2022 Fiat 500X Review: All Form, No Function
Since bringing the cute 500 to US shores back in 2007, the Fiat 500 range of cars has enjoyed moderate success, and after introducing the 500L, its latest offering, the Fiat 500X, has to be the best. This subcompact crossover creation looks like a true European city car and oozes charm from the inside out. Powered by a 177-horsepower 1.3-liter turbocharged engine, the 500X is primed for city life but is let down by a dreadful nine-speed automatic transmission. The little Italian tries to make up for it by offering a beautifully styled interior but can't match its competitors on practicality. Starting at $24,590, the Fiat 500X goes up against well-known names like the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade.
What's the Price of the 2022 Fiat 500X?
The price of the new Fiat 500X starts at $26,215 for the base Pop model. This price does not include tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,495. The Trekking will cost you $27,350, and the Sport will set you back $28,205. The Trekking Plus just breaks the $30k mark at $31,455. Fully specced, the Trekking Plus will cost you around $35k. The special-edition Yacht Club Capri's MSRP is $32,605. The Jeep Renegade, by comparison, starts at only $22,495 for the FWD model and $24,095 for the AWD.
2022 500X Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 167.2 in | 101.2 in | 63.7 in | 70.7 in | 60.7 in | 60.7 in | 3,305.0 lbs |
2022 500X Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
On paper, the Fiat 500X seems like a fun little car to drive; its low curb weight and 177-hp turbocharged engine scream cornering fun, but in the real world, it falls flat on its face. This is disappointing, as other subcompact crossovers such as the Mini Countryman offer some impressive driving dynamics. Around town, the 500X does an acceptable job of soaking in bumps despite feeling rather stiff, and it remains stable when cruising on the highway. Once you hit the twisty bits, however, the car starts to show its true colors. There's significant body roll at speed and a feeling that the body and suspension setup struggle with weight transfer. In terms of steering feel, the 500X doesn't communicate much, though it is precise enough, and you won't have any problem pointing the front wheels in the direction of your choice. The standard AWD system provides good grip, but don't expect massive off-road performance. Fiat's claim of the 500X being "fun to drive" simply isn't true.
2022 500X Interior
2022 500X Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Fiat 500X A Good SUV?
When the retro Fiat 500 first entered the American market, people were charmed by its cutesy looks but weren't bowled over by its driving dynamics. It seems that very little has changed since then. The Fiat 500X, which is a larger, more practical car with crossover looks and a lifted ride height, retains its charming European design flair but fails to impress almost everywhere else. The interior is one of the most stylish in its class, and it makes use of quality materials, but that's pretty much where the good ends. The nine-speed automatic transmission drains the life out of the turbocharged 1.3-liter engine, and the overall driving experience is wonky and wobbly at best. The 500X is not as practical as competitors such as the Jeep Renegade and Honda HR-V, which offer more space. It's not the worst buy out there but should only be entertained if style means more than substance to you.
What 2022 Fiat 500X Model Should I Buy?
With only $5,240 separating the Trekking Plus from the base model, you might as well go for the range-topper. Not only will you gain the respect of your friends and family, but the Trekking Plus also comes equipped with a few handy features not found on the rest of the range. These include LED headlights, heated leather seats with 12-way power-adjustability, dual-zone climate control, and two extra speakers for the sound system. The Trekking Plus is also easier to park thanks to front and rear parking sensors, and finding your way to the local Wholefoods is made easier thanks to standard navigation.
2022 Fiat 500X Comparisons
2022 Fiat 500X vs Jeep Renegade
It might not look so, but the Jeep Renegade is the 500X's biggest competitor. It all starts to make sense when you realize that these cars share a ton of parts. The Jeep is powered by the same turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with 177 hp and uses the same clumsy nine-speed automatic transmission. On the road, both cars offer the same roly-poly driving feel that does little to inspire confidence. Inside, the Jeep can't match the Fiat's design flair, but it looks good in its own rugged way, and the number of standard features on offer is more or less the same. The Jeep is a much more capable off-roader and offers more cargo capacity, making it the more practical daily driver. All of this, combined with a significantly lower starting price, makes the Jeep the more logical choice.
2022 Fiat 500X vs Kia Soul
The Kia Soul does much the same job as the 500X, but the high-value Korean does a lot of things better too. For starters, its starting price is a lot lower at only $19,190 and although the base engine has only 147 hp, a 201-hp turbocharged engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available with far superior performance for less than $28,000, which is less money than what a mid-range 500X Sport costs. For that, the Soul loses out on AWD, but has a lot more luggage space, LED headlights, a big 10.25-inch infotainment screen, HD radio, a Harman Kardon audio system, electric seat adjustment, and even a head-up display. Unless you absolutely needs the 500X's AWD system, the Soul is far better value and cuts a stylish figure all its own.