Fiat 500X review

Fiat has used the same strategy with the 500X’s interior as the exterior - it’s a grown-up version of the 500.

That means it doesn’t have quite as much character as the city car, but it’s still got a good amount of flair.  

The dashboard is topped on most versions by a touchscreen, which grew to seven inches on facelifted models, and there’s a handful of buttons beneath for ventilation, as well as USB and aux ports. A trio of instruments sit in front of the driver. 

There are a few soft-touch plastics. The overall effect is utilitarian, which suits the 500X’s nature, although different trim levels bring a range of textures and colours.

Tech and features

They kick off with Pop, which brings air-con, electric windows and cruise control, while Pop Star adds the touchscreen, Bluetooth and climate control. Lounge includes sat-nav, and Cross beings chunkier styling.  

Facelifted cars added a base Urban trim with cruise control and air-con, Sport trim with smarter Alcantara seats and City Cross with a rear-view camera.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also added to later models. 

Fiat’s Uconnect features on some models allow music streaming from your phone, while Sport and Cross Plus trims add more USB ports. 

The driver’s seat has plenty of adjustment and it won’t take you long to get comfortable – there’s lots of space for two up front and those less than six feet tall will be happy in the rear seats. 

Engines and power

Fiat 500X engines up to the second half of 2018 comprised three petrol and three diesel units: a couple of versions of the 1.4 MultiAir petrol, a 1.6 e-Torq petrol, and the trio of MultiJet diesels.  

All are more than capable, although the 1.6 diesel is a highlight, especially if you use motorways a lot. 

The four-wheel-drive models are identified by ‘Cross Plus’ in the name.   

The facelifted 500X's petrol engines are a 1.0, 1.3 and 1.6, with the 1.0 best for use in town.

The 1.3 is fitted with an automatic gearbox as standard. The 1.6 is the best all-rounder. 

Handling and ride comfort

The 500X’s suspension is on the soft side and does a good job of dealing with rough road surfaces, especially at lower speeds, in town.

The body leans on roundabouts but the same applies to most of the 500X’s rivals. 

Storage solutions

All four occupants have somewhere to put their cups of coffee, and there’s a dual glovebox (one on top of the other), door bins and a selection of cubbies throughout the interior. 

Boot space

The rear seatbacks are split 60/40 – with the seats in use the boot is a bit smaller than the Mini Countryman.

There’s room in there for at least a week’s worth of food shopping for a normal family.  

With them folded, you’ll be able to fit several suitcases or a DIY project from B&Q. 

The boot floor can be raised to create a flat load area with the seats folded or lowered to make a deeper load space but with a step when the seats are down. 

Fuel economy

The most economical engines are the 1.3 and 1.6 diesels, which should average around 45mpgin the real world.

The petrol engines dip into the 30s on average, and even the high 20s when fitted with an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

We’d recommend one of the diesels if you cover lots of motorway miles or petrol if you tend to do most of your motoring in town.