Overview
Although it shares its underpinnings with the boxy Jeep Renegade, the 2021 Fiat 500X goes its own way with charming retro styling and a decidedly on-road focus. All models come with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel-drive—good enough to tackle a Milanese snowstorm. Inside, the 500X also offers a fashionable interior design, although cargo space is limited and rear-seat passengers may find the accommodations lacking. That said, Fiat’s starting price is high for the class, and rivals such as the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Soul offer better bang for the buck.
What’s New for 2021?
The 500X undergoes few changes for 2021. The base Pop trim and the midrange Trekking both receive updated seat upholstery and dashboard trim while the Sport model can now be ordered with the Sport Value package. The optional package adds a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, a Beats stereo system, LED headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, in-dash navigation, and heated front seats.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Passenger space is tight in the 500X, and the quality of its interior materials is far from best in class. On the upside, the layout of its controls is good, and the driving position should suit a range of body shapes and sizes. It’s also an attractive cabin—especially the Sport version with its upgraded seats and snazzy styling details. You’ll be able to fit a few bags of groceries in the Fiat 500X, but cargo capacity is low—even for a subcompact SUV—with just 14 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 32 cubic feet when they’re folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard in every Fiat 500X. The Trekking Plus also includes a factory navigation system; it’s optional on the Trekking and Sport. An upgraded Beats audio system is optional on all trims, except the base Pop. Every 500X has two USB charge ports at the bottom of the center stack.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Selecting the Advanced Driver Assistance Group package adds a suite of driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. This package is optional on the Trekking, Sport, and Trekking Plus models. For more information about the 500X’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Available adaptive cruise control with automated emergency braking
- Available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts
- Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist