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Now entering its second year as the "big" Fiat, the 500L wagon offers four-door convenience and the cargo-handling ability of a compact crossover. You also get passenger room and comfort on a scale that will make you forget that the L is an offspring of the diminutive 500 hatchback.
What's New for 2015
A conventional six-speed automatic joins the existing transmission choices.
Choosing Your Fiat 500L
The 500L's tallish body and high-mounted seats give the impression of riding in a crossover, which is clearly what the designers intended. Even with the rear seat in place, you get 23 cubic feet of cargo space, enough for weekend family trips or a few weeks' worth of groceries. The seat slides and reclines to help keep passengers comfortable. Fold it down and you're looking a 68 cubic feet, a laudable amount for what is essentially a compact wagon.
Every model is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, and you can opt for a six-speed automated manual or conventional six-speed automatic. Expect about 25 to 28 mpg in combined driving depending on the transmission.
The 500L is offered in four trim levels:
Pop
Comes with the manual transmission only and all the expected passenger car conveniences. The six-speaker sound system features Bluetooth phone and audio, a 5-inch touchscreen and voice controls. The Pop rolls on 16-inch steel wheels.
Easy
Most buyers will want to make the small $1,350 jump to an Easy, which gives you a choice of all three transmissions (manual, automated manual, automatic) and additional standard equipment such as premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a front console, alloy wheels and an upgraded sound system.
The available Popular Equipment group adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a rear armrest, an auto-dimming mirror and a household-style power outlet. You can also order a premium Beats sound system with satellite radio. Technology gets a boost from the optional Premiere package, which adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensor and a navigation system.
Trekking
Builds on the Easy with upgraded interior and exterior trim, fog lamps and 17-inch wheels. The option packages remain available. An upgrade to Trekking adds just $1,000 to an Easy's MSRP.
Lounge
Gets the six-speed automatic transmission and Popular Equipment package as standard, plus leather upholstery and heated front seats. The Lounge reverts to 16-inch wheels; 17s are optional. The more lavish equipment does comes at a price -- almost $3,000 more than a Trekking and a full $5,300 more than the base Pop.
The Easy and Trekking can get the Lounge's heated seats as a standalone option. Available on all three are a sunroof and black- or white-painted roof.
Even in top Lounge trim, the 500L is well-priced. For maximum value, though, we recommend a budget-friendly Easy or Trekking.
