Used 2019 FIAT 500L

The Fiat 500L is the “big” Fiat, the automotive equivalent of the “jumbo” shrimp. Though large by Fiat standards, the 500L is still a small vehicle, and an ambiguously designed one at that. Is it a hatchback, wagon or quasi-crossover SUV? Whatever you think of its egg shape, the 500L is roomy and flexible on the inside, and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting just under $22,000, it’s also pretty affordable. But that’s largely where the positives end. Compared to rivals like the Kia Soul, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks, the Fiat 500L lags in almost every way. It doesn’t offer modern active-safety features like lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking, isn’t all that engaging to drive, and suffers from poor resale value.

The Fiat 500L shares the same 160-horsepower, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine as the feisty little 500 Abarth, but the 500L’s additional bulk and standard 6-speed automatic transmission dash any hopes of similar performance. The 500L is built for comfort, so its softer suspension means this Fiat isn’t as much fun in the curves. The “big Fiat’s” long wheelbase and tall profile also mean it can’t return the kind of joy one gets behind the wheel of a Mazda CX-3, Mini Countryman or even a Kia Soul. The flip side is that when it comes to comfort, the 500L does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections. Acceleration from a dead stop is acceptable, with an 8-second zero-to-60-mph run with only one person on board (expect that figure to increase by a second or so if you have a fully loaded 500L). On the highway, we found the 500L’s interior to be well insulated from outside noise, though we did experience some annoying wind buffeting around the side mirrors.

As noted in Favorite Features, one of the best attributes of the 500L is its interior. All models have two rows and seating for five passengers. Rear legroom is good, and headroom is excellent thanks to this big Fiat’s tall roof. An optional dual-pane panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel even more airy. The interior is also where the 500L is way different from the standard, diminutive Fiat 500. Whereas the 500 has just two tiny rear seats and a small cargo bay in the hatch area, the 2019 Fiat 500L has a 3-person rear bench that can comfortably fit two adults. Rear legroom is impressive, and the rear seats also recline, slide, flip and tumble forward for cargo/passenger versatility. For added cargo flexibility, the rear features a movable shelf panel that allows storage above and below.

There’s really no other way of saying it: Either your eyes will appreciate the Fiat 500L for all of its, umm, uniqueness, or they won’t. Subjectivity aside, it’s safe to say that the 500L looks like no other new car on the road. For better or worse, the 500L stands out with its squat, egg-shaped profile and cute little details like those doe-eyed headlights and white or black roof colors. The mid-trim Trekking model offers flared wheel arches and rugged-looking front and rear fascias. Base Fiat 500L models ride on 16-inch wheels, while Trekking and Lounge trims roll on 17-inch wheels. The new Urbana Edition, based on the Trekking model, adds blacked-out bits in hopes of a more aggressive look.

UCONNECT SYSTEM
All models of the 2019 500L come with the Uconnect 4 infotainment system that bundles a 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. In the higher trims, GPS navigation and a Beats premium audio system are also included.

INTERIOR ACCOMMODATIONS
The 2019 Fiat 500L’s odd, oblong exterior shape has a benefit: a roomier-than-expected interior. Cargo space is especially notable, with over 22 cubic feet behind the rear seat. Folding the rear seat creates up to 68 cubic feet, similar to a small SUV.

For 2019, the Fiat 500L continues with its three main trims — Pop, Trekking and Lounge — plus the new Urbana Edition, which is mostly an appearance package based on the Trekking trim. Base Pop models are reasonably well equipped and include the basics like power windows/door locks and air conditioning, plus keyless entry, an alarm, and an infotainment system with 7-inch touch screen, six speakers and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. While the Fiat 500L has basic safety systems like airbags and traction control, it is not available with active systems such as lane-keeping assistance, radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking. If these modern safety features are important to you — and they should be — buy another vehicle.

Stepping up to the Fiat 500L Trekking model adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels, rear-seat armrest, Beats premium audio system and satellite radio, and navigation. Urbana Editions add blacked-out aesthetics to the Trekking model. At the top, the Fiat 500L Lounge includes chrome exterior bits, power-folding side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and rear parking sensors. A panoramic sunroof is optional on the Trekking and Lounge models, and all versions can be had with a black or white roof for added visual pop.

The Fiat 500L uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes a good-for-this-class 160 horsepower. When the 500L came out five years ago, its fuel economy was notable, but these days its 30-mpg highway rating is just one more way in which the Fiat falls short. For example, the 2020 Kia Soul, a much better vehicle, earns up to 35 mpg, while the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3, also better choices than the Fiat 500L, earn up to 34 mpg. The snazzy new Nissan Kicks, meanwhile, reaches up to 36 mpg and looks fantastic. All Fiat 500L models use an aging 6-speed automatic transmission and are front-wheel drive. The Fiat’s turbocharged 1.4-liter engine can run on 87-octane gasoline, but premium 91-grade is recommended. Fun fact: The Fiat 500L is built in Serbia and classified by the EPA as a small station wagon.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg