2018 FIAT 500X Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　

What’s new

　　Every 2018 Fiat 500X comes standard with a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a new 7-inch touchscreen with the most recent version of the Uconnect infotainment system.

　　

Vehicle overview

　　When Fiat started selling cars again in the United States just a few years ago, the company wasted no time distinguishing itself. Its first car was the 500, a charismatic and stylish alternative to other subcompact cars. More recently, Fiat has expanded its lineup with the 500X. The 2018 500X is just as affordable as other pint-sized crossovers, but its Fiat 500-inspired exterior design, high-quality interior materials, and good use of interior space are enough to make this one of our favorites in the class.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 FIAT 500X Pop 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$165/mo  for 500X Pop

　　500X Pop

　　Pop 4dr SUV (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $19,995 MSRPPop 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $23,890 MSRPTrekking 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) (Most Popular) - $23,685 MSRPTrekking 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $25,585 MSRPUrbana Edition 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $24,530 MSRPUrbana Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $26,430 MSRPLounge 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $25,515 MSRPLounge 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl 9A) - $27,415 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　From a broad perspective, it might be difficult to choose between the 500X and the other crossover in Fiat's lineup, the 500L. That car is slightly larger than the 500X, offers more passenger and cargo room, and costs about the same. However, the 500X is more versatile, offers optional all-wheel drive, and can be had with a wealth of advanced driver aids that aren't available for the 500L. The 500X's interior is decidedly more attractive, and it feels more nimble while cornering.

　　There are a few downsides to the 500X, such as lackluster fuel economy. But overall the 2018 Fiat 500X is a smart pick, especially if you want an affordable small crossover with some flair.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　The 2018 Fiat 500X is the budget-friendly small crossover to get if you want one with a more spirited personality. And don't confuse it with the similarly priced Fiat 500L; the 500X's superior interior materials and overall better driving experience more than make up for the tighter cabin.

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2016 Fiat 500X Lounge (2.4L inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | FWD)

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current 500X has received some revisions, including this year's standard rearview camera, new touchscreen with an updated interface, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Our findings remain applicable to this year's 500X.

　　

Driving

　　We thought the 500X, with 180 horsepower (about 30 to 40 hp more than rivals), would be the segment track star. It isn't. Not bad, just disappointing. In fact, that's how we'd describe the dynamic skills of the 500X in general. The unrefined nine-speed automatic is one area that clearly needs work.

　　

Comfort

　　The ride may be a bit rough for some, but it shouldn't be objectionable if you're used to a more firmly sprung car. Seat comfort is excellent and benefits from ample adjustment (including passenger-seat height adjustment, rare for this class). Engine noise is impressively quelled.

　　

Interior

　　The interior feels roomy, at least for occupants up front. Like many subcompact SUVs, the amount of rear legroom is highly dependent on the positioning of the front seats. Materials quality is superior to many in this class.

　　

Utility

　　The 500X's tiny cargo volume is typical for the segment. Four small but useful bins reside up front with usable cupholders. The sloped roofline requires folding the 60/40-split rear seats to carry bulky items, but the movable floor cover can be lowered for more space.

　　

Which 500X does zzdcar recommend?

　　The base Pop model is reasonably priced, but you'll be stuck with the manual transmission and 1.6-liter engine combo. Once you add the automatic transmission (and requisite larger engine) to the Pop, it doesn't cost much more to upgrade to the Trekking, which is our pick in the 500X lineup. It's equipped with plenty of convenience and luxury features, and its list of optional extras is more extensive than the Pop's.

　　

2018 FIAT 500X models

　　The 2018 Fiat 500X is a subcompact crossover SUV available in three trim levels: Pop, Trekking and Lounge.

　　The Pop model comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission paired to a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (160 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque). Optional for the Pop and standard on the Trekking and Lounge is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (180 hp, 175 lb-ft) mated to a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, though all-wheel drive is available on models equipped with the 2.4-liter engine.

　　Standard equipment on the Pop trim includes 16-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, heated mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, a rearview camera, cruise control, air conditioning, a driver information display, height-adjustable front seats, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker sound system with a USB port and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Remote engine start, a center armrest, and keyless entry and ignition are included if the 2.4-liter engine is ordered. All-wheel-drive models also get 17-inch alloy wheels and adjustable driving modes.

　　Optional for the Pop is the Popular Equipment package, which adds alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, front and rear floor mats,a center armrest, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio and an additional USB port (charging only).

　　The Trekking model gets the larger engine and all of the above features (minus the parking sensors), along with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, rear privacy glass, an upgraded information display, adjustable drive modes, upgraded cloth upholstery and a removable, height-adjustable cargo floor panel.

　　A Popular Equipment package is also available for the Trekking, adding roof rails, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat (with four-way power lumbar adjustment) and a four-way power passenger seat. The Cold Weather package adds a windshield de-icer, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. A navigation system is available as a stand-alone option.

　　The Lounge includes all of the above options plus chrome exterior trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an eight-speaker audio system and a rear cargo cover.

　　Two more packages are available on both Trekking and Lounge models. The Advanced Safety package adds automatic high-beam control, automatic wipers, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a forward collision warning system with automatic braking, rear parking sensors, and lane departure warning and intervention. The Premium package adds 18-inch wheels, a dual-pane sunroof and a nine-speaker Beats premium audio system. You can also get leather seating for the Trekking and Lounge as a stand-alone option.

　　

2018 500X Highlights

Trim: PopTrekkingUrbana EditionLoungePop

　　

Base MSRP	$19,995
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$165/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles