The 2019 Ford Fiesta is a standout in the subcompact car category, offering a spirited driving experience, sleek styling, and excellent value for money. As one of the final model years before Ford discontinued the Fiesta in the United States, the 2019 version represents the culmination of a decade-long run that earned a loyal following among urban drivers, young professionals, and budget-conscious car buyers.
Despite its small size, the Fiesta delivers big on personality. Available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, it caters to a variety of lifestyles, from commuters seeking fuel efficiency to enthusiasts drawn to the sportier ST trim. In an automotive market increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs, the 2019 Ford Fiesta remains a refreshing option for those who still appreciate the charm and practicality of a well-designed small car.
Exterior and Interior Design
Exterior Design: Youthful and Urban-Ready
It strikes a nice balance between sporty and practical—appealing to both younger drivers and those looking for an affordable, no-nonsense commuter car. Buyers can choose between two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. Higher trims, like the Titanium and ST, feature upgraded exterior elements such as chrome accents, fog lamps, and larger alloy wheels, giving the Fiesta a more premium or performance-oriented appearance depending on your taste.
Interior Design: Compact Comfort with Smart Features
Step inside the 2019 Fiesta, and you’ll find a cabin that makes smart use of space without sacrificing comfort. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with well-placed controls and a simple, clean design. Base trims come with durable materials suited to daily use, while higher trims offer upgraded finishes such as leather-trimmed seats and metallic accents that elevate the overall feel.
One of the standout interior features is Ford’s available SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is housed in a centrally located touchscreen. The system is quick to respond and supports smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Storage space is decent for a car of its size. The hatchback offers more cargo versatility with fold-down rear seats, making it easier to carry groceries, sports equipment, or weekend luggage.
Technology and Infotainment
Designed to appeal to modern drivers who expect convenience and connectivity on the go, the Fiesta keeps things simple but functional, offering just enough technology to enhance the driving experience without overwhelming it.
SYNC and SYNC 3: Keeping You Connecte
Available on the SE trim and standard on Titanium and ST models, SYNC 3 includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface and crisp graphics. It offers full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing users to seamlessly integrate their smartphones for access to music, maps, messaging, and more—all with the familiarity of their phone’s interface.
SYNC 3 also supports voice commands, letting drivers control various functions without taking their hands off the wheel, which enhances both safety and convenience.
Additional Tech Features
Depending on the trim level, the Fiesta can be equipped with a range of additional tech and convenience features, including:
- Navigation System: Available in higher trims, offering real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions.
- Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start: Available on select trims, adding a touch of premium convenience.
Performance and Driving Experience
If there’s one area where the 2019 Ford Fiesta truly shines, it’s in how it feels behind the wheel. While many subcompact cars focus solely on fuel efficiency and practicality, the Fiesta stands out by delivering a genuinely enjoyable and responsive driving experience—a rarity in this price range.
Engine Options
The standard engine in most 2019 Fiesta models is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. While those numbers may not sound thrilling on paper, the Fiesta’s light weight and compact size help it feel zippy and agile in real-world conditions.
The manual transmission is particularly rewarding, offering smooth gear changes and adding to the car’s fun-to-drive character. The automatic, while not the smoothest in its class, provides convenience for those who prioritize ease of use over spirited driving.
The Fiesta ST: A True Hot Hatch
For those who crave more excitement, the Fiesta ST is a performance gem in the subcompact world. It’s equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that generates an impressive 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque.
The ST features a specially tuned suspension, performance brakes, a lower ride height, and more aggressive styling cues—all contributing to a driving experience that’s crisp, responsive, and just plain fun. It’s a favorite among driving enthusiasts and often praised for its go-kart-like handling.
Handling and Ride Quality
One of the Fiesta’s biggest strengths is its precise steering and balanced suspension, which make it feel nimble and composed even on twisty roads. Even in the non-ST trims, the Fiesta manages to strike a good balance between comfort and sportiness. The suspension soaks up most bumps and imperfections without feeling too soft or floaty. For a car in this class, the ride quality is impressively refined.
Fuel Efficiency
In a segment where affordability often goes hand in hand with long-term savings, the 2019 Ford Fiesta delivers solid fuel economy that makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious drivers.
MPG Ratings
The standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in the 2019 Fiesta delivers an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway when paired with the six-speed automatic transmission. If you opt for the five-speed manual transmission, you can expect slightly better numbers: 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
Real-World Efficiency
In real-world driving conditions, many owners report fuel economy that closely matches—or even exceeds—EPA estimates, particularly during highway travel or in stop-and-go city traffic when driven conservatively. The Fiesta’s light weight and aerodynamic design contribute to its ability to sip fuel, making it an ideal car for urban environments or long-distance commuting.
Fiesta ST Efficiency
The performance-oriented Fiesta ST, while more powerful and tuned for sporty driving, still manages respectable fuel economy. It’s rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, which is impressive for a turbocharged performance hatchback. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its performance class, giving drivers the best of both worlds—fun and frugality.
Economical Without Sacrificing Fun
While some competitors may offer slightly higher MPG figures—especially hybrids or newer turbocharged models—the 2019 Fiesta remains competitive thanks to its balance of efficiency, affordability, and fun-to-drive character. It’s an especially smart choice for younger drivers or anyone looking to minimize both fuel and maintenance expenses.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety, the 2019 Ford Fiesta provides a solid foundation of essential features, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. While it may not offer the advanced driver-assist technologies found in newer or higher-end vehicles, it still delivers core safety capabilities expected of a reliable subcompact car.
Standard Safety Equipment
These include:
- Rearview camera: Standard across all trims, this feature assists drivers when backing up, reducing the risk of collisions with obstacles or pedestrians.
Notable Omissions
One of the few drawbacks of the 2019 Fiesta’s safety offering is the absence of modern driver assistance technologies that are increasingly standard in today’s vehicles. Features such as:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
This is largely due to the vehicle's age and budget-friendly design, as it was originally developed before many of these technologies became mainstream.
A Safe Choice for Basic Needs
Despite lacking high-end safety tech, the Fiesta still offers a strong basic safety package, especially for experienced drivers or those who prioritize affordability.
Pros and Cons
While it delivers outstanding value and an engaging driving experience, it may fall short for some buyers seeking more modern features or interior space. Here's a balanced look at what makes the Fiesta a compelling choice—and where it might not meet everyone's needs.
Pros
Fun-to-Drive Handling
The Fiesta is widely praised for its sharp steering, responsive handling, and nimble road manners.
Available Hatchback and Performance ST Trim
The versatility of choosing between a sedan and hatchback adds appeal for different lifestyles.
SYNC 3 Infotainment System
When equipped, Ford’s SYNC 3 system offers a modern, responsive, and easy-to-use interface with smartphone integration.
Cons
Limited Rear Seat and Cargo Space
The sedan’s trunk is modest as well, though the hatchback improves utility.
Outdated Safety Tech
While it includes standard crash protection features, the Fiesta lacks modern driver-assistance technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, or adaptive cruise control—all of which are common in newer rivals.
Noisy Cabin at Highway Speeds
On longer highway drives, this can detract from the overall comfort level.
The Bottom Line on Pros and Cons
If you prioritize affordability, driving fun, and fuel economy, the 2019 Ford Fiesta is a strong contender that offers much more than basic transportation.
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