2014 FIAT 500L Expert Review

Reviewed by Jason Udy

Vehicle Overview

Taking a page from the Mini Countryman's playbook, the new for 2014 Fiat 500L is aimed at those who like the looks of the 500, but need room for four adults and their stuff. While it shares a family resemblance, the 500L is built on a new platform that's longer, wider, and stronger than the standard 500. The 500L is powered by the 500 Abarth's 160-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 with 184 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that routes power to the front wheels. Fuel economy is EPA-rated 24-25/33 mpg city/highway. The 500L is available in four trims: Pop, Easy, Trekking, and Lounge.

In our First Drive of a prototype, we said, "The 500L doesn't set out to ape the 500 hatch's terrier urban agility. It runs a more comfort-biased chassis. The ride is pliant and shrugs off potholes. Road and wind noise are decently suppressed. It's a placid place to travel, but it's far from depressing for the driver." We also found that "rear space is tremendous for such a small car. It's an upright and raised position, ideal for kids, but adults will still find plenty of head space, and their feet will fit comfortably into a deep space beneath the front seats. For times when you need more trunk space, the rear bench slides forward at the expense of some legroom."

During a road test of a U.S.-spec model, we noted, "the loft-style interior opens up the cabin, thanks to glass A- to D-pillars that provide a nearly 360-degree view around the car, with excellent forward and backward visibility. The airy cabin plays somewhat of an illusion, as it feels like the car grows around you when you step inside the large door openings… Even models without the optional dual-pane sunroof feel plenty spacious." We liked the 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo-four from the smaller 500 Abarth. "Although it's not as audibly appealing as the scorpion-stamped hatchback's throaty burble," we said, "it does behave similarly with high-revving, short bursts of acceleration. You really have to put the pedal to the metal, though, because throttle response is a tad sluggish."

The 2014 Fiat 500L shares just its engine with the standard 500 Abarth. Four trims are available for different lifestyles. The entry-level Pop model includes bi-halogen headlights with daytime running lights, 16-inch wheels, power windows, air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power locks, and more. The Easy model adds aluminum wheels, tinted rear glass, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a premium audio system. The U.S.-market Trekking model adds more rugged styling to attract athletic and adventurous types. The range-topping Lounge model features fog lights, chrome trim, heated leather front seats, and automatic dual-zone climate control. While the 500L hasn't been tested or evaluated by the NHTSA or IIHS, Fiat says the 500L meets all U.S. legislation and NCAP requirements for front, side, and rear impact zones.

New for 2014

Although the Fiat 500L looks like a stretched 500, the four-door is essentially a new model for 2014 with room for four adults and their stuff. While the 500L is powered by the 500 Abarth's 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder, the 500L steps up to a six-speed manual and is available with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission.

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