2016 Fiat 500X Trekking AWD – Four Seasons Introduction

Fiat’s re-introduction to the U.S. market has hit a bit of a rough patch. After its initial surge, sales of the 500 have cooled considerably, and the bulky 500L hasn’t exactly caught on. However, there is reason for renewed optimism. We’re digging the new Mazda MX-5 Miata-based 124 Spider. But Fiat’s new hope for a near-term revival lies with the 500X, an all-new entry into the white-hot compact-crossover segment.

The 500X is billed as an adventurous little machine aimed at youthful, do-anything types. You know, millennials. Does it have what it takes to stand out in the crowded field, to surprise, delight, and otherwise not bore us? We decided to find out by welcoming a 2016 Fiat 500X to our Four Seasons fleet.

The specific model we went for is the Trekking AWD—the 500X is the first U.S. Fiat available with all-wheel drive—which starts at $26,230. For that scratch you get the more powerful Tigershark 2.4-liter naturally aspirated, multi-port injection inline-four with 180 horses mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It also features tougher-looking bumpers, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and a ride height increased by 0.6 inch over the front-drive 500X for better ground clearance.

As for optional equipment, we checked just one box to get the Trekking Collection 4 package ($1,500), which includes useful features like rear parking assist, rear backup camera, and blind-spot and cross-path detection. In case any of our adventures take us away from sunny L.A. to colder climates, Collection 4 also comes with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

So far, the 500X’s exterior is earning approval wherever we go, thanks to its striking Arancio hue and bold, ready-for-action looks. While the 500X will likely spend the majority of its time as a daily commuter, we’re also going to see whether this crossover can handle some light off-roading and inclement weather. Given that the 500X rides on the same basic chassis that underpins the capable Jeep Renegade, we’re pretty sure it can hold its own.

Senior editor Chris Nelson is already planning to put the 500X to the long-distance test with a 2,000-mile road trip to Colorado and back through some of the West’s most beautiful roads and parks, including the fabulous Zion National Park in Utah. He’ll no doubt return with a verdict as to whether the 500X is comfortable enough for a long journey.

As the year rolls on, we hope to determine if the 500X is indeed “A Whole New Way to Look at Fiat.”

Overview

• Body style 4-door compact crossover
• Accommodation 5-passenger
• Construction Steel unibody
• Base price $26,230
• As tested $27,730

Powertrain

• Engine 16-valve SOHC I-4
• Displacement 2.4 liters
• Power 180 hp @ 6,400 rpm
• Torque 175 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
• Transmission 9-speed automatic
• Drive All-wheel
• EPA Fuel Economy 21/30/24 (city/hwy/combined)

Chassis

• Steering electrically assisted
• Lock-to-lock 3 turns
• Turning circle 36.3
• Suspension, Front Strut-type
• Suspension, Rear Strut-type
• Brakes F/R Vented discs
• Wheels 17-inch aluminum
• Tires Nexen Classe Premiere CP671
• Tire size 215/60-R17 98H

Measurements

• Headroom F/R 39.0/37.8 in
• Legroom F/R 41.5/34.8 in
• Shoulder room F/R 54.3/52.8 in
• Wheelbase 101.2 in
• Track F/R 53.3/52.2 in
• L x W x H 168.2 x 75.5 x 63.7 in
• Passenger capacity 100 cu ft
• Cargo capacity (rear seats up/down) 18.5/50.8 cu ft
• Weight 3,292 lb
• Weight dist. F/R 62/38 %
• Fuel capacity 12.7 gal
• Est. fuel range 431 miles
• Fuel grade 91 octane (premium unleaded)

Equipment

• standard equipment

  • Advanced Multistage Front Airbags
  • Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Supplemental Side-Curtain Front and Rear Side Airbags
  • Driver Inflatable Knee-Bolster Airbag
  • LATCH Ready Child Seat Anchor System
  • Passive Entry/Keyless Go
  • Electric Park Brake
  • 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
  • Remote Start System
  • Dynamic Control Selector
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Security Alarm
  • Air Conditioning
  • Uconnect 5.0
  • Integrated Voice Command with Bluetooth
  • Media Hub (USB, Aux)
  • 6 Speakers
  • SiriusXM Sat Radio w/ 1-yr Subscription
  • Cluster 3.5-inch TFT Color Display
  • Steering Wheel Mounted Audio controls
  • Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
  • Accent Color Instrument Panel Bezels
  • Front Center Sliding Armrest
  • Manual 6-Way Driver/ Passenger Seats
  • Front-Passenger Fold Flat Seat
  • Express Up/Down Power Windows w/Rear Express Down
  • Reversible Height Adjust Load Floor
  • Two Glove Box Storage Areas
  • 12-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet
  • Rearview Day/Night Mirror
  • Front and Rear Floor Mats
  • Tire Service Kit (No Compact Spare)
  • Bi-Function Halogen Projector Headlamps
  • Automatic Headlamps
  • Fog and Cornering Lamps
  • Power Mirrors
  • Exterior Mirrors with Heating Element
  • Exterior Mirrors with Supplemental Signals
  • Accent/Body Color Fascia
  • Satin Silver Door Handles
  • Bright Exhaust Tip
  • Deep Tint Sunscreen Glass

Options

• options for this vehicle:

  • Trekking Collection 4 – $1,500.00
  • ParkSense Rear Park Assist
  • ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
  • Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection
  • Power 8-Way Driver Seat/Manual Passenger Seat
  • Power 4-Way Driver Lumbar Adjust
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • A/C Auto Temperature Control with Dual Zone Control
  • Ambient Lighting
  • Caro Compartment Cover
  • Compartment

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