2019 Fiat 500 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The 2019 Fiat 500 is an ideal city vehicle. You’ll enjoy this compact hatchback’s nimble size and unique Italian styling. Of course, every buyer will benefit from the 500’s affordable price tag. While not much has changed for 2019, Fiat now offers a new 1957 Edition package. Let’s see how the three available trims compare to each other.

Compare the 2019 Fiat 500 Pop vs Lounge Trims. What is the difference?

Prices for the Fiat 500 Pop start at $16,245. Powering the hatchback is a 1.5-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Fiat rates it to push out 135 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. When equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Fiat 500 will return a combined 30 mpg on premium unleaded. Meanwhile, opting for the six-speed automatic transmission lowers fuel economy to a combined 27 mpg. Front-wheel drive is found throughout the lineup.

You can have more fun by activating the 500 Pop's Sport mode. It effectively enhances throttle response and gives the steering system a sportier feel.

Expect the 500 Pop to deliver a rather lively driving experience. A sports-tuned suspension enhances its agility. Meanwhile, performance brakes give it a good amount of stopping power.

Despite being the base model, the Fiat 500 Pop has a lot of style. It comes standard with an attractive set of 16-inch polished aluminum wheels. Heated mirrors help ensure good visibility on cold days. A total of 11 paint colors are available for the Fiat 500 Pop, including Laser Blue Metallic and Luminosa Orange.

Like the rest of the lineup, the Fiat 500 Pop’s interior has a retro design. However, don’t expect the Pop trim to provide a lot of creature comforts. A height-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-only steering wheel come standard. Cloth upholstery also lines the cabin.

Fortunately, some popular high-tech features are found on the 500 Pop. Last year, Fiat added a standard rearview camera. This is means drivers will have an easier time backing out of parking spaces.

Technology lovers will greatly appreciate the easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system, which comes with a 5.0-inch touch screen. Integrated phone and audio controls are found on the steering wheel. Meanwhile, the Pop trim’s six-speaker Alpine stereo system is more powerful than the typical standard unit. A digital instrument cluster replaces the traditional gauges. Some of the other highlights include Bluetooth, two USB ports, and voice controls. Satellite radio and a one-touch power sunroof are optional.

For drivers who love to turn up the volume when listening to their favorite songs, Fiat offers a six-speaker Beats premium audio system. It’s a notch above the standard Alpine stereo system.

No advanced safety technologies are available on the 500 Pop. However, you will receive the essentials like seven airbags and stability control.

With a starting MSRP of $19,745, the 500 Lounge is another step up the trim ladder. Although it may look similar to the 500 Pop, there are some key differences. It comes equipped with a different set of 16-inch alloy wheels. You’ll also notice the 500 Lounge’s fixed glass roof. Chrome exterior trim and fog lights further set apart this trim.

While the Lounge trim comes equipped with the same engine, it rewards you with a greater number of premium features. While heated front seats help fight the cold weather, leather upholstery and upgraded interior trim give the cabin a more luxurious feel. Meanwhile, parking sensors make the 500 easier to drive in tight spots. Other upgrades include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, satellite radio, and automatic climate control. Navigation is available for the folks who love traveling.

If you desire a special look, check out the 500 Lounge’s new 1957 Edition package. It decks out the hatchback with a unique front fascia and body-colored retro wheels. You’ll have three exterior colors to choose from: Bianco White Ice, Celeste Blue, and Verde Chiaro (Light Green).

Compare the 2019 500 Lounge vs Abarth Trims. What is the difference?

The 500 Abarth is the “hot hatch” of the lineup. It’s designed to deliver a more fun driving experience. Although the 500 Abarth features a similar turbocharged engine, Fiat tweaked it to develop more power. Total output increases to 160 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. You can definitely look forward to experiencing stronger acceleration. However, fuel economy is just a tad lower in the city. According to the EPA, drivers can anticipate getting a combined 30 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission.

To enhance the 500 Abarth’s driving excitement, Fiat equips it with some valuable performance upgrades. Three-mode electronic stability control gives you more authority over the car’s driving character. Meanwhile, a stiffer suspension aids handling. Upon stepping on the accelerator, you’ll immediately notice the 500 Abarth’s more aggressive-sounding exhaust system. Bigger brakes are also featured on this more exciting trim.

The 500 Abarth’s meaner appearance matches its elevated performance. It comes equipped with a set of 16-inch Hyper Black wheels, which are accentuated by a red brake calipers. A rear spoiler also helps give the 500 Abarth a sleeker look.

While no advanced safety technologies are found on the 500 Abarth, you can benefit from the standard parking sensors. During emergency situations, drivers can also lean upon the upgraded performance brakes.

On the inside, the 500 Abarth further sets itself apart from the Pop and Lounge trim with its exclusive interior styling treatments. Perforated cloth bucket seats and upgraded floor mats help create a more luxurious atmosphere. A perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob are also found inside the Abarth trim. Prices for this trim start at around $20,500.

Compare the 500 Abarth vs 500e Trims. What is the difference?

Aside from a few noticeable variations, the Fiat 500e looks virtually the same as every new 500. However, beneath its hood sits an electric motor. Fiat rates it to develop a total of 111 horsepower, which is just enough power to ensure good acceleration from one traffic light to the next. A single-speed transmission feeds power to the wheels. According to Fiat, the new 500e can travel up to 84 miles before the battery pack needs to be recharged.

Prices for the 500e start at $34,290 before you receive any discounts from the federal government. On the inside, the Fiat 500e has a familiar feel. It comes loaded with the same 5.0-inch touch screen along with navigation. Two different versions of the 500e are available. Sportier wheels and sleeker exterior trim help set apart the 500e E-Sport trim. Remember, the new 500e is only available in select regions of the country.

Final Thoughts

All three trims deserve some serious consideration. However, it’s hard not to recommend the base Pop trim. If you’re looking to keep your monthly payments as low as possible, make the base Fiat 500 Pop your top choice.

It’s just as stylish and efficient as the upper trims. You’ll also enjoy the Fiat 500 Pop’s excellent Uconnect infotainment system and Alpine sound system. While an automatic transmission is available, the manual gearbox is cheaper and saves you more money at the pump. If you need to park on an incline, you’ll find the standard hill start assist feature to be especially helpful.

Think twice before you spend the cash on the Fiat 500 Lounge, which is an extra $3,500. This is especially true for the drivers who don't desire upgrades like leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Remember, the Lounge trim doesn’t pack more power under the hood. Although the 500 Lounge does have a few exterior upgrades, it does not have a flashier appearance. However, only the Lounge trim offers a new 1957 Edition package.

For the drivers who yearn for more performance, Fiat offers the Fiat Abarth. Its hands-down one of the most entertaining cars you can buy in the $20,000 price segment. You’ll enjoy the Fiat Abarth’s slick handling and strong acceleration. Menacing exterior styling also makes the Fiat 500 Abarth a fun choice. Furthermore, upgrading to the Abarth trim doesn’t result in a major loss of fuel economy.

If the electric-powered 500e is available in your area, give it a thought. You’ll appreciate being about to cruise past gas stations.

Key Features of the 2019 Fiat 500

The 2019 Fiat 500 gives you two different stereo systems to choose from. You shouldn’t have any big complaints about the standard Alpine unit. Because of the system’s impressive sound quality, you probably won’t feel the need to upgrade to the optional BeatsAudio system.

All versions of the new Fiat 500 come equipped with Chrysler’s impressive Uconnect touch-screen interface. You will love this infotainment system’s simple design and high-resolution graphics. Navigation is available as an option. Although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t available, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling come standard.

When checking out the new Fiat 500, you’ll have two turbocharged engines to choose from. While the base engine feels strong enough for commuting around town, expect the 500 Abarth’s more powerful engine to deliver more driving excitement. Choose the manual transmission if you want to maximize the 500’s performance capabilities.

Unfortunately, you can’t get advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist on the new Fiat 500. However, the backup camera and available parking sensors will help you to avoid fender benders.