Price:The 2017 500x/Trekking starts at $23,350. Price as tested is $28,410, including $4,065 in options (advanced electronic safety items, onboard navigation, satellite radio) and a $995 factory-to-dealer transportation charge. FCA dealers are willing to bargain on this one. Check car-buying services for best possible deal.

Engine/transmission:The 500x/Trekking comes with a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder engine with variable-valve timing (180 horsepower, 175 foot-pounds of torque). The engine is linked to a nine-speed automatic transmission that also can be shifted manually.

Real-world fuel economy:I averaged 29 miles per gallon in highway driving with one passenger and light (below 300 pounds) cargo.

Ride, acceleration, handling:The 500x/Trekking gets acceptable marks in all categories.

Head-turning quotient:Not everyone will like it. But it does attract attention. It is cute.

Capacities:Seating is for five people. Cargo capacity is 12.2 cubic feet with all seats in place. The fuel tank holds 12.7 gallons of gasoline. Regular grade works fine.

Bottom line:The 500x is a good compact sport-utility vehicle for people of modest income and demanding transportation needs. It is available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. But the best bargain is the front-wheel-drive Trekking version. If you are planning sandy or muddy off-road-travel, consider an all-wheel-drive Jeep Renegade.

— Warren Brown