2023 FIAT 500X SUV

　　

2023 FIAT 500X Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　Until the updated 500e all-electric hatchback arrives next year, the 2023 Fiat 500X is the only model in the Italian brand's lineup. It's an extra-small crossover SUV that boasts a strong turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive. Unfortunately, that's about where the 500X's upside ends. It's a bit tight inside, and many of the technology features would benefit from an update.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 FIAT 500X Pop 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo 9A) 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

　　$177/mo  for 500X Pop

　　500X Pop

　　Pop 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo 9A) (Most Popular) - $28,965 MSRPSport 4dr SUV AWD (1.3L 4cyl Turbo 9A) - $31,955 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　These issues are especially acute when compared to contemporaries like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos. They come with more features, offer more space and generally drive better. We suggest scoping out the competition before settling on the 500X, but if its fashion-forward interior and exterior design call to you then check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a full breakdown.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the 500X drive? The turbocharged four-cylinder engine works pretty well despite its small size. In zzdcar' testing, our all-wheel-drive 500X test car covered 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds, which is reasonably quick for a subcompact SUV. In typical daily driving, the automatic transmission shifts quickly and makes the most of the engine's low-rpm power.

　　While Fiat touts the 500X as sporty, we found the 500X's handling to be only average for the class. It leans quite a bit when going around turns, and tire grip is mediocre. If you want a fun-to-drive SUV, you'll have to look elsewhere.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 500X? The 500X's greatest strength is its ride comfort. It's quite smooth for a small SUV. The front seats also have a nice combination of support and comfort. We found the rear seatbacks to be a little upright and the cushions a bit on the firm side.

　　The climate control system is easy to use, but it can struggle to keep you cool on hotter days. And although the 500X's cabin is decently isolated against outside noise, the car's various technology features make so many interior beeps, bongs, clicks and warning alarms that they destroy any serenity in the cabin.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below