Fiat
500
Fiat
500L
Fiat 500 vs Fiat 500L: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
The Fiat 500 offers fuel economy, while the Fiat 500L excels at power instead. Choose the Fiat 500 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Fiat 500L if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
500
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on vehicle age, mileage, and powertrain. The vehicle is consistently praised for its compact size, ease of parking, stylish design, and practicality as a second urban runabout. The 1.2L FIRE engine is specifically highlighted as a "fantastically reliable" and robust unit with good fuel economy.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or version. Feedback suggests the manual transmission models are preferred to avoid the notorious automatic transmission issues.
Known issues
- ⚠Automatic transmission failures: Complete failure requiring replacement, harsh/jerky shifting when cold, inability to shift out of first gear, expensive repairs ($4,500+). Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Electrical system gremlins: Intermittent no-crank/no-start conditions, faulty clutch switch relays, blown fuses (F11), malfunctioning instrument clusters, trunk latches failing, headlights not turning off due to faulty Body Control Modules…
- ⚠Clutch and release bearing failure (Manual models): Squeaking/whining noise when depressed, requiring complete clutch kit and flywheel replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
500L
Overall
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, dominated by reports of persistent mechanical and electrical failures, poor reliability, and severe parts availability issues. A very small number of owners express satisfaction with the vehicle's practicality, fun driving character, and interior space, but these are isolated positive comments against a backdrop of widespread criticism. The vehicle is frequently described as a "Fix It Again Tony" due to recurring problems.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available. One isolated comment suggests the manual transmission is "more reliable than automatic," specifically citing the Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT) as problematic.
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission failures (DDCT): fluid leaks, complete failure requiring replacement, described as a "piece of shit." Concerns specifically cited for the 2014 model year. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Severe parts availability problems: parts on indefinite backorder (e.g., lower intercooler hose), leading to repair delays of 6+ months.
- ⚠Pervasive electrical issues: check engine lights for various sensors (ambient air temperature, knock sensor, evap leaks), faulty Body Control Modules (BCM) requiring solder repairs, complete electrical failure requiring battery replacement…
The verdict
The Fiat 500 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Fiat 500L, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Fiat 500L is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Fiat 500 or the Fiat 500L?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Fiat 500 and the Fiat 500L. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Fiat 500 or the Fiat 500L?
The Fiat 500L seats more passengers than the Fiat 500 on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Fiat 500 is classed as a Hatchback, the Fiat 500L as a Hatchback.
Which has better fuel economy, the Fiat 500 or the Fiat 500L?
The Fiat 500 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.7 L/100km combined versus 9.4 L/100km for the Fiat 500L, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Fiat 500 or the Fiat 500L?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.