It’s a little bit of this and that. The Fiat 500x relishes style (cabin). It doesn’t limit itself to picture-perfect roads (available all wheel drive). And, this subcompact utility vehicle isn’t a maneuverability laggard (36.3-foot turning diameter). The 2017 Fiat 500x is essentially unchanged from the 2016 model. (The 500x debuted in the 2014 model year.) It’s sold in three trims: Pop, Trekking, and Lounge. The front wheel drive vehicle is available with a disconnecting rear axle AWD system that reduces parasitic losses when AWD isn’t needed. During a week-long test drive, the 500x Trekking with AWD was an oasis of performance fun amid a stylish interior.

The test driven 101.2-inch wheelbase 500x was powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that releases 180 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 175 pounds-feet of torque at 3900 rpm. (500x is also offered with a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 184 pounds-feet of torque between 2500-4000 rpm.) Both engines mate to a 9-speed automatic transmission, a segment-first. A power sliding panoramic sunroof is available on all trims. The 2017 Fiat 500x Trekking with all wheel drive has a base MSRP of $25,250 and collects estimated mpg of 21 city/29 highway.