Suzuki Vitara Vs Fiat 500X Comparison

2016_fiat500x_1
Fiat 500X
VS

2016_vitara_1
Suzuki Vitara

This is the new Suzuki Vitara Vs Fiat 500X comparison for 2016. Continuing on with our series of the comparisons featuring the Suzuki Vitara and its competitors this time we revisited the Fiat 500X which is in the same class in size and pricing. Having driven both although briefly means a better comparison write up and easy conclusion.

Fiat 500X Vs Suzuki Vitara exterior comparison: The Fiat 500X is a supposedly based on the tiny Fiat 500 city car but it’s not. It has more in common with the Jeep Renegade which shares platform and underbody parts. Although the 500X looks good in real life it can be badged as a number of different brands, Nissan, any of the GM brands, Chevy in particular or even Renault and Alfa Romeo! The Suzuki Vitara is clearly a Suzuki SUV thanks to the unchanging Grand Vitara which around 8 years old. The Vitara is relatively unique in design thanks to the squared off design. Regardless the Fiat 500X looks better.

Fiat 500X Vs Suzuki Vitara interior comparison: The Fiat 500X retro inspired interior design looks good and feels good for the price hence no complaints. The Vitara’s interior is simple by comparison but still looks good. As far as we can remember interior space was good for either car but the Vitara is quite plan throughout which is disappointing since the 500X in the same price range is better in standard trim but can be optioned with retro-modern trim.  The 500X definitely has the better looking and feeling interior.

Fiat 500X Vs Suzuki Vitara engine and technology comparison: First off the Fiat 500X has more standard features dependent on model aside from airbags, lane watch, blind spot and collision detection (pointless) but no auto braking. The Vitara has all the usual airbags, braking system but missing the above mentioned features. The engines in both are pretty much even with the Suzuki offering diesel and non-turbo options. On the tech side both have electronic AWD systems with options and decent stereo systems, but the 500X has the better one. The 500X is the package to beat thanks to some extra safety features and single and decent engine choice and entertainment system.

Fiat 500x Vs Suzuki Vitara drive comparison: We like the way the Vitara drives – 1.4 turbo being the best choice. The  light weight definitely helps the feeling of agility and speed which makes it more fun – relatively of course. The Vitara optioned with a diesel or non-turbo petrol engine would be OK too just not as nice as the turbo. The Fiat 500X does not feel any different from a decent SUV like the Qashqai for example, but the turbo boost does make it feel nicer to drive normally. Both are not close to the ride quality of larger SUVs but they are acceptable, we have to remember that a limo like Prado is preferable but nice tight steering is also appreciated and these are too small to have that balance. We like the Suzuki Vitara drive better than the 500X based on memory.

The conclusion of the Fiat 500X and Suzuki Vitara comparison: the Fiat 500X winner. The 500X is great value full stop. Just remember though the 500X drive is not memorable so it is perfectly normal including the usual turbo assisted acceleration as it can be 500kg heavier than the Vitara. Only issue with the 500X would be long term long term reliability purely due to past branding issues and the association with Jeep which is not immaterial consideration.

Fiat 500X
Suzuki Vitara
2016_fiat500x_2 2016_vitara_2
Engines
IL 4 Cylinder Turbo
SOHC EFI VVT
1.4 Litre (1368cc)
Claimed 125Kw @ 5500RPM
Claimed 250Nm @ 2500RPM
4 Cylinder petrol (K14C)
1.4 Litre (1373cc)
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM
Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM
IL4 cylinder Diesel
1.6 Litre (1596cc)
Turbo-charged – DI – CR
Claimed 88kW @ 3750rpm
Claimed 320Nm @ 1750rpm
4 Cylinder petrol (M16A)
1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM
Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
Kerb weight FROM 1400 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1300kg
From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1200kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 48 litres
IL4 Petrol 6.7 Lts per 100km AVG
Up to 47 litres
IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km
IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 5.9 litres per 100km
IL4 1.6 Diesel 4.9 litres per 100km
Other specifications
9 speed Auto or 6 speed manual
Overall height/width 1620/1796
Overall length/wheelbase 4276/2570
4WD system: 2WD or AWD on demand
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
5 or 6 speed Auto 5 speed Manual
Overall height/width 1610/1775
Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500
4WD system: 2WD or AWD on demand
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size:
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2016 $26,000 – 38,000 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!
2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD