2018 Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta is one of the cheapest compact cars in the market, starting from $14,000 and going up to $21,000 for its top ST trim. The base 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is a bit dull, but driving enthusiasts get a high-performing turbocharged I-4 in the ST trim. Front-wheel-drive is standard across the board.

Trim	S	SE	Titanium	ST
MSRP (Hatchback)	$14,505	$15,435	$19,195	$21,285
MSRP (Sedan)	$14,205	$15,735	$19,495	--
Features	Power mirrors Rear spoiler (hatchback only) Remote keyless entry Height-adjustable driver seat 4.2-inch center display Rearview camera 6-speaker sound system	All features of S, plus: Automatic headlights Upgraded cloth upholstery Front center console  Power windows Cruise control Multicolor ambient lighting MyKey parental controls	All features of SE, plus: Chrome exterior trim Leather-wrapped steering Trip computer Black grille Rear parking sensors Leather upholstery Auto-dimming rearview mirror 8-speaker Sony sound system	All features of SE, plus: 17-inch wheels with summer performance tires Sport-tuned suspension Upgraded brakes Quicker steering Unique bodywork and dual-exhaust tips ST-specific cloth sport seats (with driver height adjustment) Sony sound system

The 2018 Ford Fiesta is offered in two body styles: a sedan and a four-door hatchback, and four trim levels: S, SE, Titanium, and the sporty ST. The standard engine is a 120hp generating I-4 with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. For more excitement, go for the ST trim that uses a turbocharged I-4 that generates 197hp. Front-wheel-drive is standard.

We Recommend

Upgrading to the SE trim is recommended as it adds desirable features such as power windows, cruise control, and MyKey parental control. Adding the optional Appearance package is also recommended as it adds Sync 3 infotainment interface with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice controls, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

“When a car has as much poise and agility as this, engine power is a bit beside the point. The 5-speed manual transmission is also a delight, with effortless gear changes. Most people will probably choose the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (in non-ST versions), which allows manual changes, but isn't as refined. If ever there was a good reason for learning to drive stick, it's the Fiesta ST.” – Auto Trader

Engine and Transmission

The 2018 Ford Fiesta ditched the 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine and now uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 120hp and 112 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine powers the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

For those who want more power, the ST trim offers a 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 that generates 197hp and 202 lb.-ft. of torque.

Models	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
MSRP	$14,415	$16,990	$15,950
Engine	Regular Unleaded I-4 1.6 L/97	Regular Unleaded I-4 1.5 L/91	Regular Unleaded I-4 1.5 L/91
Transmission	5-speed manual	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Power	120hp @ 6350 rpm	128hp @ 6600 rpm	106hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm	113 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm	103 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Fiesta doesn’t cost as much as its key rivals, but still delivers a quirky performance and powerful acceleration, especially the ST models. Honda Fit’s engine is more powerful than Fiesta’s base engine, though it is also $2,000 more expensive. Yaris iA also costs $1,000 more than Fiesta but has a less powerful engine.

Acceleration

The base engine of the 2018 Ford Fiesta doesn’t feel strong but is enough for everyday city drives. The ST trim offers a much more sporty acceleration that would satisfy most drivers, only if they keep in mind that this is, after all, a compact car.

Models	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
0-60 MPH	9.1 sec	9.1 sec	10.2 sec
Quarter mile	17.1 sec	17.1 sec	17.8 sec
Engine	1.6L	1.5L	1.5L
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.8	5.7	5.5

Ford Fiesta goes neck to neck with Fit when it comes to acceleration, and both display equal numbers in the 0 – 60-mile test and the quarter-mile test. Fiesta is also cheaper, by almost 3 grands. Yaris iA is on the slower side, taking 1.1 seconds more in the 0-60 mph test, and 0.7 seconds more to reach a quarter mile.

Handling and Steering

The 2018 Ford Fiesta is longer than the previous Fiesta, and also has a wider stance. This gives Fiesta extra stability but doesn’t affect the zesty handling that Fiesta is known for. It has a well-tuned suspension that makes it fun to drive.

The steering is quick and gives a good feedback. Whether it’s a corner or freeway on-ramp, you’ll enjoy zipping through them all.

Braking

Although the 2018 Ford Fiesta doesn’t have the shortest stopping distance, its brake pedal feel is quite well for the class. The pedal has an intuitive feel out on the road. The Fiesta leans on the sportier side, and the brakes are confidence instilling and allow you to use your Fiesta to its full potential.

Model	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
Brake Front (in)	10.2	10.3	10
Brake Rear (in)	7.9	7.9	7.9
Curb weight (lbs.)	2537	2568	2385
70-0 MPH (ft.)	175	179	185

Even though 175 feet is not a very impressive stopping distance, it is much better than Honda Fit and Yaris iA. Even though Yaris iA weighs the least, it still takes almost 10 feet more than Fiesta to come to a stop. Fit takes 4 feet more than the Fiesta, even though they weigh almost the same and use the same size rotors.

Fiesta’s engine may provide you with more power than the rivals, but they are thirstier than most. The 6-speed automatic transmission gives the best economy of 27/37 mpg in city/hwy. The Fiesta ST returns 26/33 mpg in city/hwy.

Model	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
mpg (city)	27	33	30
mpg (highway)	35	40	39
mpg (combined)	31	36	34

Both Honda Fitt and Toyota Yaris iA return better mileage numbers than Fiesta. Honda Fit is the king of savings, with 33/40 mpg in city/hwy. Yaris iA also does quite well, with just 1mpg less than Fit on the highway and 30 mpg in the city.

“The 2018 Ford Fiesta has a pleasant interior for the price, but the standard cloth seating material feels scratchy. Options like leather upholstery and heated front seats improve overall quality. The Fiesta’s tech features are useful and entertaining. Space is limited in the Fiesta, with narrow front seats, cramped rear quarters, and below-average cargo room – regardless of body style” – Cars US News

Seating and Comfort

The longer 2018 Ford Fiesta feels roomier inside the cabin, but still has restricted headroom and legroom in the rear seats. The seats themselves don’t have a lot of padding, and the cloth upholstery feels a bit scratchy.

Model	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
Passenger capacity	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft. cube)	85.1	95.7	85.9
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg/Hip) (In.)	39.1/52.7/42.2/50.6	39.5/54.8/41.4/51.5	38.2/53.1/41.9/48.6
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg/Hip) (In.)	37.2/49/31.2/49.2	37.5/52.6/39.3/45.1	36.8/50/34.4/49.5

The seats may not be as soft as some of the rivals, but the cabin quality and quietness add to the comfy experience. Fiesta has one of the quietest cabins in the class. This is a blessing because the I-4 tends to get a bit noisy.

Interior Features

Here is a list of the standout features in the 2018 Ford Fiesta’s cabin:

• keyless entry
• six-speaker audio system
• 2-inch display
• rearview camera

Some optional features include:

• 5-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• USB ports, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system
• Rear parking sensors
• MyKey parental control
• Power windows
• Cruise control
• Automatic climate control
• Moonroof
• Navigation
• Proximity key with push-button start

Infotainment

The standard infotainment system consists of a 4.2-inch display screen and a 6 speaker audio system. Upgrading to the SYNC 3 system is recommended as it adds a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system.

The SYNC 3 system is pretty straightforward and a few minutes with the system are all you need to get acquainted with it. The system responds quickly and the touchscreen has crisp graphics.

Cargo Capacity

The hatchback models offer more cargo space than the sedan, but still, the 2018 Ford Fiesta doesn’t provide as much cargo space as the rivals. The rear seats fold but don’t lie completely flat which makes loading the luggage to the front a bit difficult.

Model	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
Behind 2nd Row (ft.3)	14.9	16.6	15.6
2nd Row Folded (ft.3)	25.4	52.7	--

Just like fuel economy, there is no match to the Honda Fit in the cargo department. Its 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space can be expanded to 52.7 cubic feet after folding the rear seats. No other car even comes close to those numbers.

Fit also has a Divide-N-Hide cargo system which further enhances its utility. Yaris iA almost matches Fit’s trunk space but falls behind after folding the rear seats. Fiesta’s 25.4 cubic feet of max cargo capacity is well below class average.

“The exterior design is evolved, marked by a variation of the current Fiesta’s toothy Aston Martin–esque grille at the front and larger, horizontal taillights at the rear. The new version is slightly larger, with a 0.2-inch wheelbase stretch, a 0.4-inch-wider rear track, and a 1.2-inch-wider front track.” – Car and Driver

Dimension and Weight

The new and bigger 2018 Ford Fiesta has a design that accentuates a wider and lower stance and more athletic lines at the rear. It looks sportier and at the same time, more family-friendly due to its roomier cabin.

Model	Ford Fiesta	Honda Fit	Toyota Yaris iA
Curb weight (lbs.)	2537	2568	2385
Length(in)	159.7	161.4	171.7
Width(in)	67.8	67	66.7
Height(in)	58.1	60	58.5
Ground clearance(in)	--	4.4	5.5
Wheelbase(in)	98	99.6	101.2
Track width(in) F/R	57.7/57.7	58.3/58	58.5/57.9

Even though the new Fiesta is longer, it is still smaller than Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris iA. Although, it does have a wider stance than either of the other two. As far as height goes, Fiesta’s sporty persona keeps it low to the ground than the others.

Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features include:

• Black beltline
• Chrome upper grille bars and surround
• Lower Black grille
• Body-Color Door Handles
• Body-color front and rear bumpers
• Easy Fuel Capless Fuel Filler
• Halogen headlamps with black-surround bezel
• Twin-chamber Quad-Beam halogen, bright reflector headlamps with black bezel and chrome highlights
• Solar tinted glass

The 2018 Ford Fiesta does quite well in the crash tests, earning a ‘Good’ rating in four of IIHS’s tests and a ‘Marginal’ in one.

Crashworthiness
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side	Good
Roof Strength	Good
Head Restraints and Seats	Good
Small Overlap Front (Driver-side)	Marginal
Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) Ease of Use	Poor

The NHTSA ran the following four crash tests on the 2018 Ford Fiesta:

NHTSA Rating
Overall Front Star Rating	4 out of 5
Front Driver Side	5 out of 5
Front Passenger Side	4 out of 5
Rollover	4 out of 5

The Fiesta comes standard with a rearview camera. Rear parking sensors and MyKey are also available. The safety features list is not long, and many rivals provide many more features.

Ford Fiesta vs Honda Fit

The Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta have different approaches to a compact car. While Fiesta focuses on performance, Fit focuses on economy and utility. Honda Fit is about $2,100 more expensive, but it has more standard features and more room in the back seat and trunk.

2018 Ford Fiesta may be cheaper than Fit, but Honda Fit has a better fuel economy and would be cheaper in the long run. Go for Honda Fit if you cherish utility, economy, and standard features. If performance and handling are your priority, Fiesta is a better car.

Ford Fiesta vs Toyota Yaris iA

Although the Toyota Yaris and Toyota Yaris iA have similar names, they are very different cars. Ford Fiesta and Yaris iA incline towards a sporty and edgy handling, the regular Yaris is rather dull. Both Yaris and Yaris iA have a better ride quality than Fiesta but only have one sluggish engine. Fiesta, however, offers a peppier engine in its top trim.

Though 2018 Ford Fiesta costs $1,500 less than Yaris and $1,800 less than Yaris iA, their higher cost can be justified by the extra standard features that they provide. So, the Fiesta may be a better choice than the regular Yaris, but Yaris iA delivers better performance, is more practical, and has higher crash test scores.

The 2018 Ford Fiesta is a great compact car that combines value and performance. It continues to provide fun handling and a decent interior quality with intuitive techs like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

But people tend to expect more than that from their cars, even if it is a compact. This is where Fiesta’s rivals come into the picture. While Honda Fit provides more features, more cargo, and rear seat room, and a better fuel economy, Yaris and Yaris iA woo their customers with more standard safety and tech features. Fiesta is a great car if performance is all that you’re looking for, but if you want a complete experience, it is wise to look around a bit.