by Honda has updated the Fit in Japan, marking the model’s 25th anniversary. The new Z trim combines the aggressive style of the RS with a soft, comfortable setup. The flagship RS and Crosstar versions are now available exclusively with a hybrid powertrain.
Anniversary Update
The Honda Fit disappeared from the American market six years ago, but the practical hatchback continues to exist in other countries in its latest fourth generation. Now, Honda has updated it in Japan, celebrating 25 years of the model since the original debuted in 2001. The subcompact remains recognizable, adding a revised trim structure and more standard equipment.
The updated lineup includes the base X, the mid-range Z, the sporty RS, and the off-road-inspired Crosstar. The Chinese version received a revised front end, but the Japanese Fit retains the same exterior look it has had since the 2022 facelift, so there are no exterior changes here.
New Z Trim
The main news is the Z trim, which replaces the previous mid-range Home. It borrows deeper front and rear bumpers from the RS, but with matte black accents instead of glossier finishes. It still rides on the base model’s 15-inch wheels and skips the RS spoiler, side skirts, larger exhaust, and lowered suspension, using a softer tune. The interior gets a leather three-spoke steering wheel, heated seats, and special glass for better thermal insulation.
Flagship RS
Moving up, the flagship RS inherits premium elements from the old Luxe trim and is now available only with the e:HEV powertrain. The sporty body kit with glossy black accents remains, while the five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels have a slightly different finish. The RS suspension, tuned for sharper handling, is also retained, although it has no real performance improvements over the rest of the lineup.
Inside, the Fit RS gets black pillars and headliner, along with leather and suede upholstery with red contrast stitching and stainless steel pedals. Standard equipment includes a 9-inch infotainment screen, wireless charging, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
Off-road Crosstar
The Crosstar is also available exclusively in e:HEV form, with an optional 4WD system, matching its crossover body kit and raised ride height. For this update, it receives a standard heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and improved thermal insulation glass. Of course, all Fit trims retain the signature Magic Seats, which make it easier to transport large items.
No Changes Under the Hood
Under the hood, the Fit remains largely unchanged. The X and Z trims are available with both gasoline and hybrid setups with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The non-electrified 1.5-liter four-cylinder i-VTEC engine produces 116 hp (87 kW / 118 PS) and 142 Nm of torque, working exclusively with a CVT. The e:HEV models are present across the lineup and retain the two-motor self-charging hybrid system, which provides a combined 121 hp (90 kW / 123 PS) and 253 Nm of torque, with the RS being the only version that does not offer all-wheel drive.
Pricing and Launch
The updated Honda Fit lineup will go on sale at Japanese dealers on July 10. Prices start at ¥1,806,200 ($11,100) for the base gasoline X trim with front-wheel drive, while the new Z trim costs ¥2,145,000 ($13,200).
On the hybrid side, the e:HEV X starts at ¥2,238,500 ($13,800). The sporty e:HEV RS costs ¥2,899,600 ($17,900), and the most expensive member of the family is the off-road e:HEV Crosstar 4WD at ¥2,955,700 ($18,200). Honda has sold over 3.25 million Fit units in Japan since 2001, making it one of the brand’s most iconic models in the region.
This update demonstrates that Honda continues to invest in the Fit model in its home market, despite its departure from North America. The expansion of hybrid versions and the addition of the new Z trim indicate a desire to meet the diverse needs of buyers, from economy to sporty style. Given the model’s enormous popularity in Japan, such an update is a logical step to maintain interest in the hatchback, which has already become an icon in the domestic market.
