Being a part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, it shouldn’t come as a surprise the losses Fiat posts on the 500X are covered by Jeep with the Renegade. It’s this parasitic synergy that allows FCA to prosper even though a lot of the automaker’s products aren’t in with the “in” crowd.
“Our first batch of new Italian-designed, fun-to-drive 2019 Fiat 500X small crossovers are just starting to arrive,” declared Steve Beahm, head of passenger car brands in North America. “Customers will soon be able to experience and enjoy the all-new turbocharged 1.3-liter engine with class-leading torque, standard all-wheel-drive capability, and a host of new safety and technology features.”
Guess what? The 1.3-liter turbo with 177 horsepower falls behind the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated that comes standard in the Renegade, packing 184 ponies and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 1.3 can be had in the Jeep too, translating to an alternative for customers who demand more torque than the Tigershark MultiAir 2 has to offer.
Both nameplates are manufactured at the Melfi assembly plant in Italy, and both come with engine stop/start as standard. Redesigned fascias, nearly 70 safety and security features, and three trim levels are the highlights of the 500X for the 2019 model year.
The entry-level Pop features 17-inch aluminum wheels, projector headlamps, and leatherette on the steering wheel and gear-shift knob. The Trekking, priced at $27,490, is better equipped with things such as 12 months of SiriusXM Radio and the 3.5-inch color TFT cluster screen. At the other end of the scale, the Trekking Plus starts at $30,690 and features the Uconnect 4 infotainment, ParkSense Front, automatic temperature control, and turn-by-turn satellite navigation.
