2020 FIAT 500L
What’s new
- There are no major changes for the 2020 Fiat 500L
- Part of the first 500L generation introduced for 2014
Pros & Cons
- Plenty of passenger and cargo room for a small hatchback
- Touchscreen interface is attractive and easy to use
- Ride quality is choppy over rough pavement
- Interior materials look and feel cheap
- The latest advanced driver safety aids aren't available
- Rear seats don't fold flat for more cargo flexibility
2020 FIAT 500L Review
Several Fiats share the 500 name, so let's clear up any confusion. The standard Fiat 500 is a small two-door hatchback, the 500X is a crossover SUV with a bit of a rugged image, and the 2020 Fiat 500L is a wagon. Compared to its siblings, the 500L is more spacious and practical. Unfortunately, that's where the relatively short list of virtues worth extolling runs out.
Few automakers make small wagons anymore, so perhaps Fiat deserves some credit for the 500L. But compared to the latest batch of small crossovers, the 500L is decidedly dated. The interior materials are particularly disappointing, with lots of hard plastic dominating the cabin. Once you're rolling, the 500L is loud and uncomfortable on the highway. What's more, the 500L's price isn't low enough to make it a true bargain.
We like what Fiat's trying to accomplish with its 500L. But if you take some time to test drive more recently redesigned crossovers such as the Kia Soul, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona, you'll get an immediate sense of where the Fiat 500L falls flat.
Which 500L does Edmunds recommend?
FIAT 500L models
The 2020 Fiat 500L is a four-door compact wagon available in three trim levels: Pop, Trekking and Lounge. Every Fiat 500L is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) that powers the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base-level Pop comes with features such as heated mirrors, 60/40-split folding rear seats that slide fore and aft, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Stepping up to the Trekking level gets you quite a bit more, including unique body panels and trim with a rugged theme. It also adds LED ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a seven-speaker BeatsAudio system, navigation and satellite radio.
Topping things off is the Lounge, which comes with just about all of the 500L's features as standard. It has everything from the Trekking plus painted wheels, chrome trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.
Sponsored cars related to the 500L
Features & Specs
| Pop 4dr Wagon 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,500 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Trekking 4dr Wagon 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $23,825 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Lounge 4dr Wagon 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,645 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Urbana 4dr Wagon 1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $24,420 |
| MPG | 22 city / 30 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Safety
Our experts’ favorite 500L safety features:
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
- Alerts the driver as the 500L approaches an object behind the vehicle.
- ParkView Rear Backup Camera
- Displays an image of the area behind the vehicle in the touchscreen display.
- Hill Start Assist
- Prevents the 500L from rolling backward when pulling away from a stop while traveling uphill.
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Fiat 500L vs. the competition
Fiat 500L vs. Fiat 500X
Similar Italian DNA aside, the 500L and the 500X are actually quite different. The 500X is more of a traditional crossover SUV and comes standard with all-wheel drive. It also uses a stronger turbocharged engine that improves the driving experience significantly. The 500X isn't as roomy, but of the two, it's the one we'd recommend.
Fiat 500L vs. Kia Soul
Redesigned for 2020, the Kia Soul is one of our favorite choices in the subcompact wagon/SUV segment. It offers premium materials and an upscale vibe at a reasonable price. A boxy profile and smart interior packaging also provide a useful amount of room on the inside. It's a leader in this class and outdoes the Fiat in most categories.
Fiat 500L vs. Mini Countryman
Even at base trim levels, the Mini Countryman is more expensive than the 500L. In return, you get a significantly nicer interior and a more enjoyable driving experience. Mini also offers a lot more upscale features that you can't find on the Fiat. Still, a case can be made for the Fiat if value is a priority.
FAQ
Is the FIAT 500L a good car?
What's new in the 2020 FIAT 500L?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 FIAT 500L:
- There are no major changes for the 2020 Fiat 500L
- Part of the first 500L generation introduced for 2014
Is the FIAT 500L reliable?
Is the 2020 FIAT 500L a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 FIAT 500L?
The least-expensive 2020 FIAT 500L is the 2020 FIAT 500L Pop 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $22,500.
Other versions include:
- Pop 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $22,500
- Trekking 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $23,825
- Lounge 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $24,645
- Urbana 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $24,420
What are the different models of FIAT 500L?
More about the 2020 FIAT 500L
2020 FIAT 500L Overview
The 2020 FIAT 500L is offered in the following submodels: 500L Wagon. Available styles include Pop 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Trekking 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Lounge 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and Urbana 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A).
What do people think of the 2020 FIAT 500L?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 FIAT 500L and all its trim types. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 500L.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 FIAT 500L and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 500L featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 FIAT 500L?
Which 2020 FIAT 500LS are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 FIAT 500L for sale near. There are currently 5 new 2020 500LS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $25,790 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 FIAT 500L. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $2,134 on a used or CPO 2020 500L available from a dealership near you.
Can't find a new 2020 FIAT 500Ls you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a new FIAT 500L for sale - 10 great deals out of 10 listings starting at $17,638.
Find a new FIAT for sale - 9 great deals out of 23 listings starting at $19,783.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 FIAT 500L?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out FIAT lease specials