Subcompact SUVs are the modern iterations of city runabouts. Although a number of affordable models offer raised seating positions and prioritize practicality, others stand out with sportiness and distinctive design. Enter the 2019 Fiat 500X and 2019 Hyundai Kona, two subcompact SUVs with power and presence. Both vehicles promise consumers tidy dimensions and snub traditional-sedan styling, but only one has the substance to back up its cheekiness.
Transcontinental Contenders
Fiat originally introduced the 500X as a 2016 model; it’s the older of the two vehicles here but has had a recent refresh. The old 1.4- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines have been replaced by a new 1.3-liter turbocharged unit that makes 177 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive is now standard on all trims. Other changes include reshaped headlights, taillights with body-colored trim embedded inside the light housing, and circle-shaped LED daytime running lights.
The Hyundai Kona is one of the latest entries in the subcompact SUV segment. Built on a new platform, the Kona is available in gas and all-electric versions, the former available with a choice of two four-cylinder engines including our example’s 1.6-liter with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft. Unlike the Fiat, the Hyundai is available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations with the latter sporting a multilink rear suspension instead of a torsion beam.
On the Road
Once you get past the turbo lag, the 2019 Fiat 500X feels powerful. However, the nine-speed automatic’s slow responses can be infuriating. Mat the accelerator, and it takes too long for it to kick down. Sport mode minimizes the transmission’s hesitation, but it still stumbles if you ask too much of it. The Hyundai Kona accelerates more eagerly because it exhibits less turbo lag. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic responds and shifts quicker than the Fiat’s nine-speed but lacks the smoothness of a traditional torque-converter-equipped transmission and gets clunky at low speeds. In Sport mode, the gearbox holds gears longer but won’t downshift as you slow down for a turn.
Although neither subcompact SUV rides like a luxury car, you’ll want to be in the Kona over poorly maintained roads. Over big bumps, the 500X feels like the vehicle tiptoes as it gets tossed around, and it jitters and vibrates excessively over little ruts. There’s also no trade-off when it comes to handling. Between the slow steering, poor body control, and secure but uninspiring handling, the 500X becomes a handful when you need to make quick moves. The steering’s tendency to snap back on center at speeds above 30 mph also adds a feeling of instability when you’re making an emergency maneuver.
The Kona’s suspension may also be stiff, but the Hyundai absorbs road imperfections better. You’ll still feel everything, you just won’t get beat up and tossed around. It also handles better because of its superior body control, and its quicker, more accurate steering that complements its superior chassis tuning. The Kona’s all-wheel-drive system also does more than add traction in bad weather or when accelerating from a stop; it can send power to the rear wheels to help it power out of corners. Both SUVs, however, suffer from plenty of road and wind noise on the highway.
Livability
The 500X’s interior looks chic, but its build quality lets it down. The door cards and dash are oddly textured, and the buttons and knobs feel flimsy when you use them, not something you expect from a $35,075 subcompact SUV (models that cost around $30,000 have a similar interior and, at that price, the interior quality could be deemed acceptable). In comparison, the 2019 Hyundai Kona’s dash and door panels are also hard plastics but feel more substantial, and its controls operate with a satisfying level of tactility.
The Fiat 500X and Hyundai Kona both have limited interior space. Both have tight rear seats that can only accommodate passengers for short drives due to the lack of head- and legroom. Cargo capacity is equally unimpressive. The 500X’s rear window angle cuts into the trunk, limiting capacity with the rear seats up. There’s a bit more space in the Kona, but there are better options if maximum cargo space is your top priority.
Both the 2019 Fiat 500X and 2019 Hyundai Kona have user-friendly infotainment systems with responsive touchscreens. The latter also has physical shortcut buttons for improved usability. FCA’s Uconnect interface uses a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen in the 500X, which is one inch smaller than the optional 8.0-inch unit in the Hyundai Kona. The Fiat’s cartoonish map graphics contribute to its dated feel. The Hyundai gets extra points with its available eight-speaker Infinity audio system, which is crisp and clear compared to the muddled Beats unit in the Fiat.
Both SUVs are available with active driver assistance technologies. However, the Hyundai Kona comes out on top for offering them on all trims. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning are standard across the board. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on the SEL grade and higher, while pedestrian detection is only available on the range-topping Ultimate trim. On the 500X, collision prevention tech is optional on the Trekking and Trekking Plus trims as part of the Driver Assistance and Advanced Driver Assistance option groups.
The way the safety technologies work make the Hyundai Kona a stronger proposition. Its lane keeping assist gently nudges you back with when you get too close to the dividing line or cross into another lane. The system even keeps you centered despite the car’s lack of adaptive cruise control (standard on the 2020 Kona Ultimate). Drift toward another lane in the 500X, and it jerks you back in then ping-pongs you between the lines. Furthermore, its adaptive cruise control system only works above 20 mph and applies excessive braking when the vehicle ahead slows or stops.
So Which is the Better Subcompact SUV?
If you need a vehicle that’s stylish, powerful, and easy to drive, the Fiat 500X and Hyundai Kona fit the bill. However, one of them gives you more substance behind the bold design. With its blend of great road manners, responsive engine, value, and user-friendly tech, the Hyundai Kona gives you more for your buck along with its looks and attitude.
Second Place: 2019 Fiat 500X AWD Trekking Plus
Bubbly looks and a punchy engine are let down by sloppy road manners, a lazy transmission, and—at least on our tester—inconsistent build quality.
First Place: 2019 Hyundai Kona 1.6T AWD Ultimate
With better suspension tuning, the Kona’s turbocharged power and great tech come with a value-oriented price tag.
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