This Off-Road Honda Fit is essentially a Polaris RZR underneath, and it performs exceptionally well.

      MikeMasse661 on YouTube

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      When you consider it, almost anything can be transformed into an off-roading vehicle these days. With the right tires, lift kit, suspension, and a bit of reckless enthusiasm—er, I mean, passion—even a Honda Fit can wreak havoc on your neighborhood's pristine lawns.

      Danny Duncan's 2017 Honda Fit, which resembles a live-action Micro Machines car, was lifted and modified into an off-roader in 2020. You can see this version of the car at the 2:41 mark in this older video. Last year, fellow content creator and builder Mike Masse had an accident with Duncan's Polaris RZR. Although Masse was hospitalized due to his injuries, by the time he was released, he had a concept: swapping the Fit’s components with those of the RZR.

      While modifying a Fit to be a 4x4 has been accomplished before, a body swap is a new idea. Why not equip the compact Honda with the capabilities of a side-by-side vehicle? Masse mentioned that the Fit’s performance was lacking. “The small transmission can’t handle 35s, the suspension is shaky, and there are some broken parts,” he stated in his initial video on the project. However, he also nonchalantly remarked, “It might be the best Honda Fit to ever exist.”

      Masse began sharing updates on the project in March, documenting the repairs on the RZR, the body swap, and the recent teardown test drive, which is featured above. To see and hear the “upgraded” RZR-Fit (it really needs a proper name), you can jump to around 7:27.

      Masse drives the small Honda enthusiastically around the garage's property, producing quite a squeal. This cannot be referred to as a small, front-wheel-drive car anymore. It sounds nothing like a Fit and, from aerial views, it doesn’t drive like one either, powering through dirt corners. Masse then takes the lifted Honda onto the streets and across grassy road edges. This segment begins at the 8:38 mark, where we see the Fit’s performance from the pavement. As expected, it navigates over everything with ease, unlike a standard Fit which would have at least lost a bumper.

      The joyride concludes with a sheriff’s deputy waiting back at the shop due to reports of “racing.” Masse doesn't disclose the outcome of that encounter but mentions, “I don’t think I broke 40 mph.” He adds, “It’s typical of a Honda—sounds fast and loud but isn’t really going anywhere.”

      The off-road Fit is still a work in progress. Masse aims to resolve some “clunking” sounds he heard, enhance the braking system, and raise it another inch or two to better fit the large tires, which still contact the fender during sharp stops and turns. While the overall build may not score high for aesthetics, the vehicle is structurally robust due to the extensive welding performed. Masse has done well by making commonly serviced parts, like refueling, conveniently accessible. Hopefully, the next test will be on an actual trail.

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