If you're looking for a stylish, compact electric car, the Abarth 500e and Fiat 500e are likely on your radar. While they share the same basic architecture, they have been designed with distinct personalities in mind.
The Fiat 500e is a chic, sensible city car built for efficient urban driving and easy manoeuvrability. The Abarth 500e, on the other hand, takes that formula and injects it with hot hatch attitude, featuring wider tracks, aggressive styling, and even a synthetic engine sound. Both offer zero-emission driving with plenty of Italian charm, but which of these EVs is the right fit for you?
Abarth 500e vs Fiat 500e
Practicality
Abarth 500e practicality score: 2/5
Fiat 500e practicality score: 3/5
When it comes to space, neither of these cars is a class leader, but they do the job for city living. Both share a 185-litre boot, which is enough for a couple of soft weekend bags or a modest grocery shop. If you opt for the convertible version of either car, you'll find the boot opening is smaller and slightly more awkward to use.
The Fiat 500e is fine for two adults up front, thanks to a driving position with a good amount of adjustment. However, rear space is cramped, and getting into the back seats is a bit of a squeeze. The Abarth 500e is even less practical because its chunkier, sportier front seats eat into the already limited rear legroom. If you regularly carry passengers, the Fiat edges it, but both are best treated as two-seaters for the majority of the time.
Driving Impressions
Abarth 500e driving score: 4/5
Fiat 500e driving score: 4/5
The Fiat 500e is nippy and well-suited for muddling through heavy urban traffic. Its steering is light but precise, making it easy to park and manoeuvre. It feels composed on faster roads, too, though the ride can be a bit lumpy over scruffy surfaces.
The Abarth 500e turns the dial up with a 152bhp motor, wider tracks, and revised suspension. It feels sharper and more connected to the road, making it genuinely fun on a twisty route. It also features an extrovert 'Abarth Sound Generator' that mimics a petrol engine, which adds character but can get a bit tiresome on longer motorway trips. While the Abarth is the more engaging driver's car, the Fiat is slightly more relaxing for the daily commute.
Technology and Equipment
Abarth 500e technology and equipment score: 4/5
Fiat 500e technology and equipment score: 4/5
Both cars offer a smart, modern interior with good levels of technology. The Fiat 500e features a 10.25-inch infotainment system on most trims, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a straightforward system to use and a big step up from older Fiat models.
The Abarth 500e matches this with the same 10.25-inch screen and a 7.0-inch digital driver’s display. Standard equipment is generous, including LED headlights and a JBL audio system, while higher trims add luxuries like Alcantara interior finishes and a 360-degree camera. Both brands also offer a convertible option with an electrically operated fabric roof, which is a rare and appealing feature in the EV market.
Running Costs
Abarth 500e running costs score: 3/5
Fiat 500e running costs score: 4/5
The Fiat 500e is one of the more affordable electric cars on the market, making it a sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers. With the larger 42kWh battery, it offers an official range of up to 199 miles, which translates to around 140 to 170 miles in the real world depending on the season. If you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff, your daily running costs will be minimal.
The Abarth 500e is noticeably more expensive to buy and its focus on performance impacts its efficiency. Its official range drops to 164 miles, meaning you'll be plugging it in more often. While it still benefits from the low running costs associated with home charging and cheap company car tax rates, the higher purchase price makes it harder to justify purely on a financial basis.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
Abarth 500e |
Fiat 500e |
| CarGurus expert rating |
4 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
5.0 out of 5 |
4.6 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
22.4% |
34.6% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.1 out of 5 |
4.4 out of 5 |
The Verdict
Abarth 500e Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1/5
Fiat 500e Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4/5
Both of these cars prove that small electric vehicles don't have to be boring. They are stylish, packed with good technology, and offer a fun, zero-emission driving experience.
However, based on our CarGurus Buyer Insights, the Fiat 500e is the winner. It takes the victory thanks to its more accessible price point, better electric range, and a higher percentage of good and great deals available on the used market. It simply makes more sense as an everyday city car.
The Abarth 500e is a characterful and entertaining electric hot hatch that will certainly put a smile on your face. But its compromised practicality, shorter range, and higher price tag mean it appeals to a more specific audience. For most buyers, the Fiat 500e’s blend of value, style, and everyday usability makes it the smarter choice.
Abarth 500e Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Cute looks and undeniable Abarth charm |
Limited real-world electric range |
| Great fun to drive |
Not very practical |
| Smart and high-quality interior |
Still expensive compared with some rivals |
Fiat 500e Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Affordable for an EV |
Lumpy and unsettled ride |
| Drives very well, both in town and on the open road |
Cramped rear seats |
| High-tech infotainment system |
Short range with the smaller battery |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
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