2024 Fiat 500e Red Review: Small Car, Big Personality

Fiat’s 500e Red Edition is the brand’s electrified love letter to the urban commuter. A revival of the beloved Fiat 500, this compact EV aims to capture hearts with its unmistakable Italian design, practical size, and eco-conscious credentials. But in today’s crowded electric vehicle (EV) market, does it deliver enough to stand out? Let’s take a closer look.

Performance: The City Sprinter

Underneath its curvy retro shell, the Fiat 500e Red is powered by a 117-horsepower electric motor paired with a 42-kWh battery pack. On paper, these specs might not set the world alight, but on the road, the story changes. The instant torque of 162 lb-ft makes this pint-sized EV a joy in urban environments, where darting through traffic lights and weaving through congestion feels effortless.

However, don’t expect jaw-dropping speed; the 500e Red takes around 8.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, a pace that’s more “afternoon espresso” than “double shot.” Its top speed of 85 mph reinforces its urban focus, but for most buyers, that’s precisely the point. If you’re looking for something zippy but not overwhelming, it hits the sweet spot.

Driving Experience: Built for the Urban Jungle

This is a car that thrives in the city. At just over 11 feet long, the 500e Red slips into parking spaces that larger EVs can only dream of. The tight turning radius makes U-turns a breeze, while its nimble handling turns mundane errands into a dance through the streets.

The ride, however, isn’t all smooth. The suspension can feel a bit firm over potholes and rough roads, reminding you of its compact, budget-conscious roots. And while the regenerative braking system helps extend its EPA-estimated 149-mile range, the brakes themselves can feel grabby at low speeds. For road trips, this range might fall short compared to competitors like the Mini Cooper SE or Chevy Bolt EV, but for city dwellers, it’s perfectly adequate.

Interior: Retro Vibes Meet Modern Practicality

The Fiat 500e Red makes a strong first impression inside. The dash features bold body-colored panels, giving it a playful and cohesive look. The seats, with red accents and Fiat’s signature “FIAT” script, exude a stylish charm that pays homage to the car’s Italian heritage.

Space-wise, it’s a mixed bag. The front seats are surprisingly roomy and comfortable, with supportive cushions ideal for longer drives. The back seats, however, are best reserved for quick trips or tiny passengers, as legroom is minimal. The 7 cubic feet of trunk space won’t hold much more than a weekend bag or a few grocery totes, so plan accordingly.

One downside? The cabin materials. While the design is cheerful, the heavy use of hard plastics is a clear nod to cost-cutting. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does take away some of the premium feel you might expect in a modern EV.

Technology: A Mixed Charge

The Fiat 500e Red comes equipped with Fiat’s Uconnect 5 infotainment system, displayed on a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The system itself is intuitive, though the native voice recognition can feel clunky compared to competitors like Tesla’s seamless interface.

What’s notably absent is an extensive suite of driver-assistance features. While basics like rear parking sensors and lane-keeping assist are present, more advanced features—like adaptive cruise control—are missing entirely. In a market where such tech is increasingly standard, this feels like a missed opportunity.

Conclusion: A Style-First Statement

The Fiat 500e Red is more than just a car—it’s a vibe. It’s perfect for the city dweller who prioritizes style, charm, and practicality over outright performance or cutting-edge technology. It’s a modern reinterpretation of Fiat’s classic 500, with enough quirks to remind you that it’s Italian to its core.

That said, it’s not without its drawbacks. Its limited range, hard cabin plastics, and sparse tech features might push some buyers toward alternatives like the Mini Cooper SE or Chevy Bolt EV, both of which offer better range and tech for similar money. But neither of those competitors carries the same cheeky charisma.

In the end, the Fiat 500e Red isn’t trying to dominate the EV market—it’s carving out its own little niche. For those who love the idea of driving something stylish, compact, and unapologetically different, this might just be the EV you’ve been waiting for.