TURIN, ITALY – Fiat has revealed full details of its new Grizzly, the bigger brother of the popular Grande Panda, after the family SUV made its public debut at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Offered as a traditional SUV and a sleeker Grizzly Fastback, it will go on sale in Europe in January 2027, with Fiat aiming for a starting price of around €20,000.
With petrol, hybrid and fully electric versions, the Grizzly is designed to give families plenty of space and choice for the money, and it takes direct aim at the Dacia Bigster.
“Grande Panda marked the return of Fiat to affordable family movers.”
Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO
Two body styles
The Grizzly measures about 4.5 metres long and seats five. The standard SUV has a boxy, practical shape, while the Fastback adds a sloping, coupé-style roofline for a sportier look. Unusually for a coupé-SUV, the Fastback actually offers the bigger boot: 608 litres, compared with 545 litres for the regular SUV. For comparison, the Dacia Bigster offers 677 litres.
The design is chunky and confident, carrying over the playful retro touches that made the Grande Panda a hit. Fiat is also making a statement with colour: paint options include periwinkle and burned orange, and the brand has said it will not offer grey at all.
Petrol, hybrid or electric
The Grizzly uses Stellantis’ Smart Car platform, shared with the Grande Panda, Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel/Vauxhall Frontera, and offers three types of powertrain:
- Petrol: 1.2-litre three-cylinder with a manual gearbox
- Hybrid: The same engine with a six-speed automatic and an integrated electric motor, producing 143 bhp
- Electric: 44 kWh or 54 kWh battery, with estimated ranges of close to 290 km and 400 km
The Fastback is expected to travel further on a charge thanks to its slipperier shape. Electric versions support DC charging at up to 100 kW, taking the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes.
Simple, practical cabin
Inside, both show cars featured a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Importantly for many buyers, Fiat has kept physical buttons for the climate controls rather than burying them in a screen. Recycled materials are used throughout the cabin, including bamboo-fibre blends, continuing the sustainable approach seen in the Grande Panda.
From investor day to showroom
The Grizzly was first previewed at Stellantis’ investor day in May, before appearing in public for the first time on Fiat’s stand in Paris. Now, with full specifications confirmed, it is heading for showrooms at the start of 2027. Trim levels and equipment will be announced closer to the opening of order books.
Taking on Dacia
The Grizzly’s main target is clear. The Dacia Bigster and Duster have shown how much demand there is for spacious, affordable family SUVs, and Fiat wants a share of that market. With a starting price around €20,000, it will also tempt buyers who might otherwise choose an entry-level Nissan Qashqai or a used premium SUV.
The Grizzly’s big advantage is choice. Few rivals at this price offer petrol, hybrid and fully electric versions of the same car, and the Fastback adds a stylish alternative that the Bigster cannot match.
Why the Smart Car platform matters
Sharing the Smart Car platform with the Grande Panda, Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera is the key to the Grizzly’s low price. Stellantis designed the architecture to be flexible and cost-effective, able to take petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains on the same production lines. That means Fiat can offer all three without the expense of developing separate cars, and buyers can pick the powertrain that suits their budget and driving needs.
It also means the Grizzly uses proven parts. The 1.2-litre hybrid and the 44 kWh and 54 kWh electric systems are already used in other Stellantis models, so they should be familiar to dealers and mechanics from day one.
A name with character
The Grizzly name fits Fiat’s new approach. Like Topolino and Grande Panda, it is playful and memorable, and it signals a car that is bigger and tougher than the brand’s city models. With its chunky styling and bold colours, the Grizzly is designed to stand out in a sea of grey family SUVs, something Fiat clearly hopes will win over buyers who want practicality with a bit of personality.
Fiat’s revival
The Grizzly is part of a wider comeback for Fiat. After years of relying on the 500 and Panda, the brand is rebuilding its range around affordable, characterful family cars. The Grande Panda led the way, and the Grizzly now moves Fiat into the heart of the European SUV market. A new Multipla-inspired concept, the Multiplay, and a revived Panda show that more is on the way.
Fiat’s affordable, practical approach has always resonated in markets across the Middle East and North Africa, where value-for-money family cars are in high demand, although Fiat has not yet announced regional plans for the Grizzly.
Fiat Grizzly: key facts
- Body styles: SUV and Fastback
- Length: About 4.5 metres, five seats
- Boot: 545 litres (SUV), 608 litres (Fastback)
- Powertrains: 1.2 petrol, 143 bhp hybrid, 44/54 kWh electric
- Charging: Up to 100 kW, 10–80% in about 30 minutes
- Price: From around €20,000
- On sale: January 2027