“Car is exciting and brings you back to yesteryear. I learned how to drive on a Fiat 500 and now I made full circle with this Fiat 500?Abarth. I feel young again !!”
2016 FIAT 500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2016, the FIAT 500 gets a light update led by standard Uconnect 5.0 infotainment with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and voice command across the regular lineup. It is not a redesign, and the main mechanical pieces carry over.
About the 2016 FIAT 500
First U.S.-market generation (2012-2019), late-cycle update year after the infotainment refresh.
FIAT positions the 500 as a tiny Italian city car built around personality, easy maneuverability and style. The appeal is not maximum space or straight-line speed; it is the combination of compact dimensions, cheerful design, hatchback practicality and a distinctly different feel from mainstream small cars. In higher trims, FIAT layers in either extra comfort or a sportier edge, but the core identity is still an urban-friendly runabout with a lot of visual character.
The 2016 range runs from the straightforward Pop to the new comfort-focused Easy, while Sport adds a firmer suspension and sportier trim. Turbo brings a 135-hp turbocharged engine, and Lounge emphasizes comfort with leather-trimmed heated front seats, automatic climate control and rear parking sensors. The 1957 Edition stands apart with retro wheels, badging and brown leather-trimmed seats.
What changed, by category
Tech and equipment
Uconnect 5.0 with a 5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth and voice command becomes standard across the regular 500 lineup. The Turbo’s alarm system also becomes standard.
Lineup structure
The comfort-focused Easy trim joins the range between Pop and Sport, while the Ribelle trim leaves the lineup.
Cabin equipment
Leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats become standard on the Lounge.
2016 FIAT 500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4T | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4L | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, 1.4L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick | Auto, 6-Spd AutoStick |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33–34 mpg | 33–34 mpg | 34 mpg | 32 mpg | 33–34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Horsepower | 101 hp | 101 hp | 101 hp | 135 hp | 101 hp | 101 hp |
| Torque | 97 lb-ft | 97 lb-ft | 97 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 97 lb-ft | 97 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 5.4–9.5 cu-ft | 5.4–9.5 cu-ft | 9.5 cu-ft | 9.5 cu-ft | 5.4–9.5 cu-ft | 9.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in | 31.7 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| AM/FM Radio | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 FIAT 500?
The biggest change is standard Uconnect 5.0 infotainment across the regular 2016 FIAT 500 lineup. It uses a 5-inch touchscreen and includes Bluetooth and voice command.
Did the FIAT 500 trim lineup change for 2016?
Yes. The comfort-focused Easy trim joins the 2016 lineup between Pop and Sport, while the Ribelle trim is dropped.
Is the 2016 FIAT 500 a redesign?
No. The 2016 FIAT 500 remains part of the same U.S.-market generation and receives a light technology and trim update rather than a full redesign.
What equipment became standard on the 2016 FIAT 500 Lounge and Turbo?
The 2016 Lounge makes leather-trimmed seats and heated front seats standard, while the Turbo makes its alarm system standard.
Did the 2016 FIAT 500 receive a major engine change?
No. The regular lineup remains mechanically familiar, with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine on most trims and a 135-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter engine in the Turbo.
2016 FIAT 500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 FIAT 500.
4.2
2016 FIAT 500
(90 reviews)
“Fun to drive, great pick up, comfortable front seats, back seat is tight, radio turns on in car when started even if you turn it off before turning the car off. that is an annoying feature”
“It's great, mileage could be a little better, charge time could be a little less”