What's New
The 2020 Fiat 500L will soldier on as the last of its kind – its little sibling and progenitor, the Fiat 500, was discontinued in the U.S. this year. But Fiat-Chrysler has decided to keep selling the larger 500L, which returns with no changes. That’s in spite of lackluster sales and an aging platform, both dating back to the 500L’s debut in 2014.
Choosing Your Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L is available in three trims: Pop, Trekking, and Lounge. Prices start at $23,745 including destination for the Pop and only rise to $25,890 for the Lounge.
Engine Choices
There’s just one engine powering the Fiat 500L: a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit making 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is the only option. The setup achieves an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 combined.
That’s not terrible compared with some economy cars, but the 500L’s closest comparison is the Mini Clubman, which has a range of more powerful engines. The Clubman manages better fuel efficiency too, at 29 mpg combined.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Fiat 500L will seat five passengers, though it’s not as comfortable as its minivan-like proportions might suggest. Rear legroom is limited to 36.7 inches, which isn’t comfortable over long journeys.
Cargo capacity is a better story. With the rear seat up, the back can hold 22.4 cubic feet of luggage, which is average for a hatchback. But fold the rear seats and cargo space expands to 68 cubic feet, which is excellent for the class.
Safety Features
The 500L has the usual complement of airbags, but that’s about all it has going for it in the safety department. Rear parking sensors are the only offered active safety tech, which come standard on the Lounge and are available on the Pop and Trekking.
Connectivity
There’s only one infotainment system on tap for the 500L, a 7-inch touchscreen paired with Chrysler’s UConnect software. It does come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with USB charging and Bluetooth connectivity.
Navigation is standard on the Trekking and Lounge, and available on the Pop through the Premium Group ($1,795).
The 500L Pop gets the standard infotainment setup, a rearview camera, and power features. Otherwise, this trim keeps it simple. Cloth upholstery is standard, and the wheels are aluminum 16-inchers.
Automatic temperature control is not included – to get that, you’ll need the Popular Equipment Group ($795), which also includes the rear parking sensors, satellite radio, two-way power lumbar support for the driver's seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Included in the Lounge trim’s price increase are larger 17-inch rims, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. A Beats sound system comes standard, as does navigation.
A dual-pane power sunroof is $1,395, while the Urbana edition will be available at least through the end of the calendar year. It’s a blacked-out version of the Trekking, with black leather seats, black wheels, and black exterior accents, all for a $595 premium.
The upgrade to the Lounge is mostly stylistic, with chrome in placed of the Trekking’s rugged bumpers. But the Lounge does get power mirrors, front-row lumbar adjustment, and all the features in the Popular Equipment Group.
The only package at this trim is the Graphite Edition ($1,595), which adds the dual-pane sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a grey roof, and grey exterior mirrors.
Compare 500L Trims Side-By-Side
The 2020 Fiat 500L wasn’t popular to begin with, and the numbers are dwindling as the model reaches the end of its lifespan. For best value in the lineup, look for a deal on one of the upper two trims.