Just like MINI with its Countryman, the Fiat 500X is an example of taking a popular and distinctive model, in this case the retro-styled Fiat 500 supermini, and moulding it into a different segment. So the 500X shares several cues with its cute sibling, but is an altogether larger car, aimed more at families than urban drivers.
Fiat hasn’t done such a bad job, either. The 500X has a bold, characterful appearance that still manages to stand out in a crowded segment, and Fiat has worked hard to improve it over time. A new, all-electric Fiat 600 will likely replace the 500X in time, but the current models feature an efficient hybrid engine and much improved infotainment over earlier cars.
There is no shortage of alternatives, and if you’re shopping for a Fiat 500X, you may also wish to consider its mechanically-similar cousin, the Jeep Renegade - itself very distinctive - as well as the more mainstream Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Ford Puma, among plenty of others.
If you recognise the Fiat 500X’s distinctive looks, then you may be familiar with the Fiat 500 supermini launched in 2007 - itself a throwback to the classic Fiat 500 of 1957. So the 500X has some real heritage, but in the spirit of an increasing number of family cars of the 21st century, it takes the form of a small crossover.
The translation of 1950s styling cues onto a modern SUV has worked surprisingly well, and the characterful appearance manages to stand out in one of the busiest segments in the market. Underneath, meanwhile, the 500X shares much of its running gear with the Jeep Renegade - though you’d never know it from looking at the pair side by side.
So you’ve got a compact crossover with retro styling inside and out - the cabin and design themes also taking inspiration from the regular 500 city car - but with today’s hybrid powertrain, it’s very much a car for the times.
That doesn’t mean used car buyers should overlook some of the older engines though. Engines like the ‘Firefly’ 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder, and some of the diesels, were both punchy and frugal, while four-wheel drive was also available before a 2018 update. Today’s hybrid is frugal and performs well, but along with just three trim levels, does feel rather limiting.
The 500X drives well though. It grips well and doesn’t lean much in corners, but the ride quality is also more than up to the challenge of broken surfaces - while Cross models and the 4x4 options can even handle some light off-roading, thanks to their raised ride heights and the 4x4’s extra traction. Smaller wheel options are best for the ride, and refinement doesn’t lag behind the class-leaders too badly.
Those class-leaders include cars like the agile Ford Puma, the stylish (albeit distinctly modern, unlike the Fiat) Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008, sensible VW Group options like the Volkswagen T-Roc and Skoda Karoq, and the Hyundai Kona. Technology and driver appeal is moving quickly in this class, though few offer the all-wheel drive ability you’ll find in some used 500Xs.
A Fiat 500X not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
We’re rather partial to the 1.0-litre Firefly engine, which makes up for its diminutive size with an eager feel, decent performance, and plenty of punch from low revs - plus good combined economy and a snappy manual gearbox. If you need a diesel, or four wheel drive, then you’ll need to look at 500Xs built before the update in 2019, when both disappeared from the range.
The latest 500X models are very well equipped indeed so you don’t lose out by not walking up to Top or Dolcevita trim, but lower-spec versions of older models come without alloy wheels, and have more basic interior colour packages, so we’d be tempted to go for at least Pop Star or Lounge trim in earlier cars, just to benefit from their more inviting ambience.
Fiat 500X trim levels will depend on how old the car you’re looking at is. Fiat has slimmed down the range in recent years, offering just one engine across three trim levels, but earlier models may come with several different engine options and numerous trim lines - some of which we’ve detailed below. If you’re looking at simply a 500X, or a model badged Pop, then it’s at the lower end of the range, while models like the Dolcevita and Cross are better-equipped.
The Fiat 500X’s dimensions are:
The Fiat 500X’s boot size is:
In the current 1.5-litre hybrid range, you’ll pay either £210 or £255 in the car’s first year for VED or ‘road tax’ (based on whether the CO2 figure is above or below 130g/km, depending on spec). Thereafter, you’ll pay a £170 flat rate each year, as the hybrid model is classed as an alternative-fuel vehicle. Older 500X models will be subject to a £180 flat rate for those built after April 2017, and tax for 2014-early 2017 cars will depend on their respective CO2 figures.
All current 1.5-litre hybrid 500X models sit in group 19 for insurance. Post 2019 facelift cars vary between group 8 and 16 depending on the engine (8 for the 1.6 E-Torq and the 1.0 Firefly, to 16 for the 150PS turbo).
Read our full Fiat 500X review