The Fiat 500X is a small crossover that offers more room than the 500L with the higher visibility of a crossover all with the 500’s winning personality. In other words it’s a more practical Fiat without losing any of its fun-loving ways. Looking much the same at the 500, the 500x adds height and extra seating.
A small five-passenger crossover SUV, the 2016 Fiat 500X is offered in Pop, Easy, Trekking, Lounge and Trekking Plus models. This review will focus on the Trekking package.
The Trekking adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a more rugged front fascia, foglights, automatic headlights, an upgraded trip computer and upgraded cloth upholstery to the base equipment of: full power accessories, heated mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. My model was also equipped with the optional dual pane power sunroof.
Pulling the 500X Trekking is a 2.4 liter, four-cylinder that outputs 180 horses and 174 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic tyranny makes the whole thing go. My model was equipped with all-wheel-drive which adds power to the rear wheels when needed but disengages when it is not. Mileage for the all-wheel-drive model is 21/city, 30/highway, and 24/combined mpg.
Inside the 500X is full of upgraded materials, with soft touches everywhere. With a center console standard, the interior is equal or better than some more expensive SUVs on the market.
The Uconnect system equipped on the Fiat makes it easy to interface with all the electronics in the car like navigation, text-to-speech and smartphone integration all with the touch of a screen.
The space inside the 500X is average for a small SUV. Front passengers are plenty comfortable but backseat passengers may find things a bit cramped if the front seat occupants are tall. Storage space is good for daily shopping trips and the back seats fold down to make it even roomier.
The 500X Trekking is plenty fun to drive with lots of get up and go for freeway driving and plenty of comfort for city driving. The suspension cushions the bumps and turning is firm and true.
Looking for a small SUV? Try the brand-new for 2016 Fiat 500X Trekking out for a test drive.
