Performance

Distinctive, agile and fun: the FIAT American model line may be small, but it plays an outsize influence in some of the fastest-growing segments of the current automotive market. With its focus on making smaller cars designed to appeal to younger buyers, FIAT has built a successful strategy out of its colorful and playful set of subcompact cars and crossover SUVs. The FIAT 500 was the first model to arrive and its quick and quirky character has set the tone for the models to come, such as the versatile off-roader FIAT 500X. With their similar appearance and size, deciding between the two can be a challenge. We’ve taken a look at the 2018 FIAT 500 and the 2018 FIAT 500X to help you decide which subcompact FIAT is the right one for you.

Both the 500 and the 500X are pretty sporty compared to other cars in the segment thanks to their small size and zippy engines. The FIAT 500 offers a choice between two 1.4-liter turbos: a 135 horsepower one and a 160 horsepower version in the Abarth model. The Abarth turbo, linked to a manual transmission is also the base engine for the front-wheel drive 500X models, while the all-wheel drive models use a naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter that brings it up to 180 horsepower. The extra power compensates for the heavier frame of the 500X, so the two cars feel relatively similar when accelerating. The FIAT 500 is the more agile of the two, due to its much shorter wheelbase, making it the better car for navigating narrow urban streets. The 500X, on the other hand, shows off its chops when you leave the pavement behind. Its suspension, shared with the Jeep Renegade off-roader, makes it the most stylish off-road car on the market.

Appearance

The FIAT 500 has introduced the distinctive FIAT styling to the United States, and the 500X largely follows in its footsteps. Neither can be mistaken for any other car, thanks to the unique design inside and out. Whereas today’s prevailing trends suggest sharp edges, the FIAT 500 is all ovals, circles and gentle curves. The 500X builds on this design language, though it is a little more serious compared to the 500’s toy-car aesthetic. With more defined hood and fenders, as well as a few extra inches of length, it is shaped more like a conventional small SUV, though you will still be hard-pressed to find many unambiguous straight lines. The 2018 FIAT 500 is the perfect car if you want to draw attention wherever you go, while the 500X is the better choice for those who want to look unique without standing out quite so much.

Features

Both cars have a relatively similar feature selection, making the preference between the two primarily based on whether you prefer the sportier drive of the 500 or the larger passenger and cargo space of the 500X. Both can be equipped with all the essentials such as leather seating or Beats premium audio. Each car also has several unique appearance options, such as the racing-inspired Abarth livery on the 500 and the off-roading Trekking and the upscale Urbana on the 500X. The FIAT 500 is the only one of the two cars that is available as a convertible cabriolet model, while the 500X offers all-wheel drive as an option, which is not available on the 500.

It can be hard to pick between the 2018 FIAT 500 and the 2018 FIAT 500X, as both cars have a distinct personality, style and appeal. Does the storage room of the 500X appeal to you more or less than the flashy design of the 500? See for yourself when you test-drive both cars at our dealership. Contact us today to schedule a visit and pick your favorite FIAT!