2021 Fiat 500X — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2021 Fiat 500X

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $25,880–$34,880
Fuel Economy 25 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,100/yr
The 2021 Fiat 500X scores 6.4/10 at Carivo, ranking #2417 of 2454 suvs, with 1 NHTSA recall on record and an estimated $2,100/year fuel cost.

Key Specifications — 2021 Fiat 500X

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$25,880–$34,880

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2021 Fiat 500X

Our scoring places the 2021 Fiat 500X at 6.4/10 overall, which translates to a Fair rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.3/10, while Reliability at 5.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 5.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $25,880–$34,880, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Fiat 500X sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: Based on our scoring, the 2021 Fiat 500X underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2021 Fiat 500X ranks #2417 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 2% of the segment. Its 6.4/10 overall score is 1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $25,880 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 28%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

5-Year Cost Snapshot — 2021 Fiat 500X

Fuel (75,000 miles)~$10,500 ($2,100/year at $3.50/gal)
Recall repairs$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
InsuranceVaries widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying

We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.

Which 500X Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2018 Fiat 500X scores 6.2/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.4 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.4/10$26,780 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$26,000 Read review →
2023 6.5/10$27,586 Read review →
2022 6.4/10$26,733 Read review →
2021 (this review) 6.4/10$25,880
2020 6.4/10$25,027 Read review →
2019 6.3/10$24,174 Read review →
2018 6.2/10$23,320 Read review →
2017 6.1/10$22,467 Read review →
2016 6.1/10$21,614 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2021 Fiat 500X

✓ What it does well

  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
  • Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability

✗ Where it falls short

  • Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Fiat 500X (1 on record)

The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.

Air bags / Frontal
03/07/2024 · 24V510000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia, 2018-2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, 2019-2023 Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and 2024 Fiat 500E vehicles. A seat belt buckle switch sensor may be improperly connected, preventing the front seat…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

Own a 2021 Fiat 500X that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →

Common Questions — 2021 Fiat 500X

Is the 2021 Fiat 500X reliable?

We rate the 2021 Fiat 500X's reliability 5.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).

How many recalls does the 2021 Fiat 500X have?

1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Is the 2021 Fiat 500X worth buying?

It scores 6.4/10 overall, ranking #2417 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 2% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2021 Fiat 500X cost?

The 2021 Fiat 500X starts at $25,880 and ranges up to $34,880 across trims (MSRP when new). At 25 MPG, expect roughly $2,100/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Which 500X years should you avoid?

Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest 500X years we've rated are 2017 (6.1/10), 2016 (6.1/10), 2018 (6.2/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.

What problems does the 2021 Fiat 500X have?

The documented issues for the 2021 Fiat 500X are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.

Owner Essentials — Fiat 500X

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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