Overview & Reviews

For an automaker to sell a lot of cars in the United States, it typically needs to offer a vehicle with four doors. So the Italian automaker Fiat made sure its four-door 500L was ready for prime time as soon as Americans began to take a shine to its tiny 500 hatchback. The idea behind the Fiat 500L is simple. It's a tall hatchback/wagon that's far more suitable for family use than the regular 500, while retaining the smaller car's shapeliness and Italian charm. Of course, Fiat offers the 500L in a wide variety of flavors and color combinations, so it's easy to personalize to your liking.

No matter how much the 500L may make sense on paper, however, in practice it has disappointed our editors with its unresponsive transmission, busy ride, unrefined suspension tuning, subpar interior quality and a lack of versatility that can't be detected simply by looking at a spec sheet.

Current Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L is a small wagon/tall hatchback that debuted for the 2014 model year. All Fiat 500L models are front-wheel drive and have a turbocharged, 1.4-liter four–cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. You can choose either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automated manual transmission that basically functions like an automatic transmission. All-wheel drive currently isn't available for the Fiat 500L.

The 500L is offered in four trim levels: Pop, Easy, Trekking and Lounge. Standard features on the Pop include keyless entry, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker CD stereo. The Easy trim adds features like alloy wheels, upgraded seat fabric and an upgraded stereo. The Trekking gets unique front and rear body panels, two-tone interior trim and premium cloth upholstery, while the top-of-the-line Lounge gets amenities like leather upholstery, heated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. The automated manual transmission is standard on the top-of-the-line Lounge, while the other trims are available with either transmission.

In reviews, we found the 500L to be softer and less nimble than the standard 500 on the road. Ride quality can get a bit busy on uneven road surfaces and its upright stance and large side mirrors combine to create lots of wind noise within the cabin. With the automated manual transmission, the car can be slow to respond when accelerating from a traffic light or merging onto a freeway. On the plus side, steering is precise and the 500L navigates turns with confidence.

Designed to be more family-friendly than the regular 500 two-door coupe and convertible, the L is 27 inches longer and 6 inches wider and taller than its sibling. This opens up considerably more headroom for taller drivers, while the extra hip- and shoulder room in the backseat makes it a more viable option if you've got kids. It's still a bit too compact to seat three adults in back. The 500L's maximum cargo capacity of 68 cubic feet rivals that of larger compact crossovers, and its 21.3 cubic feet with the seats raised is similarly segment-leading. However, real-world utility is hampered by a high cargo lift-over height and rear-seat backrests that don't fold totally flat.

There's plenty of style inside the Fiat 500L. It looks distinct from the regular 500 thanks to its revised dash, instrumentation and steering wheel. This wagon features the latest version of Chrysler's Uconnect technology, which provides enhanced functionality for smartphones via the car's Bluetooth connection. You can wirelessly stream music from your mobile device, and the system offers text-to-speech capability for SMS messages sent to MAP-enabled phones. A six-speaker Beats by Dr. Dre sound system is also available, as is a dual-pane sunroof (though it significantly reduces headroom). There's a large assortment of interior and exterior color combinations, too, and you can opt for cloth or leather upholstery.

User Reviews:

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  snow flake sensor / air conditoner... - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By Enelida Cortez - July 12 - 2:33 pm

  ... not working properly. my brand new 500L fiat , has been in the repair shop ( call studio by fiat customer service ) , it has been the same problem several times. when driving appears the snow flake ( sensor) indicating that ICE ON THE ROAD and then shut down the air conditioning , the system starting blowing hot air. it is impossible to drive a car on hot temperatures like in South florida , (temperatures almost 100 Degrees ). FIAT is very disapoint .

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  im on my second one - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By francesco3 - July 5 - 12:48 am

  50,000 miles in less than two years not one single problem on top of that I chipped and I abuse it every time I drive I even tow 4 x 8 trailer I pool little over 2000 b.l with no problem and yes my its automatic its funny The transmission doesnt belong in USA market my opinion for European is fine but since Im European myself I like it but you just have to get usted it its not that bad I know some people still saying fix it again Tony they need to change Tony is long gone its not any different In liability of a Honda Toyota Subaru etc.

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  Fiat 500L = Fun Italian Ride - 2015 Fiat 500L
  By demingboys - June 6 - 3:59 pm

  This little Italian charmer has been quite a refreshing joy to drive over the last few weeks. The performance of the multi-air turbo is phenomenal and unexpected. For its size, the 500L is nimble and handles more like a sports car than the Fiat self-described "Urban Utility Vehicle." I highly recommend the Trekking version of this vehicle. It is a better designed model than the others offered and more rugged in appearance.

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  Never trust a Chrysler dealer - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By unhappyfiat63 - June 6 - 12:50 pm

  We like our Fiat, what we dont like is the customer service. We have 8832 kilometers on our car and a rattle/knock has started in the front end when going over small or large bumps. When we bought the car Chrysler said we could use any Chrysler dealer to service/warranty work on our car and when we called City Chrysler Corner Brook NL they said no we do not service Fiat. Called Fiat Canada and they told us we have to drive to the nearest Fiat dealer, 10 hours away in St. Johns NL. Do your homework if you are planning on buying a Fiat, ensure you have a dealer close by and get everything in writing. We will be selling our Fiat and will make sure no one in Western NL buys a Fiat.

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  Another Fiat - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By Mark Rivera - April 30 - 8:56 pm

  Just upgraded my 500(Manual) after 53000 miles with only two issues - one was one headlight stopped working and Fiat replaced both, also, a problem caused by my cigarette lighter phone charger(blowing fuses). I needed more space, so, decided to upgrade to 500L(Manual) - Rosso Perla with White Roof. I am mid age person with plenty of experience as a car enthusiast. I do not buy European cars with automatic trannys, PERIOD!(bad experiences). Going to 200 miles so far and I am very happy at the least on how this puppy feels. Still have to get used to first gear(it sure is weird). MPG so far is around 29. Will post again in a few months again with more evaluation after break in period.

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  BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By angelito1 - April 10 - 2:23 am

  I have had this car for a couple of months And totally love it. Let me start by saying that it is true the first gear in the manual transmission takes a little getting use to. And no it doesnt takes off Or drive like a rocket..... But I love the styling because there is nothing like it. It is reliable, super confortable And awesome on gas. You want a testament to this.... With barely 2500 miles on it I took it on a loong road trip from WA state to Fairbanks Alaska. It drove up and down the mountain roads like it is what it was made to do. By the way I was fully loaded with suitcases, duffle bags with clothes and theblike... Average 34 MPG. Again best car ever.

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  Very Happy! - 2015 Fiat 500L
  By tjmk - March 23 - 12:31 pm

  At first I was skeptical about this car but I am thrilled with it. It is so comfortable and fun to drive Feels very sturdy and reliable. The exterior is a bit quirky but I think that makes it fun...I am sick of buying the same old same old. Very roomy vehicle with lots of bells and whistles.

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  Great fun, jury still out on reliability - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By Seema Sonnad - March 16 - 9:37 am

  Ive had the car for 9.5 months now. I love the style, the roominess, the visibility and how much fun it is to drive. It took a bit to get used to the transmission (manual, a little odd in first gear), but now it is great. It did have a recall to repair a computer issue causing the battery to die when parked in the cold for more than 48 hours with no start, but hopefully that is resolved. Some minor electrical things are a little quirky, but no big deal. I had my VW golf prior to this for 15 years with no major issues (it had early recalls for an oxygen sensor chip so was not perfect), so reliability is my only real concern with the Fiat.

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  Best Value in this segment by far - 2014 Fiat 500L
  By sparkin5280 - February 24 - 9:26 pm

  Like someone else said, this is one of the most underrated small cars on the market today. Its well documented that Americans dont like wagons or minivans for that matter. Well apparently neither do most auto journalists because this car is lambasted in every pupublication. Just go drive one for yourself, these are TONS of fun. In Colorado here at this elevation Turbos and their forced induction rule the land. Maybe in Texas at sea level this car seems pokey, but in this thin air this 1.4 direct inject turbo runs hard and is a blast to drive. I upgraded from a Mini Clubman and LOVE the fact I can fit 3 car seats wide. To be fair I have the 6 speed manual so no automatic problems here.

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  Nifty and fun, nice extras - 2015 Fiat 500L
  By Joanne Straub - February 22 - 11:18 pm

  I always start with the negatives I note. First would be the fabric. Im simply not fond of it, it reminds me of heavy duty panty hose and seems to pick up dirt easily. The center armrest is very high and awkwardly placed. There is so much width the door armrest isnt really reachable, either. That said... I love driving this car. After years of soccer mom-mobiles, I wanted something small, easy to maneuver and park, better on gas, and fun. However, we have two large dogs and stepkids on weekends. This is a perfect blend for us. Room for five without needing a shoehorn, and not like driving a Sherman tank.