Available with either a 6-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Global variations: Earlier or regional models may have different engine options, including 1.2L and 1.3L i-DSI engines.
How many cylinders are in the Honda Fit?
4-cylinder
Model Highlights. All 2020 Fits are powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine that makes 130 horsepower. There are two available transmissions, a 6-speed manual and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
