FIAT's 500L is a 4-door, front-wheel-drive carryall for those who need a bit more space. The 500L shares no lines directly with its 500 sibling, but still provides an entertaining way to go from A to B.
The 500L is more than two feet longer than the 500, half a foot wider and taller, and offers an extra set of doors. Much of the extra eight is given to side glass, which affords the 500L a terrific greenhouse and corresponding visibility; unique front quarter windows testify to the fact. The car offers up to 123 cubic-feet of interior volume, with second-row seats that flip, fold and tumble and recline for an easily configurable interior space.
The 500L is offered in three distinct trim levels: Pop, Trekking and Lounge. Each is powered by the same 160-horsepower turbocharged four that moves the performance-oriented 500 Abarth. The unit provides ample power while also returning good fuel economy, with EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Carrying a tank that holds 13.2-gallon fuel tank, this equates to more than 430 miles of driving between fill-ups. The standard transmission on the 500L is a 6-speed automatic, though a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional.
The base Pop model rides on 16-inch aluminum wheels sprung by Koni shocks and MacPherson struts. Standard equipment includes halogen projector headlights, heated power mirrors, power locks and power windows with one-touch up/down front and rear, air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with cruise control, integrated voice command and Bluetooth and an 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen stereo with Bluetooth streaming audio and USB port.
The 500L Trekking boasts a more rugged outward appearance, with unique front and rear fascia's, as well as lower body protective cladding. The car rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and features fog lamps and premium leather seating. Six additional exterior colors and roof color options allow the Trekking to be highly customized.
The top-of-the-line 500L Lounge includes chrome exterior accents, a leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, automatic temperature and dual-zone climate control and a rear seat armrest.
Stand-alone options on Trekking and Lounge trims include a dual-panel panoramic sunroof and Beats premium audio system with SiriusXM satellite radio, while Trekking models also offer heated seats as optional.
A number of packages are available on the top three models as well, which bundle several popular options such as navigation, the backup assist and camera system, automatic climate control, roof color choices, heated seats, 115-volt auxiliary power outlets and more.
Each FIAT 500L comes equipped with seven airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, a tire pressure monitor and electronic stability control.
Excellent Outward Visibility
Big-car Feel In A Small Package
Highly Customizable
Competitive Pricing
Fuel Economy
The Fiat 500L gets just a couple of changes for the new model year in 2019. The biggest news is a built-in universal garage door opener for Trekking and Lounge models. Other than that, the 500L is available in a couple of new color combinations, with red now available on Trekking models and a metallic bronze color now available on Pop trimmed 500Ls.
FIAT continues to make a statement in the U.S. with its popular 500. The 500L builds on that popularity, offering fans more flexibility to carry cargo or more people. Competing with cars such as the MINI Cooper Clubman, Kia Soul and Nissan Juke, the 500L holds its own, with capabilities, performance and features that set it apart. For FIAT fans who need something more than the 500 can offer, the 500L is an intelligent choice.
