The Fiat 500X, the only Fiat model currently sold in the United States, enters its fourth year with a simplified model lineup for 2023.
Gone is the Trekking model, leaving only the 500X Pop and the 500X Sport at Fiat dealers.
Both are compact all-wheel-drive (AWD) crossover SUVs made in Melfi, Italy, alongside the 500X’s corporate cousin, the Jeep Renegade. We like to think of the 500X as a roomier version of the charming but discontinued Fiat 500, replete with the added practicality of AWD and a bit of extra ground clearance.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine that sends 177 horsepower to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Although the direct-injected engine is relatively small, it has excellent low-rpm torque (210 lb-ft at only 2,200 rpm), making it feel bigger than it is.
Competitors for this compact 5-seat Italian SUV include the Jeep Renegade, the Mazda CX-3, and Subaru Crosstrek.
To save fuel, the AWD system cuts power to the rear wheels on the highway. Drive to the rear re-engages automatically whenever needed. An automatic start/stop system also aids fuel economy, which the EPA rates at 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined.
Let’s look at the two Fiat 500X models available for 2023.
2023 Fiat 500X Pop: $28,965
The Fiat 500X Pop, the entry-level model, has several welcome features. These include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a capless fuel filler, automatic high-beam LED headlights, a rear parking-assist program, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Also standard on the 2023 Fiat 500X Pop is air conditioning, a push-button starter, power door locks, black cloth upholstery, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The Uconnect 4 infotainment system also features a 7-inch touchscreen display with SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB ports.
On the safety front, the 500X Pop presents itself reasonably well. In addition to a full comportment of airbags (frontal, front-seat-mounted side airbags, side curt-curtains for both rows, and a driver knee airbag), the 500X Pop comes standard with a forward collision warning system that has active emergency braking.
Note: If you want a lane-departure warning system and blind-spot monitor, which makes lane changes much safer, you’ll have to move up to the 500X Sport, which has them standard.
Chief among the available options on the 500X Pop is the Al-Fresco retractable soft top; plus, you can add a front parking-assist program, a pair of all-weather packages, and a Mopar appearance package with unique floor mats, bright door sills, and chrome pedal covers.
Adding the $1,595 destination fee to the Fiat 500X’s base price brings the total to $30,560. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of about $549. See 2023 Fiat 500X Pop models for sale near you
2023 Fiat 500X Pop Includes:
- AWD – To improve fuel economy, this system automatically disconnects power to the rear wheels on the highway to reduce parasitic drag. The rear wheels re-engage automatically when needed.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – It’s so convenient to have your favorite smartphone features interface with your vehicle.
- Keyless entry – If the 500X key fob is in your pocket or purse, the doors will automatically unlock when you approach the vehicle.
2023 Fiat 500X Sport: $31,955
The Fiat 500X Sport builds on the Pop trim with a sportier appearance, 18-inch alloy wheels, a flat-bottom steering wheel (with Alcantara inserts and paddle shifters), upgraded cloth upholstery, and chrome pedal covers.
In addition to body-color wheel moldings, the 500X Sport gets revised front and rear fascia, a rear parking assist program, and a color TFT information display in the center of the instrument panel (the one in the 500X Pop is black & white).
Chief among the interior highlights of the 500X Sport are automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver’s seat, ambient interior lighting, and front park assist.
The Al-Fresco fabric roof is optional on the 500X Sport, as is navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist. Another option we highly recommend is the Driver Assistance Group, which features blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic warning.
Adding the $1,595 destination fee to the 500X Sport’s base price makes the total $33,550. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to about $603 per month. See 2023 Fiat 500X Sport models for sale near you
2023 Fiat 500X Sport Includes:
- Flat-bottom steering wheel – The flat bottom looks cool and provides extra leg room. This wheel also has paddle shifters.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Both front passengers can find a comfortable temperature in the 500X Sport.
- 18-inch alloy wheels – These wheels, unique to the 500X Sport, wear 225/55R-18 all-season tires.
