FIAT 500X Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Fiat refreshed the 500 X urban crossover lineup in 2018, improving and adapting the vehicle to newer European emission standards, and also upgraded the car's exterior and interior.

Those looking for a stylish B-segment crossover had many options to choose from, but the 500 X was focused more on the design than most of its competitors. As a result, despite its drawbacks on the interior, it provided many features that made its owners' lives easier thanks to some clever solutions and, most importantly, a better-looking vehicle. Fiat didn't want to sell a car that looked just like any other grocery-getter on the market. Furthermore, it still had the flavor of the successful 500 lineup.

From the outside, the new and improved 500 X featured full-LED headlights that promised to fix the nighttime driving problems that the previous version had. Its daytime running lights were integrated inside the headlamps and mimicked the look of those installed in the regular 500. To create a powerful image of a crossover, the 500 X sported a front bumper adorned on its lower side by a light-gray plastic shield, which was mostly good for grass, not for bushes or rocks. From its profile, the 2019 model featured contrasting door handles and integrated blinkers into the door mirror caps. The greenhouse was tall enough to provide enough headroom for adult-sized passengers. Finally, at the back, a raked-forward tailgate ended the vehicle in a stylish way, similar to its 500 sibling.

Moving onto the interior, customers were greeted by high-mounted front seats with mild bolstering. Those were mostly designed for comfort, the lack of tall sides easing the ingress and egress to the car. Still, those who wanted to feel hugged by the seats could get an optional set to satisfy their tastes. Fronting the driver was a unique-looking instrument cluster. The analog speedometer and the tachometer had their own individual scoops, while between them, Fiat squeezed another cluster filled with a 3.5" TFT that showed information from the car's onboard computer. Atop the center stack, Fiat installed a touchscreen that featured Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, both wirelessly. In the back, access was easy thanks to the rear doors, and there was just enough room for a couple of passengers, although a third, middle-seated one, could suffer on long trips.

Under the car's skin, Fiat installed a wide choice of drivetrains and engines. Unlike many of its competitors, who didn't offer AWD versions, the 500 X had that on the options list. The engine choice was surprisingly big for this segment, ranging between a 95 PS (94 hp) turbo diesel and a 150 PS (148 hp) turbocharged gasoline powerplant. All the oomph was sent to the front or in both axles, depending on the version.

Fiat expanded the 500 range in 2015 with the introduction of a crossover based on the same platform as the Jeep Compass and Jeep Renegade.

The 500 was a huge success for the Italian automaker, but it couldn't cover all the segments of the market. In addition, customers asked for a crossover, and Fiat didn't have any in its lineup. Moreover, the Panda 4x4 didn't exactly meet their expectations. As a result, the Italians used the same platform developed together with Jeep and added a bodywork that resembled the 500 range, resulting the 500X

With a front fascia dominated by elements that followed the same design language as the 500, the 500X featured a pair of round headlights slightly stretched over the front fenders. Moreover, above the front bumper, it didn't have a massive grille but just a tiny gap and a chromed trim that looked similar to the one installed on the regular 500 range. The main cooling area was on the lower bumper, where the designers made an air intake covered with a mesh grille and flanked by a pair of scoops for the fog lamps. Depending on the trim level and options, a silver plastic shield protected the engine compartment from underneath against splashes and debris from the road. It was not meant to protect it against stones or other off-road-specific obstacles. From its profile, the five-door hatchback featured rounded shapes with flared wheel arches and an ascending beltline. The car's doors featured chromed or body-colored handles, depending on the trim level, and blackened B-pillar to create the look of a coupe. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate sported a spoiler at its upper area to create a sporty image for the little crossover.

Inside, Fiat created a two-tone dashboard with a binocular instrument cluster facing the driver where the speedometer was on the left dial and the tachometer on the right, flanking the center-mounted TFT display that showed the fuel gauge, water temperature, and data from the onboard computer. On top of the center stack, the carmaker installed a 5” or 6.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system featuring navigation and Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones. In addition, the Uconnect Live system allowed customers to listen to over 100,000 radio stations. For the front occupants, Fiat installed bucket seats with mild bolstering, while in the back, it put a split-folding bench seat wide enough for two passengers on medium trips or three for short jaunts.

Since it used the same platform as the Renegade and the Compass, the 500X was available with a range of gasoline or diesel engines ranging between 110 PS (109 HP) and 180 PS (178 HP) paired with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. The automaker offered the small-sized crossover with either front or all-wheel-drive systems.