So Maybe Size Does Matter, Sometimes...

Fiat’s revived 500 hatchback has been one of the few automotive sensations of the past few years. Following successes like the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle, it combines the retro look of a beloved classic with modern amenities and drivability.

That’s all well and good, but the 500 is still a tiny car, and that limits its appeal. Enter the 2016 Fiat 500X, a small crossover that features the same Italian style and driving flare as the 500, but with four doors, a generous cargo area, and the capability of all-wheel drive. It’s the perfect car for anyone who wants a 500, but needs something more practical.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Fiat 500X may be a crossover, but it drives with the same spirit as the original 500 hatchback thanks to a well-tuned chassis and two extroverted engine options.

The standard engine is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which produces 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s available only with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive, and in that configuration the 500X achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway).*

The 500X is also available with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that first arrived in the U.S. in the Dodge Dart. Called the Tigershark, it produces a peppy 180 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available with the larger transmission. The all-wheel drive system decouples the rear axle when extra traction isn’t needed to help save fuel, but you won’t notice from behind the wheel.

With front-wheel drive, the Tigershark-powered 500X gets an EPA-rated 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway),* while the all-wheel drive version gets 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2016 Fiat 500X is available only as a five-door, five-seat subcompact crossover, although Fiat also offers the similar 500L tall wagon. The 500X is offered in five distinct trim levels, starting at $20,000.**

Proving that base models don’t have to be a downer, the cheapest 500X is called the Pop and comes with standard features, including a 3.5-inch TFT display, speed-sensitive power locks, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, rear spoiler, chrome door handles, a fold-flat front passenger seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear bench.

The next model up is the Easy, which builds on the Pop by adding 17-inch alloy wheels, 5.0-inch touchscreen display, the Uconnect® Access Via Mobile app, Keyless Go, and other features.

Superseding the Pop and Easy models is the Trekking, which adds more standard features, including premium cloth bucket seats, automatic headlights, fog lights, body-color fasciae, dark satin silver door handles, and other model-specific styling bits.

Further up the model ladder is the 500X Lounge. In addition to the applicable standard features from the other models, it comes standard with heated power front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cargo compartment cover, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, compass, premium audio system, 6.5-inch touchscreen display, navigation, and other features.

Finally, the 500X Trekking Plus includes all of the standard features from the 500X Lounge, as well as some model-specific design elements such as 18-inch alloy wheels and black trim.

Design

As the name implies, the 2016 Fiat 500X really is a crossover version of the 500. From the chrome mustache on the front end to the chunky taillights, the exterior styling is instantly recognizable as something from the 500 family.

The 500X builds on that retro-chic look with some handsome SUV styling cues, including flared fenders, a taller ride height, prominent hood, and a faster roofline that distinguishes it from the wagon-like 500L.

The interior echoes the original 500, too. The dashboard is livened up by body-color trim, while the thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel feels good to handle while taking corners. The driving position is well-suited to that too, putting you high up like a traditional SUV, but not extremely so.

Gauges and controls are all ergonomically laid out. There’s a three-pod gauge cluster with the speedometer, tachometer, and information display right in front of the driver, a center-stack mounted touchscreen on models equipped with the optional Uconnect® infotainment system, and good old analog buttons and knobs for vital functions.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Fiat 500X includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, electronic roll mitigation, hill start assist, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera and rear park assist.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Fiat 500X channels the style and fun of the original 500 hatchback into a more practical package.

Be sure to contact us online or visit our team at 3Birds Template to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage may vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**Prices list are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other charges.

Image: Fiat