Fiat is one of the biggest manufacturers of compact cars. Fiat 500L is one such model as it’s a small crossover with several outstanding features. But is Fiat 500L a good car?
When compared to most cars in its class, the Fiat 500L is not a good car. This is because the ride quality is poor and the car is not appealing. Additionally, the car is pretty costly than most of its rivals. The only good things about the Fiat 500L are the spacious cabin, huge cargo area, and excellent outward visibility.
History of the Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L is a Mini MPV or small crossover. It is manufactured by Fiat under the FCA Serbia. It has been in production since 2012 to date, although production for the North American market started in 2014. The Fiat 500L is based on the FCA Small Wide platform.
This model is popular for its high H-point seating, high roof, double A-pillar, tall greenhouse, and its reconfigurable interior system. The 500L replaced the Fiat Idea and Lancia Musa. It also has several engine options, including a 0.9-liter TwinAir Turbo 12, 1.4-liter Fire I4 turbo, 1.3-liter Multijet II I4, and 1.6-liter Multijet I4 engines.
Features of the Fiat 500L
Appearance
While most Fiat 500 models look spectacular, the Fiat 500L doesn’t. The exterior looks bland and unimpressive. Thanks to its oddly proportioned wagon design. As a result, most people find this car unattractive. Aside from having a flat exterior, the interior is also lacking.
The interior is made up of cheap materials and finishes. So, people looking for a classy and modern car should stay away from the Fiat 500L. This car features a wheelbase of 102.8-inches, a length of 167.3-inches, a width of 69.8-inches, and a height of 65.7-inches.
Performance
The Fiat 500L performs considerably well. However, its handling is poor and slow in traffic. Besides, the manufacturer offers various engine options and trims. Some of the popular trims offered are Pop, Trekking, Urbana, and Lounge.
The 2020 Fiat 500L is fitted with a 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It also has a 6-speed automatic transmission with a front-wheel drive system. Note that this car does not have an all-wheel drive system as an option. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and has a top speed of 111mph.
Comfort and cargo space
Despite its average performance, the Fiat 500L is pretty comfortable. It also has ample cabin space with exceptional outward visibility and a panoramic sunroof. This car can accommodate up to five passengers. Besides, it has ample cargo space with a trunk space of 22 cubic feet and 68 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded.
Safety
If safety is your priority, then stay away from the Fiat 500L. This is because the Fiat 500L doesn’t come with lots of safety features. Some of the advanced safety features you should expect to get from this car are adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
Fuel efficiency
While the Fiat 500L is fuel-efficient, it is not at par with most of its rivals. The EPA rates the 2020 Fiat 500L at 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and a combined 25 mpg. This is quite high compared to most of its rivals.
Price
The Fiat 500L is reasonably expensive compared to its competitors. The base model, ‘Pop’ goes for about $23,995, Trekking – $25,320, Urbana – $25,915, and Lounge – $26,140.
FAQ
Is Fiat 500L worth buying?
It depends on what you desire. If you want a spacious, practical, and efficient small Fiat crossover, the Fiat 500L is a nice car to consider. However, if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, safe, and fun ride, the Fiat 500L is not a good option.
All in all, the Fiat 500L is a nice car and very affordable. The biggest challenge about this car is that it has clumsy handling, making it challenging to drive in the city.
What are the common problems with Fiat 500L?
Before you invest in the Fiat 500L, it is crucial to know some of the problems that you will face along the way. A common problem with the Fiat 500L is engine problems, faulty power windows, faulty power door locks, rough ride, braking issues, multifunctioning infotainment system, and steering issues.
How fast is the Fiat 500L?
The Fiat 500L is not very fast or slow. This car takes 8.0 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, which is great compared to most of its rivals. Additionally, it has a top speed of 111 mph, which is good. So, if you’re looking for a fast car, this is not the best Fiat model to select. Nevertheless, it has a decent speed, which is quite good for daily driving.
What is the high mileage of the Fiat 500L?
Fiat 500L is among the least reliable Fiat 500 models. Therefore, it records more problems than average for Fiat models. If you’re looking for a used Fiat 500L, ensure to acquire one with less than 120k miles. Moreover, you should look for a properly maintained car to avoid experiencing serious issues.
What is the difference between the Fiat 500 and 500L?
The Fiat 500 and 500L are of the same length but come in different proportions. The Fiat 500L is slightly bigger than the Fiat 500. On the contrary, the Fiat 500 has a more appealing look than the Fiat 500L. Furthermore, the Fiat 500L is slightly pricier than the Fiat 500.
Conclusion
The Fiat 500L is a perfect car for people looking for a spacious, affordable, and comfortable car. However, it is not ideal if you’re searching for a reliable, easy-to-handle, sleek, and safe car. Besides, it also comes with several issues that users ought to know about. Some of them include engine, braking, and steering issues.
Overall, the Fiat 500L is not one of the best options in its class. This is because the ride is clumsy and lacks the most safety features. Additionally, the exterior design is not appealing, and this car is costlier than most of its rivals.