2014 FIAT 500L Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The third modern FIAT to hit American streets could be a real charmer if the MINI Countryman's all-wheel drive and pricey tag go too far for you. The aptly named 500L debuts for 2014 and is over 2 feet longer with 2 more doors and nearly twice the interior room of FIAT's original 500, but it still needs premium fuel, style still cramps on certain spaces, and it's only available in a hatchback (for now, perhaps).
In all it's a bit like the also front-wheel-drive Honda Fit, but taken up a notch on almost every other account. Expansively customizable in tasteful style with a smooth yet impressively sporting ride, the 500L also has an expensive diet to match its expensive look and feel.
That said, its disconnected steering feel and standard 16-inch steel wheels (albeit in a myriad of available styles) threaten the 500L's stateside potential. See-through pillars and a flat demeanor through curves—amazing as those are—can only do so much to correct a lack of predictable response when you turn the wheel, and this will certainly be the defining line between the FIAT 500L and the Honda Fit. The Fit's innovative seating arrangements give it the edge in the back seat as well, but it and the MINI Countryman, too, are just as capable people-haulers as the 500L. FIAT certainly expressed the 2-adults-and-a-teen capacity best in its commercial, though.
So the FIAT 500L doesn't quite have the functional versatility of a Fit, but the Fit doesn't have the aesthetic versatility of a 500L, and the Countryman is mostly a more expensive mix of both with yet more options. However, if you're interested in spending less on gas than premium grade at a rate no better than 34 mpg highway as promised for the 500L, the new Chevrolet Spark performs similarly at no worse than 30 mpg city on the regular stuff, with decent steering response, too—but the 500L offers a lot more choices and roughly twice the Spark's trunk space.
Folding down the rear seats in a 500L opens up a very modest 45 cubic feet, but even with those seats up and in use, 23 cavernous cubes remain for cargo. Loaded up with features like a 5-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity with an SMS text reader standard, the 500L offers a fantastic mix of comfort, space, technology and power for even very long trips, so long as you have a driving enthusiast at the wheel.
This turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder loves to be driven hard, like an Audi engine, directing 160 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automated manual for a very engaging experience, as opposed to completely effortless. Those who don't necessarily love to drive for the sake of driving probably shouldn't take any 500L cross-country, but the top-shelf Lounge is made for that "automatic" transmission and going the distance.
Without any option for all-wheel drive, this mini crossover ute isn't exactly made for rugged conditions. Although the upper-middle Trekking trim comes with 17-inch wheels and just enough of a re-skin for an edgier look, that's not to be confused with any kind of prowess on an unpaved path. Otherwise the base Pop and lower-middle Easy trims are set up similarly to the original 500's base Pop and a less-extravagant 500 Lounge, with the same exceptionally vast array of customizations and upgrades available almost anywhere in the lineup.
Published May 31, 2022 by Patricia Mayo
User reviews for 2014 FIAT 500L
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Arnold B
Dec 14, 2024
Love the design and pricing the car color is outstanding.Dec 14, 2024
by Luis M
May 16, 2024
Great car
low mileage
takes me to work and back May 16, 2024
by Jeff F
Feb 12, 2024
Turbo power in a 4-door package.
1.4L multiair is a very nice motor.
No better fun per dollar as a well maintained daily driver imo.Feb 12, 2024
User rating:
by Arnold B
Dec 14, 2024
Love the design and pricing the car color is outstanding.Dec 14, 2024
by Luis M
May 16, 2024
Great car
low mileage
takes me to work and back May 16, 2024
by Jeff F
Feb 12, 2024
Turbo power in a 4-door package.
1.4L multiair is a very nice motor.
No better fun per dollar as a well maintained daily driver imo.Feb 12, 2024
by Mo M
Nov 18, 2022
Shes got the looks! 38000miles of hills,beaches and city streets later, when the gas climbs to 7bucks a gallon, you realize what a neat little all in one package you landed :)
The music system is best in class, the boot space with foldable seats will fit a bear. I loved that it had spare tire and jack..moon roof, back up cam, sensors....
Cons: full synthetic oil changes are pricier but well worth the throttle grrrrr... :) Nov 18, 2022
by Anonymous
Aug 05, 2022
I LOVED this car! So much room especially if you’re tall, lots of head room. Drove it to 130,000 miles with no significant issues. Traded in for a 500x, wish the 500L was still around. Aug 05, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 25, 2022
Nice sporty interior, large sunroof is awesome. Has a decent amount of space for a 5 passenger! Smooth drive and not bad looking. Middle driver arm rest is right above stick shift making it awkward but overall a nice little ride!Jul 25, 2022
by Morrissa A
May 09, 2022
Excellent Vehicle, great value for the money spent, gas consumption is good as well.May 09, 2022
by George G
Mar 18, 2022
My 2014 fiat 500L just turned 191k miles with no major repairs. Reliable and rugged and fun to drive. Great car. Mar 18, 2022
by Anonymous
Nov 29, 2021
I loved it when I drove it home, but only got to drive it for 2 days before it died. Very disappointed. Will have it towed to the shop tomorrow morning. Perhaps once I am able to actually drive it, I will give it a better review.Nov 29, 2021
by Destiny J
Oct 22, 2021
The car is very shookup and idles poorly. The car should be valued way less.Oct 22, 2021
by Theresa A
Jun 02, 2021
Good economy small car with lots of room too Jun 02, 2021
by Kathy C
May 12, 2021
Mini Cooper
I would add the panoramic sunroof then it would be perfect May 12, 2021
by Darcel C
Feb 06, 2021
I would say the manufacturer should stand behind its recalls.Feb 06, 2021
by Anonymous
Feb 05, 2021
i love my new fiat 500L. nice interior and i love the shape. Feb 05, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 27, 2020
Agréable à conduire, performante , très confortable, spacieuse et bonne tenue de route. Je la recommande. Dec 27, 2020
by Sandy M
Nov 15, 2020
I like the car, just that color is not for me.Nov 15, 2020
by Steve S
Oct 24, 2013
This is a fun car. Fiats answer to the Mini Cooper Countryman for which I also own. Not quite the CM but very nice anyhow. For some strange reasons Fiat forgot how to make spare tires that fit their 500L and the only other option that fits costs $1350. REALLY FIAT????
That aside, I would recommend the car.
Oh and great visibility via the dual pillars. Nice Panoramic.
Only 300 miles and still trying to resolve the NO SPARE issue so I'm sure I'll have updates to add. Thus far, lovin it!Oct 24, 2013
by Anonymous
Oct 16, 2013
Like everything about this little car. Feels like am driving in Europe. I can't say enough about Fiat or Fiat of Fresno. They Trekking Trim is sporty and very much an eye catcher. Always being asked about this car when out and about. Would recommend to anyone. Price point is just right.Oct 16, 2013
What users have asked
Tranmission light with an exclamation point, what is it?
I have a transmission light illuminated with an exclamation point in the middle. Can't find it in the books. I also have no readout on the external temp reader. Ideas?
22 views
How to reset oil change light
On a Fiat 500L the oil change light needs to be reset. How do I do that?
1635 views
Trunk Stuck Shut
My 2014 Fiat 500L Trunk is stuck shut and won't open. I've tried unlocking it multiple times and even when I can get in the other doors the hatch will not budge. Is there a way to manually open this? What could this be caused by? I took it to National Tire and Battery and they couldn't figure it out, mentioning to take it to the dealership.
4566 views
why dont dealers take down cars that have old well over a week ago ???
Haims motors of hollywood florida ha s a car sold over two weeks
7 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2014 FIAT 500L?Compare this car
2014 FIAT 500L Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,195 to $24,395Price range
$6,571 to $7,342Average price on CG
$6,571YoY price change
$7,324 to $6,571Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 6
Engine
Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: chrome · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Uconnect · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer