FIAT 500L

Several Fiats share the 500 name, so let's clear up any confusion. The standard Fiat 500 is a small two-door hatchback, the 500X is a crossover SUV with a bit of a rugged image, and the 2020 Fiat 500L is a wagon. Compared to its siblings, the 500L is more spacious and practical. Unfortunately, that's where the relatively short list of virtues worth extolling runs out.

Few automakers make small wagons anymore, so perhaps Fiat deserves some credit for the 500L. But compared to the latest batch of small crossovers, the 500L is decidedly dated. The interior materials are particularly disappointing, with lots of hard plastic dominating the cabin. Once you're rolling, the 500L is loud and uncomfortable on the highway. What's more, the 500L's price isn't low enough to make it a true bargain.

We like what Fiat's trying to accomplish with its 500L. But if you take some time to test drive more recently redesigned crossovers such as the Kia Soul, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona, you'll get an immediate sense of where the Fiat 500L falls flat.

Which 500L does MatoCar recommend?

The 2020 Fiat 500L is a four-door compact wagon available in three trim levels: Pop, Trekking and Lounge. Every Fiat 500L is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine (160 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) that powers the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The base-level Pop comes with features such as heated mirrors, 60/40-split folding rear seats that slide fore and aft, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Stepping up to the Trekking level gets you quite a bit more, including unique body panels and trim with a rugged theme. It also adds LED ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a seven-speaker BeatsAudio system, navigation and satellite radio.

Topping things off is the Lounge, which comes with just about all of the 500L's features as standard. It has everything from the Trekking plus painted wheels, chrome trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control.