“I love this car which is why I'm into my 3rd. But the city gas mileage stinks for a car so small. BUT, I live in the city and work in the city and I can park this car anywhere. The size is great and it is great to drive in the hills near me”
2019 FIAT 500: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 FIAT 500 received a light trim update centered on the Retro special edition. The Retro Cabrio joined the lineup, while the hatchback’s 1957 Retro Edition continued under the shorter Retro name; the rest of the car saw no major changes.
About the 2019 FIAT 500
1st U.S.-market generation (2012-2019), final model year in the United States.
FIAT positioned the 500 as a tiny Italian city car built around style, charm, and easy maneuverability rather than space or straight-line speed. Its core appeal was simple: a compact footprint for urban driving, playful design that stood apart from ordinary small cars, and just enough tech and comfort to make it usable every day. Against rivals, the 500 sold personality first, then open-air Cabrio fun and upscale trim choices second.
The 2019 500 remained a tiny, city-friendly hatchback or soft-top Cabrio, with Pop trims emphasizing simple fun and Lounge versions adding more comfort. Pop featured a turbo engine, sport-tuned suspension, a 5-inch touchscreen, and a 7-inch driver display, while Lounge added heated leather-trimmed seats, automatic climate control, and rear parking sensors. Retro models leaned into the car’s heritage with vintage FIAT badges, ivory door trim, and an ivory-and-brown leather steering wheel.
What changed, by category
Styling
The hatchback’s 1957 Retro Edition continued under the shorter Retro name. Retro Cabrio joined the lineup as the prior 1957 Retro Edition Cabrio was dropped, retaining the open-air model’s 1957-inspired theme with vintage badging and heritage-style cabin trim.
2019 FIAT 500 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, MultiAir, Turbo, 1.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd w/AutoStick | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD | Automatic, 6-Spd HD |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 135 hp | 135 hp | 135 hp | 135 hp | 135 hp | 135 hp |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.5 cu-ft | 9.5 cu-ft | 9.5 cu-ft | 5.4 cu-ft | 5.4 cu-ft | 5.4 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 | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 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 2019 FIAT 500?
The biggest change is a reshuffling of the Retro special edition. The hatchback’s 1957 Retro Edition became the Retro, while Retro Cabrio joined as the prior 1957 Retro Edition Cabrio left the lineup.
Was the 2019 FIAT 500 redesigned?
No, the 2019 FIAT 500 was not redesigned. Its hatchback and Cabrio body styles, basic structure, cabin technology, and core trim walk carried over.
Did the 2019 FIAT 500 get a new engine?
No, the regular 2019 FIAT 500 kept its 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Pop and Lounge models retained a five-speed manual transmission as standard and a six-speed automatic as an option.
Did the 2019 FIAT 500 receive new safety features?
No, the 2019 FIAT 500 received no broad safety-system upgrade. Rear parking sensors remained dependent on the trim.
Was 2019 the final year for the FIAT 500 in the United States?
Yes, 2019 was the final U.S. model year for the gas-powered FIAT 500 hatchback and 500C Cabrio from this generation.
2019 FIAT 500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 FIAT 500.
4.1
2019 FIAT 500
(47 reviews)
“It's a great size for the city and has a short charge time with enough mileage to get you where you need to go. Also it's electric so you'll be one less people damaging the environment.”