2019 FIAT 500L Review

Name: 2019 FIAT 500L
Brand: FIAT

Price Range: $12,988 - $17,990

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$14,322 avg. price

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Appraise My 2019 FIAT 500L

FIAT 500L model years

FIAT 500L for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers

Pros

Plenty of passenger and cargo room for a small hatchback
Touchscreen interface is attractive and easy to use

Cons

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

What's new

Trekking model's Urbana Appearance package is no longer available
Part of the first 500L generation introduced for 2014

The 2019 Fiat 500L is a compact wagon that tries to replicate the charm and playfulness of the diminutive Fiat 500 city car while offering greater utility. We do like the 500L's spacious interior and cargo area, and having four doors is more useful than just the two of the regular 500. The 500's handling is pretty good by class standards, too. But the overall package just doesn't exude the sense of playfulness that makes the 500 such a charming car.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Des Moines, IA

8 listings

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New Listing
2019 FIAT 500L
Trekking Wagon
$13,998
- 76,973 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 22 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Omaha (139 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Omaha, NE
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: ZFBNFADH8KZ041830
Stock: 27368985
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2019 FIAT 500L
Pop Wagon
$13,998
- 70,368 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 22 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- CarMax Cincinnati (500 mi away)
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Apple Carplay/Androi...
Close
Located in Cincinnati, OH
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: ZFBNFAAH1KZ041740
Stock: 27439794
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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The seats are hard, the ride is rough, and road and wind noise is palpable. These offenses don't manifest until you drive around for a little while, but the cheap interior plastics are immediately apparent upon entering the cabin. The low-rent materials felt underwhelming when the 500L debuted in 2014, and look even worse now as newer rivals raise the bar.

While the 500L offers a lot of utility at a low price, most other small wagons, hatchbacks and crossovers are more enjoyable to drive and easier to live with.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

5.8 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Fiat 500L Trekking (turbo 1.4L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current 500L has received some revisions, including a new infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) for 2018. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 500L, however.

Scorecard

Overall	5.8 / 10
Driving	5.5
Comfort	6.0
Interior	6.0
Utility	7.5

Driving

5.5

The engine produces only adequate power, the brakes are grabby, and the handling is unremarkable. As a result, overall drivability is poor.

Acceleration

5.0

The automatic transmission offers manual control and responds intuitively in parking lots and on the highway alike. In Edmunds performance testing, the 500L posted a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds, which is an average for this class.

Braking

5.5

The 500L lacks stability in panic stops and wiggles considerably from side to side. It's not unsafe, but it also isn't confidence-inspiring. It required 122 feet to stop from 60 mph in our testing, which is average. The pedal response is inconsistent in typical use.

Steering

7.0

Though the steering is reasonably precise, the Fiat's steering wheel commands a tall vehicle with low grip limits. Quick steering inputs are met with lots of lean and a sense that turning rapidly isn't a 500L strength.

Handling

6.5

You can hustle the 500L without it being unsafe, but it isn't rewarding or quick-reacting. The limits are modest and end in predictable understeer that the driver can't correct easily. Stability control intervention is aggressive and poorly executed.

Drivability

4.0

The 500L doesn't exhibit the major drivability gaffes with the traditional six-speed automatic the way it did with the dual-clutch automatic (produced before 2015). But still it's never a real pleasure to drive due to the engine's modest, nonlinear power delivery.

Comfort

6.0

Though it can manage short trips well, the 500L isn't a confident or comfortable road tripper. Its stiff ride and hard seat bottoms make it a poor choice for journeys lasting more than an hour.

Seat comfort

5.5

The front seats are highly adjustable, but a good outward view demands a wholly upright seating position, which hurts comfort. The seat bottoms, both front and rear, are extremely hard. The rear seatbacks are rather upright.

Ride comfort

6.0

The 500L's ride comfort feels unrefined in the real world. There's ample vertical motion over even small imperfections. Rough roads create vibrations throughout the structure, including the steering wheel. Most competitors are better.

Noise & vibration

6.0

Both wind noise and tire noise manage to find their way inside the cabin more frequently than they should. Coarse surfaces and crosswinds pose real problems. Engine noise isn't too loud in normal conditions but can be burdensome at high rpm.

Interior

6.0

The 500L's double roof-pillar design inhibits quarter-angle visibility in all directions. The rear seats don't fold completely flat, but the movable rear shelf makes up the difference. Even though this is an economically priced car, the materials feel below par.

Ease of use

7.0

The trip computer button's location at the end of the wiper stalk is odd, but large air-conditioning knobs, legible displays, and logical placement of most controls make the 500L easy to operate.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

The doors lack obvious detents but offer good access to the seats, which are at a convenient height. The doorsills are wide, and grab handles are provided above each door. The rear seats slide fore and aft and tumble forward, but they curiously don't fold flat.

Roominess

7.0

Because the roof is quite high, there's a feeling of openness. Even so, long-torsoed rear passengers will run out of headroom if the optional sunroof is installed.

Visibility

6.0

We appreciate the design idea of double roof pillars, but in practice there are four pillars both front and back, where there could be just two. The standard rearview camera and optional rear parking sensors ease anxiety while in reverse.

Quality

5.0

Inconsistent panel gaps, less than stellar paint, and below-average fit and finish inside hurt the 500L's score. Most competitors feel better from behind the wheel. Many controls feel hollow and don't give an impression of quality.

Utility

7.5

The 500L is pretty roomy, with cargo space of 68 cubic feet and behind-the-rear-seat space of 21.3 cubic feet. Storage for small items is OK, with decent-size cupholders, but the door pockets and front bin are underwhelming.

Compare 2019 FIAT 500L trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 FIAT 500L models

The 2019 Fiat 500L is a four-door compact wagon that competes against a small group of like-minded wagons and hatchbacks as well as some compact crossovers. The base Pop model is fairly inexpensive and comes loaded with creature comforts and tech features. The midlevel Trekking doesn't cost much more and adds a few desirable luxury amenities. The top Lounge model is slightly more expensive than the Trekking, and it's actually a better deal if you want the Trekking's Popular Equipment package.

Every Fiat 500L is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (160 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque) that powers the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The base-level Pop comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, heated mirrors, tinted windows, remote locking and unlocking, a rearview camera, air conditioning, cruise control, height-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split folding rear seats that slide fore and aft, a 7-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system.

The Pop's optional Popular Equipment Group package adds rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, power lumbar adjustment for the driver, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Pop's Premium Group includes those features plus satellite radio, a navigation system and a seven-speaker BeatsAudio sound system.

Stepping up to the Trekking level adds 17-inch wheels, foglights, unique body panels and trim with a rugged theme, LED ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rear-seat armrest and the BeatsAudio system, navigation and satellite radio from the Premium Group package. It is also available with the Popular Equipment Group, which also includes manual lumbar adjustment for the passenger.

The top-trim Lounge equips the 500L with 17-inch alloy wheels with a painted finish, chrome exterior mirrors and body accents, and the contents of the Popular Equipment Group.

A panoramic sunroof and color combinations that match the roof and exterior mirrors are other available options, depending on trim level. Two cosmetic packages are also available: the Pop's Chrome Appearance package (unique 17-inch wheels and chrome exterior trim) and the Lounge's Graphite Edition package (non-painted wheels, the sunroof, and gray-painted roof and mirror caps).

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Iowa

$183/mo

$155/mo

Avg. Compact Car

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Above Average

#29 out of 29 among Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$489/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

1.89x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

16.8%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

FIAT 500L Owner Reviews

4.2

38 reviews

5(68%)

4(8%)

3(5%)

2(16%)

1(3%)

See all 38 reviews Write a vehicle review

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Fiat 500L = Fun Italian Ride

demingboys, 06/06/2015

2015 FIAT 500L Trekking 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

This little Italian charmer has been quite a refreshing joy to drive over the last few weeks. The performance of the multi-air turbo is phenomenal and unexpected. For its size, the 500L is nimble and handles more like a sports car than the Fiat self-described "Urban Utility Vehicle." I highly recommend the Trekking version of this vehicle. It is a better designed model than the others …

Fun and Functional

Richard, 05/02/2016

2015 FIAT 500L Easy 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Having owned a fiat 128 Sedan, Fiat 128 3P, Fiat Bravo, and Fiat Spyder 2000 and loved them all I thought I would give Fiat another try since my wife has had a trouble free 500 Sport since 2012 with no problems. I traded in my luxury ride Buick Century for a 500L and I am in love with it. It has plenty enough power to get you on the interstate and cruise at the traditional 5 mph above …

Disagree with the experts. This car is underrated!

Gilberto Marcha, 04/08/2016

2015 FIAT 500L Lounge 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

This is the 11th new car I have purchased and this is one of the most enjoyable. My 2015 500L is a pleasure to drive. This vehicle has received more than a few negative professional reviews but I strongly disagree. Yes the center armrest is narrow but it is functional. I do not mind the emergency brake handle location. The car provides a great view of the road and the seating position …

I LOVE my 2015 Fiat 500L Trekking 6-speed automati

Mark, 11/10/2015

2015 FIAT 500L Trekking 4dr Wagon (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

I had a 2012 500 Sport and it was time for something bigger, I love the look of the 500X and had to take one for a test drive. I picked a Black 500X Trekking AWD, I liked the comfortable ride and was impressed with the 9 speed transmission. While talking about the numbers with my sales person, I could not take my eyes of this 2015 Rosso Perla colored 500L Trekking that was on the show …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 FIAT 500L, so we've included reviews for other years of the 500L since its last redesign.

See all 38 reviews of the FIAT 500L

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2019 500L Highlights

Trim:

Pop

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$21,910
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	25 MPG
Cost to Drive	$183/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	22.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the 500L models:

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.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Poor
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good