Flash Drive

2016 Fiat 500X

July 23, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Fiat 500X EASY AWD

The 2016 Fiat 500X is equally at home in the city or the country.
The 2016 Fiat 500X is equally at home in the city or the country.

Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 180 horsepower 175 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 9-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 21-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 24-mpg combined

Base Price: $24,510

As Tested: $27,005

Performance:

Platform twin to Jeep Renegade and equally capable

Console dial for traction modes: regular, sport, snow

Great approach/departure angles

Good fuel economy—our best was 25.6 mpg

The 500X uses the same base platform as the Jeep Renegade, which accounts for its off-road prowess.
The 500X uses the same base platform as the Jeep Renegade, which accounts for its off-road prowess.

Pleasant highway ride

Good city rig, easy to park

Comfort:

Stretch-out, comfortable front seating

Two temperature heated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Comfy, supportive rear cloth seats

Very tight rear seat legroom unless front seats are moved up

Ample headroom

Low floor hump

Headrests are pretty hard

Small diameter, but very thick steering wheel

Nicely contoured steering wheel has flat bottom

The interior is stylish and comfortable. The thick, contoured steering wheel is excellent.
The interior is stylish and comfortable. The thick, contoured steering wheel is excellent.

Tilt/telescopic column

OK auxiliary controls, but not well marked

Utility:

Flat cargo deck

Removable main deck for additional capacity

Huge segmented storage under rear deck subfloor

Split folding rear seats

Folded seats have significant slope

No gap between folded seats and cargo deck

Rear window design cuts into cargo space

Wide rear hatch opening

Two-inch lift-over

Two seatback cargo nets

Terrain modes are controlled by a dial on the center console.
Terrain modes are controlled by a dial on the center console.

Two non-locking gloveboxes

Small, but deep console bin

Four grab handles

Large sunvisors

Digital and analog speedometer

One huge windshield wiper (L) and one small one (R)

WOW Factors:

Great additional storage under cargo deck

Very nimble and competent off-road manners

Good size city vehicle

Cute styling

Affordable option packages

The Fiat 500X is ideally sized for nimble city commuting.
The Fiat 500X is ideally sized for nimble city commuting.

Charming styling

Whines:

No rear seat armrest

Semi-cheap headliner

Small info screen

Small door bins

Bottom Line:

The new for 2016 Fiat 500X might be dismissed as a cute Ute, but it’s surprisingly agile and competent off-road due to sharing its basic platform with the rugged Jeep Renegade. The Fiat 500X styling is unique or charming depending on your viewpoint. It’s a fun, capable, multi-purpose compact SUV for people who enjoy being a little different.