“Not to do it. Smart is phasing out gas models in the US. Not sure if the parts will be readily available, and if so, at what cost break.”
2016 smart fortwo: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 smart fortwo is an all-new third-generation redesign for the U.S., replacing the previous 451-generation car with the wider and roomier 453 model.
About the 2016 smart fortwo
3rd generation (453), first U.S. model year; full redesign after the previous 451-generation U.S. fortwo sold through 2015.
smart positioned the fortwo as an ultra-compact city car built around one core job: making dense urban driving and parking easier than in a conventional small car. The big selling points were its tiny footprint, extremely tight turning circle, surprisingly roomy two-seat cabin, and the exposed safety cell structure that gave it a distinct look. Compared with normal subcompacts, the fortwo’s appeal was not family duty or highway comfort; it was easy maneuvering, easy parking, and a fun, unusual city-focused design.
The Pure is the straightforward city-car version, with automatic climate control, Bluetooth, cruise control and Crosswind Assist. Prime gives the tiny coupe a more upscale feel with a panoramic glass roof, heated leather seats and automatic headlights. Proxy takes a sportier approach with 16-inch wheels, a lowered suspension and JBL audio.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new rear-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine replaces the previous engine, raising output from 70 to 89 horsepower and torque from 68 to 100 lb-ft. A five-speed manual returns as the standard transmission, while a smoother six-speed dual-clutch automatic replaces the old automated setup.
Structural
The new 453 platform brings a wider body and roomier cabin. Cargo capacity for Pure and Passion rises from 7.8 to 9.2 cubic feet.
Safety
Crosswind Assist joins the gas coupe’s standard equipment to help keep the car steady in strong side winds.
Tech
Standard equipment expands with automatic climate control and Bluetooth connectivity. The alarm system becomes standard across the lineup, Bluetooth becomes standard on Passion, and a USB port becomes standard on Pure.
Styling
The lineup expands with the new Prime and Proxy trims. Prime has an upscale theme with a panoramic roof and leather seating, while Proxy adds a sportier look with 16-inch wheels and a lowered stance.
2016 smart fortwo specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0 Liter | 3-Cyl, Turbo, 1.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Twinamic | Auto, 6-Spd Twinamic | Auto, 6-Spd Twinamic | Auto, 6-Spd Twinamic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 89 hp | 89 hp | 89 hp | 89 hp |
| Torque | 100 lb-ft | 100 lb-ft | 100 lb-ft | 100 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9.2 cu-ft | 9.2 cu-ft | 9.2 cu-ft | 9.2 cu-ft |
| Seats | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 smart fortwo redesigned?
Yes. The 2016 smart fortwo is the first U.S. model year of the third-generation 453 design, with a wider body, roomier cabin, new engine and different transmissions.
What engine and transmissions does the 2016 smart fortwo have?
The 2016 smart fortwo has a rear-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder gas engine producing 89 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, while some cars have a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Which trims were new for the 2016 smart fortwo?
Prime and Proxy were new trims for 2016. Prime focuses on comfort with heated leather seats and a panoramic roof, while Proxy adds 16-inch wheels, a lowered suspension and JBL audio.
Is the 2016 smart fortwo roomier than the 2015 model?
Yes. The redesigned 2016 fortwo has a wider body and roomier cabin, and cargo capacity for the Pure and Passion increases from 7.8 to 9.2 cubic feet.
What standard features changed on the 2016 smart fortwo?
The 2016 gas coupe gains a stronger standard feature set that includes automatic climate control, Bluetooth and Crosswind Assist. An alarm system becomes standard across the lineup, while Passion gains standard Bluetooth and Pure gains a standard USB port.
2016 smart fortwo Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 smart fortwo.
4.2
2016 smart fortwo
(203 reviews)
“One of the best cars out there. Fits everywhere, has the best turn-ratio. It's fun to drive. The fun car to drive everyday.”
“This is a great little car. It is well built, looks nice, and is economical. It has more features (both for information and convenience) than any other vehicle that I have ever owned. Controls are logical and convenient (except the mirror control, which hits my knee). I have owned this car for one year and have been very pleased! In other words, I LOVE IT!”