Fiat Fullback Review (2016-2019)

What is the Fiat Fullback?

The Fiat Fullback was launched in 2016 to take on the likes of the Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara. Fiat's press release carefully avoided mention of the words "Mitsubishi" or "L200", but it's no secret that the Fullback was based on the Japanese firm's offering underneath. The resemblance is clear, even with Fiat badging and tweaks to the styling.

Fiat kept things simple with the Fullback. There's no single-cab with one row of seats, or a king-cab with a second row of flip-up seats. Instead, every Fullback is a double-cab with proper second-row seating. That's handy if you need to take several workmates with you on a job, and means the Fullback can serve as a dual-purpose family car.

How practical is it?

When it comes to pick-ups, carrying capacity is just as important as passenger space, and all Fiat Fullback models have a payload of over a tonne. The manual models can be loaded with 1,045kg, while the LX auto can handle 1,050kg. Those are competitive rather than class-leading weights. For example, the most generous capacity of any contemporary Ford Ranger double-cab is 1,217kg. The dimensions of the loadbed are also good rather than great.

Likewise, if you're looking for pick-up truck with a really high towing capacity, some rivals can pull more than the Fullback. The Fiat's maximum is 3,100kg, whereas the Nissan Navara can tow 3500kg. So although it's not class-leading in this respect, it's not exactly having sand kicked in its face, either.

Along with its smaller payload and towing limit, the Fullback is slightly shorter and narrower than some pick-ups of the day, like the Volkswagen Amarok. It's still a big vehicle, but being a little smaller makes it a bit more wieldy than some of its supersized competitors. The turning circle is tight by pick-up truck standards, making it easier to thread through city streets.

Inside, the Fullback is well screwed together, although not as plush inside as a Mercedes X-Class. There's plenty of room in the front and a commanding driving position, but tall adults may find the rear seats a bit cramped.

What's it like to drive?

The engine line-up is straightforward, with a pair of 2.4-litre diesel engines, producing either 148bhp or 178bhp. Both have healthy pulling power. The entry-level engine has 280lb ft, while the punchier of the two has 317lb ft. Either engine will get the job done, but the more powerful diesel's extra mid-range muscle makes it more comfortable with a full load or a trailer in tow.

Customers had a choice between two specification levels; SX and LX. The entry-level SX came with the less powerful engine and a manual gearbox. The plusher LX had the power hike and the option of an automatic gearbox. Switchable four-wheel drive was standard on all versions of the Fullback.

Both diesels cruise relatively quietly by pick-up standards, although they can be a little clattery on start up. There’s a fair amount of body roll, yet the ride comfort isn’t as smooth as the likes of the Nissan Navara or the Mercedes X-Class. Overall, it’s a competent rather than outstanding truck to drive.

Technology, equipment and infotainment

The Fullback's standard equipment levels were pretty generous for the class when it was launched. Entry-level SX models cover the basics with air conditioning, cruise control, DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and 16-inch alloy wheels, although this spec was limited to the lower-output engine.

Opt for LX trim and you get a reversing camera - always a useful addition on a pick-up - plus heated seats, climate control, satellite navigation and leather upholstery. This also opened up the option of a five-speed automatic gearbox in place of the six-speed manual.

Fiat extended the Fullback line-up in the autumn of 2017 with the Fullback Cross. With its more rugged, desert-racer appearance, the Cross was designed to appeal to buyers who want a pick-up for its image as much as needing one for work. With its black sports bar, darkened front grille, flared wheel arches and black alloy wheels, the Cross certainly gets noticed. It also has a lockable rear differential to boost its off-road credentials.

Fiat Fullback running costs

You don't expect low fuel bills from a pick-up truck, but the Fiat Fullback is reasonably economical for a two-tonne vehicle.

The most efficient model is the 2.4 SX manual with the lower powered engine. It has an official combined figure of 44.2mpg and carbon dioxide emissions of 169g/km. The more powerful 2.4 LX manual is only a little thirstier, returning 42.2mpg and emitting 173g/km.

Very soon after the Fullback was launched, the engines were tweaked to meet the Euro 6 emissions standard. Although these engines burn more cleanly, they use a little more fuel. Both manuals achieved 40.9mpg, with carbon dioxide emissions of 180g/km for the 148hp engine and 186g/km for the 178bhp version. The Euro 6 diesel automatic achieved 37.7mpg and 196g/km of CO2.

Matching the official fuel figures in regular driving will be a tall order, and clearly fuel economy will worsen with a full load in the back. Reckon on mpg in the mid 30s with a manual Fullback, or low 30s with an automatic gearbox. A Nissan NP300 Navara may be slightly cheaper on fuel, but any difference is likely to be small.

The Fullback has affordable insurance premiums, starting from Group 40A for the SX. That's one group lower than the entry-level Mitsubishi L200 of the same age. The LX manual is in Group 40E, while the auto is in Group 41E. (In case you don't know, the letter after the number relates to the vehicle's security; 'A' means acceptable, 'E' stands for exceeds). The Cross manual is in Group 42A. An automatic gearbox nudges this model into Group 43A.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Fiat needs servicing every 12,500 miles or annually, whichever comes first. That means more regular trips to the dealer than if you choose a Nissan Navara, with its 25,000-mile/two-year service intervals.

Fiat Fullback reliability

Fiat doesn't have the soundest reputation when it comes to reliability, but that really shouldn't concern Fullback buyers. It may have a Fiat badge on the front, but this is a Mitsubishi underneath.

The fifth-generation L200 is generally tough and durable, and there's no reason why the Fullback should be any different. It's more likely that you'll notice signs of wear and tear in the cabin rather than a long history of mechanical faults.

It's worth being picky when you look at used Fiat Fullbacks. Some will have led demanding working lives, some will have been pampered by 'lifestyle' buyers. Don't rule out a Fullback with cosmetic scuffs and signs of age if you are looking for a workhorse, but do make sure the car has been serviced on time throughout its life.

Take a look underneath for any signs of off-road use. The Fullback should handle green-laning without any bother, but it's worth looking for damage in case the previous owner's enthusiasm exceeded their ability.

In 2019, some Fiat Fullbacks were recalled due to inadequately fixed running boards. The problem affected pick-ups made between 12 February 2016 and 28 September 2016. A Fiat dealer should be able to tell you if any Fullback you are thinking of buying has had this fault fixed, or you could check for yourself using the recall checker on the Gov.uk website.