Hello, tiny electric vehicle shoppers! I can use this greeting with complete confidence because there is zero chance that a Ford F-150 truck shopper accidentally ended up clicking on an article for the 2025 Fiat 500e. Although I suppose they might be curious if it could fit in the truck bed.
The 500e is the fully electric version of the Fiat 500, which is wildly popular in Europe and has carved out a modest but fiercely loyal customer base in the United States. It’s an itty bitty Italian car that’s big on style. So big, in fact, that the first available 2025 500e model was the Giorgio Armani Edition, which was designed in collaboration with the fashion mogul and features Armani logos on the wheels and seats along with the fashion designer’s signature on the dashboard, the interior of the doors, and the rear window.
So you could say this car has a pedigree. The Fiat 500e also knows exactly what it is (and isn’t) and doesn’t suffer from any Napoleon complex. It presents a “take it or leave it” attitude and caters almost exclusively to city driving. So, let’s get into everything that makes the 2025 Fiat 500e the strangely compelling little thing that it is.
Do One Thing and Do It Well
It should be noted that this is Fiat’s second attempt at the 500e. The previous incarnation of this 2-door hatchback lasted from 2013 to 2019 in the U.S., and it did not go well. It had an extremely limited range and lacked any fast charging capability. Fiat did address both of those issues in the current 500e, adding the ability to charge up to 40 miles in five minutes or up to 80% in 35 minutes with a DC fast charger. It also expanded its driving range from a paltry 87 miles to an EPA-estimated 149 miles on a single charge.
In a world where some EVs are now surpassing the 400-mile range mark, the 500e still isn’t impressing anyone with its driving range, and this is one of many reasons this isn’t the car for road trips. It also only packs 117 hp, preventing it from taking on any big hills or tough terrains with serious vigor. But that’s simply not what the 500e is built for. This is an urban machine with a specialty for navigating the unique driving challenges of big cities.
Despite its lack of muscle, the Fiat 500e still delivers a peppy driving experience with crisp handling and decent acceleration thanks to the electric motor’s instant torque. It also offers one-pedal driving, with the regenerative braking system slowing the car down when you take your foot off the accelerator.
And if you never want to stress about parking again, you have found your dream car. Calling the Fiat 500e easy to park would be a giant understatement. You can practically fit this thing into a bathroom stall. You will not find a vehicle that’s this user-friendly for getting into tight spots unless it only has two wheels.
Is It Comfortable? It’s Complicated
I’m sorry to report that Fiat did not find a way to change the laws of physics. The interior of the 500e is not bigger than the exterior. That being said, Fiat smartly put their emphasis on the comfort of the driver and passenger seats. They might not be suitable for NBA players, but there is a surprising amount of legroom and headroom for a car this size.
The rear seats? That’s a whole different story. The back seats of the Fiat 500e are an ideal place to put those who cross you, especially on a long drive. For any normal-sized adult, the lack of legroom and headroom in the back of the 500e represents borderline torture. But kids and dogs fit nicely! At least small and medium-sized dogs.
There also isn’t much cargo space to speak of, and the back seats don’t fully fold flat, so “versatility” won’t be a word I throw around when describing the 500e. But, once again, this Fiat wasn’t built to be versatile. It has no interest in mimicking an SUV in any way, unlike so many other cars. You can fit some groceries, a gym bag, or a couple of backpacks in the back and go about your business.
When it comes to your mental comfort, the Fiat 500e delivers, though. The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen makes navigation and controlling your entertainment options nice and easy. The wireless charging pad for your smartphone adds a convenient touch. It also has some increasingly common features like SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless smartphone connectivity. The cabin is nice and quiet, and the layout feels logical. And, as you can imagine by its size, everything is within easy reach.
Style to Spare
If there’s one thing the Fiat 500e has plenty of, it’s style. This car is dripping with individual flair inside and out. Its eyedrop shape and rounded, refined lines pay homage to the early days of Fiat, and it manages to look both cute and upscale. The 500e definitely stands out in a crowd with its circular headlights and grill-less design, replaced by the model number 500 cleverly emblazoned front and center.
Step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that projects sophistication, with a distinctive oval dashboard design and thoughtfully selected materials that feel more upscale than you might expect from a car in this price range, with trim-specific touches like embroidered leather-trimmed seats and a bi-color soft-touch steering wheel.
Fiat also breaks convention with its trim packages, naming each one after the inspiration that created it. The base model (RED) is inspired by Fiat’s partnership with the (RED) organization’s efforts to fight global health injustices. The “Inspired By Music” trim rocks a Tuxedo Black color with chrome and features a specialized JBL Premium Audio mastered by Bocelli.
The “Inspired By Beauty” trim’s exterior is Rose Gold with mirror accents. Finally, the “Inspired By Los Angeles” trim comes in an appropriate Marine Layer Mist hue. Fiat clearly wants every model of the 2025 500e to inspire the start of a conversation, even if it’s just about the car itself.
Is This One-Trick Pony a Good Fit for Your Corral?
“Know thyself.” That’s what Socrates said. The Fiat 500e is living this advice, focusing on eco-conscious, user-friendly city driving in a stylish package tailored exclusively to a unique segment of United States drivers. Realistically, this is not going to be the car for a one-car household. This is going to be a second or even third car.
It thrives as a short-trip, fuel-saving, easy-to-park, head-turning car. And with a starting MSRP of $30,500, the 2025 Fiat 500e can be a good fit for this role. Heck, it doesn’t even take up a full garage space when you’re not driving it.
So, if you’re considering the Fiat 500e, I would suggest starting with some serious introspection and analysis of your driving patterns. For some people, less truly can be more. You just need to figure out if you’re in this category. Is the 2025 Fiat 500e worth a test drive if you’re still not sure? You better believe it.
