Honda Fit a subcompact that's big on cargo, leg space

The 2016 Honda Fit is a satisfying little hatchback that pairs the cargo space of an SUV and more backseat legroom than many sedans with the fuel efficiency of a subcompact — up to 41 mpg.

At only 13.3 feet long, the Fit is a recommended buy of Consumer Reports magazine, which lists its reliability as above average.

The starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $16,725 for a model with a six-speed manual transmission and $17,525 for one with CVT. This includes standard rearview camera with moving guidelines that project where the car is headed as it backs up, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, LED taillights and automatic-on headlights.

Even with every available factory feature added in — power moonroof, leather seat trim, a navigation system, 7-inch display touchscreen, keyless entry and push-button start — the Fit tops out at only $22,000.

The Fit also holds its value. ALG ranks the 2016 Fit tops among subcompacts like the Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa for resale value.

The fit and finish of the test-driven Fit was up to snuff inside and out, but the car wasn't a quiet, plush ride. Plenty of road noise made it inside the car, and the horsepower from its four-cylinder gasoline engine topped out at 130.

Nevertheless, the 1.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder and the well-engineered transmissions make the most of every bit of power that's generated, so the Fit is sprightly.

Even with demanding driving that wasn't focused on saving fuel, the test-driven model managed nearly 34 mpg in combined city/highway travel —just 1 mpg less than the average 35 mpg rating of the federal government. Highway-only travel is rated by the federal government at 41 mpg in Fits with the CVT.

The floor in the backseat is flat, and seat cushions in the 60/40 split “Magic Seat” fold up to provide nearly 4 feet of vertical space for standing up tall plants or paintings inside. Folding down the rear seatbacks produces an SUV-like 52.7 cubic feet of space — room for bikes or a small couch. You won't believe it until you try it.

Passengers enjoy a surprisingly spacious-feeling interior, as front legroom maxes out at 41.4 inches — almost as much as the 41.6 inches in the mid-sized Toyota Camry. There's 39.3 inches of legroom in the Fit's back seat, which is more than the Camry's 38.9 inches. Plus, the Fit has more front-seat headroom than the Camry does.

Ann M. Job is an automotive critic for the Associated Press.