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2016 FIAT 500X First Drive Review

TJ Keon
by TJ Keon
April 17, 2015
7 min. Reading Time
2016 FIAT 500X three cars driving

2016 FIAT 500X three cars driving

The FIAT 500X is a new kind of automobile. The compact crossover offers owners the safety and security of an elevated driving position, added ground clearance and car-like handling. Often times these next-generation CUVs entice owners with added amenities and other safety features once found exclusively in luxury cars, and the kind of style and comfort usually reserved for more expensive vehicles. These new small SUVs alternatives are typically built atop B-series (small European cars) platforms.

However the 2016 FIAT500X is not based on a small car like the other CLA, Mazda2 and Fit based compact CUVs soon to hit the market. The 500X shares its bones with the Jeep Renegade, another compact crossover. While the Renegade Trailhawk is meant to tackle Moab, the 500X benefits from a more curvaceous body. Its overhangs have been penned with blatant disregard for angles of approach and departure and more for distinctive FIAT aesthetics. Like the Jeep, the 500X is available with all-wheel-drive; however, the FIAT’s all-wheel-drive system is tuned to deliver traditional front-wheel-drive fuel economy while maximizing its on-road confidence. So not only will FIAT start selling year-round in the Snowbelt, owners will be ready in the event Godzilla decides to return to New York in January.

Models and Pricing

FIAT is offering the all-new 2016 500X in two distinct packages. The Street Series shows off the traditional FIAT 500 styling cues, only in a slightly larger build. While the 2016 FIAT 500X Trekking variants exhibit a bit more attitude, thanks to the rugged off-road inspired front lip. Starting at an even $20,000, the entry level FIAT 500X Street Series Pop comes equipped with FIAT’s 1.4 Liter turbocharged MultiAir gas-sipping four-cylinder connected to a six speed manual transmission and a set of 16-inch steel wheels as standard fare.

For a bit more money, FIAT 500X shoppers can upgrade to the $23,000 Street Series Easy and the $23,100 off-road inspired Trekking version. Both mid-level models are powered by the larger 2.4 Liter four-cylinder Tigershark motor mated to a nine speed automatic gearbox. The mid-level Street Series Easy and Trekking models come equipped with technologies like Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a Dynamic Selector on the center console. The knob dials up: Auto, Sport and Traction + settings. The effects are clearly noticeable behind the wheel and help the 500X better navigate its surroundings, while rolling around on a set of upgraded 17-inch rims standard.

The top of the line FIAT 500X Street Series Lounge and Trekking Plus prove that it really is possible to downsize without sacrificing creature comforts, and they both take the idea of Italian charm to the next level. Features like Automatic Climate Control, a heated eight-way power adjustable drivers seat, optional leather and Chrysler’s Uconnect 6.5N touch screen display with navigation, means that you're not missing out on anything by driving a 500X. Starting at $24,850 for the Lounge and $27,100 for the Trekking Plus, FIAT will also throw in a set of 18-inch wheels as well.

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Design

The FIAT 500X is an all-new offering from the FIAT Chrysler Automobile family, based on Jeep Renegade underpinnings, the 500X is the first FIAT truly designed to drive on American roads. In preparation for its red-hot American summer, the 500X hit the gym. Muscular wheel-arches and a deep scallop below the door handles give the FIAT a bold appearance. While the clamshell hood, smiling front fascia, front grille with classic FIAT chrome whiskers and matching accents all-around make the 500X easily identifiable as a Cinquecento. It is remarkable how the smooth silhouette, large round greenhouse and pushed forward hatch have carried their way from the original 1957 FIAT 500 all the way to today, proving FIAT's ability to continually create freshly familiar designs.

While the Jeep is designed to go off-road, the Italian is more at home in an urban setting, despite the 2016 FIAT 500X’s added ride-height. The FIAT’s all-wheel-drive system was developed to maximize on-road confidence while providing the fuel efficiency of a traditional front-wheel-drive setup. Not to mention that it adds about an inch of additional elevation to the 500 eXperience. FIAT is offering a host of wheel selections for the 500X, ranging from the classic 16-inch steel wheel with Argento silver painted covers all the way up to a wild 18-inch two-tone multi-spoke mesh unit that looks like something belonging to the next generation lunar rover.

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Comfort and Cargo

On the inside, FIAT’s sense of Italian charm is brought up to U.S. standards. The dash consists of a well laid out instrument cluster resting atop a rather appealing piece of painted trim that stretches the length of the dashboard. The gauges are made up of multiple pods, with a multi-function display right in front of the driver, all controlled by the buttons on the leather wrapped steering wheel and flanked by a rev counter and speedometer on either side. At the other end of the dress-up dash panel is a pair of glove boxes for the passenger to sift through on long drives.

Front and center in the driver’s field of view, FIAT 500X owners will find one of Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment interfaces, ranging in size from 3 to 6.5 inches across. The most desirable being the largest, Uconnect 6.5N that combines Bluetooth, Satellite Radio and GPS Navigation into a very well-laid-out touch screen display. Sitting right below is a trio of more traditional climate controls. There is something to be said for being able to get MAX A/C at the touch of a button, but don’t worry technophiles, right below is a conveniently placed USB port to go along with the two others hidden inside the cushy center console. 

Higher end models get leather wrapped seats that are as pleasant to look at as they are to sit in behind the wheel. Combined with the cushioned door panels, it makes for one of the more comfortable seating positions in any new compact car today. While the 2016 FIAT 500X is a every bit a compact crossover, back seats are adequate for near six-footers and when folded flat offer up over 50 cubic feet of cargo space, quite a bit more than the 18.5 cubic feet of storage space that is normally behind them. Once under the rear hatch, owners will find additional storage below the false floor in the trunk, which opens to reveal a more secure cargo area.

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Engine and Fuel Economy

The 2016 FIAT 500X is powered by either a 1.4 Liter turbocharged MultiAir four-cylinder engine found in other Italian city cars; or the larger 2.4 Liter Tigershark four-cylinder engine, found in cars like the Dodge Dart. MultiAir engines are unique in that they allow for a wide range of fuel-efficient operation. By controlling the intake valves hydraulically with engine oil as opposed to a traditional mechanical device like a camshaft, the engine’s computer can maximize performance and gas savings at any moment, without the need for a traditional throttle on the intake.

The 1.4 Liter MultiAir motor makes a total of 160 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque with a maximum turbo boost pressure of 22 psi. The 2.4 Liter Tigershark generates a total of 180 HP and 175 lb-ft of torque, and while official EPA numbers were not available at the time this was written, Chrysler ensured us that both versions are good for over 30 MPG on the highway. 

The combination of FIAT’s MultiAir technology, ZF’s nine-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler’s Dynamic Selector, makes the most of what the 2016 FIAT 500X has to offer. Whether the driver is looking for a spirited drive in Sport mode or choosing to cruise efficiently in Eco mode, the engine lineup for the FIAT 500X is more than capable of tackling whatever challenges come its way.

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Driving Impressions

While lesser FIAT 500 models exhibit heaps of Italian charm, the 500X feels almost German. The compact crossover is much more solid and less sprightly than the standard 500, thanks in part to the 500X’s made for America architecture and overdamped suspension. The setup gives the 2016 FIAT 500X an almost harsh ride, one that greets every uneven road surface with a hard thump. However it is this same configuration that allows the 500X to hunker down on its all-wheel-drive system and handle some pretty twisty mountain roads.

From inside the 2016 FIAT 500X you get a false sense of grandeur. From the outside the 500X, it doesn’t look much bigger than a MINI Countryman, however once inside, it definitely feels larger. Occupants sit up high in an elevated driving position, letting you look out the cabin and down on other cars. The added sense of safety and security are a big part of why this new segment of jacked-up compacts is becoming so popular. The only downside to sitting so tall in a car with raised suspension is the initial sensation of leaning can be bit unnerving when the 500X starts to near the limit.

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Driving Impressions Continued

Unlike most other cars, Sport mode is more than a decoration. Twisting the Dynamic Selector knob to Sport noticeably stiffens the steering and stretches what the transmission will do, allowing RPMs to build and holding gears long after you anticipated a downshift. Traction+ tries to eliminate wheel spin in inclement conditions by dropping the engine into Eco mode and engaging the all-wheel-drive, offering up a more sure-footed ride. 

While the interior of the 500X proved to be quite plush, the positioning of the door handles was less than ideal. The hard, brushed aluminum door pull is placed perfectly to leave left knees with a slight bruise after spirited driving. Unlike most other cars, FIAT chose the correct layout for the little "+" and "–" when you slap the stick into manual mode. 500X drivers will be pulling back to change up a gear and pushing forward to go down. This is more in line with the natural motion of bodies at speed, which is why racecars are built this way, and most road cars get it backwards.

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The X Factor

FIAT’s design rep talked about the X Factor. The idea that the 2016 500X builds upon the strong sense of soul and character, brought on by the Cinquecento’s recent resurgence. The 500X is a pumped up 500 that looks like it just got back from the gym, and is ready to tackle America’s roads. The X’s added ground clearance and protective body cladding gives the compact crossover just the right amount of attitude. While the muscular wheel arches and deep-cut door scallops blend seamlessly with the double bubble headlamps, familiar chrome whiskers on the front grille and taillight surrounds ensure it will be easily recognizable in a FIAT Studio. The X Factor continues inside, the 500X gets a more muscular, robust dash and much improved door panels. Gone is the typical Italian charm, and in its place is a bit of sophistication. The 500X gives drivers a sensation of security while surrounding them with a plush, well-connected interior. FIAT Chrysler automobiles is taking an iconic theme and reinventing it with a new purpose, for a new audience, and executing with the Italian fair we have come to expect. I always thought that if we could take an American car to 90% and let a group of Italians finish the interior, we would have great looking cars, inside and out. FCA is showing that with the 2016 FIAT 500X, anything is possible.

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Why to Buy the 2016 Fiat 500X

The 2016 FIAT 500X is the ultimate urban people mover for the stylish trendsetter. If you are looking for a car that is fun to drive, and will put a smile on your face, then the 500X is a great option. Compact crossovers offer the ease and economy of a compact, without having to worry about being the smallest thing on the road. The 500X offers style above all else, and with options ranging from $20,000 to just under $30,000 there is a 500X equipped to suit almost everyone’s level of expectation. If you want to do serious off-roading, get a Jeep Renegade. Otherwise, the stylish FIAT 500X will provide you with plenty of on-road fun.

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Final Thoughts

The 2016 500X is a perfect example of what FIAT calls Rightsizing, scaling appropriately to suit ones needs without compromising things like fun, performance and style. The U.S. market has always had a problem accepting the idea of paying full price for a premium compact type car. However, good things do come in small packages, and the 500X is going to help us get used to this new way of thinking about value. In 2014, FIAT sold 46,000 electric, convertible, coupe and four-door examples of the Cinquecento in the United States alone. Considering that 9 out of 10 FIAT buyers didn’t come from inside the FCA family, and that the FIAT strategy is an interesting one - build an entire portfolio of new cars based on a modern reinvention of an Italian icon. Imagine how much success FIAT will have with a purpose built CUV thrown into the mix to complete its well-rounded line-up. The 2016 FIAT 500X is going to be a halo car for the brand, with the 500 remaining as the icon and the 500L being reserved for functional purposes. FIAT Chrysler America’s goal with the 500X was to build the perfect FIAT for North America, a fresh FCA design from the ground-up. FCA believes that new car buyers choose CUVs because of their unique ability to blend fun, performance and style; which just so happens to be the same reasons that people buy FIATs.

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