2020 Fiat 500X Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The 2020 Fiat 500X is a subcompact crossover vehicle. Crossover vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years. Drivers enjoy the extra passenger and cargo room but also appreciate the smaller size. Being smaller than their full-sized SUV counterparts means better maneuverability and steering dynamics. The Fiat 500X offers numerous reasons to choose it over the competition. There are also a few reasons why it may not be the best choice for some consumers.

What's New for 2020?

The biggest change for the 2020 Fiat 500X is the addition of a new trim level. This brings the number of available trim packages up to four. The newest model is called the Sport. The front and rear ends have a redesigned, more-aggressive appearance. The headlights are LED models for this trim. There are twin exhaust tips with a chrome finish. The Sport package also gets standard 18-inch wheels with the option for a 19-inch set.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Fiat 500X – The Pros

1. A Distinctive Design

Fiat is an Italian automaker that always injects European style and flair into their vehicle designs. The 2020 Fiat 500X is no exception to this rule. There are a lot of solid subcompact crossover vehicles on the market. The 500X has a unique exterior design that really sets it apart from the crowd. It's sure to turn some heads no matter where the road takes you.

2. The Punchy Turbo Engine

Good performance is one of the best reasons to select any vehicle over its competition. The Fiat 500X comes equipped with a 1.3-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. This peppy little power plant cranks out 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. That's more than enough power to give this lightweight vehicle excellent acceleration.

3. Great Steering and Handling

The 2020 Fiat 500X is one of the few vehicles in its class to offer standard all-wheel drive. It has a proprietary all-wheel drive system that engages automatically when better traction is needed. This means that the Fiat 500X handles well even on slippery pavement. It also offers firm, accurate steering and a tight turning radius. The result is an easy-to-maneuver vehicle that is fun to drive.

4. Excellent Fuel Economy

The latest Fiat 500X is the only vehicle in its class to offer 30 miles-per-gallon on the highway. It also gets a respectable 24 miles-per-gallon during city drives. The engine is both powerful and efficient. The automatic all-wheel drive kicks into front-wheel-drive mode when not needed. This leads to even better overall fuel efficiency. The Fiat 500X is engineered to save owners some money at the gas pump.

5. Accommodates Many Passengers

One of the top reasons to choose a crossover vehicle is for the extra passenger space. The 2020 Fiat 500X can accommodate the driver and four other passengers. That's one more seat than your average car. The extra seat can come in handy for anyone with a family or a lot of friends to haul around.

6. A Lot of Cargo Space

A crossover vehicle is often picked over a sedan for its extra storage space. The Fiat 500X offers about 14 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Loading and unloading the vehicle is a breeze thanks to the rear hatch. Fiat provides a few storage options here. The rear seats can be folded down to greatly expand the storage area. In this configuration, the cargo space is around 32 cubic feet.

7. An Upscale Interior

The 2020 Fiat 500X features an attractive interior at every trim level. The instrument cluster is sleek and well laid out. All of the controls are within easy reach of the driver. The driver's seat is adjustable to accommodate a wide array of body shapes and sizes. The fit and finish of all of the panels, controls and upholstery are second to none. The Sport model is especially appealing with some upgraded seats and a number of sharp cosmetic flourishes.

8. Advanced Infotainment System

Fiat has packed a lot of modern, high-tech features into the 500X. It features the Uconnect 4 system with a large, full-color 7-inch touchscreen display. This infotainment center is like the command center for the audio system and a whole bunch of other features. Integrated Voice Commands allow for hands-free calling and operation of several features. Smartphones can be connected to the system via Bluetooth technology.

The Uconnect 4 system offers USB ports for connections and for charging of smart devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard features. SiriusXM is available and Fiat provides a one-year free trial for new-car buyers. There is also a GPS navigation system to help drivers to always find their way.

Fiat offers a premium sound system from BEATSAUDIO. Drivers and passengers will enjoy crystal-clear audio sound with plenty of volume for their favorite tunes. This system comes with a nine channel, 506-watt amp. It also includes nine speakers with a subwoofer.

9. Advanced Safety Features

The 2020 Fiat 500X is a safe vehicle for you and your passengers. Fiat has packed this crossover SUV with a number of safety features and driver assists at every trim level. There are over 70 standard safety and security features in all. There's a forward-collision warning that engages at full speeds. Both visual and audible warnings give the driver a heads up. This feature works in tandem with the Fiat's active braking.

A rear backup camera helps drivers when going in reverse. A blind-spot monitor with rear, cross-traffic alert helps the driver to be more aware of their surroundings. A lane-departure warning keeps drivers moving forward, safely in their own lane. A steel safety frame and seven airbags are also standard on all models.

10. A Trim Level for Everyone

Fiat is all about the options. There are four different trim packages and nine different paint colors to choose from. Fiat has a trim level to offer for just about anyone. The Pop is the base model. It comes with a nice array of convenience and safety features. It offers the same engine and performance as the higher trims. This makes the Pop trim the choice for anyone looking for a lower price and great value.

The Trekking model is the next level up. This model offers an off-road friendly design. It comes with unique front and rear fascias and 17-inch wheels. The interior gets premium cloth upholstery. The Sport model, as its name suggests, has a more athletic appearance. It ups the wheel size to 18 inches and includes bucket seats, sports pedals and a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The Trekking Plus model has all of the best comfort and convenience features that Fiat has to offer. The exterior features a sharp two-tone design. The upholstery is upgraded to leather. Drivers get dual-zone climate control in this package. They will also enjoy heated front seats and an upgraded sound system.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Fiat 500X – The Cons

1. Cramped Rear Quarters

The 2020 Fiat 500X offers room for up to five people. Unfortunately, the rear-seat passengers may feel a little bit cramped. This is especially true for tall or larger passengers. The small back-seat area isn't the worst in this class. There are a few more-spacious options out there though. For those who only need the rear seats for children or occasional passengers, this won't be too big of a deal.

2. Overly Firm Seats

The interior of the Fiat 500X is attractive and well designed. The quality of the interior materials is very upscale. The fit and finish are what you would normally expect out of a higher-end luxury vehicle. Unfortunately, this is somewhat hampered by the extra-firm seats. Many drivers and passengers won't mind or even notice during short drives. It may get uncomfortable, however, on long road trips.

3. The Cost

The base price of the latest Fiat 500X isn't the lowest in its class. If a buyer is on a budget, they may be tempted to look elsewhere. There are many options in this class with a lower price tag. Still, the performance, handling and style of the Fiat 500X will make the extra cost worth it for many consumers.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

The 2020 Fiat 500X faces a lot of competition in its class. Three of its top competitors are the Kia Soul, the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-30. The Kia Soul comes in at a slightly lower base price when compared to the Fiat 500X. The Kia has a boxy exterior design, while the Fiat offers a sleek, sporty look. The base model of the Kia offers less horsepower, but higher-trim levels offer up to 201 horses. The Fiat has better handling and a more upscale interior.

Hyundai's Kona is another option in this class that comes in at a lower price than the Fiat. The Fiat provides more power, better acceleration and better handling. The Fiat offers a more enjoyable driving experience. The Mazda is a bit cheaper than the Fiat and offers more horsepower at the higher trim levels. It's not a major difference, however, and the Fiat wins out here in style and appearance. It also offers more standard features than the Mazda.

Conclusion

The 2020 Fiat 500X is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to purchase a subcompact crossover SUV. It has a beautiful and stylish design. The interior is rather upscale and there are tons of standard convenience features. The Fiat 500X offers ample room for both passengers and cargo. It also offers fantastic engine performance and steering dynamics. Best of all, the Fiat 500X offers a fun driving experience that is hard to beat.