CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 70
Average Price: Around £4,800

Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Reasonably practical cabin	Disappointing to drive
Decent boot space	Hard plastics in the low-rent cabin
Very cheap to buy	Poor safety rating, unless fitted with the optional Safety Pack

Quick Summary

The Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) is a practical and affordable family hatchback that trades on nostalgia whilst offering exceptional value for money. With a spacious 440-litre boot and generous rear-seat legroom, it provides genuine practicality for families and commuters. The cabin is straightforward but uninspiring, featuring hard plastics throughout. Engine options range from a 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol to a 128bhp 1.5-litre mild hybrid, with older examples offering additional petrol and diesel choices. Fuel economy is respectable, with the 1.5-litre mild hybrid achieving around 54mpg officially, though real-world figures are typically in the low 40s.

However, the Tipo disappoints in several key areas. The handling is underwhelming with noticeable body roll, whilst wind and road noise are more prominent than in rivals. The infotainment system is dated, with a small 7.0-inch touchscreen from 2018 onwards. Build quality lags behind competitors, and the driving experience feels less polished overall. That said, its catastrophically poor residual values when new make it an exceptionally cheap used-car proposition, making it ideal for budget-conscious buyers prioritising basic transport over driving engagement.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking affordable, practical transport; families needing spacious accommodation; those with limited financial considerations.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising handling and driving dynamics; buyers wanting premium cabin materials; those seeking advanced technology or safety features as standard.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Tipo if: You're seeking affordable, practical transport on a tight budget, need spacious accommodation for families or commuters, and prioritise value over driving engagement.

Consider alternatives if: You want superior handling and driving dynamics, premium cabin materials, advanced technology, or comprehensive safety features as standard.

Competitive Position: The Fiat Tipo (2016-2023) occupies a unique position in the used family hatchback market as the budget alternative. Whilst it underperforms rivals like the Seat Leon, Vauxhall Astra, and Ford Focus in terms of driving dynamics, build quality, and technology, its exceptional affordability makes it compelling for cost-conscious buyers. The Tipo's practical interior and decent boot space are genuine strengths, but they don't fully compensate for its disappointing road manners and uninspiring cabin. In a crowded market with accomplished alternatives, the Tipo's primary advantage remains its rock-bottom price tag, making it suitable only for those prioritising economy over overall quality.

Read our full Fiat Tipo Review

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