by Aiden Eksteen
If you're looking for a cutesy little crossover SUV that's ideal for cruising through urban and suburban settings, the 2021 Fiat 500X is perhaps one of the most modish and quirky 5-door cars you can buy in the USA. A 177-horsepower turbo inline-4 motor powers the retro-European crossover and bestows it with some pleasant urban-centric performance and frugal gas mileage returns. Its unique exterior is matched by a contemporary and playful interior that also constitutes many inclusive features as standard. The $24,950 starting price for the 2021 Fiat 500X SUV is quite steep for a subcompact crossover offers, but the first-generation 500X still exhibits great value in its modern and novel design. Some may still prefer the styles of the Kia Soul and some the livability and practicality of the Honda Fit and Mazda CX-30.
Fiat makes a few minor changes to the 500X lineup for 2021: the base model and mid-range Trekking both come with new upholstery materials and dashboard trim. The Sport model is now also available with the Sport Value package, which adds cool features such as 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, heated front seats, and an upgraded Beats sound system.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pop |
1.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$26,275 |
Trekking |
1.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$27,410 |
Sport |
1.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$28,265 |
Trekking Plus |
1.3L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
9-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$31,455 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
There's a whole lot of style and novelty to enjoy from the 2021 Fiat 500X, but when it comes to substance, we feel the European city car may be lacking quite a bit. If a quirky exterior design and zany cabin don't cut it for you, it doesn't have much else going for it. Performance-wise, there's enough horsepower and low-down torque to make the feel peppy, and the turbo improves efficiency. It even boasts a decent towing capacity of 2,000 pounds. However, wobbly handling and a crude transmission hobble it with lackluster responses. If you're looking for a really fun and engaging vehicle, the Mini Cooper Countryman is far more proficient. Nevertheless, the 500X crossover does come outfitted with a nice selection of features as standard, including remote start, keyless entry, and a leather steering wheel and shifter. And, while the 2021 Fiat 500X hasn't undergone review for an official safety rating, Fiat does ensure it gets numerous driver assists and safety features. It isn't the most pragmatic SUV, though, with the Honda HR-V supplying a whole lot more room for people and cargo in the back. All in all, the Fiat 500X isn't the worst crossover SUV money can buy, it's far from being the best
Sadly, You don't get much value from the 500X, no matter which model you opt for, but we'd still go ahead and recommend the top-spec Trekking Plus. This also gets you the bragging rights that come along with owning a top-sec European car, for what they're worth. You'll also enjoy a bunch of worthwhile high-end features. Along with fancier LED headlights, the Trekking Plus gets ambient cabin lighting, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, genuine leather seating upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Its sound system is also upgraded with two additional speakers (totaling eight), and the safety consignment is extended with front and rear parking sensors.
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