Model Tested: 2018 Fiat 500L Trekking
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
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
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
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
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.
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