Fiat’s 2016 500X is a Jeep Renegade with an Italian flair

By Stephen Edelstein October 3, 2014

Tiny crossovers are becoming a big deal for carmakers, and now a brand known for tiny hatchbacks is getting in on the action.

The Fiat 500X was first teased over two years ago, and finally debuted in production form at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.

Looking like a more rugged version of the 500L, this pint-sized crossover will compete against the MINI Countryman, Nissan Juke, and Fiat Chrysler’s own 2015 Jeep Renegade.

The Fiat’s styling will probably draw less controversy than the Jeep’s, which some hardcore fans might view as sacrilege.

However, taking the safe route results in a less-interesting design, albeit not an unattractive one.

Related: Road Race Motorsports builds an insane Fiat 500 track car

The 500X actually rides on the same platform as the Renegade, and will launch in Europe with a wide variety of gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions, including five- and six-speed manuals, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a nine-speed automatic.

Those offerings will probably be reduced to just gasoline engines and one automatic transmission option for the U.S., where the market for diesel-engined mini-crossovers with stick shifts is somewhat limited.

The gasoline engines announced in Paris are the 1.4-liter Multiair four-cylinder already deployed in other Fiat models in the U.S., and the 2.4-liter turbocharged Tigershark four used in the Dodge Dart.

The 500X will come standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive will be optional.

In Europe at least, the nine-speed automatic will be mandatory when selecting a gasoline with all four wheels driven, so maybe that will be the combination U.S. buyers get as well.

We’ll find out in roughly the middle of next year, when the 500X is expected to go on sale Stateside, probably as a 2016 model.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Photo Galleries

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.