2018 Fiat 500X Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2018?
The Fiat 500X is still very new to the United States market, and so it has only seen small adjustments since its introduction in 2016. This year, Fiat has introduced a larger touchscreen with a new version of the UConnect infotainment system, as well as making it standard on all models. There were no other changes to the vehicle as compared to the 2017 model.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Fiat 500X – The Pros
1. Unique Exterior
It is impossible to confuse the 2018 Fiat 500X for anything else on the road. While other crossover manufacturers have gravitated towards sharper lines and contrasting elements, the Fiat is composed almost entirely of curves and circles. It still has plenty of crossover DNA however, as is evident from its prominent wheel arches and strong bumpers.
2. Premium Cabin
The interior of the Fiat 500X stays true to its Italian roots with its high material quality and a very appealing design. There are tastefully colorful accents all around the cabin and even the dashboard seems more sculpted than built. The interior of the car is very enjoyable to look at and touch, which can often be a rarity when it comes to small, inexpensive crossovers.
3. Smooth and Quiet Ride
Small cars tend to make for a bumpy and noisy ride, but the 500X thoroughly debunks this particular stereotype. The suspension is fairly firm, but has enough give to absorb the road with no trouble, keeping the car’s occupants nicely cushioned. And the noise insulation means that little road or engine noise makes its way into the cabin even at highway speeds.
4. UConnect Infotainment
The UConnect infotainment system standard on the 2018 Fiat 500X is one of the easiest to use on the market currently. This year, all the 500X models also see an increase in the touch screen size to 7 inches versus last year’s 5-inch and 6.5-inch models, making it even easier to see and press the different buttons on the straightforward user interface.
5. Outstanding Agility
The Fiat 500 is a very fun car to drive thanks to its excellent agility and maneuverability, and the Fiat 500X takes the same approach to its compact crossover chassis. It has the precise steering and a good turn radius that make it easy to maneuver into small urban spaces, and its small size means that parking it is also a breeze.
6. Versatile Powertrains
The 2018 Fiat 500X offers buyers a choice of several different powertrain options to choose from, including some uncommon ones. Two engines are on offer, including both a turbocharged 160-horsepower model and a naturally-aspirated 180-horsepower one. The car is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and there are both manual and automatic transmissions available. This variety of choices makes it easy to create the perfect 500X for your needs.
7. A Tow Rating
The 2018 Fiat 500X is one of the few subcompact vehicles to come with a tow rating, pushing its versatility even further. It can tow up to 1,000 pounds, which can cover some smaller trailers, campers or boats. Only a few other cars in the class are certified to tow anything at all.
8. Solid Safety Ratings
For a small car, the 2018 Fiat 500X performs excellently when it comes to both active safety technology and crash test results. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it top scores across the board, as well as rating its safety features as ‘Advanced’. It has also awarded the 500X with a Top Safety Pick award.
9. Affordable Price
With everything on offer with the 2018 Fiat 500X, it remains a relatively inexpensive entry in a fairly affordable class of vehicle. Its starting price is below average for the compact crossover segment, and even when fully equipped it remains very competitively priced. The packaged-based customization options also add significant value throughout the 500X lineup.
10. Stylish Character
The 2018 Fiat 500X is simply a unique entry when it comes to subcompact cars and crossover SUVs both. It has both distinctive styling and a very different driving feel compared to most competitors. It is effectively a subcompact car with crossover features, which is often the perfect combination that buyers won’t be able to find elsewhere.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Fiat 500X – The Cons
1. Small Cabin
Compared to some other subcompact crossovers, the Fiat 500X feels rather small. That reflects in a low ceiling and limited legroom, as well as a smaller cargo compartment. That may be a negative for taller drivers, or ones that often carry a lot of cargo.
2. Short on Power
With the strongest Fiat 500X clocking in at just 180 horsepower, it feels somewhat underpowered compared to some competitors. Other cars in the segment overpower the Fiat, or are lighter and more responsive, leaving it behind when it comes to performance credentials.
3. Fuel Economy
For a small car, the Fiat 500X is not very economical. It is below the average efficiency for the subcompact class, and there are many larger vehicles that can deliver better mileage as well.
How It Stacks up to the Competition
The rivals against which the 2018 Fiat 500X competes are other subcompact vehicles like the Mazda CX-3 or the Honda HR-V. The Mazda CX-3 focuses on driving performance, so it does not have nearly the same versatility or cargo space as the Fiat 500X, though it can feel more powerful. The Honda HR-V, on the other hand, offers more space than the Fiat. However, it is not nearly as nice inside, and does not offer the same level of agility or features that you will get with the 500X.
Conclusion
The 2018 Fiat 500X is far from a conventional crossover SUV, and not only due to its size. With its focus on comfort, features and versatility, it is a subcompact car for all seasons. All-wheel drive and towing ability add to its outdoors utility, while its agility and small size are perfect for urban environments. Its nice cabin and a good selection of features add appeal for everyone, making it a great all-around subcompact vehicle.
