Fiat 500 models explained

Compare all the key Fiat 500 models to work out which is the best Fiat 500 model to buy

By Craig HaleUpdated on 19 February 2026

What is the best Fiat 500 model?

The list of Fiat 500 models can be daunting, not least because it’s a car that’s remained relatively unchanged since it was reintroduced in 2008.

That was, until the new Fiat 500 Hybrid arrived in 2026, following on from the redesigned Fiat 500e that launched earlier in 2021.

Use this guide to help you decide which particular variant is best suited to you.

Fiat 500 model lineup

Here are some of the most popular trim levels available, including post-facelift previous-generation cars sold after 2016 and latest-generation hybrid and electric versions.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Pop (2016-2025)

Two Fiat 500 cars, one orange and one teal, parked on a gravel path in front of greenery and a statue, with a clear sky overhead.

Entry-level model with air-con and a basic digital radio.

Fiat 500 Hybrid (RED) (2016-2025)

The (RED) edition lets buyers donate some money to (RED), an AIDS and COVID-19 charity. It includes red styling details inside and out.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Connect (2016-2025)

Worthwhile update with 15-inch alloy wheels, seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, rear parking sensors and cruise control.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Dolcevita (2016-2025)

High-spec model with sunroof and chrome exterior detailing.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Dolcevita Plus (2016-2025)

This upgrade adds automatic climate control and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Top (2016-2025)

Another well-equipped offering during the previous-generation 500’s time on sale, with 16-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, tinted windows and the two seven-inch displays.

Fiat 500 Hybrid Sport (2016-2025)

You get bigger 16-inch alloys, tinted windows, darker exterior details and a sporty body kit, including sports front seats.

Fiat 500 Hybrid ICON (2026-present)

A yellow and a blue Fiat 500 parked on a rooftop with a glass dome structure in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Entry point to the new and updated Fiat 500 Hybrid, ICON includes 16-inch alloys wheels, LED headlights, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and rear parking sensors.

Fiat 500 Hybrid LA PRIMA (2026-present)

Top-spec model with 17-inch alloys, sunroof, faux leather seats, heated front seats and reversing camera.

Fiat 500 Hybrid TORINO (2026-present)

Special edition to commemorate the launch of the new model, with rear parking sensors and its own unique design.

Fiat 500e (RED) (2021-present)

Two Fiat 500e cars parked in front of modern office buildings under a clear sky. One car is gray, and the other is white.

(RED) edition of the electric Fiat 500, with the usual red styling details, 10.25-inch touchscreen, seven-inch digital instrument cluster and cruise control.

Fiat 500e (2021-present)

Standard electric model with a few upgrades over the (RED) version, such as 16-inch alloys and keyless entry.

Fiat 500e Icon (2021-present)

A slightly newer entry-level model with rear parking sensors, LED headlights and two screens.

Fiat 500e La Prima (2021-present)

High-spec model with bigger 17-inch alloys, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, all-round parking sensors, reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and heated front seats.

Fiat 500e Armani (2021-present)

‘Georgio Armani Collector’s Edition’ model with upgraded JBL sound system, wireless phone charging, 17-inch alloys, keyless entry and more.

Fiat 500 engines and powertrains

Close-up view of a Fiat 500e electric motor and battery system with orange cables and various components, including a coolant reservoir.

Petrol

Fiat used to offer a 69hp 1.2-litre petrol or an 85/105hp 0.9-litre turbocharged engine, but most models you’ll find these days are hybrids.

Hybrid

The 1.0-litre mild hybrid is more similar to the 1.2 above, with 70hp but a 12V mild hybrid battery that keeps crucial electrics running when the engine start/stop activates when you stop at traffic lights, for example.

The 2026-onward model has 65hp, but the core principles are the same. Fiat claims 52-53mpg for this model.

Electric

Fiat sells two electric 500e models – pick from 95hp or 118hp. With this, you either get a 24kWh battery (118-mile range) or a 42kWh battery (202 miles).

What’s the best Fiat 500 model?

Some lower trim levels can feel pretty sparse, but the Fiat 500 is relatively affordable, so it’s easy to find a higher-spec model.

For previous generations, we recommend finding higher-spec cars like the Dolcevita for smartphone connectivity like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

If you’re buying the new shape Fiat 500 Hybrid or 500e, then any trim will do. They all come with a slick, easy-to-use touchscreen and plenty of creature comforts.

There’s not a lot of choice in terms of power, but the 24kWh battery is best skipped unless you’re really only ever doing short town trips or live in a city.

If that is the case, though, it’s nice to have such an affordable EV that’s not expensive and showy.

Explore used Fiat 500 cars

So, you’ve compared the Fiat 500 model range and Fiat 500 model history, and you’ve decided which generation, trim level and engine you’re picking.

The next step is to browse our used Fiat 500 cars and used Fiat 500e cars for sale to see if we’ve got the right configuration for you.