Hatchback · Gas
Smart Fortwo 2016–2019 (C453, EQ from 2018)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $14,650–$28,100
- MPG
- 35
- Watch-out: Poor cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Poor passenger space
How it scores for you10 scores
A far better city car than its predecessor — real gearbox, tiny turning circle — yet still a two-seat novelty with scant range, space, or resale appeal.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 4 recalls was serious. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -4 points for its wider reputation.
Not yet crash-tested by NHTSA, so this is scored as middle-of-the-road.
About $2,300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 62% of cars we track.
9.2 cu ft of cargo space — among the smallest of the hatchbacks we track.
Strictly two seats with good headroom; cargo is a weekly-shop affair.
A real twin-clutch or manual gearbox and a comically tight turning circle transform city usability; highway manners remain nervous.
Modernized but minimal; the available touchscreen and the EQ's electric drivetrain are the highlights.
Far more settled than the old car, still short-wheelbase busy with lots of noise.
EVs have typically lost value the fastest.
No published tow rating; front- or rear-wheel drive only.
Safety & recalls4 recalls
Not yet rated by NHTSA.
4 recalls across 2016–2019
- Recall — Electrical: 12v/24v/48v battery; electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery (2019)
- Recall — Steering (2017)
- Recall — Exterior lighting: headlights (2016)
2019
- RecallElectrical: 12v/24v/48v battery; electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery20V107000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling one 2019 Smart Fortwo Electric Drive vehicle. A welded joint within the high-voltage battery main cell conductors may detach and interrupt electrical contact, resulting in sudden battery failure. The detached weld may also cause an electrical arc which
2018
No recorded issues.
2017
- RecallSteering17V447000
Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
2016
- RecallExterior lighting: headlights17V179000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles. The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism on these vehicles may not have been properly sealed off to prevent future adjustment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle
- RecallParking brake17V448000
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. In these vehicles, the lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages.
Cost to own$17,100 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$14,650–$28,100
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,300/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
33
Highway MPG
39
Combined MPG
35
Electric range
68 mi
Horsepower
89 hp
Doors
2
Cargo volume
9.2 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
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