2019 Fiat 500X

Starting with the base-level trim, the Pop carries a base MSRP in the USA of $24,490. The mid-level Trekking has a marginal increase with an MSRP of $25,995 and the top-level Trekking Plus has an MSRP of $29,195. All prices are excluding tax, registration, licensing, and a $1,495 destination charge, and exclude any dealer incentives that may be worth hunting around for.

At its core, the 500X feels sturdy and grounded, and ride comfort is relatively plush. The firmly sprung suspension makes for some rough driving on poor surfaces but smooths out turns at low-to-mid speeds with high levels of traction. Small bumps and abrasions are handled well with the comfortably cushioned seats providing ample absorption where the suspension doesn't. Steering is light and responsive, brakes react instantaneously enough, and shifting is smooth providing plenty of control on rough terrain and wet roads. With the high levels of torque, the 500X is very responsive at low speeds but steering and handling can prove a little jerky at highway speeds requiring more subtle commands.

Each 500X trim features a three-mode dynamic selector with auto-mode, which is suited to everyday driving, maximizing comfort and optimizing fuel efficiency. The Sport mode tunes electronic stability control and steering calibrations for a sportier feel and faster driving response. Additionally, it optimizes the transmission shift points for improved performance and accelerator feedback. The Traction+ mode maximizes low-speed traction for when roads are slippery or bumpy by providing additional wheel-slip via specially adjusted chassis controls and more direct engine response.

In comparison to other SUV crossovers, the Fiat 500X is a relatively good vehicle, but not the best. Excelling in luxury-comfort the 500X makes for a superb travel companion for a young family, but the rear seats are a little cramped with limited legroom for taller adults. That being said seating and driving comfort is great for its class and suits its purpose to a tee.

For a change, the 500X has superior interior materials with great appearance options and ergonomic setup, as well as a high-quality infotainment system and tech connectivity options. Visually, the 500X is a stylish vehicle with a friendlier aesthetic than its rivals, with the Jeep Renegade offering a more rugged/off-road look and feel.

The mechanicals prove to be compatible with the 500X's non-sport oriented nature, while the increased performance and comparable efficiency from the new 1.3-liter turbocharged engine are a great addition to its portfolio of talents. However, as the engine is new and untested, reliability is a factor that remains to be evaluated.

Value for money wise the mid-level Trekking would be your best buy. This trim includes a few more comfort and convenience features than the base trim such as automatic bi-function halogen projector headlamps and cornering front fog lamps. It also offers the most flexibility to optional packages, allowing for greater choice in features and customizations, whilst keeping to a reasonable price. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package is recommended with the Trekking trim, as its adds a host of beneficial safety and assist features while keeping the total cost below that of the Trekking Plus. The Trekking along with the Advanced Driver Assist Package and the destination fee comes to a total of $30,380.

The Jeep Renegade is the closest competing rival to the Fiat 500X, sharing underpinnings from FCA. The Renegade is powered by the same 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine previously found in the 500X that delivers less power than the 500X's new 1.3T engine but also has the option to equip the same 1.3-liter inline turbocharged engine delivering identical specs to the 500X. Acceleration with the 2.4-liter engine is inadequate and feels unrefined, whereas the 1.3-liter turbo engine seems more compatible with the Jeep. Despite matching equipment, the 500X feels like the better drive, perhaps in the tuning of the gearbox. Drivetrains are optional between two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive with the Renegade, with the range-topping Trailhawk offering more off-road capabilities than any of the rivals in its class. The 500X and Renegade offer pretty much the same value for money, however the Jeep boasts marginally greater storage capacity and a more robust AWD system in the upper-trims. Making a decision inevitably comes down to aesthetics, retro-Italian or rugged all-American.

The Hyundai Kona may not look as good as the Fiat 500X but what it has to offer under the hood and in the interior surpasses the 500X by a mile. The Kona has two engine options, the lower-trims are geared with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the two upper-trims receive a superior turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft. All trims are FWD with AWD available, which when selected adds an enhanced rear suspension design and lockable center differential for improved handling and ride quality, above that of the 500X. The Kona has a sportier feel than the 500X and receives more standard safety features. The 500X is, however, more of a comfortable vehicle than the Kona with its cushioned seats and roomy interior. We'd recommend the higher trims of the Kona line-up, with superior fuel economy scores of 28/32/30 mpg city/highway/combined driving cycles, more safety features, vastly more driver enjoyment, all available at a similar price point.