Used 2019 FIAT 500X

In the 2019 Fiat 500X, you’ll find a cute compact car loaded with Italian charm that, thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive setup, also happens to be a great year-round driver. Based on the Fiat 500, the 500X is stretched to accommodate two more doors and create a usable rear seat. Compared to the Mazda CX-3, Chevy Trax and Honda HR-V, the 500X delivers the same sporty driving experience and good fuel economy, but at a slightly higher price point. Regrettably, the 500X falls behind its worthy competitors in the area of resale and reliability, which, while getting better, still rates near the back of the pack.

Although the 2019 Fiat 500X delivers a smooth ride and capable handling, it’s no Mini Cooper Countryman. Over minor road imperfections, the 500X feels a bit choppy, although the same can be said of most small-crossover SUVs, save for the excellent Mazda CX-3. The electric-assist power steering isn’t as precise as a good hydraulic setup, and some of our test crew felt the Fiat version was overly numb and unnatural. The new 1.3-liter turbo has pretty good punch, with a best-in-class 210 lb-ft of torque for quick passing maneuvers. Standard all-wheel drive helps the 500X better manage corners, and in snow provides the additional traction needed to avoid getting stuck. The 500X’s once-loathed 9-speed automatic transmission has redeemed itself, with improved shift timing and better responsiveness to manual inputs. Sadly, a feature that would have made this new engine so much fun, the 6-speed manual, is no longer offered.

One of the best attributes of the 2019 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 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 500X may very well be the best-looking Fiat you can buy in the U.S. outside of the dashing 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 2019, the Trekking models look toughest with their pronounced front fascia that looks like something you’d see on a rugged SUV.

DYNAMIC SELECTOR
With settings for Auto, Sport and Traction+, the Fiat 500X’s Dynamic Selector can adjust engine and electric steering response and even the car’s ability to maintain traction. When set to Auto, the system also maximizes fuel economy and helps lessen emissions.

ADVANCED SAFETY SYSTEMS
Although many of these systems are standard on some competitors, we’re happy to see Fiat offering such important driver assists as lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, front park assist and a blind-spot monitor.

For 2019, the 500X lineup consists of the Pop base model, mid-trim Trekking and top-end Trekking Plus. 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, as are an automatic transmission, the 3-mode Dynamic Selector and all-wheel drive. The Trekking is better equipped, with a rugged exterior treatment, automatic headlights and cornering fog lights, while the Trekking Plus adds LED headlights, leather seating, heated front seats, an 8-way-power driver’s seat with power lumbar, front and rear park assist, navigation and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Options are mostly bundled by packages. Trekking models can be equipped with the Advanced Driver Assist Group that brings adaptive cruise control, full-speed collision warning and emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitor and rain-sensing wipers. Other option packages vary by trim and include leather interior, a Beats Audio system, dual-panel power sunroof and many of the Trekking Plus’s standard equipment. Optional on the Trekking is the Urbana Edition that brings Miron black-painted exterior trim, LED headlights and various black-and-copper accents both inside and outside the car.

New this year is a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine good for 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant improvement over last year’s 1.4-liter and 2.4-liter engines. The new engine runs smoother than the ones it replaces, and offers best-in-class torque for better acceleration and passing power. There is only one transmission choice: a 9-speed automatic with manual shift control. All 2019 Fiat 500X cars come standard with all-wheel drive.

1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4
177 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
210 lb-ft of torque @ 2,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/29 mpg