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Overview
The 500L serves as the practical wagon in the diminutive Fiat lineup, but it appears more bloated than stylish. Bigger than the tiny 500, it has up to 68 cubic feet of storage space, but its cabin is made of cut-rate materials.
Engine, Ride, and Handling
Despite sharing its 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with the hot-rod 500 Abarth, the 500L is sluggish at best; a six-speed automatic is standard, and front-wheel drive is the only setup. At our test track, the 500L returned a leisurely 8.0-second result in our zero-to-60-mph test. Enthusiast drivers will be similarly disappointed by the 500L's handling; pitched into a corner, the wagon's tall body leans heavily and the steering doesn't provide adequate feedback to the driver for spirited motoring.
Interior and Technology
Both front- and rear-seat riders will find plenty of space to stretch out inside the 500L's roomy cabin. Large windows and an optional panoramic sunroof make the interior feel even more spacious and helps minimize blind spots. All models come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. A Beats audio system is standard on all but the base Pop trim, where it's optional. An in-dash navigation system comes on Trekking, Urbana, and Lounge models. Fiat offers optional parking sensors on the 500L but don't expect more advanced driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking or adaptive cruise control.
