What is the difference between Honda Fit and Honda Fit Shuttle?
In short, the Honda Fit Shuttle is the wagon-style version of the Honda Fit with more cargo space, while the standard Fit is the compact hatchback with a smaller footprint and nimble city handling. Availability varies by market, and the Shuttle has historically been offered mainly in Japan and select overseas markets, not in the United States.
Overview: what each model is and where it’s sold
The Honda Fit (also known as the Jazz in many markets) is the five-door subcompact hatchback renowned for flexible seating and a small footprint. The Honda Fit Shuttle is the wagon/estate variant derived from the same platform, designed to maximize cargo capacity with a stretched rear section and wagon-style roofline. In practice, the Shuttle’s appeal is practical loading space over a sportier hatchback profile.
Body style and cargo capacity
These two variants differ primarily in body design and how much cargo they can carry. The standard Fit is a compact hatchback with a versatile interior, while the Shuttle extends the rear end to provide a larger, more practical cargo area and a taller loading volume.
- Fit: five-door hatchback with flexible seating and compact dimensions.
- Fit Shuttle: wagon/estate version with increased cargo space and a longer rear profile.
Overall, the Shuttle delivers noticeably more room for luggage, groceries, or equipment, at the expense of a slightly larger overall footprint and altered rear styling.
Shared traits: powertrains and interior features
Across generations and markets where the Shuttle was offered, both models share much of the mechanical DNA, including engine options and interior flexibility features. The two variants typically provide similar drivetrains, with the Shuttle simply benefiting from the extended cargo area of its body.
Engines and transmission
Powertrain choices are broadly aligned between the two: small-displacement petrol engines paired with manual or automatic transmissions (CVT in many markets). Exact engine options can vary by generation and region.
- Common engine family includes efficient i-VTEC petrol units (various displacements depending on market).
- Transmission options typically include CVT or manual, depending on market and trim.
Both variants often feature Honda’s flexible seating system that reconfigures the interior to maximize passenger space or cargo, depending on needs.
Market availability and naming by region
Regional naming and availability have varied over time. In some markets the wagon variant was marketed as the Jazz Shuttle or Fit Shuttle, while in others it was not offered at all. The United States did not receive a dedicated Fit Shuttle model; the Jazz/Fit hatchback was sold without a wagon variant there.
Where you’ll find each model
Current offerings differ by generation and region. The standard Fit/Jazz remains the more widely sold hatchback in many markets, whereas the Shuttle variant was more common in Japan and select overseas markets during its production window. In recent years, Honda’s global lineup has shifted focus and the dedicated wagon variant is not widely offered in many regions.
- United States: Fit available; Shuttle not offered.
- Japan/Europe (and some other markets): Jazz Shuttle or Fit Shuttle offered in certain generations.
For prospective buyers, local dealer inventories and model year catalogs are the best source for current availability in a given region.
Choosing between them: practical considerations
Deciding between the standard Fit and the Shuttle comes down to cargo needs, driving environment, and personal preference for a longer rear end. If you regularly haul larger items or need more cargo flexibility, the Shuttle’s wagon design is advantageous. If you value a smaller footprint for urban parking and slightly sportier feel, the standard Fit is typically the better fit.
Practical guidance
- Cargo vs. footprint: Shuttle offers more space for longer or bulkier items.
- Urban use: Fit’s smaller size can ease parking and maneuverability.
- Market availability: Check whether your region offered a Shuttle variant in the generation you’re considering.
Test-driving both variants and comparing cargo capacity with your typical needs is recommended to determine which aligns best with your lifestyle.
Summary
The Honda Fit is the compact hatchback that emphasizes nimble handling and interior versatility, while the Fit Shuttle is the wagon variant designed to maximize cargo space with an extended rear end. The Shuttle’s availability has varied by region and generation, with it historically appearing in Japan and some overseas markets (sometimes under the Jazz Shuttle name) but not in the United States. For buyers prioritizing cargo capacity, the Shuttle offers a clear advantage; for those prioritizing urban agility and a smaller footprint, the standard Fit remains the practical choice. As market offerings evolve, verify current availability with local Honda dealers.
What is a Honda Fit shuttle?
The Fit Shuttle is a compact station wagon derived from the second generation Fit and is available in Japan's domestic market. The Shuttle is also a successor to the station wagon variant of first generation Fit, sold as the Airwave. The car leverages the efficient packaging of Fit and Fit hybrid.
Is the Honda Fit Shuttle a good car?
It achieves a fuel consumption of 21.8 km/L for the normal engine and 34.0 Km/L for the Hybrid engine. For Kenyan buyers, the Honda Shuttle is ideal for people with families who are looking for a reliable and spacious wagon. It's among the most economical in its class and maintenance costs are affordable.
What is the difference between the Honda Fit models?
The 2020 Honda Fit starts with the affordable but fun Fit LX trim, and the more aggressively styled Fit Sport, both are available with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Fit EX comes standard with Honda Sensing and automatic transmission, while Fit EX-L adds leather upholstery and more.
What is the difference between Fit and Shuttle?
In terms of design, the Honda Shuttle is a bit more modern than its platform-sharing sibling, the Honda Fit. The Shuttle employs sharp lines with a very modern front including large headlights designed to be one with the grille insert that holds the Honda badge in the middle.
