I signed up to ask this because I haven't found a definitive answer through searching. Is there any real world cargo capacity differences between the GD and the GE generation Fits?

Edmunds/other sites say the GD has 41 cubic feet max, while the GE has 57. Pretty big difference, which would rule out me buying a GD. HOWEVER, when looking at this thread: ( https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/gene...rgo-gd-ge.html ) It suggests that the GD has 56 cubic feet of space, and I have also seen dimensions of the GD cargo area which are very consistent with those of the GE.

So, which is the case?

 

Not sure, but the GD does seem a bit shorter than the GE, at least when I pull up next to one. That would indicate taller roofline = more space vertically, but I don't think the GE is much wider than the GD as far as cargo space is concerned. (Edit: official measurements put the GD almost the same width as the GE, and I would assume the extra volume is from the height then)

According to Honda, the GE has more cargo room.

GD

2007 Honda Fit- Specifications - Honda.com

GE
2013 Honda Fit - Specifications - Official Site

 

Consumer Reports doesn't care about driving fun so much as practicality and cargo capacity. They measure it pretty carefully and remain independent of manufacturers' claims.

The full test and report on the GE was published in the March '09 edition. That edition will probably tell when the test of the previous version (GD) was published, probably in '07.

Libraries have these issues on hand, probably in the reference department. Your local library may also have a subscription to the online version. They MAY be willing to look these up for you if you phone them. Then again the articles may mention fitting odd-sized boxes into the various cars.

I'm not a huge fan of Consumer Reports, but they can be useful when I'm being an old fuddy-duddy. Like when I recommend libraries.


EDIT: No dice. Since I was at the library I looked in the March, '09 Consumer Reports and the only measurement of cargo space was 2 suitcases and 2 duffels. ?? The Fit, however, tromped the competition overall.

 

I was surprise I always under the impression that there was not that much difference in cargo room. Seems like when the GE came out there was any mention of the increase cargo room or at least I did not notice.

 

yah, the GE does have considerably larger cargo room vs the GD. i noticed this while carrying my wheelset for my other car to the tire store to get them re-wrapped. i had a 08 GD before.

 

Well, so wait a second.
From what I've read, the GE specs take into account the cargo when the front seat is folded down. The GD specs don't.

I read this on the Internet somewhere, and haven't bothered to verify that, but it strikes me as being true.

 

^This is taken into account in the listed specs. Damn internet.

GD
Cargo Volume (cu. ft., seat up/down) 21.3 / 41.9

GE
Cargo Volume (cu ft, seat up/down) 20.6 / 57.3

 

yah, 41.9 vs 57.3 is quite noticable.

 

well, it's unclear whether 'seat down' means 'just the back seat down' or 'back+front seat down'. Somebody suggested that for the GD, the cargo measurement was with just the backseat down; whereas for the GE, the measurement was for the back+front seat down.

...but I don't really know. It seems like there isn't THAT much more room in the GE, but I could definitely be mistaken.

 

Actually, now that you mention it, going through the dimensions of both cars it seems almost impossible the GE would offer that much of an increase.

The GE itself is 4" longer than the GD, but I don't see how that equates to an extra 15 cubic feet of cargo space. There are definitely shenanigans in those "official" measurements.

Not to say those 4" doesn't make a difference. 1" has been the difference between me hauling something home with my car and having it delivered or borrowing someone's truck