Flash Drive

2018 Fiat 500L Trekking

Model Tested: 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking

The 2018 Fiat 500L is a distinctively styled compact four-door hatchback.

Engine:1.4-liter turbocharged I-4, 160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combine

Base Price: $23,325

As Tested: $25,710

Performance:

Noticeable turbo lag

Leisurely acceleration

A lot of weight and bulk for 160-hp

The 2018 Fiat 500L looks best from the rear 3/4 view. Cargo space is quite good for its relatively compact outer dimensions.

Decent highway ride

Good fuel economy—our best was 27.4-mpg highway

Large digital speedometer plus smaller analog one

Tachometer

Comfort:

Lots of interior room

Heated front seats

Power lumbar adjustment both front seats

Height adjustment pumps for both front seats

Comfortable seats

Front row comfort and legroom are outstanding.

Semi-hard headrests

Excellent rear seat knee room

Ample shoe room under front seats

Minimal floor hump

An adult can fit in middle position, but seat is hard

Tight shoulder space for three across adults

Small rear armrest with pop-out single cupholder

Contoured steering wheel with good auxiliary controls

Medium range tilt/telescopic column

The 2018 Fiat 500L steering wheel is nicely contoured with lots of good auxiliary controls.

Utility:

Extra high hatchback opening

Flat cargo floor

Movable cargo floor to match height of folded seats

Split rear seats fold flat

Rear seats also fold up and forward for cargo access

Two non-locking gloveboxes

Very good outward visibility

Power door lock button on dash

Two medium size seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Roomy interior, lots of extra legroom

Fold-down ceiling mirror for watching back seat occupants

Whines:

No lock buttons on doors

Unique is a polite way of describing the front styling of the 2018 Fiat 500L.

A supersized Fiat Abarth this is not

Unique front fascia styling

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Fiat 500L is a unique vehicle in a niche somewhere between a minivan and a crossover SUV. The question is: how many people are seeking this niche? The Trekking model has extra body cladding and skid plates, but lacks the extra ground clearance and available all-wheel-drive of the similar Fiat 500X. Interior space and comfort are big pluses as is good fuel economy.