DecodedCars2015 smart fortwo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Ed 2dr Coupe (Electric) RWD, Passion 2dr Conv RWD, Pure/Passion 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 1.0L 3-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 36 combined · 34 city / 38 hwy
- EV range
- 68 mi · 6 h on 240 V
- Length
- 106.3 in
- Curb weight
- 1,808–1,984 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 36 MPG combined — 73% better than the average 2015 two seaters (20.8 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 smart fortwo is a two seaters offered with a 1.0L 3-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 106 inches long and 61 inches wide on a 74-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 1,984 lb (Ed 2dr Coupe (Electric) RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 36 MPG combined (34 city / 38 highway), 73% better than the 2015 two seaters average of 20.8 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 68 miles and takes about 6 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2015
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 fortwo — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 fortwo →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ed 2dr Coupe (Electric) RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 54.7 in | 1,984 lb | 43/57 |
| Passion 2dr Conv RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 54.7 in | 1,852 lb | 43/57 |
| Pure/Passion 2dr Coupe RWD | 106.3 in | 61.4 in | 60.6 in | 73.6 in | 50.4 / 54.7 in | 1,808 lb | 43/57 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| fortwo electric drive convertible EV | 55 kW DCPM | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 68 mi · 31.5042 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| fortwo electric drive coupe EV | 55 kW DCPM | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 68 mi · 31.5042 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| fortwo coupe | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (AM5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 34 / 38 / 36 | +73% | $2,300 | 244 |
| fortwo cabriolet | 1.0L 3-cyl | Automatic (AM5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 34 / 38 / 36 | +73% | $2,300 | 244 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 smart fortwo.
Similar 2015 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 smart fortwo (this car) | 36 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2015 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2015 MINI John Cooper Works | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Steering · Mar 31, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V192000 · 5,058 vehicles
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Smart Fortwo Coupes and Convertibles, and 2014 Fortwo Coupe Electric and Fortwo Convertible Electric vehicles. The affected vehicles have steering gear mounting bolts which may break during vehicle operation.
- Risk
- If the steering gear mounting bolts break, vehicle handling could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2015. Owners may contact Smart customer service at 1-800-762-7887.
Not every 2015 smart fortwo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 smart fortwo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Seat Belts — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Traction Control System — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 16,325 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 68 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 smart fortwo. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other fortwo years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 fortwo | 58 mi | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 fortwo | 58 mi | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 9 |
| 2016 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2014 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2013 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2012 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2011 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 10 |
| 2010 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2009 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 75 |
| 2008 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 92 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or smart. How we calculate this →