2016 Fiat 500X: Can I See Some ID?

With a few notable exceptions (Terminator 2, anyone?), sequels rarely have the same impact as the original on which they are based. The same can be said in the automotive world, where platform-sharing can lead to several vehicles built on the same bones, with varying degrees of success.

Fiat has been struggling to find an identity since it first returned to North America four years prior, and the 2016 Fiat 500X is revelatory in understanding the roadblocks the brand has set up for itself. This subcompact crossover stubbornly sticks to the script of branding everything after the Fiat 500 hatchback - a trick that worked for MINI, but isn't working for Italy - while erasing most of the unique and fun attributes that its mechanical twin the Jeep Renegade used to paper over any imperfections.

• Also: 2016 Fiat 500X vs. 2016 Jeep Renegade: Two Peas, Different Pods
• Also: The 2017 Fiat 500 Gets a Simplified Lineup

Can I See Some ID?

If the Fiat 500L was an unsuccessful attempt to bulk up the 500 hatch's styling language, the 2016 Fiat 500X manages to do a better job - if only by virtue of the fact that it's been further anonymized to fit in better with the sea of similarly shaped crossovers that ply suburban landscapes. There's little that's distinctive about the 500X's appearance, but it's inoffensive enough to not draw too many second glances, and I have to chalk that up in the 'win' column for Fiat.

Inside, things are a little more interesting, as Fiat designers have done well with its oval-heavy design language and created enough points of interest in what is otherwise a very black-and-grey cabin to snag the eye. It's relatively practical, too - there's an acceptable amount of cargo space once you pop the liftgate, provided you're only picking up a load of groceries, and the rear seats are as tolerable as any other in its class (and better than some). Controls are simple to use, too, but I must confess to a bout of unexpected difficulty with the 500X's Uconnect system, which made me re-pair my phone nearly every time I got in the vehicle. I've never experienced a similar issue with Chrysler's corporate infotainment interface before, but it was frustrating enough to mention.

Transmission Woes

By now, it's no secret that Chrysler and Fiat are having trouble finding the sweet spot with the nine-speed automatic transmission shared by several of their co-developed vehicles. The Fiat 500X is unfortunately one of the handful of models that simply hasn't managed to get its shift together. The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder engine in the model I drove (standard on all but the base, which gets a 1.4-litre turbocharged mill) was good for 180 horses and 175 lb-ft of torque, and while acceleration was fine from the crossover, the nine-speed autobox did its best to interrupt most driving processes and remind you of its presence. On one long highway drive, the transmission was constantly writhing under my feet, like a python coiling and uncoiling as it slowly asphyxiated my fuel economy. The endless gear changes and occasionally clunky behavior intrude to the point where it's not pleasant to pilot the Fiat, which is unusual considering I didn't have the same issue with the Renegade nor the Jeep Cherokee that featured a similar nine-speed setup. Even switching to the vehicle's Sport mode did little to alleviate the uncertainty of its cog-juggling.

My tester also featured the option of all-wheel drive, which on the Fiat 500X is intended to serve as an occasional traction-booster rather than a trail-breaker. Even still, I was able to use the system to climb a mud-and-dirt embankment to get to an appealing photo spot that had been inconveniently gated overnight, which was more that I expected from the subcompact.

Next, Please

There's no question that much of the Jeep Renegade's appeal is all tied up in its off-road image, regardless of whether it's found in capable Trailhawk trim or any one of its meeker models. Its 500X platform-mate offers absolutely none of this rugged character. Zip. Zero. Zilch. In fact, there's little reason to recommend the Fiat at all over any of its subcompact brethren, many of which have embraced at least one hobby to help them win over entry-level buyers.

The Mazda CX-3 (nimble handling), the Buick Encore (quiet comfort), the Nissan Juke (plucky turbo power, eye-catching looks), and the Renegade (old-school Jeep styling) have done just enough to carve out a niche for themselves in a very competitive segment. The 500X, on the other hand, barely begs you to take notice of it as you drive past the Fiat dealer lot in search of your next ride. Being 'good enough' is simply no longer good enough in a world where every crossover builder is trying to stick its hand in your pocket and pull out your wallet.