The Fiat 500X is a subcompact crossover, in the same arena as the Buick Encore and Encore GX, Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-3, and the Jeep Renegade (which shares a platform with the Fiat). There are no changes of note for the 2021 model year.

All 500Xs are powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter inline-four engine with start/stop, capable of 177 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) also come standard. Fuel economy rings in at 24 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined on regular fuel.

Fiat spreads the 500X’s options across Pop, Trekking, Sport, and Trekking Plus trim levels. The base 500X Pop comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, keyless access and start, halogen projector headlights, LED taillights, a rear spoiler, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system. You can scale the trim ladder to get features like fog lights, premium wheels, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED projector headlights, leather seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, navigation, and an eight-speaker audio system.

Safety-wise, the only feature standard on the 500X is a federally-mandated reversing camera. Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and lane-departure warning are optional. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ran the 500X through minimal crash testing last year, awarding it top “good” scores for roof strength and front crash prevention, but a “poor” headlight rating.

The 500X puts Italian flair on a practical, small package.