2020 FIAT 500L Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 500L takes Fiat's iconic small-car styling and scales it up to a versatile tall-hatchback. It hit the scene for 2014 and received a...

The 500L takes Fiat's iconic small-car styling and scales it up to a versatile tall-hatchback. It hit the scene for 2014 and received a refresh for 2018. For 2020, it carries over with no significant changes.

The 500L accommodates five people across two rows and gives them an expansive view with nearly 360 degrees of glass around its airy cabin. The standard 60/40 rear seats slide, tilt, and fold, and offer up to 50 seating and storage configurations. Even with the backseat in its most upright position, the hatchback provides a remarkable 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space.

You’ll find a single turbocharged 1.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine in every 500L, good for 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. It drives just the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel-economy ratings stand at 22 mpg city, 30 highway, and 25 combined with premium fuel.

Last year’s Urbana trim goes away for 2020, leaving the Pop, Trekking, and Lounge. The base Pop includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Trekking trim adds a rugged look, special 17-inch alloy wheels, a Beats Audio sound system, leather upholstery, navigation, satellite radio, and ambient LED lighting. Finally, the Lounge comes with its own set of 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and front power-lumbar adjustment. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof is a standalone option.

A reversing camera comes standard while reversing sensors are optional. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 500L Good scores for most categories, with a Poor rating for small front-overlap protection on the driver’s side.

The FIAT 500L is a stylish half-step between a conventional hatchback and a crossover. It competes with other quirky hatchbacks like the 4-door MINI.