2019 Fiat 500X: New Engine, New Standard Equipment, Same Overall Look

Having already revealed the updated European version, Fiat is unveiling North America’s take on the facelifted 500X. While the subcompact crossover’s official LA Auto Show debut isn’t for another day or so, FCA decided not to sit on it. Likely a wise move, as the model will assuredly be overshadowed by higher profile vehicles appearing later this week.

As with its European counterpart, the North American changes are barely noticeable. While Fiat says the exterior has been updated, with new fascias incorporating LED running lights, the tweaks aren’t immediately apparent to onlookers. In fact, most are unlikely to notice any significant changes to the model before climbing into the driver’s seat or spending some time with a corporate dossier outlining all the alterations.

Fortunately, we can give you the abridged version — a list that includes standard all-wheel drive and a new engine.

The 2019 Fiat 500X’s adoption of a Euro-spec powerplant swaps the old, base 1.4-liter unit (160 hp, 184 lb-ft) for a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. It also appears to scrap the manual option, as FCA has decided to pair the engine with a sole nine-speed automatic gearbox and driveline disconnect to pare down fuel consumption.

Trims have also been culled, with the Lounge variant vanishing from the lineup. The 500X can now be had in the entry-level Pop, “rugged” Trekking, or flashy Trekking Plus trim. Your choice between the three is largely dependent on how interested you are in a “lifestyle vehicle,” as Fiat has made most desirable equipment standard for 2019.

New 500X buyers will be pleased to learn FCA updated the vehicle’s instrumentation to include a central 3.5-inch digital display while maintaining the 7-inch Uconnect infotainment system (which comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM).

Navigation remains an optional extra, however, as are the LED headlamps the manufacturer is making a sizable fuss over. According to the automaker, the lights add a football field-worth of forward visibility at 56 mph. That’s apparently good for roughly 4 seconds of added time to spot obstacles in the dark vs the standard halogen units. They’re also said to be vastly more energy efficient, if you were worried about that. Shoppers can also add Bluetooth connectivity and a BeatsAudio premium sound system for some extra coin.

While the visual redesign isn’t particularly ambitious (the fog lamps are round… wow), Fiat appears to be building a better base model by most metrics. However, this results in a significant price increase. The starting MSRP for the 2019 Fiat 500X is now $25,785 with destination.

That’s quite a bit more than last year’s pre-destination base price of $19,995. However, you are getting more standard equipment and a new, fuel-sipping powertrain that looks comparable (if not superior) to the 2.4-liter Tigershark that’s available for the current model year. Still, if you’re seriously concerned with pinching pennies, we advise you to examine the 2019 Jeep Renegade — which also adopts the 1.3-liter turbo and starts about two grand cheaper than the Fiat, despite basically being the same car.

[Images: FCA]