CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.1 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 100
Average Price: Around £3,500

Fiat 500L (2013-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Versatile and practical cabin	Basic standard of finish
Available with five or seven seats	Poor real-world economy of TwinAir models
Cheap used car prices	Not at all sporty to drive

Quick Summary

The Fiat 500L (2013-present) is a quirky and versatile compact MPV that prioritises practicality over conventional styling. Effectively a glorified delivery van with seats, it offers surprising interior space with an upright cabin, generous headroom, and large side windows that create an airy feel. Available in standard five-seat and stretched seven-seat MPW configurations, it provides flexible seating arrangements with 60/40 split second-row seats that slide back and forth. The cabin features basic, scuff-resistant plastics that are practical for families, though some may find them cheap-looking. Boot space is generous for the class, with the standard 500L offering around average capacity and the MPW providing up to 1,509 litres with all seats folded. The driving experience is comfortable rather than sporty, with soft springs and long-travel suspension that cushion bumps effectively. Steering is light but slow, helping reduce body roll and keeping passengers comfortable. Engine choice is crucial: the two-cylinder TwinAir struggles when fully loaded and delivers disappointing real-world economy, whilst the 1.4-litre petrol engines are smoother and more efficient. The 1.3-litre Multijet diesel is particularly impressive, achieving up to 70.6mpg. The 500L earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and comes well-equipped with modern connectivity options on higher trims. As a used car, it represents excellent value with weak residual values making low-mileage examples affordable.

Best for: Families seeking versatile, practical space on a budget, those wanting five or seven-seat flexibility, and buyers comfortable with unconventional styling who prioritise functionality over driving dynamics.

Not ideal for: Drivers seeking sporty handling, those wanting premium cabin materials, or buyers requiring strong residual values and resale appeal.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 500L if: You're seeking versatile, practical space on a budget, want five or seven-seat flexibility, and are comfortable with unconventional styling that prioritises functionality over driving dynamics.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sporty handling, premium cabin materials, or strong residual values and resale appeal.

Competitive Position: The Fiat 500L is a strong contender in the compact MPV segment, offering exceptional versatility and practicality at an affordable price. Whilst the Ford B-Max scores higher for expert rating and the Citroen C3 Picasso offers better value deals, the 500L's five or seven-seat options and flexible interior make it uniquely practical. Its weak residual values mean excellent used car bargains are readily available. The Kia Venga lags behind on expert rating. For budget-conscious families prioritising space and flexibility over driving refinement, the 500L remains an excellent choice, though the Ford B-Max is worth considering if you want a more polished driving experience.

Read our full Fiat 500L Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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