In its “Used Cars to Avoid” roundup, U.S. News & World Report rated the 2020 Fiat 500L at 6.4 out of 10, considering its reliability scores, crash test results, owner satisfaction ratings, and long-term ownership costs — areas where the 500L fell short compared to many competitors. Initially, in 2020, the Fiat 500L’s price began at $23,995 for the Pop model and climbed to $26,140 for the fully equipped Lounge trim. As of 2025, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) lists the used market price from $13,464 for a Pop model to $15,953 for a Lounge.
Despite its relatively low cost, KBB ranks the 500L behind the Hyundai Venue and Nissan Kicks. In KBB’s rankings of the top subcompact SUVs of 2020, the Fiat 500L lands at #14, whereas the 2020 Hyundai Venue is at #4 and the 2020 Nissan Kicks at #6. Although the 500L boasts a spacious cargo area, its cabin is composed of low-quality materials and the seating is uncomfortable, making the extra space less appealing.
RepairPal estimates the annual repair costs for the 500L to be approximately $640, compared to an average of $521 for its class. This suggests owners are likely to spend more time and money at the mechanic than they would with most rivals. If design is a priority, the 500L’s retro looks and vibrant color options might catch your eye. However, reviews clearly indicate that style doesn’t conceal its shortcomings. Alternatively, consider affordable hybrid cars under $15,000.
Choppy ride and sluggish performance
The 2020 Fiat 500L’s suspension is rigid, resulting in a bumpy and rough ride unless you stick to smooth roads. Edmunds highlights that the ride becomes jostled and unsettled on typical pavement, making longer journeys tiring. Additionally, the car’s acceleration is sluggish — its engine takes a while to gain speed, which can make merging or passing feel laborious.
Car and Driver rated the 500L at 4.5 out of 10 based on a hands-on road test that assessed acceleration, braking, ride comfort, and handling. Reviewers found the throttle response slow and the ride uncomfortably firm. They also noted the 1.4-liter engine takes about eight seconds to reach 60 miles per hour, and its six-speed automatic shifts roughly. The slow acceleration and jerky transmission make merging onto highways or passing other vehicles feel tense instead of smooth.
You might expect a small wagon like the 500L to have better fuel efficiency, but the EPA rates it at only 25 miles per gallon (mpg) combined, according to Edmunds. In comparison, 2020 Hyundai Venue models achieve about 32 mpg combined, and the 2020 Nissan Kicks manages 33 mpg combined. This makes the 500L one of the “thirstiest” in its category, similar to a used 2021 Toyota Tundra.
Cheap cabin, outdated safety
The Fiat 500L may appear compact on the outside, but its interior is disappointing. Car and Driver mentions it provides minimal support; suitable for short trips but uncomfortable on longer journeys. Furthermore, the car’s tech features are basic at best. Many 2020 vehicles include some modern driver-assistance features. For example, the 2020 Honda Civic comes with Honda Sensing® on every model, which can automatically adjust your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, nudge your car back into its lane if you drift, warn you if you’re about to collide with something, and help prevent you from veering off the road. In contrast, the Fiat 500L only offers a rearview camera.
Even on the top trims, it doesn’t provide automatic speed control, lane-drift correction, collision warnings, or side-view alerts. There are used cars available that offer some of these features for $10,000 or less. Crash tests also raise significant concerns. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted a crash test simulating a collision with just the front corner of the driver’s side. In that “small overlap front” test, the 2020 Fiat 500L received a “Poor” score — IIHS’s lowest rating. Vehicles that score “Good” in this test are about 12% less likely to experience a fatal frontal crash, which means a “Poor” rating carries a higher risk of death in a similar collision. In summary, avoid the 2020 Fiat 500L when shopping for a sub-compact SUV in 2025.
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