Fiat 500L

This Italian confection feels undercooked and has several significant flaws. It earned a dismal road-test score, thanks in part to a stiff ride, flat seats, and an awkward driving position that dictates bent knees and stretched arms. The 500L also scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap frontal crash test. To its credit, this quasi-wagon responds eagerly in corners and handles securely at its limit, and provides impressive interior space for its size, along with good visibility, super-easy cabin access, and a commendable 27 mpg overall from the 1.4-liter turbo engine. Fortunately, Fiat has dropped the dual-clutch transmission we tested and now equips the 500L with a conventional six-speed automatic.

More than an overgrown 500, the 500L is let down by a jerky sequential automatic, stiff ride, flat seats, and odd driving position. Around town, the 500L feels sluggish and hesitant, but that improves if you choose the new conventional automatic. We like the 500L's easy access, commodious interior, and spacious backseat. A tiny five-inch screen is used to access the simple UConnect system. The car responds eagerly in turns and handles securely at its limits. But the driving position is odd, with a bus-like steering-wheel rake and far-off, four-pillar windshield. The 500L scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.