“It is roomy and the ride is nice. Gas mileage is great and even better at highway speed and drives. The seats fold to make a larger cargo area in rear, while the hatch/ lift-gate is easy to open and close. Fun to drive. Small economical station wagon.”
2016 FIAT 500L: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 FIAT 500L is a light-update year, led by a touchscreen becoming standard on Easy, Trekking, Urbana Trekking, and Lounge trims. Otherwise, the engine, transmissions, styling, safety equipment, and basic structure carry over.
About the 2016 FIAT 500L
1st generation (2014-2020 U.S.), third model year, pre-refresh
FIAT positions the 500L as the roomy, family-friendly member of the 500 lineup. Its core identity is a small-footprint hatchback with an upright cabin, flexible rear seating, generous glass area, and distinctive Italian styling. Against more conventional compact hatchbacks, the 500L stands out for its airy seating position, easy outward visibility, and cargo-friendly interior layout that makes it more like a tall city wagon than a typical small car.
The 2016 500L is a tall, roomy five-seat hatchback offered in several distinct styles. Pop covers the basics with a 5-inch touchscreen, Easy adds everyday comfort touches, Trekking brings rugged-looking body trim, Urbana Trekking adds dark styling and BeatsAudio, and Lounge focuses on comfort with heated leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone climate control, and parking aids.
What changed, by category
Tech
The touchscreen changed from optional to standard on Easy, Trekking, Urbana Trekking, and Lounge. Pop already had a standard 5-inch touchscreen, so every 2016 trim has one as standard equipment.
2016 FIAT 500L specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 160 hp | 160 hp | 160 hp | 160 hp | 160 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft | 184 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 22.4 cu-ft | 22.4 cu-ft | 22.4 cu-ft | 22.4 cu-ft | 22.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in | 36.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual Power Lumbar Support Front Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main change to the 2016 FIAT 500L?
The main change is expanded standard touchscreen equipment. Easy, Trekking, Urbana Trekking, and Lounge moved from an optional touchscreen to a standard one, while the rest of the vehicle largely carried over.
Is the 2016 FIAT 500L a redesign?
No, the 2016 FIAT 500L is not a redesign. It keeps the same tall five-seat hatchback body, front-wheel-drive layout, 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, and basic trim structure as the previous year.
Did the 2016 FIAT 500L get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2016 FIAT 500L did not receive a lineup-wide engine or transmission change. Its trims continue with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the existing transmission choices.
Does every 2016 FIAT 500L have a touchscreen?
Yes, every 2016 FIAT 500L trim has a standard touchscreen. Pop has a 5-inch touchscreen, while the touchscreen became standard rather than optional on Easy, Trekking, Urbana Trekking, and Lounge.
Which 2016 FIAT 500L trim has the most comfort features?
Lounge is the most comfort-focused 2016 FIAT 500L trim. It has heated leather-trimmed front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and an auto-dimming mirror.
2016 FIAT 500L Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 FIAT 500L.
3.8
2016 FIAT 500L
(13 reviews)
“I love my little Fiat. The only thing that I would look for different in it is to get wheels and tires instead of hubcaps.”
“That it is fun to drive, has good fuel economy, and you sit very high in the seats”