Used 2018 FIAT 500X

Based on the 500 “Cinquecento” subcompact car, the 2018 Fiat 500X adds an additional two doors, standard all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. Built to rival other subcompact-crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-3, Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V, the 500X looks good on paper, but in reality falls far short of the reliability and resale figures of the aforementioned competitors. The 500X also isn’t nearly as much fun to drive as the CX-3 or Trax, and its 9-speed automatic transmission continues to rack up performance complaints. On the flip side, the 500X’s sub-$21,000 price tag, numerous safety features and colorful palate make it a tempting choice. Those looking for true off-road ability should look to the 500’s kissing cousin, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk.

Although the 500X’s perky exterior and inviting interior had us hoping we’d found a less pricey alternative to the Mini Countryman, our hopes were soon dashed. Unlike the Mini, a day spent driving around country roads in the 500X just isn’t very satisfying. Over modest road imperfections, the 500X is far too bouncy and unsettled, although it does glide nicely over smooth pavement. The 500X’s electrically assisted power steering brought mixed reviews from our test crew, with the majority stating the feeling was somewhat numb and unnatural. The feature that drew the most ire, however, is the 500X’s 9-speed automatic transmission. Mated exclusively to the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, the 9-speed does a poor job managing the engine’s modest power, with slow reactions to throttle input and occasional hard shifts. Ironically, the more desirable 6-speed manual is offered only on the base car and only with the less powerful 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.

One of the best attributes of the 2018 500X is its interior: stylish and surprisingly refined, with soft-touch points, and high-quality controls all sensibly arranged. The front seats are comfortable, and it’s easy to find a good driving position. Rear headroom is pretty good, although there’s not a lot of legroom. Cargo space expands quickly thanks to fold-down rear seats, and the flip-forward passenger seat helps this little SUV handle items like a surfboard. We also like the optional, configurable color display between the gauges. The space above the dash is now occupied by the well-regarded 7-inch Uconnect touch-screen infotainment system.

Fiat wisely chose the sporty and cute 500 as inspiration for its most mainstream vehicle, and the new 500X may very well be the best-looking Fiat you can buy in the U.S. outside of the new Fiat 124 convertible. With nice proportions and just enough hints of the smaller 500 to make it interesting, the 500X is a sharp-looking compact-crossover SUV. Of the three versions available for 2018, the Trekking models look toughest with their pronounced front fascia that looks like something you’d see on a rugged SUV.

DYNAMIC SELECTOR
Little more than a gimmick in some cars, the Fiat 500X’s drive-mode selector actually produced a noticeable difference between settings. Better still, the feature is available on every model with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

ADVANCED SAFETY SYSTEMS
Safety shouldn’t be just for those who can afford it, which is why we’re glad to see Fiat offering systems like lane-keeping assist and collision mitigation on the 500X. Buyers can opt for these as well as blind-spot detection, augmenting the standard airbag and electronic stability-control systems that help keep everyone safe.

For 2018, the 500X lineup consists of the Pop base model, mid-trim Trekking and top-end Lounge. The least expensive 500X Pop is pretty basic, but does have air conditioning, power windows, 6-way-manual-adjust front seats and Uconnect 4 with 7-inch touch screen, rearview camera, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard, but not an automatic transmission, which given the 9-speed automatic’s shortcomings might not be a bad thing. The Trekking is better equipped, bringing 3-mode Dynamic Selector, the 2.4-liter engine and 17-inch wheels.

Stepping up to the Trekking model opens the door to more options, as well as the Urbana Edition package that includes black exterior accents, black cloth seats and black aluminum wheels with copper accents. Top-line Lounge models include the 7-inch touch-screen Uconnect system with navigation, heated and power-operated front seats and heated steering wheel, and 8-speaker audio system. Other options vary by trim and include leather interior and the BeatsAudio system. Available safety features are blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, rearview camera and forward-collision warning with automatic brake assistance.

The base Fiat 500X Pop model comes standard with a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s the only way to get a manual-transmission 500X, and unlike the Jeep Renegade, you can’t get an all-wheel-drive (AWD) model with a manual transmission, only front-wheel drive (FWD). Optional on the Pop, and standard on all other models, is a 180-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Available in front- and all-wheel drive, the engine puts out plenty of horsepower, but the 9-speed automatic suffers from unrefined shifts and is ultimately hard to recommend. On the plus side, the part-time AWD system fully disengages the rear-drive portion when the SUV doesn’t need it, helping fuel economy.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg

2.4-liter inline-4
180 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (FWD), 21/29 mpg (AWD)