2017 FIAT 500L vs. Its Competition

John Voelcker

You'll find tall wagons and hatchbacks all over other countries, but U.S.

buyers still really haven't warmed to them.

The Kia Soul is the only real sales smash in the group: its square-box design looks good, while hiding great interior space.

The Honda Fit has long been a favorite; the eminently sensible hatchback functions as a Civic Wagon replacement, with lots of cargo room, the excellent "Magic Seat" with unparalleled flexibility, and superb fuel economy.

The Mini Cooper Clubman is now, finally, a proper small wagon, with four side doors plus its characteristic rear "church doors." It's more fun to drive than the 500L, with a stiffer ride, but substantially crisper steering and quicker acceleration, if it's ordered in (the pricey) turbocharged S form.

The Toyota (nee Scion) iM five-door hatchback isn't all that exciting, but it's competent and will likely be very reliable.

Beyond that, an increasing crop of very small crossover utility vehicles with available all-wheel drive has started to eat away at whatever market there's been for these practical but front-drive-only tall hatchbacks.