Used 2020 Fiat 500X for sale 

The 2020 Fiat 500X is a subcompact crossover SUV available in three trims: Pop, Trekking and Trekking Plus. This year 500X Sport is newly introduced, different from the rest, and hence, is covered in a separate review. Every 500X shares the same 1.3L turbo engine mated with 9-speed automatic transmission in a standard all-wheel-drive configuration. Fiat 500X features competitive standard features. The Pop starts from $24,490 and rivals against the likes of Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Hyundai Kona.

What do we recommend?

The Fiat 500X is one of the slowest-selling subcompact SUVs with a high rate of decline in sales. The 2020 Fiat 500x is best bought as cheaply as possible, so the best pick will be "Pop". The adequate amount of standard features and marquee Italian design can be bought at MSRP of $24,590 approx. However, if a few optional packages appeal to you, you have to upgrade to the middle trim "Trekking", in order to make your pick compatible with the aforementioned packages.

The 2020 Fiat 500X carries forward its 1.3L, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine from the 2019 model. The 1.3L turbo runs smoothly and surprisingly, offers best-in-class torque resulting in better acceleration with quick stop-start reaction and passing. We really liked the torque spread of the 500X across the rev-range. There's plenty of it available on tap. The 177 HP of power might seem a bit less as compared to the segment standards. However, Fiat has managed to stuff a lot of excitement within this number too - courtesy of the fewer power losses in the powertrain.

The 9-speed automatic transmission with manual shifts is the only available option with the standard all-wheel-drive. If you haven't been acquainted with one before, you might feel a little more jerks between shifts as compared to other automatic gearboxes. Do not take this gearbox to be a lazy one as it is accompanied by very quick shifts. Apart from this slight hiccup, the Fiat 500X knows how to paint a wide grin on your face, well, at least now with this upgraded powertrain. The sluggish character prominent in its earlier iteration has been eradicated and the 2020 Fiat 500X now feels eager to get off the mark.

The 1.3L turbo in the Italian marquee here produces sufficient power and moves the 500X smoothly around the city or on the highway. However, under stress, the engine tends to buzz a bit more than normal. Something pretty similar to the CVT equipped vehicles such as Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester. The Hyundai Kona remains out of question here owing to its much fewer power and torque figures than the others here.

How fast is the Fiat 500X?

The 1.3L turbo is the only powertrain option available across the 500X lineup generating 177-horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. This translates to best-in-class torque figures, giving it an edge over its rivals. The engine's peak power is pretty high up in the rev range, but the evenly spread torque on the bread ensures you get a good taste of it no matter how you bite it. 

The high torque results in better acceleration but the engine starts to make a lot of noise when put under stress or under heavy acceleration. The gearbox packs a raw character as you can distinctly tell when the shifts happen. However, on flat-footing, the accelerator, the 500X's 9-speed automated manual doesn't hesitate to kick down.

*Data is based on the 2019 model year for the reference.

Surprisingly, the least powerful contender here - the Hyundai Kona showcases the fastest sprint timings here. Thanks to the clever Korean engineering, this little crossover is plenty fast and can challenge the best in the segment. The best-seller of the segment - the Honda CR-V lines up just behind the Kona with almost a difference of one second between the two. The Fiat 500X manages to surpass the Subaru Forester leaving the latter for the final position.

How are the ride quality and handling of Fiat 500X?

The 500X offers capable handling and a smooth ride considering its tall stature. Adequate power and ample torque enable quick maneuvering and lane pass. The advanced all-wheel-drive enables a much better cornering ability with the least body lean and also gives traction advantage in snowy or wet conditions.

The electric-assist power steering is not precise and feels numb. However, the suspension is perfectly tuned with a good hydraulic setup. For a subcompact crossover, driving Fiat 500X offers a choppy ride which may not be objectionable.

How do brakes perform on Fiat 500X?

The Fiat 500X features all-wheel disc brakes and has an available assisted braking system which includes three functions: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Prefill, and Brake Assist. While that was all about the equipment associated with the braking factor of the car, in the real-world, a considerable amount of nosedive can be felt which could get scary.

The brake pedal ensures a healthy bite that inspires confidence around the twisties. Moreover, the benefit of the 4WD comes in handy here as it keeps a check on all the tires and can divert the braking force when required. That said, there's not much known of the braking performance of Fiat 500X analytically. Going by Fiat's reputation, big rotors and a conservative weight of the vehicle together means that the Fiat 500X can competently come to a halt even from triple-digit speeds. 

*Data is based on the 2019 model year for the reference.

The competition comes equipped with smaller rotors as opposed to the Fiat 500X. Considering the fact that the 500X is the second-lightest contender here just behind the Hyundai Kona, we believe that the CR-V and the Forester should easily take a pass in this comparison. 

Also Read:

See how reliable is the 2020 Fiat 500X

Should you consider the Hyundai Kona over the Fiat 500X?

The Fiat 500X does not reflect a healthy appetite and that reflects from its below-average mpg ratings. It may be noted that the 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive while most competitors come with front-wheel drive. The standard all-wheel-drive system uses a disconnecting rear axle to improve efficiency. However, there is only so much it can do considering the added weight and more mechanical losses as compared to the FWD setup. 

The Fiat 500X is trailing slightly in terms of fuel efficiency from its rivals. The Honda CR-V tops the list with 28/34 MPG (City/highway).

The 2020 Fiat 500X is a five-seater subcompact SUV with intelligent interior design. The layout of controls is good making them easily accessible. On the downside, the quality of the material used in the base model is below par and the cabin feels tight. A few silver accents do feel aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, however, they do not inspire a lot of confidence in terms of long-lasting traits.  That said, we liked the way everything has been designed to be in the reach of the driver. Also, the central AC vents have been placed a bit lower than usual. During long drives, this could prove to be a bit inconvenient considering most of the drivers rest their right hand on the steering wheel. This obstructs the airflow towards the driver and also gets uncomfortable when prolonged.

Talking about the seating factor, we are glad to report that there are almost no complaints from our side, albeit a few hiccups. The front seats are spacious and comfortable but the rear legroom feels cramped. The 500X flaunts tall windows for better outward visibility but the thick pillars nullify the effect. The chunky A-pillar also hinders the sight of the driver and this could get troublesome especially around curves. The rear bench cannot hold the middle passenger comfortably as the protruding transmission tunnel takes up a lot of legroom here. The thigh support is also not the best here. All in all, the rear bench is good for two passengers.

What are the Infotainment features in Fiat 500X?

The 2020 Fiat 500X features standard Uconnect 4 with 7-inch touchscreen radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the lineup. The top trim Trekking Plus gets a navigation and SiriusXM Radio otherwise optional with Pop and Trekking. The available BeatsAudio premium sound system includes eight speakers and a subwoofer for studio-quality sound, optional across the lineup except for base trim i.e. Pop.

The Fiat 500X shares its Uconnect infotainment system with other sister-concerns, including Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and Ram. The infotainment system of the FCA family has a good reputation in the market for being one of the most intuitive multimedia systems.

Key infotainment features:

• 7.0-inch Touchscreen display
• Available Beats Premium Audio System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Dual USB ports
• Integrated Voice command with Bluetooth
• SiriusXM Radio
• USB hotspot flip

How big is the Cargo of Fiat 500X?

For a subcompact SUV, Fiat 500X offers below-average cargo space which is just enough to store a few groceries bag. Unlike the Honda CR-V, wherein clever management of the underbody helps to achieve a uniform floor shape, it is not the case, when it comes to the 500X.

The cargo capacity of 14 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 32 cubic feet when rear seats are folded is low. 

The Fiat 500X is ranked even below Kona which offers 19.1 cubic feet of trunk space. The Fiat 500X also has a tall stature due to larger wheels as well which further increases the liftover height.

Key Interior Features:

• 4-way Power Driver Lumbar Adjust
• Heated Front Seats
• Leather-trimmed Bucket Seats
• Rear 60/40 folding seats
• Air -Conditioning with Dual Zone Control
• Electric Power Steering
• Latch ready Child Seat Anchor System
• Remote-start System
• Speed Control
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Display

Fiat 500X leverages the iconic Cinquecento’s footprint to deliver classic Italian style with space and utility, featuring additional ground clearance with 17-,18- and new 19-inch wheels. The 500X’s dual-pane sunroof (available on all trim levels) offers a power-sliding panoramic roof with side glass panels, which match with the body-side sheet metal for an open and spacious effect.

Fiat 500X Trekking features rugged look with Satin Silver accents with unique front and rear fascia designs for a more distinct, adventurous look.

 Exterior Features

• 17/18/19-inch Wheels
• Automatic Headlamps
• Bi-function LED Projector Headlamps
• LED Daytime Running Headlamps
• Body-Colored Rear Spoilers
• Black/Chrome Exterior Accents

The 2020 Fiat 500x has not been crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor fully by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. The standard features include Airbags, Dynamic control selector, electric parking brake, electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, hill start assist, and a rearview camera.

The available Advanced Driver Assistance package adds adaptive speed control, adaptive cruise control, automatic headlamp control, blind-spot and cross-path detection with a forward-collision warning system. The above package though is not available with Pop trim.

Safety Features

• Airbags
• Front and Rear Park Assist and adaptive cruise control
• Forward Collision Warning-Plus
• LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus
• Blind-spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Path detection
• rain-sensing windshield wipers

Fiat 500X Vs Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a standard all-wheel-drive with good ground clearance granting dynamism and better off-roading capability than Fiat 500X. On the downside, Subaru Forester feels underpowered but compensates with ample standard driver-assistance features and generous cargo capacity.

Fiat 500X Vs Honda CR-V

Honda CR-V is one of the highest-selling Sub-compact SUV with quick acceleration and thrifty fuel economy. The roomy interior with generous cargo capacity adds utility and comfort. The CR-V handles responsibly through the corners and offers plentiful storage cubbies. The only drawback felt is the finicky touchscreen. Overall, Honda CR-V is way ahead from Fiat 500X.

 Fiat 500X Vs Hyundai Kona

The lighter Hyundai Kona’s 2.0L naturally-aspirated engines generate lower power than Fiat 500X but compensate with a better fuel economy. Though Kona offers an optional turbocharged engine which is quick, it does run out of breath on the freeway, or when you feel the need to perform a quick overtaking maneuver. Also, Kona offers better practicality and utility over Fiat 500X, especially in the city. However, Fiat interior styling and comfort in middle and top trim is way better than Kona.

The 500X seems to be an underrated car and misjudged at times. 1.3L turbo drives the Italian beauty powerfully through the circuit with upscale interior design, complementing the drive. The comfortable seats and excellent infotainment system seem to be a cherry on the cake. The lack of utility and questionable handling puts it way behind the rivals. In the bigger than every crossover segment, Fiat 500X needs to revive itself with a focus on dispensing subcompact SUV duties perfectly.