2020 FIAT 500X

The Fiat 500X is available in four trims: Pop, Trekking, Sport, and Trekking Plus. Pricing starts at $26,085 including destination for the Pop and tops out at $30,990 for the Trekking Plus.

All 500X models feature a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque – big figures from such a small engine displacement.

The standard nine-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine (and turbo) spinning at the ideal speeds for power and efficiency. All-wheel drive is also standard, and the system features a disconnecting clutch to reduce drag when maximum grip isn’t necessary. Towing capacity is specified at 2,000 pounds.

The 500X earns an EPA-estimated 24 miles per gallon city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 combined.

The 500X, which can seat five passengers, fits neatly within the subcompact crossover segment with a 101.2-inch wheelbase that affords 34.8 inches of rear leg room. It offers 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, or a total of 50.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

Neither the Pop, Trekking, or Sport get any standard active safety. Worse yet, the only thing the range-topping Trekking Plus gets as standard are front and rear parking sensors.

Getting advanced safety aids requires extra-cost packages that become available on the Trekking trim. The Driver Assistance Group ($895) adds front and rear parking sensors, LED headlights, and LED fog lights.

The Advanced Driver Assistance Group ($1,395) bundles adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and automatic high beams.

The Fiat 500X has a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and two front and one rear USB ports. The Trekking also gets satellite radio, while the range-topping Trekking Plus included navigation.

Navigation is a $695 standalone option on the Trekking and Sport.

Even in the base Pop trim, the Fiat feels dressed to impress. Body-color front and rear bumpers, LED taillights, heated and power mirrors with integrated turn signals, and 17-inch alloy wheels have it looking like it belongs in a higher-market segment. The interior also receives a touch of premium style with front dash panel trim that’s painted to match the exterior and proximity entry. Remote start is also included.

The Popular Equipment Group adds tinted windows, rear parking sensors, satellite radio, and automatic headlights, while a dual-pane sunroof is a $1,250 standalone option.

The Trekking trim differentiates itself with satin silver finishes on the exterior, front fog lights, automatic headlights, and unique wheels. Inside, the seats are wrapped in premium cloth and the driver information display gains color.

The $795 Comfort Group adds an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A Cold Weather Group seems well worth its $295 price for those in the colder areas, as it includes heated front seats and windshield wiper de-icer.

The new Sport trim brings a unique front and rear fascias, body-colored lower side sills and wheel arches, dark gray door handles and mirror housings, and 18-inch wheels. A flat-bottom steering wheel, bright pedals, and sport cloth seats add to the theme.

The top tier trim brings few surprises as the name says it all. The Trekking Plus features the exterior looks of the Trekking and includes more standard equipment that is otherwise optional on lesser trims.

Newly standard features include leather seating, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, navigation, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, LED fog lights, and more.