Warming up the engine
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It takes a lot for a crossover to stand out these days, but the Fiat 500X is more distinctive than most thanks to its 1950s-inspired styling cues. Like the MINI Countryman, it gives buyers the option to step up from a smaller retro-inspired car into something more suitable for families, while keeping many of the quirks and features they already know and enjoy.
The 500X was introduced in 2014 and only went off sale in 2023, replaced by the similar-looking Fiat 600, so the most recent models will still be fairly fresh. The later range is limited to just three trim levels and a single hybrid engine, but there’s real variety to be found in older models, including a four-wheel drive version. Later cars though tend to be better equipped, so you’ll need to decide what’s most important to you - but either way, the 500X makes for a characterful and well-rounded family SUV.
Much like MINI has with its range of vehicles taking their retro-inspired look from a 1950s family car, the Fiat 500X similarly gets its cues first from the regular Fiat 500 city car, and in turn from the classic Nuova 500 of 1957. And like some of those MINIs, it has a slightly unusual look as a result - but that might be ideal if you’re seeking a crossover a little different from the sharp and aggressive norm.
There’s substance to go with the style, too. Underneath, the 500X shares much of its engineering with the Jeep Renegade, and was even offered with four-wheel drive until 2019, but in general the 500X is refined, rides well, doesn’t lean much in corners, and those 4x4 versions can even tackle some light off-roading.
Fiat offered a large range of engines over the years and most are up to the job of scooting the 500X along without much difficulty, and without using too much fuel. Highlights include the 1-litre Firefly turbocharged petrol, and the diesels, all of which offer a useful slug of performance without having to work them too hard. Since 2019, the range has been hybrid-only, so frugality is a strong point.
The 500X even gets a retro-style cabin, which again helps it stand out among some tough rivals. It’s not a class-leading car - we’d suggest looking at the Ford Puma, Renault Captur, and Skoda Karoq for that, but the 500X still has plenty to recommend it, and is one of very few to give you that four-wheel drive option.
It might not sound like much engine to move along a decently-sized car, but the 1-litre Firefly engine is more eager than you’d expect, performing better than the naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre engine it replaced. On-paper economy isn’t as good, but that’s because the official figures were recorded on an older fuel economy test cycle, so can’t be directly compared. If you’re after diesel or four-wheel drive, then you’ll need to look for a pre-2019 500X.
When it comes to trim levels, most recent 500Xs are very well equipped as standard. Older models can be a little more bare (some came without alloy wheels for instance), so we’d aim for Pop Star or Lounge trim to get just a few more toys.
The Fiat 500X has been on sale for a while now and over that time, Fiat has shaken up the range several times. So while the trim lines below are what you’ll find for the most recent cars, you’ll also see used examples with trim names such as Pop, Pop Star, Lounge, Cross, and Cross Plus - the latter pair getting a more off-road-style appearance with a taller ride height. Older models are also where you’ll find the widest range of engine options, as the most recent cars are hybrid-only.
The Fiat 500X’s dimensions are:
The Fiat 500X’s boot size is:
With the 1.5-litre hybrids you’ll pay a flat rate of £180 per year, for the 2024/2025 tax year, since hybrid cars get a £10 discount compared to regular petrol and diesel models. This means post-April 2017 non-hybrids have a yearly VED bill of £190, while pre-April 2017 cars are taxed on CO2 emissions, so will vary quite a bit - with the low-CO2 diesels being cheapest.
The 1.5-litre hybrid 500X range sits in insurance group 19 across the board, while pre-2019 models, with a wider range of engines and trim levels, spans groups 8 to 16. These groups are pretty much what you’ll find across this class of vehicle - the Renault Captur can be found in groups 7-22, for example.
£11,300
£10,695
£12,396
£1,494 offWhat is the most popular colour for Fiat 500X ?
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What is the average mileage for Fiat 500X ?
33652
How many Fiat 500X cars are available for sale?
23
