27 MPG combined might not be the best in 2015, but it’s a calculated trade-off for the Fiat 500L. This vehicle is designed for buyers who want interior space and unique European styling even if it means slightly less fuel efficiency. It’s a small MPV, which is important. It’s made for families who need room for kids and cargo without a huge vehicle. Buyers know this and accept it because of the vehicle’s practicality and character.

City and highway performance

The 500L gets 24 MPG in the city, which is pretty good considering its shape and stop-and-go traffic. The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has enough power for city driving, but you might need to press the accelerator hard to maintain speed, which hurts fuel economy. On the highway, it gets 32 MPG, which is better for long trips. Achieving this number means driving carefully. Accelerating quickly and driving fast will reduce your mileage. The six-speed automatic transmission (AM6) is usually smooth, but it shifts up early. Because of this, the engine can feel strained on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Fiat 500L at $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and a fuel price that reflects the national average at the time of testing. Keep in mind that this is an estimate. Your fuel costs may be different depending on how you drive, the fuel you use, and how much you drive each year. Remember this when you compare all Fiat fuel economy data to other brands.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a good starting point, but real-world fuel economy is often different. 500L owners often report numbers that are a little lower than the advertised numbers. City driving can drop MPG to closer to 20, particularly in busy areas. Highway numbers are more likely to be close to the EPA estimate. This depends on driving at a consistent speed and not accelerating too much. The 500L’s design can also be affected by crosswinds, which means you need to use the accelerator more, using more fuel. Be aware of the vehicle’s age, as older cars tend to have lower fuel economy ratings than when new, as can be said of the 500 MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2015 Fiat 500L’s fuel economy is acceptable compared to its competitors, but it’s not the best. The 2015 Honda HR-V gets up to 35 MPG on the highway if you want to maximize fuel efficiency. The Nissan Juke, another competitor that focuses on style, gets an EPA-rated 28 MPG combined with its turbocharged engine. If you’re willing to give up some cargo space, consider the Mazda3 hatchback because it offers much better fuel economy (around 33 MPG combined) and is more fun to drive. However, the Mazda3 doesn’t have the 500L’s MPV configuration and rear seat room.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

The 500L’s turbocharged engine responds well to gentle acceleration. Avoid quick acceleration and try to maintain a constant speed.

Anticipate traffic and let the car coast when it’s safe. This uses the engine’s fuel cut-off during deceleration.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, which is on a sticker on the driver’s side door. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy and wearing out your tires faster.

Use air conditioning sparingly, especially on short trips. The AC compressor puts a load on the engine, decreasing fuel efficiency. When possible, open the windows or use the ventilation system.

Regular maintenance is important for good fuel economy. Make sure your 500L gets scheduled oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements as recommended by the manufacturer. A well-maintained engine is more efficient.