Used 2021 FIAT 500X

The 2021 Fiat 500X is a small SUV/crossover. It’s made in Italy, with distinct Italian styling both inside and out. And like most things Italian, there’s a certain verve to the 500X.

It backs up this brio with a turbocharged engine and a standard all-wheel-drive system. However, possible buyers will also want to know: How safe is the 2021 500X?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not crash-tested the 500X. A similar European program handed out an overall score of four stars out of a possible five. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave top scores of Good in all the major crash test categories to the 2018 model, although more recent years have incomplete ratings.

The Fiat 500X debuted in the United States for the 2016 model year. It received some styling revisions last year, but the pace of change in the automotive world seems to be leaving the 500X behind somewhat, especially since newer rivals come with driver aids like automatic emergency braking as standard.

Considering the relatively high prices of a new 500X, along with a less-than-enviable reputation for reliability, Fiat might have been wiser to have included more safety features as a deal-sweetener. And now that the company has discontinued the 124 2-seater roadster, the 500X is the only vehicle Fiat currently sells in the United States.

There’s a lack of refinement to the Fiat 500X when traveling over rough road surfaces. But that’s pretty common in vehicles with short wheelbases (the distance between the front and rear axles), like subcompact crossovers.

Sadly, this still doesn’t mean that the 500X is set up to track around corners with agility and precision. Nor does the numb steering encourage a driver to take the more winding way home. The ride is no more than adequately comfortable.

On a more positive note, the turbocharged engine strikes a good balance between energy and economy. And the standard all-wheel-drive system enhances traction on slippery surfaces. In light of this, can the 2021 Fiat 500X go off-road?

We wouldn’t recommend it. The closely related Jeep Renegade has greater ground clearance. And Fiat doesn’t even bother to publish approach and departure angles. For snowy suburbs, the 500X should be cool. Perhaps even a mildly challenging dirt trail. But anything beyond that is best left to more specialist vehicles.

Mainstream vehicles are edging toward luxury territory. The 2021 500X is a prime example. Wherever humans come into contact — like seat cushions, switches, and armrests — there’s a quality feel.

Finding the ideal driving position is easy, and the controls are all arranged logically. The tech is user-friendly, with the well-regarded infotainment system accessed by a 7-inch touchscreen in all versions.

Passengers sitting in the back will like the headroom, but not be so pleased with the legroom. Those rear seats split and fold in a 60/40 manner, and the front passenger seat can also fold flat, so this subcompact crossover could handle a surfboard or other long items.

Behind those rear seats is a luggage area of 14.1 cubic feet, opening out to 39.8 cubic feet when they’re down. That’s not impressive. The HR-V, CX-30, and Crosstrek are all roomier.

In case anyone might be wondering: Is the 2021 Fiat 500X just a bigger Fiat 500? No, it’s not. It’s built on a completely different platform, which also serves as the basis for the Jeep Renegade.

Yes, it has some of that same retro/modern styling as the Fiat 500, but it’s more a family resemblance than a direct connection. However, such arguably charming looks might well sway someone to buy a new 500X instead of, say, a Subaru Crosstrek.

It certainly seems more at home in a city environment than out in the wilds, even if the optimistically named Trekking version has the most SUV-like appearance of the whole 2021 500X lineup. Most models run on 17-inch alloy wheels, with the Sport wearing 18-inchers.

DYNAMIC SELECTOR
The Fiat 500X comes with selectable driving modes that adjust the steering, transmission, throttle, and traction control systems’ responses. The driver can select Sport mode, Traction+ mode (useful in slippery conditions), or leave it in Auto mode and let the 500X do the work.

UCONNECT 4 INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
This setup is used in several Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler models, plus the Fiat 500X. It comes with all the usual things like Bluetooth, voice control, and smartphone integration, while offering navigation and satellite radio. The thing that makes it different from some other systems is that it’s easy, logical, and intuitive to use.

The amount of standard equipment in the entry-level 2021 500X Pop isn’t overly generous, but it’s more or less acceptable for the money. If it came with several driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking as standard — as most rivals do — then it would be more compelling, but those things are not even available as options in Pop trim.

What it does come with is all-wheel drive, push-button start, selectable driving modes, heated side mirrors, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Trekking trim adds cornering fog lights, satellite radio (6-month trial subscription), and a few cosmetic differences. Sport trim brings larger alloy wheels and a flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddle shifters for the transmission. They also qualify for more options than the Pop model.

For example, Trekking is eligible for front/rear parking sensors and LED headlights. Sport now offers a value package that includes a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, front/rear parking sensors, wiper de-icer, heated front seats, navigation, and a 9-speaker BeatsAudio system.

Trekking Plus is the range-topping trim and has LED headlights, front/rear parking sensors, leather seating surfaces, ambient cabin lighting, power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, cargo cover, navigation, and an 8-speaker sound system. However, even this version doesn’t come with any advanced driver aids as standard.

A turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine is in every version of the 2021 500X. Output is respectable — 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. None of those rivals mentioned above can generate the same amount of torque — the force that creates thrust.

The 500X also employs a 9-speed automatic transmission. As opposed to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) found in several rivals (but not the CX-30), which is usually chosen for its lower cost and generally disliked by enthusiasts.

The standard all-wheel-drive system has an intelligent feature that disengages the rear axle unless it’s required, which benefits the fuel economy. The 500X averages around 26 miles per gallon, which is the same as the CX-30, slightly thirstier than the HR-V and Crosstrek. Regular 87-octane gasoline is fine.

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