Primary Navigation Mobile

Smart Fortwo Coupe running costs and reliability

2015 - 2019 (change model)
Running costs rating: 4.5 out of 54.5

Written by Gareth Evans Updated: 13 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.
Petrol engines 6.5 - 7.3 mpp
What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.
Petrol engines 44.1 - 49.6 mpg
View mpg & specs for any version

Of the two engines, it’s the higher-powered 90hp one that you’ll need for the lowest Smart ForTwo fuel costs. You’re looking at claimed fuel economy of up to 49.6mpg on the combined cycle if you manage to replicate Smart’s figures. Lower-powered cars with the 71hp engine are rated at up to a claimed 48.7mpg.

It’s worth noting too that thanks to low-power engines and lots of safety kit, the ForTwo shouldn’t cost the earth to insure either, making it a great first car.

Smart Fortwo 2015 speedometer

Servicing costs are low too, and Smart offers various plans to further increase transparency in this respect.

The best Smart ForTwo emissions come from the 71hp engine teamed with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, emitting 110g/km, although the range-topping 90hp version isn’t far behind at 114g/km of CO2. Note that these figures will increase by 1g/km if you opt for the Prime, Prime Premium or Prime Premium Plus trims, instead of the standard Urbanshadow. 

If an automatic Smart isn’t what your after then you will have to take a CO2 penalty, the five-speed manual versions emitting 4g/km more than their dual-clutch auto’ equivalents. 

If you fancy emitting no CO2 at all from your Smart, the ForTwo electric is powered solely by an electric motor, meaning 0g/km.

We’re not too worried about Smart ForTwo reliability. The car seems to be built fairly well and there aren’t any cabin rattles to annoy or concern you.

Since Smart is owned by Mercedes, it’s fair to assume some of the firm’s build quality transfers over to the ForTwo.

The engines are Renault items, and seem to have fared well in other cars so far with no reported problems. The French firm has done a lot in recent years to try and dispel unreliability stories, and so far it seems to be paying off.

Ongoing running costs

Road tax £0 - £190
Insurance group 2 - 12
Get an insurance quote with Mustard logo