2016 Fiat 500X

The 2016 Fiat 500X is a new addition to the lineup and is the largest vehicle sold by Fiat.

Vehicle Summary

The 2016 Fiat 500X is a two-row crossover available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Overview

The 2016 500X offers two engines: a turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4 with 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed manual transmission in the Pop trim and a 2.4-liter I-4 rated at 180 hp and 175 lb-ft mated to a nine-speed automatic on the Easy, Trekking, Lounge, and Trekking Plus models. Fuel economy is class competitive, with the front-drive, manual-equipped Pop model achieving the best mileage at 25/34 mpg city/highway. Front-drive models with the 2.4-liter I-4 are slightly less efficient at 22/31 mpg city/highway.

Behind the split-folding rear seats, there's up to 18.5 cubic feet of cargo space that can be expanded to 50.8 cubic feet. A removable false floor comes standard in the cargo area. Seating for four passengers is good but tight for five especially with the available panoramic sunroof.

Safety

Standard safety features include multi-stage front airbags, driver inflatable knee-bolster airbag, side-curtain front and rear curtain airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags. Additional driver aids include blind spot warning, rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera, which can be had as part of optional packages in the Easy, Trekking, and Lounge trims. Forward emergency braking and lane departure warning are available in the Lounge trim as part of the Lounge Collection 6 package and in the Trekking Plus in the Trekking Plus Collection 2 package.

Trims, Packages, and What's Standard

Standard features include a media hub with USB and aux input jacks, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Stepping up to the Easy or Trekking model adds a five-inch touchscreen, a 3.5-inch TFT cluster, UConnect infotainment system, six-speaker audio system, UConnect Access via mobile, 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, and Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen is optional for the Easy and Trekking trims. The Lounge trim adds HD radio, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, navigation, Fiat premium audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a heated steering wheel. In the Range-topping Trekking Plus trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and rear park assist are standard. Beats by Dr. Dre premium audio system is available as part of the more expensive collection packages in the Easy, Trekking, Lounge, and Trekking Plus models.

What We Think

Like all Fiat vehicles, the 2016 500X comes with plenty of personality and cheeky exterior design but in a more muscular and less quirky package. In a First Drive review, we said that the 180-hp 2.4-liter I-4 is a weak point because it takes some time to get up to reasonable speeds and tends to get noisy. Additionally, the suspension doesn't provide much damping, causing the ride to get bouncy over rough surfaces. Seating for adults, especially up front, on the other hand, is comfortable and suitable for long trips.

Cool Fact

The 500X is built alongside the Jeep Renegade in Melfi, Italy.

Key Competitors

• Honda HR-V
• Mazda CX-3
• Nissan Juke
• Chevrolet Trax
• Jeep Renegade
• Mitsubishi Outlander Sport