“Cars cost a lot! I don't drive much anymore and wanted an economical vehicle. 2 seats and small storage area works great for me. I get lots of comments on it.”
smart fortwo: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The smart fortwo is a two-seat city car sold as a hatchback or convertible, known for its tiny footprint, tight turning circle, and surprising room for two adults. It is a specialized urban runabout rather than a small family car.
The fortwo has always put crowded-city ease ahead of passenger and cargo capacity. Its short body, two-seat layout, and rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive design give it a character unlike a typical economy hatchback. The 2016 redesign made the cabin roomier and improved the automatic transmission, but the basic mission stayed the same: make short trips and difficult parking less stressful.
Strengths
- Its exceptionally small footprint and tight turning circle make cramped streets and parking spaces easier to handle.
- The cabin makes surprisingly good use of its size, with enough room for two adults.
- Fuel economy is well suited to daily city use; the 2017 gas model was rated at 34 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
- The exposed safety-cell design gives the fortwo a distinctive look while reinforcing its city-car identity.
- Third-generation models are easier to live with thanks to a roomier cabin and a much-improved automatic transmission.
Who it's for
It fits a solo driver or couple who spends most of the time on crowded streets, takes short trips, and regularly deals with scarce parking. It makes less sense for anyone who often carries more than one passenger or needs the flexibility of a conventional hatchback.
smart fortwo lineup
Pure is the straightforward entry trim for shoppers who want the fortwo’s basic city-car formula with fewer extras. Passion is the long-running step-up and has often been the more broadly offered version, including convertible versions in multiple years. BRABUS is the distinctive choice among older examples, with a lower suspension, sportier styling, and a more premium cabin. Prime and Proxy joined with the 2016 redesign as alternatives beyond Passion; because their differences are tied more closely to model-year equipment, compare individual used examples carefully.
smart fortwo generations
From 2009 to 2017, the fortwo spans two generations. The current 3rd Generation — 453 Gas Models arrived for 2016, following the 2nd Generation — 451 (2008–2015).
3rd Generation — 453 Gas Models (2016–2017)
The redesigned 453 is wider and roomier than the earlier fortwo. Its rear-mounted turbocharged three-cylinder pairs with a five-speed manual or a smoother automatic, and the Cabrio arrived for 2017.
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2017
The Cabrio body style joins the U.S. gas lineup in Passion, Prime, and Proxy versions. Other changes are minor.
2016New generation
The fully redesigned 453 arrives with a wider body, roomier cabin, turbocharged three-cylinder engine, five-speed manual, and improved automatic transmission.
2nd Generation — 451 (2008–2015)
The 451 is a tiny two-seat city car with a rear-mounted 70-hp three-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and a five-speed automated transmission. It received an interior and safety update for 2011 and refreshed exterior styling for 2013.
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2015
Carryover year for the Pure and Passion models. This is the final U.S. model year before the 2016 redesign.
2014
Air conditioning becomes standard on the Pure coupe; the rest of the lineup is largely unchanged.
2013Mid-cycle update
The exterior gets a mild refresh with a larger grille area, revised side skirts, and updated lower rear styling.
2012
Pure and Passion return without significant changes ahead of the 2013 exterior update.
2011Mid-cycle update
The cabin gets a reshaped dashboard, redesigned gauges, and more storage. Knee airbags become standard across the lineup.
2010Trim changes
The lineup carries over with only small equipment changes, including a center armrest.
2009Trim changes
The BRABUS model joins the lineup with lower suspension, distinct exterior styling, and an upgraded cabin.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the smart fortwo.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the smart fortwo?
The smart fortwo is a tiny two-seat city car designed for crowded streets, short trips, and easy parking. It favors maneuverability and a compact footprint over passenger and cargo space.
How many people does the smart fortwo seat?
The smart fortwo seats two people. Its cabin can accommodate two adults, but there is no rear seat, so it is not intended for family duty or carrying extra passengers.
Is the smart fortwo good for city driving?
Yes. City driving is the fortwo’s main strength. Its tiny footprint and tight turning circle make narrow streets, quick turns, and small parking spaces easier to manage.
Does the smart fortwo make sense as an only car?
It can for one or two people who mostly take short urban trips. Drivers who regularly carry passengers, bulky cargo, or need a more flexible all-purpose car will likely find it too specialized.
Is the smart fortwo a coupe or a convertible?
It was sold as a two-door coupe-style hatchback and as the Cabrio convertible. In the later gas lineup, the Cabrio was offered in Passion, Prime, and Proxy form rather than as a Pure.
How different are the main smart fortwo generations?
U.S. models from 2008 through 2015 belong to the second generation. The third generation arrived for 2016 with a wider body, roomier cabin, more power, and improved manual and automatic transmissions.
What engine and transmission does the smart fortwo use?
It depends on the generation. Earlier U.S. gas cars used a 70-hp 1.0-liter three-cylinder and a five-speed automated manual. The 2016 redesign brought a rear-mounted turbo three-cylinder, a five-speed manual, and an improved dual-clutch automatic. The 2017 gas model made 89 hp.
smart fortwo Reviews
What owners are saying about the smart fortwo.
4.3
smart fortwo
(468 reviews)
“Renewable energy. Zero emissions. Save on gas. No regrets. It's actually fun to drive a pure electric car and you'll save a ton on fueling costs.”
“I love my Smart but I wish that the automated manual transmission was smoother as it shifts from gear to gear.”
“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 fun, practical and has a small environmental footprint. It is perfect for living on an island”
“It is a fun car to drive, I can park anywhere. If you're over 6ft probably look elsewhere.”