2018 Fiat 500X Review
The 500X is a subcompact crossover SUV, rivaling the likes of the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade and available with two engine options for 2018. The entry-level Pop model, if selected in FWD, has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque via a six-speed manual transmission. If optioned in AWD it receives a 2.4-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which produces 180 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission, both of which are automatically equipped as the only offering on higher trims. With ample levels of comfort, and styling inspired by the diminutive 500 microcar, can the 500X give Fiat the crossover rival needed to conquer the market, or will it forever live in the shadow of other brands?
What's the Price of the 2018 Fiat 500X?
The entry-level Pop carries a starting MSRP of $19,995, from there the mid-tier Trekking presents a slightly increased price of $23,685, and for a further marginal increase, the range-topping Lounge has a starting MSRP of $25,515. All given prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Fiat's $1,295 destination charge, and any dealer incentives that may be worth hunting around for.
Best Deals on 2018 Fiat 500X
Handling and Driving Impressions
Overall, drive quality in the 500X is good, the only setbacks being the lackluster acceleration and overly firm suspension which, along with the 500X's short wheelbase, can make for a rougher ride quality over uneven terrain. On smooth roads, the ride is perfect, with the 500X providing a tautness and a great sense of connection with the road surface. But on broken pavement, there's a choppier quality to the ride with smaller imperfections permeating the ride substantially.
Other than that, the 500X feels sportier than rivals such as the more rugged Jeep Renegade and delivers better grip and balance for superior handling dynamics and minimal body roll on turns. It behaves more like a large hatchback than a true crossover, this despite the seven inches of ground clearance.
With the AWD variants, the 500X receives a three-mode dynamic selector with an Auto Mode, Sport Mode, and Traction+ Mode. The Auto Mode is designed to smooth things out to help optimize fuel efficiency, emissions, and comfort for everyday driving. The Sport Mode slightly improves road feel and control by tuning up the electronic stability control and steering calibrations, also resulting in a sportier feel and faster driving responses. It also optimizes the nine-speed auto transmission's shift points for improved performance and accelerator feel in both the front-wheel and all-wheel drive models. The Traction+ Mode maximizes low-speed traction for better control over rougher terrain by providing additional wheel-slip through the specially tuned chassis controls and more direct engine response to aid the crossing of poor terrain.
Verdict: Is the 2018 Fiat 500X A Good SUV?
For the segment, the 500X is a decent crossover SUV, mostly by virtue of its high quality, ergonomic and spacious cabin and an array of standard safety features. For these reasons the 500X is more than suitable for long distance traveling, and a young family will enjoy the comfort and versatility of the subcompact SUV.
In terms of performance, with the 2.4-liter engine, the 500X exhibits peppier acceleration and impressive handling dynamics in comparison to rivals in the class. On the downside, however, the larger 2.4-liter engine, along with the weight of the 500X, is detrimental to fuel efficiency, and the nine-speed automatic transmission doesn't help things along either. This transmission also does not feel as smooth as alternative transmissions in rival vehicles.
Where the 500X scores highly though is style, giving buyers impressive dynamics in a chic Italian package that lives up to the 500 moniker. While others may be more accomplished all-around, the 500X is worth a look if you're in the market for something that isn't a Honda.
What Fiat 500X Model Should I Buy?
With only a slight increase in price from the entry-level Pop to the Lounge, buyers will receive the most value for money with the Lounge. Better comfort and convenience features are inclusive with the Lounge and the infotainment system features more comprehensive capabilities and an upgraded six-speaker sound system. With this trim, however, you'd be stuck with the less economical 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine and nine-speed auto transmission, which can be frustrating but is worth the compromise for the additional equipment. If you must have the manual gearbox and the turbocharged engine, several of the Lounge's features can be equipped to the Pop via options packages.
2018 Fiat 500X Comparisons
2018 Fiat 500X vs Honda HR-V
The 2018 Honda HR-V is a master of versatility and a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment. Despite its compact size, adults are accommodated more comfortably than in the 500X, and there's an array of flexible cargo space options that best the Fiat. The HR-V is powered by a weaker naturally aspirated engine that, along with its continuously variable auto transmission, feels as lackluster as the 500X's engine and transmission options, but performs vastly worse, reaching 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Where the HR-V exceeds the 500X is in its versatility with the rear magic seats that allow for an array of storage and seating options, far greater than those of the 500X's 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The Honda HR-V may be more versatile than the 500X, but when it comes to value for money and safety, the 500X takes the lead. The HR-V isn't Honda's best offering, and in this case, we'd pick the Fiat 500X as a more complete crossover.
2018 Fiat 500X vs Nissan Juke
Though a little pricier than the 500X, the Nissan Juke is equipped with a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 188 hp, 177 lb-ft, mated to a more refined continuously variable transmission. The upper-level trims are equipped with performance tuned underpinnings and a limited-slip differential for sport-like performance, making the Juke a lot more fun to drive than the 500X. All versions of the Juke are also slightly more fuel efficient than the 500X. Both vehicles have an appreciable selection of standard and additional safety and driver assistance features, too, making them both safe options. But practicality is where the Juke falls short of the 500X, with a tiny cargo storage area and limited in-cabin storage. The 500X is better than the Juke in a few areas, including offering a better infotainment system and greater levels of customization, but it's not enough, however, to sway our decision from the Nissan Juke as the more economical and fun to drive crossover.