2018 Fiat 500X

Fiat's sole crossover model, the 500X, is back for its third model year with a few trim changes.

Among them is the Uconnect 4 infotainment system, which combines a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Other tech updates include SiriusXM Travel Link and Traffic Plus functionality, which allow the optional navigation system to provide guidance based on traffic patterns and data services like weather forecasts and fuel prices.

Four trims are available, called Pop, Sport, Trekking and Lounge and the entry-level Pop model can be optioned with AWD for the first time this year. All trims start as front-drivers, with Pop, Sport and Trekking powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine (160 hp/184 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed manual transmission. Those three can optioned with AWD that comes with a 2.4L engine (180 hp/175 lb-ft) and a nine-speed automatic transmission, while Lounge models come standard with that engine and the nine-speed, leaving AWD as the only powertrain option.

Fuel consumption estimates are 9.5/7.1 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 1.4L engine and FWD, 10.7/7.7 with the 2.4L and FWD and 11.0/8.0 L/100 km with 2.4L and AWD.

The 500X is among the most stylish compact crossovers you'll find thanks to its interpretation of the tiny 500 hatchback's iconic look. While it's more distinctive than many of its competitors, a price higher than the class average probably keeps it from being more popular, and its relatively hefty curb weight contributes to higher fuel consumption than we expect.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning, Uconnect 4 with seven-inch touchscreen, power windows, 16-inch steel wheels, electric parking brake and backup camera.

Sport trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, sliding front armrest, passive keyless entry, leather-trimmed shifter and steering wheel and a height-adjustable cargo floor. Trekking brings a customizable gauge cluster display, premium cloth seating and metallic interior trim.

Lounge is the first place heated front seats join the standard features list, and it also adds dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel, cargo cover, leather seats, rear park assist, eight-speaker stereo and a 12-way power front seat.

A cold weather option package brings heated seats to the Sport and Trekking models, navigation and a panoramic sunroof are options in Sport, Trekking and Lounge models and the top two models can be had with 18-inch wheels and a dynamic safety group that includes automatic high beams, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning with lane keep assist and rain-sensing wipers.