“That it is fun to drive, has good fuel economy, and you sit very high in the seats”
FIAT 500L: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The FIAT 500L is a tall, five-seat everyday hatchback that combines city-friendly dimensions with the passenger and cargo room of a small wagon. It is known for its upright, airy cabin, flexible interior, and distinctive Italian styling.
The 500L was the practical, family-friendly member of the FIAT 500 family. Throughout its 2014-2020 U.S. run, it put space, easy access, and everyday usefulness ahead of sporty performance. Its tall roof, large windows, and flexible rear-seat and cargo layout gave it a more open and versatile feel than its modest footprint suggests.
Strengths
- The tall roof and upright cabin create useful passenger space without giving the 500L a large footprint.
- Big windows make the cabin feel airy and help the driver see out easily.
- Flexible rear seating and a wagon-like cargo area make it practical for groceries, luggage, and family gear.
- Wide, easy-to-reach openings help passengers get in and out without much fuss.
- Models from the 2018 refresh onward have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a 7-inch touchscreen.
- Its rounded shape and Italian styling give it more visual character than many practical hatchbacks.
Who it's for
It suits city and suburban shoppers who want more room than a typical small hatchback without moving to a larger vehicle. It makes the most sense for small families, couples carrying bulky gear, or anyone who values easy entry, good outward visibility, and flexible cargo space more than quick performance or all-wheel drive.
FIAT 500L lineup
Pop served as the core 500L throughout its U.S. run, making it the straightforward place to start. Trekking brought a more distinctive trim personality and later provided the basis for the style-focused Urbana, which added blackout details and, in 2019, copper-colored interior accents. Lounge sat at the upper end of the trim ladder and received the six-speed automatic earlier than most versions. Early used examples may also appear as Easy models, but the range was simplified to Pop, Trekking, and Lounge for 2017 before Urbana returned in later years.
FIAT 500L generations
From 2014 to 2020, the 500L spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2014.
1st Generation (2014–2020)
The 500L arrived in the U.S. as a taller, roomier five-door companion to the smaller 500. This front-wheel-drive, five-seat model used a 1.4-liter turbo engine throughout its run, with a broad styling and cabin refresh for 2018.
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2020
Carryover year with the same engine, automatic transmission, and basic trim structure. This was the final U.S. model year.
2019Trim changes
The Trekking-based Urbana Edition returned with dark exterior trim and copper-colored cabin accents.
2018Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, a reworked cabin, and a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2017Trim changes
The lineup was reduced to Pop, Trekking, and Lounge. A six-speed automatic became standard across the range.
2016
Carryover year with the same body, front-wheel-drive layout, turbo engine, and general trim structure.
2015Trim changes
The Urbana Trekking special edition joined the lineup. A six-speed automatic also spread to more trims and was standard on Lounge.
2014New generation
U.S. debut of the 500L as a roomy five-door model with five seats, a 1.4-liter turbo engine, and front-wheel drive.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the FIAT 500L.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FIAT 500L basically a bigger FIAT 500?
Yes. The FIAT 500L is a taller, roomier five-door relative of the smaller 500. It seats five and puts much more emphasis on easy access, passenger space and flexible cargo carrying.
Is the FIAT 500L an SUV or a hatchback?
It is a tall hatchback, not a traditional SUV. Its upright shape and rugged-looking Trekking trim give it some crossover flavor, but every U.S. 500L has front-wheel drive.
What is the FIAT 500L known for?
The FIAT 500L is known for fitting a roomy, flexible cabin into a relatively small footprint. Its tall roof, large windows, sliding and folding rear seat, and adjustable cargo shelf make everyday hauling easier.
Who is the FIAT 500L a good fit for?
It suits city drivers and small families who want easy entry, seating for five and useful cargo flexibility without a large vehicle. Its appeal is space and visibility rather than strong performance or off-road ability.
How many generations of the FIAT 500L were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one FIAT 500L generation, covering the 2014 through 2020 model years. A 2018 update revised the styling and cabin technology, and 2020 was its final U.S. model year.
Is the FIAT 500L a hybrid?
No. Every U.S. FIAT 500L uses a gasoline-powered 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. No hybrid or electric 500L was offered in the U.S. lineup described here.
Does the FIAT 500L have all-wheel drive?
No. Every U.S. FIAT 500L is front-wheel drive. Even the tougher-looking Trekking and Urbana versions use the same basic road-focused layout rather than all-wheel drive.
FIAT 500L Reviews
What owners are saying about the FIAT 500L.
4.2
FIAT 500L
(351 reviews)
“The car is amazing. It's compact but extremely spacious inside. Very stylish and comfortable. Fuel economy is pretty good, the transmission is a bit rough but this type just tends to shift a bit more aggressively. Handling is also awesome. I get huge compliments from everyone on this car.”
“I really do love the car. It has been great from the beginning and I have enjoyed it more and more. Took a trip this past weekend to central Oregon with three friends and the 500 L was perfect. Comfortable, quiet, handled great even in the mountains. I LOVE my new 500 L The styling inside and out. The more I drive it the more I like it.”
“I am very happy with my new Fiat 500L except for one item under the comfort category. The arm rest on the door is not the same height as the arm rest between the seats. This gets very uncomfortable on longer trips leaning from one side to the other.”
“I was disappointed in the mileage. My biggest problem is not having automatic headlights. Have had them for years and sometimes forget to actually turn them on. Dangerous! Otherwise, I love the car, so cute and fun.”
“Love the windows all around the new car. My old fiat had blind spots and was hard to back out of a parking space.”