Used 2023 FIAT 500X

The Fiat 500X is a subcompact SUV offering authentic European charm at a reasonable price point, and represents the entirety of Fiat’s U.S. lineup for 2023. Now in its eighth model year, the 500X has fallen behind the competition in key areas like driving refinement and technology. The turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive carry over from the previous model year, while the model range has been simplified to the base Pop trim and the more stylish – but no more sporty – Sport trim.

While the Fiat 500X has the style of a European SUV, it doesn’t quite have the refinement of one. We’ve found it a bit jarring over bumpy road surfaces, which isn’t unusual for a vehicle with a short wheelbase. A stiffer ride often means better handling, but we’ve never found the 500X to be particularly fun to drive, either.

What we do like is the engine. The standard 1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is a class leader in torque and delivers eager acceleration. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) helps the 500X better leverage that extra power, and gives it an advantage in slippery road conditions. Unfortunately, the 9-speed automatic transmission to which that engine is paired isn’t as smooth or responsive as most others.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating the current collection of subcompact SUVs, including this Fiat 500X.

The interior of the Fiat 500X isn’t quite like anything else in this class. It has a distinctly Italian style that still elicits compliments. We particularly like the paint-matched dash insert, which helps to provide visual separation to the interior.

We find the front seats comfortable and generously bolstered. However, gone are the days of various material choices. You get cloth black monogrammed seats on the Pop and red trimmed cloth seats on the Sport. That’s it.

There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in the front seats, even for taller adults. Rear seating space is about average for this class, which means it’s an area best reserved for children.

Cargo space is below average, even considering the size of the 500X. Many competitors have more cargo space, including the Honda HR-V and Mini Countryman.

In a sea of crossovers, the stylish 500X stands out in a good way. Its design draws inspiration from the original Fiat 500, designed in the 1950s. That classic inspiration blends nicely with a modern SUV aesthetic to create one stylish SUV.

The Sport trim adds cool performance cues such as body-matched cladding and rockers, larger 18-inch sport wheels with all-season performance tires, smoked trim pieces, and exposed exhaust tips.

The Fiat 500X is similar in size to the Jeep Renegade, Nissan Kicks, and Mini Countryman. Larger subcompact SUVs include the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Mazda CX-30, and Kia Seltos.

Strong engine
With the standard turbo engine, the 500X provides segment-leading torque and energetic acceleration.

Standard all-wheel drive
This AWD system provides confidence under less-than-ideal conditions, and helps make the most of the 500X’s above-average power.

Standout style
We love the retro design of the 500X, which stands apart from the familiar silhouettes of other subcompact SUVs.

Sport trim
Building off the charming design, the sport trim adds sporty cues to the small SUV.

New standard safety features
We’re happy to see Fiat join segment leaders in offering its active safety features standard.

Paint-matched dash
Part of the interior charm is attributed to the paint-matched dash piece, which brings the exterior color into the cabin.

The 2023 Fiat 500X is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for a class-leading 210 lb-ft of torque. It has plenty of pep accelerating from a stop and even has decent highway passing power.

A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard on every 2023 500X. Many subcompact crossovers are more fuel-efficient, but the fuel economy of this Fiat is okay considering the above-average power and standard AWD.

1.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
177 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
210 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/30 mpg

More 500X fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

4-year/50,000-mile Warranty

Fiat covers its vehicles with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. That’s longer basic coverage than the more common 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, but the powertrain warranty falls short of the typical 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.