2018 smart fortwo Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.