The Fiat 500X launches with five different trim levels and with two different drivetrain configurations. Pop models are powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine making 160 hp. It's the same unit that powers the 500 Abarth, though in the 500X it's connected to a 6-speed manual, rather than a 5-speed. All other trim levels of the 500X get a 2.4L 4-cylinder that makes 180 hp. The bigger engine also gets more gears, as a 9-speed automatic is the only transmission available.
Despite the smaller engine, Pop models still have decent acceleration, thanks in part to the 500X's relatively small size and light weight. Despite being the most basic trim, Pop models still come relatively well equipped for the price. Standard features include power windows and mirrors, an electronic parking brake, hill start assist, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a 3.5-inch screen in the gauge cluster, 16-inch wheels and daytime running lamps.
The next trim level up is called the Easy trim. The Easy trim adds the bigger engine and automatic transmission and makes all-wheel drive a $1900 option (all-wheel drive is not available on Pop models.) The Easy also gets 17-inch wheels, a 6-speaker Uconnect stereo and a 5-inch color touchscreen display in the dashboard.
Trekking models are similarly equipped to the Easy trim, but feature a much more aggressive look, with unique 17-inch wheels and a more rugged front and rear bumper design. Trekking models really drive home the idea of the 500X being a pint-sized crossover.
Lounge models ditch the rugged appearance of the Trekking trim and instead add some additional exterior chrome work and a couple of additional daytime running lamps. Additional features on the Lounge include automatic headlights, a leather wrapped shift knob, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, one year of SiriusXM radio and a backup camera.
The top of the line Trekking Plus trim takes the looks of the Trekking model and combines it with the features of the Lounge model, while adding trick looking 18-inch wheels.
The Fiat 500X comes standard with a host of airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control and traction control. Optional safety items include a lane departure warning system, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert and a forward collision warning system with active brake assist.
Small But Practical
Available All-wheel Drive
Cheeky Styling
Decent Ground Clearance
Efficient Drivetrains
The Fiat 500X is a brand new model for Fiat in 2016. After the successful launch of the 500L in 2014, Fiat continued to look for new ways to bolster their lineup, eventually deciding that a small crossover vehicle fit the bill. The 500X is what they came up with.
The 500X differentiates its self from the 500L through the availability of all-wheel drive, by a slightly taller stance for more ground clearance and by its more rugged styling. The 500X is also available with a bigger engine than anything else in the Fiat lineup.
The Fiat 500X is pretty unique proposition for a crossover vehicle. Most crossovers are based on large sedans, but the 500X is more similar in size to a subcompact. As a result, the 500X is better on fuel and much easier to maneuver in the city. Parallel parking should be a snap with the 500X's relatively small wheelbase. Pricing for the 500X starts at about $20,000 so in addition to being smaller than most other crossovers, it's much less expensive as well.
