2018 smart fortwo electric drive Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
The Smart ForTwo has been in the U.S. market for about a decade now. When it first arrived on our shores after its success in Europe, there wasn’t much like it on the road. Since then, a few tiny city cars have been introduced here, but the Smart remains the most famous of them. For 2018, there isn’t exactly a full redesign, but there is a big change in that the Smart Car is now electric-only. Gone is the rear-mounted three-cylinder gasoline engine. Buyers now only have the choice of the electric drive model, which boasts a 60-kilowatt motor. The Smart Fortwo is still available as either a coupe or soft-top cabriolet, and it is still available in the Pure, Passion, or Prime trim levels, which run from under $24,000 at the bottom of the price spectrum to over $30,000 for a loaded cabriolet.
The Smart ForTwo’s electric powertrain makes the equivalent of 80 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque driving the rear wheels through a single speed transmission. The motor is powered by a 17.6-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that sits underneath the passenger area.
The urban orientation of the Smart is also apparent when it comes to its driving characteristics. As is the case with pretty much all electric cars, there is plenty of torque available from the motor straight away, which makes the stop-and-go movements endemic to city driving more bearable. When the Smart gets on the highway, however, it starts to run out of steam, and in a world full of trucks and SUVs, its diminutive size can leave occupants pretty intimidated. The configuration of its electric powertrain leaves the Smart with a low center of gravity, and its length (or lack, thereof) allows it to have an incredibly tight turning circle of just 22.8 feet. The Smart is just about the easiest car in the world to park. The ride is reportedly good for a little car with a short wheelbase and a quiet ride, thanks to its powertrain.
The Smart Fortwo has room for just driver and passenger and there are just 9.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Base models are also somewhat basic inside with cloth seats, but with standard features including climate control, cruise control, power windows and Bluetooth capability. Leather seats are optional, as is an eight-speaker stereo by JBL. The Passion model adds flashier colors to the interior, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, retractable cargo cover, and heated mirrors. The Prime model adds contrast stitching on the seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a panoramic roof, fog lights, and heated seats.
NHTSA gave last year’s model four out of five stars overall and the IIHS has given it top Good scores in the handful of tests it has conducted on the Smart. Active safety features found in much of the rest of the market are lacking with the Smart, but a reversing camera is standard . Smart adds a feature called Crosswind Assist that automatically gives brake and steering input to act against the gusts that may push the car out of its lane.
It’s worth noting that this electric-only model comes with tax credits and other government incentives. It is also ideal for single urbanites who need to own a car that is navigable and parkable in a big city but also doesn’t need a cavernous trunk and four doors.
User reviews for 2018 smart fortwo electric drive
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2018 smart fortwo electric drive Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Bottle holders: 2 · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 118 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 3 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 58
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 118 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 3 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 58
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: contrast color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 118 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 3 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 58
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: contrast color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: cornering · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Moonroof: sliding sunshade · Sunroof: panoramic
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door trim: cloth · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 118 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 3 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 58
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: contrast color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 8
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 2
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: 3 · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Engine
Electric Charge Cord: 120 volt · Electric Motor Battery Type: lithium ion · Electric Motor HP: 80 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 60 · Electric Motor Torque: 118 · Electric motor charger connector: SAE J1772 · Electric motor charging time: 3 hours · Electric motor miles per charge: 58
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: accent color · Mirror color: contrast color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 3.5 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Front fog lights: cornering · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat folding: folds flat · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: de Dion tube · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse