2012 smart fortwo: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 smart fortwo is a true carryover with no major product changes. It is the final U.S. model year before the exterior styling refresh that arrived for 2013.
About the 2012 smart fortwo
2nd generation fortwo (451, U.S. market), last pre-refresh year before the 2013 exterior update.
smart positioned the fortwo as a purpose-built city car rather than a do-everything small hatchback. Its core appeal was simple: an ultra-short footprint for easy parking, a surprisingly roomy two-seat cabin, good visibility, and low fuel use for short urban trips. The fortwo stood apart from larger subcompacts by focusing almost entirely on dense-city mobility, quick maneuvering, and distinctive design instead of back-seat space or highway performance.
The 2012 fortwo keeps things simple with a 70-hp three-cylinder engine and a five-speed automated manual transmission. The Pure is the basic city-focused coupe, with a fold-flat passenger seat for longer cargo. The more comfortable Passion adds alloy wheels, steering-wheel shift paddles, power windows, and heated power mirrors, and it came as a coupe or cabriolet.
2012 smart fortwo specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, 1.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, 1.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 5-Spd w/smartshift | Auto, 5-Spd w/smartshift |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 70 hp | 70 hp |
| Torque | 68 lb-ft | 68 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 7.8 cu-ft | 7.8 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Heated Mirrors | ||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Mirrors | ||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||
| AM/FM Radio | ||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| SD Card Slot | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Power Windows | ||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 smart fortwo compared with the 2011 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2012. The trims, engine, transmission, body styles, safety equipment, technology, and exterior styling all carried over.
Did the 2012 smart fortwo receive the exterior refresh?
No. The 2012 fortwo retained the earlier exterior design; the noticeable front, rear, and side styling update arrived for 2013.
Did the 2012 smart fortwo get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2012 U.S. gasoline fortwo kept its 70-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine and five-speed automated manual transmission.
Which trims and body styles were offered for the 2012 smart fortwo?
The 2012 lineup consisted of Pure and Passion. Pure was a coupe, while Passion came in coupe and cabriolet body styles.