2019 FIAT 500X

Like pasta arrabiata or pizza napoletana, the Fiat 500X carries a certain spice and appeal as an import from Italy. We've generally found it to be a likable subcompact crossover SUV since its debut in 2016. For 2019, Fiat is tweaking its 500X recipe to help it stand out among a growing menu of subcompact SUV offerings.

Upgrading by Downsizing

The most significant change for 2019 is an all-new turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine that now stands as the 500X's singular engine choice. Previously, Fiat offered a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine or a non-turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The new engine utilizes the next generation of Fiat's unique Multiair valve system, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces tailpipe emissions. The EPA estimates the new engine gets 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway) with all-wheel drive — a 2-mpg improvement compared to the old 2.4-liter engine.

On top of that fuel-savings gain, the 1.3-liter engine produces 177 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque (on premium fuel), which makes it more potent than either of the old engines and the highest torque output of any small SUV it competes with. Torque is what helps you accelerate more quickly from a low speed, so more of it will make a car feel zippier around city streets.

This engine pairs up to the same nine-speed automatic transmission from last year, which has been recalibrated to suit the new engine. We weren't fans of the nine-speed's shifting characteristics when attached to the old engine, but this new combination seems to work a lot better. Acceleration from a standstill is smooth, and power builds linearly, though when moving at highway speeds, full-throttle downshifts still take a beat too long to engage. It's hard to say if the 500X is the quickest in its class, but it's far from the slowest. We'll answer that question soon when we get one in for testing.

All-Wheel Drive for All

All 500Xs now come standard with all-wheel drive, which not only helps deal with slippery road conditions but eliminates wheelspin and torque steer for those drivers with a heavy right foot. We floored the gas with the wheels cocked when merging onto a busy highway, and the 500X just got moving — no jerky steering wheel or chirping tires.

You can pick among three selectable drive modes: Auto, Sport and All-Weather. These alter the way the all-wheel-drive system behaves plus change how the engine, transmission and steering respond. In the default Auto mode, the transmission can decouple the rear axle when conditions permit, thereby delivering 100% of power to the front wheels, which helps save fuel. All-wheel drive is always engaged at a stop, in case you need maximum thrust right from the start. In the Sport and All-Weather modes, all-wheel drive is always engaged to a certain degree to help maximize traction.

Fiat also added an idle stop-start feature this year that shuts the engine off temporarily to save fuel when stopped in traffic. This feature can be annoying in some vehicles, whether it be slow engine refiring or extra engine vibrations. In the 500X, it operates inconspicuously, though you can still switch it off if you like.

A Whiff of Fresh Design

In addition to the hardware updates, Fiat has updated the 500X's styling. There are slight tweaks to the front and rear fascias plus new LED taillights and available LED headlights. We're glad to see Fiat dropped the chrome taillight surrounds since they cheapened the look of the car from behind. Both 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels have also been redesigned for a more modern look, and there are three new paint colors to choose from.

Inside the cabin, you're treated to a more premium cloth seat upholstery and new steering wheel and gauge cluster designs that elevate the look of the interior. The relatively user-friendly Uconnect 4 infotainment system carries over as standard equipment and comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Fiat has added adaptive cruise control and front parking sensors to the Advanced Driver Assistance package, which also includes blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, forward collision mitigation, and lane departure warning systems. These are welcome additions, but we were bummed to discover that the adaptive cruise only works at speeds above 19 mph, which means it won't alleviate the strain of stop-and-go traffic.

The Verdict

Overall, we're pleased with the updates Fiat made to the 2019 500X. Some small crossover rivals, such as the Honda HR-V, are more practical. Alternately, you'll get a little more features for your money with Hyundai's Kona. But if you want something a bit more special, we think you'll be pleased with the 500X.

The Fiat 500X has a nice interior and more style than any other subcompact SUV, but it never really set the market on fire. A lackluster base engine and wonky transmission held it back, but the 500X's biggest problem was really the Jeep Renegade. Under the skin, the Renegade was basically the same vehicle, but with the Jeep name and cachet, along with a uniquely Jeep look that managed to be tough and cute at the same time. How could the 500X compete with that?

It couldn't. In the U.S. in 2017, Jeep moved more than 13 Renegades out of dealerships for every 500X Fiat sold.

With a refresh for the 2019 model year, Fiat is trying to change the equation. And its solution, apparently, is power.

Judging a Fiat by Its Cover

You'll have to squint very, very hard at the "redesigned" front end of the 500X to see the changes, but the daytime running lights are now LEDs, and LED headlights are available. Around back, the new look comes into focus a bit more easily. Gone are the somewhat tacky chrome surrounds from the taillights, and the 2019 500X presents a tougher, more restrained visage. The 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels have also been redesigned with a cleaner, more modern look, and three new paint colors are available, adding more variety to the lineup.

Inside the cabin, you'll find new cloth upholstery on the base seats, along with a redesigned steering wheel and gauge cluster — both minor but appealing changes. The Uconnect 4 infotainment system carries over as standard equipment, which is just fine with us since it's generally easy to use and comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Adaptive cruise control is finally available on the 500X as an option, as are front parking sensors. Fiat says this adaptive cruise system will work from 19 mph, which means it's still lagging a bit behind systems that can handle bringing the car to a complete stop and accelerating again. Based on the information we received from Fiat, it appears other active safety features will remain optional extras. Competitors such as Honda and Toyota have started making these features standard equipment.

Small Numbers, Big Numbers

The big change for 2019 (or small change, depending on which number you're looking at) is the new turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine. This unit replaces both the old turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and the upgraded 2.4-liter four-cylinder as the standard power source across the 500X range. But even though the new engine is smaller, it makes some pretty astonishing power.

Putting out 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, it's not only more potent than both engines it replaces but almost all its rivals. In fact, the only competitive vehicle that makes more power is the Kia Soul Turbo, but even that makes less torque. This kind of power is really quite impressive, considering how small the engine is, and we can't wait to see how that translates into the real-world driving experience.

All-wheel drive is standard on the 2019 500X as well, another feature that's rare in the class. Only the Subaru Crosstrek can make the same claim.

Unfortunately, one of our least favorite parts of the 500X survives Fiat's refresh: the nine-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed manual is dead and gone, so hopefully Fiat has put some work into ironing out the nine-speed's kinks because that could prove a significant fly in this Italian ointment.

Pricing and Availability

The 2019 Fiat 500X arrives in dealerships this spring. Prices will start at $25,785, including destination, and range up to $30,490 for the top-tier Trekking Plus model. That's definitely a high entry price for the segment, with quite a few competitors starting around $20,000 and topping out under $30,000, with the Mini Countryman being the most notable pricing outlier. However, those competitors offer significantly less power, and most come standard with front-wheel drive only. The Fiat's more powerful motor, standard all-wheel drive and solid standard infotainment features might justify the price bump for the right buyer, and that's even before we get to the fact that the 500X is an infinitely more stylish choice.

So what about the Renegade? Is a refresh coming that will steal the torquey Italian's thunder? We'll have to wait and see, but the Renegade is not currently offered in the U.S. with a turbocharged motor of any sort. It may get this new powertrain at some point, but for now, at least, the 500X may have found a way to come out from under its American cousin's shadow.