The FIAT brand has struggled to get momentum since returning to our shores in 2012. Unfortunately, for the Italian automaker, the demand in North America for subcompact city cars is at its lowest point ever. The FIAT 500 is a famous nameplate, especially in Europe, and FIAT aims for this new generation, which has been entirely redesigned to tackle the latest EVs. Let's jump into it without further ado: our test model is the FIAT (500e) RED with an MSRP of $42,190 and is built at the Turin ITA plant.
Design-wise, the FIAT 500e has retained its iconic bulbous shape, with rounded headlights and a smiley lower bumper, all reminiscent of its storied past. While the absence of the FIAT logo is interesting, the emphasis is on the 500 as a lifestyle brand, like the MINI Cooper at the beginning of the new millennium. On the sides, the door handles are now seamlessly integrated into the doors to minimize drag. The 17-inch black aluminum wheels and red side mirrors add a vibrant touch to the car's overall profile. In the back, we can find the traditional hatch area with the updated FIAT logo, LED taillights, and rear spoiler. You might not see the changes from afar, but the modifications become apparent quickly when you get up close.
The most significant updates to the 500e are inside the cabin, where the seats, dashboard, and infotainment display have all been refreshed. Red accents on the seats and red plastic trim on the dashboard inject a lively vibe to the interior. As you move to the door panels, you'll notice that opening the door requires pressing a button. Don't worry; a manual release button is near the speaker at the bottom. The steering wheel is comfortably large and equipped with all essential controls. Notably, the gear lever has been relocated—FIAT took inspiration from Lincoln and positioned it in the center, beneath the wireless charger, within easy reach of the driver. The 7-inch Driver Information Display (gauge cluster) is compact but functional, providing ample information and even the option to display a map, which is a nice touch.
In the center of the FIAT 500e, the new 10.25-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system performs well and offers a spacious display. Most climate controls are situated below the screen, though the small heated seat button at the top of the screen feels less intuitive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, which is a plus, and the screen is responsive, displaying key details like charging speed. If you're searching for the volume knob, you'll find it positioned between the seats, alongside the parking brake and drive mode selector.
As for the rest of the interior, the 500e is a small city car; there are four cloth seats, and the two people sitting in front will be the most comfortable. The FIAT brand will be imprinted multiple times on the front seats, and you can also find a red line circling the seat, which is small but gives a little kick to the ensemble. We had the (RED) version, meaning you can see it printed near the headrest, on top of the seat. A lever on the seat allows access to the small rear bench, which is better suited for children or car seats; the visible ISOFIX anchors are great for newborn parents. Additional rear anchors are also available in the modest cargo area. With a total capacity of 226 litres (8 cubic feet), the trunk is sufficient for grocery runs for two, and the rear seats can be folded in a 50/50 split to enhance practicality when needed.
Under the hood, the FIAT 500e is currently offered exclusively with an electric powertrain, though a mild-hybrid version is set to debut in 2026—its availability in North America remains uncertain. The 500e is equipped with a single electric motor drawing energy from a 42-kWh battery pack, delivering a total output of 117 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in approximately 8.5 seconds, placing it on par with many gasoline-powered subcompact vehicles. It features three driving modes: Normal, Range (which enables full one-pedal driving), and Sherpa, which conserves energy by reducing power and climate control functionality to help you reach the nearest charging station.
Given its compact battery size, the 500e embraces its identity as a city car, with a claimed range of 227 km (162 miles). However, it is less suited for long highway journeys. In urban settings, we observed an average energy consumption of around 14 kWh/100 km, while highway driving increased this to 17 kWh/100 km. During our test, a 100 km highway drive consumed 46% of the battery, suggesting a potential range of 219 km from 100% to 0%, closely aligning with FIAT's estimates. Fully charging the 500e from 0 on a Level 2 charger takes about 5 hours, making it convenient for charging during work hours. Fast charging, however, is relatively modest; FIAT estimates a 35-minute charge to reach 80%, and in our test, charging from 35% to 80% on a 100 kW charger took 19 minutes, with a peak output of 60 kW.
The braking system is easy to control while driving, and in Range mode, the one-pedal driving experience is smooth and intuitive. However, the suspension feels slightly stiffer than ideal for a city car, resulting in a rough ride over uneven surfaces. That said, the steering is responsive, and the 500e excels in urban environments, offering agility and ease of maneuverability, particularly for parking and tight spaces.
To address the question you're likely asking yourself: Should I buy a FIAT 500e? The answer is yes—if you're looking for a car perfect for short trips, ideally within a drive from home, and if you frequently deal with heavy traffic. The 500e is a charming, compact electric vehicle with a respectable range, making it an excellent option for urban driving. Suppose you already own a second car and are considering going electric for errands like grocery runs or commuting to work: then the 500e is a solid choice, especially if you can access a charger at your workplace!
Disclaimer: Fiat has lent us this vehicle as a press vehicle for one week. We have no affiliation with Fiat Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
