2018 smart fortwo Review

Name: 2018 smart fortwo
Brand: smart
Price: 8596 USD
Rating: 4.2 (27 reviews)

Price Estimate: $8,596 - $11,215

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Appraise My 2018 smart fortwo

smart fortwo model years

smart fortwo for Sale

smart fortwo types

Convertible
Hatchback

Edmunds' Expert Review

by Cameron Rogers

Pros

A short wheelbase and narrow width make the Fortwo easy to park
Acceleration is quick and immediate at low speeds
Boasts a fun and distinctive interior design
Using a smartphone as the primary infotainment screen is innovative

Cons

Uncomfortable ride quality on rough roads and over bumps
Pitiful range makes it nearly impossible to use for long trips
Large rear blind spots, especially with the convertible
Interior materials quality is pretty poor

What’s new

The gas-powered Fortwo and its unique options (including the Brabus Sport package and Proxy trim) have been dropped for 2018, leaving the Electric the sole variant in the lineup. Standard equipment now includes a rearview camera and voice recognition through Siri Eyes Free and Google Now software. Android Auto functionality is included when you opt for the Smart Media System, and a 10th Anniversary Edition package can now be ordered on the coupe.

Vehicle overview

With a tiny passenger compartment, limited cargo room and underwhelming performance, the Smart Fortwo is never going to be a mainstream vehicle. But considering it can fit into almost any parking space and turn on a dime, it undoubtedly has niche appeal for consumers living in dense urban areas. Well, now that niche is even smaller. Smart has discontinued the gasoline-powered model from the current lineup, leaving only the Fortwo Electric Drive version.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

6 listings

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2018 smart fortwo
electric drive prime 2dr Hatchback
$14,995
- 17,003 miles
- 58 mi range
- 123 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Heated seats
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in West Chester, PA
This 2018 smart Fortwo is being offered witbh 17,003 miles on the odometer! The exterior of this smart Fortwo is finished in Black, complemented by a ...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
Listing Information:
VIN:
WMEFJ9BA1JK270945
Stock:
JK270945
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
05-28-2026
2018 smart fortwo
electric drive passion 2dr Hatchback
$6,000
- 66,638 miles
- 58 mi range
- 213 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
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Located in Kearny, NJ
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 2 owners, personal use
Listing Information:
VIN:
WMEFJ9BA6JK326006
Stock:
326006
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
05-15-2026

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On the upside, we think the Electric offers the better driving of the two. It doesn't have the gas model's rough-shifting transmission, and it benefits from the electric motor's instant torque and smooth acceleration. However, the Electric is more expensive than the old gas model, and its maximum range of 58 miles is considerably less than any other EV's.

All of this piles on to the Fortwo's existing problems such as a punishing ride and a low-rent cabin. We strongly recommend checking out other EVs in this price bracket for their better range, greater utility and higher emphasis on passenger comfort.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The Smart Fortwo Electric Drive is the sole Fortwo variant now that the gasoline-powered model has been discontinued. That's fine — the Electric drives better anyway — but numerous drawbacks, including a hefty price tag, a barely there electric range, and low-quality interior materials, limit its appeal.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our first drive of the 2017 Smart Fortwo Electric Prime, as well as the full rating of the gasoline-powered 2016 Smart Fortwo Proxy (turbo 0.9L inline-3 | 6-speed automatic | FWD), which is no longer available.

NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Smart Fortwo lineup has received some revisions, including the deletion of the gasoline-powered Fortwo model starting this year. Our findings from the gas-powered version carry over to the EV model, as well.

Driving

Driving a tiny and lightweight car is intrinsically fun. The Fortwo also benefits from the electric motor's instant torque, and it feels quite peppy when you first start to accelerate. But it runs out of steam past about 40 mph. Handling abilities are low.

Comfort

You might assume the Fortwo gets dinged on comfort due to its smallness, but size doesn't factor in here. Seat comfort is compromised for aesthetics, and the suspension is much too stiff to provide any peace over rough city roads.

Seat comfort

The cushions offer decent padding but have minimal lateral and lumbar support.

Ride comfort

With an extra-short wheelbase, large road bumps are an adventure. Hit them with some speed, and you'd leave your seat if you weren't strapped to it. The ride is continuously busy because of the stiff suspension tuning.

Noise & vibration

Levels of road and tire noise are mostly quelled, but the Fortwo's flat front nose pushes air like a mini bulldozer, which makes it sound windy outside at all times. In the cabriolet, noise is even more apparent.

Interior

Some cost-saving measures, such as the nonadjustable cupholders molded into the hard plastic center console, are laughably obvious. But there are some redeeming qualities to the Fortwo's interior, such as generous passenger leg- and headroom and a cabin design that looks modern and fun.

Ease of use

The stereo is basic but easy to use. The climate controls are also straightforward and are done up in a creative and stylish fashion. Simple does work.

Getting in/getting out

Wide door openings and a low step-in make this tiny car surprisingly easy to get into. However, the doors are long, which might hamper your ability to easily open them in tighter parking spaces.

Roominess

The Fortwo creates a mirage of roominess inside. The steering column doesn't telescope, but the high roof and useful amount of seat travel mean 6-foot-tall drivers will fit relatively comfortably. But when another 6-footer climbs into the passenger seat, you realize how narrow the car really is.

Visibility

The thin front roof pillars and a big windshield provide good forward visibility, but the rearview mirror is narrow and thick rear roof pillars create big blind spots. The Cabrio's tiny rear window makes it even harder to see out back — good thing a rearview camera is standard for 2018.

Quality

With the exception of the seats and headliner, not one surface in the cabin is soft to the touch. A chic and trendy-looking interior design makes the hard plastic appear less cheap, but it's hard to pick out anything of real quality in this cabin.

Convertible top

The convertible top opens or closes in about 12 seconds (with two pushes of a button). Two roof pillars then manually unlatch and stow away in the trunk. It's a bit of a process to get into full top-down mode, but few of the Smart's competitors can even pull off that trick.

Utility

You don't buy a Smart expecting much in the way of storage solutions, but the Fortwo does the best with what it's got. The pull-out drawer from the center console is clever, as are the storage nets behind the seats. The bottom edge of the soft top folds up to increase the cargo opening.

Small-item storage

There are two small central cupholders and a decent-size holder in each door. There's a net behind the seats that will carry light items just fine. A small tray slides out from the central console on the passenger side, which is good for keys, coins and other small things.

Cargo space

The passenger seat cleverly folds flat for longer cargo items, but 9.2 cubic feet of trunk space is nothing special. The Cabrio's cargo area measures 8.9 cubic feet, decreasing to 6.7 cubes when the top is rolled down. Only small convertible sports cars offer less.

Technology

The free Cross Connect app that turns your phone into an audio and navigation controller is an innovative way to integrate touchscreen controls with the basic radio setup. The 7-inch touchscreen is a worthy upgrade.

Which fortwo does Edmunds recommend?

The price of the 2018 Smart Fortwo Electric is remarkably high given its shortcomings in utility, comfort, build quality and electric range. So keeping the cash outlay low by getting the base Pure model seems like a good idea. But in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn't cost much more to upgrade to the top Prime trim. Doing so gets you leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and more. Look to also get the center armrest and JBL sound system, which is a big improvement over the standard two speakers.

Compare 2018 smart fortwo trim levels

2018 smart fortwo models

The 2018 Smart Fortwo Electric is a pint-size city car with seating for two (get it?) and a surprising amount of passenger space inside. The Fortwo Coupe is sold in three trims — Pure, Passion and Prime — while the Fortwo Cabrio (convertible) is available in Passion and Prime levels. There isn't a huge price differential between the trims, but the starting MSRP for this stylish two-door EV is quite high. As with many cars produced by parent company Mercedes-Benz, there are a number of available features packages and stand-alone options.

The Fortwo Electric's 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 60-kW motor (80 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque) drive the rear wheels directly. The EPA estimates that the Smart Fortwo Electric can travel up to 58 miles before it runs out of juice and takes three hours to charge an empty battery using a 240-volt power supply.

The Fortwo Coupe's base Pure trim includes 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, power windows, a rearview camera, a driver information display, cloth upholstery, automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a two-speaker sound system with an auxiliary input and a USB port.

Also standard is the ability for iOS and select Android smartphone users to download a free Cross Connect app that controls phone, audio, internet streaming radio, vehicle information and a navigation system.

The Passion trim adds alloy wheels, heated and power-adjustable mirrors, contrasting interior upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, an additional storage compartment in the center console, and a retractable cargo cover.

The Prime further dresses up the Smart with foglights, cornering lights, a panoramic glass roof, automatic headlights and wipers, leather upholstery, heated seats and interior ambient lighting.

Several options packages are available for the Smart Fortwo Electric. The Cold Weather package adds heated seats and additional cabin insulation, and the new Sport package (Passion and Prime only) dresses up the Fortwo with 16-inch alloy wheels and stainless steel pedals. The 10th Anniversary Edition pack is similar to the Sport, but the wheels are of a different design and certain exterior elements are painted blue. There's also the Smart Media System bundle, which combines a 7-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and Android Auto functionality. It can be ordered with or without a six-speaker JBL audio system.

Individual options include rear parking sensors, a forward collision warning system, imitation leather (premium vinyl) upholstery, a center armrest, and a phone cradle that positions your smartphone in the middle of the dash so it can function as a touchscreen controller.

2018 smart fortwo EV Insights

Trim:

fortwo electric drive passion

Estimated Range Based on Age

48 miles

EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 48 miles.

Estimated range mapfrom

Charging

3 hrs

240V Home Charging

EV batteries should be kept at 30-80% charged to extend battery life.

When can I use NACS/Tesla charging stations?

Hybrid Parts Warranty

8 yrs or 62,000 miles

According to GeoTab’s data, if the observed degradation rates are maintained, the vast majority of batteries will outlast the usable life of the vehicle.

Exceeded original 8 year warranty.

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

$100

Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions: Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Edmunds visitors receive a $100 discount when they contract with Treehouse for their home charger installation. Discount excludes permit, hosted inspection, and load management devices. Valid for 30 days.
To learn more, visit https://treehouse.pro/edmundsdiscount/

See All EV incentives

Cost to Drive

$70/mo

fortwo

$225/mo

Car Avg.

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

Am I Ready for an EV?

EV ownership works best if you can charge at home (240V outlet)
Adding a home charging system is estimated to cost $1,616 in
Edmunds is partnering with Treehouse, an independent provider of home EV installation services. Learn more about the installation services partnership

Need to install a charger at home?

Get a free quote

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See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

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Make

Model

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Reliability

The 2018 smart fortwo has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #21 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#21 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$540/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

1.42x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

9.1%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2018 smart fortwo

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 8 years / 62,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

smart fortwo Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

27 reviews

5(59%)

4(22%)

3(7%)

2(4%)

1(8%)

See all 27 reviews of the smart fortwo

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Great Upgrade From 2012

Simply Blue, 03/13/2017

2016 smart fortwo prime 2dr Hatchback (.9L 3cyl Turbo 5M)

*Update 2018: I still love this car. There have been no maintenance issues, and it has been fun and reliable to drive. Since first writing this review, one of my best friends and a family member bought smart cars as well. They liked my car so much that they wanted their own! I originally had a 2012 Smart Fortwo Pure, which was a great little car but with some very notable … downsides. To name a few, the old transmission was less than great, it was a tad cramped and the Pure in particular lacked some modern car features that I would have liked. After hearing about the new transmission, cross-wind control and other slew of upgrades, I decided to check out the 2016. A year later, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I always loved the size and city maneuverability of the Smart Car, but now that comes with a much more substantial vehicle. I purchased the automatic 6-speed dual clutch transmission, and though I would not call any Smart Car a speedster, the new transmission is much smoother. The boost from the turbo is also a nice addition, making the car feel swift and zippy. The car now has the speed it needs to pass other cars on the road with ease. The cross-wind control also makes those windy days a non-issue, compared to the shaky windy day drives in the older model. The new headlights are bright and clear, with the fog-lights doing as desired in blizzard conditions or foggy weather. Due to the narrow wheels and short wheel-base, I have never had any trouble in the snow, unless I blatantly drive into a pile that I know might bottom the little thing out. Even then, I've never actually gotten completely stuck in snow drifts, though I don't consciously drive through anything that looks excessive to the eye. The stability control does a good job at managing the rate at which the wheels are spinning, so you can pull out of slick spots. As for the interior, the extra width makes a noticeable difference as well. My dad is a large man, and he can sit in the new model without us feeling cramped in the slightest. The bluetooth on the stereo system is nice, and pairs well with the iPhone holding attachment on the entertainment system. I opted for the model with the upgraded sound system, boasting 7 speakers and a little subwoofer. I am pleased with the sound quality, and those riding along with me are impressed with the kick that the audio provides. I should note that I do a lot of highway driving, so cruise control does a good job at maintaining MPG. The 2016 also feels much more sure footed on the highways than the 2012 did. I wanted a peppy edgier looking small car for city driving and occasional long trips, and I feel like the new smart car has met all of my personal wants. If you are in the market for a small car, this comes highly recommended by me. The most glaring issues of the past models have been ironed out, and the Smart Fortwo has grown up to be something that more Americans will be pleased with.

Not just a city car

RLLets, 09/03/2017

2016 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (.9L 3cyl Turbo 5M)

- for the size car it's very roomy, feels like a full size car - for the size car there's good storage space in back - cute outside look and shape - unusual and fun inside decor - although marketed as city car, it does great on the highway - very bad turbo lag however it has great acceleration - turbo lag is a danger in situations where one is depending on smooth instantaneous …

Tiny Car with a Great Heart

William Strange, 10/02/2016

2016 smart fortwo passion 2dr Hatchback (.9L 3cyl Turbo 5M)

This is my second Smart, my first was a 2008 Passion. I had it for 8 years and when I traded it in it had 195,000 miles. The only parts I ever replaced were normal maintenance parts, (front brake shoes, plugs and tires. I've had my 2016 Passion for about a week and the upgrades are amazing. I little more room inside, definitely pepper, transmission shifts much more smoothly, and the …

a great little car

tbab, 10/21/2018

2017 smart fortwo prime 2dr Hatchback (.9L 3cyl Turbo 5M)

i've driven the car from New Mexico and back. it's a great road car with plenty of acceleration and stamina on hills. the gas mileage is excellent on the highway. a perfect car for one person.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 smart fortwo, so we've included reviews for other years of the fortwo since its last redesign.

2018 fortwo Features & Specs

Type:

Convertible

Trim:

electric drive passion

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$28,100
EV Tax Credits & Rebates
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	57 miles
Cost to Drive	$70/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	3.0 hours
Seating	2 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the fortwo models:

Proximity Warning Function: Helps avoid collisions by alerting the driver if the Fortwo is approaching the car in front too quickly.
Rear Park Assist: Uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver when the Fortwo approaches an object while backing up.
Crosswind Assist: Detects if the Fortwo is being pushed around in its lane by strong crosswinds and applies brakes to keep it straight.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested