Fiat 500X Review 2024

Fiat 500X At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The 500X appeals with its retro-inspired look, and is easy to drive, but is now feeling decidely old-hat compared with most rivals.

+Stylish small SUV that’s easy to drive. Impressive ride comfort. Hybrid engine.

-Steering lacks feel. Rear legroom is limited. Prices now look steep.

New prices start from £14,595
Insurance Groups are between 8–19
On average it achieves 72% of the official MPG figure

If looks and a dash of style are your prime reasons for choosing a small SUV, the Fiat 500X will appeal. However, there are plenty of rivals out there that offer a more engaging drive, bigger boot and a longer list of standard safety equipment. More recent arrivals in the class such as the SEAT Arona, Volkswagen Group stablemate the Skoda Karoq and the big-selling Ford Puma all offer a better, more rounded experience. Read on for our full Fiat 500X review.

The 500X is the small SUV version of Fiat’s popular city car. As well as boasting a comfortable interior and decent road manners, the 500X is one of the few bulked-up 500s that has managed to retain much of the character that made the original so popular. 

Following its introduction in 2015, it was facelifted in 2018 with some interior changes and a new steering wheel.

However, the big change came under the bonnet with the introduction of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and mild hybrid set-up. This is now the only engine on offer in the 500X.

Like Fiat’s retro city car, the 500X is easy to drive and comfortable enough over long trips, with well-bolstered seats and a colourful interior.

The ride is smooth, absorbing most of the lumps and bumps in the road, although things can get a bit uncomfortable with the optional 18-inch wheels that have a tendency to judder over potholes. 

The 500X is now beginning to feel and show its age, though, in the way it drives and with a dated specification when it comes to infotainment and safety features.

Looking for a second opinion? Why not read heycar's Fiat 500X review.

Ask Honest John

Which Fiat 500X engine should I choose?

"I have a choice of two Fiat 500X 2020 reg models with petrol engines. One with the 1.0l Firefly engine and the other with the 1.4l engine in the Sport version of the model. My wife is not looking for a sports car but one that is good for local travel with occasional sorties onto 'A' roads and motorways. Which of the engines would you suggest as preferable all-rounder?"
The 2020 Fiat 500X was available with 1.0-litre or 1.3-litre Firefly engines offering 120PS and 150PS respectively. Both are very capable engines, and would be suitable for your needs. It is worth mentioning that the 1.3-litre Firefly engine is only available with the DCT automatic transmission, so if you want a manual car you will need to choose the 1.0-litre version.
Answered by David Ross

Do UK driving licences have age and power restrictions?

"My daughter is 23 and has been driving cars ever since she passed her test five years ago. What is the highest horsepower limit for her to drive a car? She wants a Fiat 500X but it is a 150PS engine, will she be allowed to drive one with so much power?"
Unlike motorbikes, cars do not have licence restrictions for power or performance. This means your daughter can drive any car, no matter what the engine power output is. Car insurance costs tend to increase with engine power, with faster and sportier cars deemed by insurers to be at a higher risk of theft or accident. But 150PS in a modern SUV like the Fiat 500X is not unusual.
Answered by Dan Powell

What small, automatic crossover would you recommend?

"We're looking to replace my wife's 2009 Nisan Qashqai with a more modern, nearly-new, small SUV automatic and would like to spend up to £15K. My wife only does around 3000 miles per annum. We quite like the Fiat 500X. What would you recommend?"
The Fiat 500X is a good choice. It was updated in 2018 with a new 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine and dual-clutch automatic gearbox which would suit your requirements well. We'd recommend taking a look at the SEAT Arona, too. It's a stylish little crossover SUV available with a punchy 1.0 TSI petrol engine and slick DSG auto gearbox. Also consider a Honda HR-V with its very reliable CVT transmission.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Is it foolish to buy a petrol car if I live in London?

"I'm considering buying a secondhand Fiat 500X. I don't want to spend more than £8,500, however, I'm not sure if it's foolish to buy a petrol over, say, a second hand Toyota Yaris hybrid. I like the interior/exterior of the Fiat 500X, but am nervous about resale value/the move towards electric/hybrid. If it makes a difference, I live in London just outside the ULEZ extension so it will be used for mainly getting out of London. Any advice would be much appreciated. Open to suggestions, too! Thanks."
No, it's not at all foolish to buy a petrol car at the moment. An older diesel wouldn't be a sensible move but a small petrol engine still makes sense as a secondhand purchase, even in London. We'd also recommend looking at a Suzuki Vitara with the 1.6 petrol engine.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Fiat 500X cost?