-
The 2019 Fiat 500X fits neatly in the subcompact crossover segment, but the 2019 Fiat 500L is an unconventional hatchback.
-
The 500X has standard all-wheel drive, which is not available in the 500L.
-
The 500X is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the 500L, but it’s also more expensive.
Fiat is a brand known for its distinct Italian charm. That inimitable charm shines through in all of its products with the 500L and the 500X being no exception. The 500X is a subcompact crossover SUV that is mechanically identical to the Jeep Renegade while the 500L is something a little different. It’s a small hatchback that’s not quite a wagon and not quite a crossover. Whatever you want to call it, the 500L is a unique car with few direct competitors.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences and similarities between these two quirky Fiat models.
Exterior
These two Fiat models are the same length but have very different proportions. The 500X is about six inches wider and two inches shorter than the 500L. Despite being a little shorter overall, the 500X has 7.9 inches of ground clearance and the 500L only has 4.7 inches. That means the 500L is a tall, narrow box and the 500X is sized like a more traditional small SUV. Both wear their own versions of the Fiat corporate design language which draws inspiration straight from the Fiat 500 subcompact hatchback.
Interior
The total interior volume of these two cars is quite similar, however, the 500L is packaged a little more efficiently, partially thanks to its boxier shape. With all of the seats in place, the 500L has 22.4 cu ft. of cargo space and the 500X only has 12.2 cu ft. The 500L also has more cargo space with all of the seats folded down. Both cars have a maximum seating capacity of five and passenger space is similar in both models. If space efficiency and more cargo space are priorities for you, you might like the 500L more than the 500X. See the 2019 Fiat 500X models for sale near you
As for interior design, these two cars continue to be pretty similar. The 500X feels slightly more upscale on the inside with the 500L falling victim to cheaper looking and feeling materials. The seats in the 500X are a bit more comfortable which makes it a little better for driving long distances. Both interiors continue the distinct Italian character that Fiat is famous for. See the 2019 Fiat 500L models for sale near you
Mechanicals
The 500L and the 500X both only have one engine option for 2019.
2019 Fiat 500X Engine
-
1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four; 177 horsepower, 210 lb-ft of torque; 24 miles per gallon in the city, 30 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in combined driving
2019 Fiat 500L Engine
-
1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four; 160 hp, 184 lb-ft of torque; 22 mpg city/30 mpg hwy/25 mpg combined
Despite having the slightly smaller engine, the 500X delivers more power and more torque than the 500L by a considerable margin. The fuel economy is almost identical, but the 500X is slightly more efficient in city and combined driving and also has the performance edge. Part of the reason the 500X is more efficient is because of its 9-speed automatic transmission versus the 6-speed shiftable automatic in the 500L.
We also need to mention the fact that the 500X comes standard with all-wheel drive and the 500L can only be had with front-wheel drive. Both on paper and behind the wheel, the 500X has a big mechanical advantage over the 500L.
Technology
These two Fiat models have a lot in common when it comes to technology and interior features, but there’s also one big difference in this category. The 500X has much more available safety tech than the 500L. Available driver assistance technology in the 500X includes forward collision warning with brake assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, rain-sensing wipers and automatic high beams. The 500L is available with rear parking sensors and that’s it for modern safety tech. As is mandatory for all 2019 models, both cars come standard with a backup camera.
Since these cars are from the same brand, they predictably come with the same infotainment system. It’s a 7-in Uconnect unit that has received high praise for its user-friendliness. They also both come standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, a USB port and 6-speaker audio. They can both be upgraded to a more advanced unit with navigation and satellite radio plus other cool features like Beats premium audio, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and more.
Pricing
The 500X used to be more affordable than the 500L, but that has changed for the 2019 model year because the turbocharged engine and AWD have become standard. The 500X now starts at $24,740 and the 500L starts at $22,160. The higher end of their respective model ranges gets into the mid-$20k range for the 500L and the high-$20k range for the 500X.
Conclusion
With more available safety tech, standard AWD, better performance and better fuel economy, the 500X is a better buy for most drivers than the 500L. If you want a small, affordable car with generous interior space and distinct European charm, then you might find more to love in the 500L. However, most shoppers will likely prefer the more modern 500X and if you really want AWD, it’s the obvious choice. Find a Fiat 500X for sale or Find a Fiat 500L for sale
