Fiat 500L MPV (2013-2021) - Practicality & boot space

As it's a larger version of the Fiat 500, it’s hardly surprising that the Fiat 500L has more space for luggage and passengers. It also moves the Fiat 500 into competition with models from the class above and the car boasts a bigger boot than you’ll find in the Volkswagen Golf.

Fiat 500L interior space & storage

The 500L does without the sliding rear doors and pillarless passenger space of the now-discontinued Ford B-MAX, so can’t offer that car’s superb access to the rear seats. Space up front is excellent, while three six-foot adults can sit in the back, too, thanks to plenty of legroom and a reasonable amount of headroom. Note that the cheapest Pop trim only has four seats.

According to Fiat, there are 1,500 possible seating combinations in the Fiat 500L. The car’s front passenger seat can fold forward to be used as a picnic table, while the rear bench can slide forwards and backwards – to give either more rear legroom or increased boot space – and it also reclines for extra comfort.

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Fiat has loaded the 500L with 22 useful cubbyholes, including a huge glovebox storage area in the dashboard and another space underneath it. There are also two cup-holders, as well as door bins big enough to hold a couple of bottles of water.

Boot space

The 500L’s boot offers 400 litres of luggage capacity, which compares well to the 185-litre boot in the Fiat 500, but it's also 20 litres bigger than what you get in a Volkswagen Golf. The Fiat also has a boot floor that can be raised or lowered. The rear seats slide forwards and backwards to increase boot space or rear legroom as required, while the front passenger seat folds completely flat, allowing you to carry very long items with ease.

Towing

Towing isn’t really the Fiat 500L’s forte – the Cross model can pull up to 1,100kg, while every other model is limited to 1,000kg. Bear in mind that even the basic Volkswagen Golf can pull up to 1,300kg.