Fiat 500X Configurator Goes Live with a $20K Starting Price

Fiat 500X (Credit: © Fiat)

The Fiat 500X may not be the world’s most exciting car, but it certainly fits that growing niche of buyers who need a little extra cargo room and ride height, but don’t necessarily want a large SUV. Basically, the 500X is one massive compromise between a hatchback and a small SUV that shares nearly everything but its body with the Jeep Renegade. For folks who may be interested in this perched hatchback, Fiat has launched the full configurator, allowing you to build and price your 500X till you’re blue in the face.

Along with the configurator come all of the pricing details, and I must admit that I am a tad put off by how high the numbers are. The base 2016 500X Pop starts out at a rather steep $20,900 with front-wheel drive. Moving up from the base model, the Easy trim runs $22,300; the Trekking trim runs $23,100; the Lounge chimes in at $24,850; and the range-topping Trekking Plus starts from $27,100. All-wheel drive is available on every trim but Pop for an extra $1,900.

Fiat 500X (Credit: © Fiat)

Granted, the new Fiat 500X is [ahem] “cute,” but so are kittens and I refuse to pay $20k for one of those too. The compact SUV realm is steadily growing, and with larger models like the CX-5 and Rogue starting out at $21,545 and $20,150, respectively, it’ll be tough for the 500X to compete with the smaller and cheaper SUVs set to debut later this year. The two smaller SUVs in question include the Honda HR-V and the Mazda CX-3.

Then again, Fiat and Mini buyers are of a different breed and are willing to make some sacrifices in the name of driving one of these unique-looking cars. So, I guess I can chalk this up as “if you build it, they will come” sort of pricing. Carry on, Fiat fans, you can go build your own model here.