Fiat has a fashionable hit in the 2016 500X Easy with all-wheel drive. This 4-door, hatch back small SUV offers the ability to go off-roads with the city-sized footprint needed in the Seattle area.
The tester we drove was finished in Bronzo Magnetico paint and 17-inch aluminum wheels covered in all-season tires. Shiny metallic paint graced the door handles and exhaust tip, along with some bright trims around the 2016 Fiat 500X. Heated external mirrors were standard, a good thing in the damp PNW mornings.
The cold may have taken hold outside, but inside the 500X it was snug and comfortable, especially when using the remote starter to get the interior warmed (or cooled) before you get to it.
Double-stitched, soft-touch materials and body color pieces highlight the interior of the 2016 Fiat 500X. Standard seats are manual for both front seats, but our tester had an optional package (delved into further in the article).
The infotainment system is FCA’s UConnect 5.0 system connected to 6 speakers, a USB and AUX input, Sirius XM radio and more. Connecting my Pandora or other music from my phone to the radio was a breeze. Only a few moments to connect and I was on my way with my personalized tunes.
Our tester was equipped with but one optional package, a Customer Preferred Package including the ParkSense rear parking assist system connected to the ParkView backup camera, blind spot monitoring, cross path detection, power front seats (8-way for the driver with lumbar, manual for the front passenger), heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, dual zone climate, and a cargo area cover, among a few others not mentioned. Quite a bit of kit for the $1,500 price tag.
There was no spare tire, but a tire service kit and allowing for more room in the cargo space and rear seats. Cargo capacity comes in at 12.2-cubic feet with the rear seats up and 19.9-cu.ft. with the rear seats down. Rear seat occupants have 34.8-inches of legroom, more than enough for adults.
Not only does the 2016 Fiat 500X have fashionable style, it has that catwalk strut, too.
Under the hood of the 2016 Fiat 500X is a 2.4L inline-4 MultiAir engine putting out 180-hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4L is connected to an automatic 9-speed transmission with manual mode.
This wasn’t the first time we’d taken the reins of a Fiat 500X. The first chance was at the Western Automotive Journalism Media Days where we drove it along the curvy backroads of Monterey, California, between The Quail resort and Mazda Raceways Laguna Seca.
As back then and now, the Fiat 500X’s throttle gave us a thrill. The small stature, peppy step, and all-wheel drive traction makes for a daily driver that isn’t just good to look at but is also enjoyable to experience.
It isn’t just the stylish good looks, comfortable interior, and peppy powerhouse that make the 2016 Fiat 500X a treat to drive. The 500X tester even came in well below $30,000 (MSRP); $24,510 base price, $27,005 as driven.
For more information or to test out the 2016 Fiat 500X Easy AWD, please visit www.fiatusa.com.
