DecodedCars2017 smart fortwo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 0.9L 3-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 80–89 hp
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 2
- Fuel
- EV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 33 city / 39 hwy
- EV range
- 58 mi · 3 h on 240 V
- Length
- 106.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,050 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 72% better than the average 2017 two seaters (20.3 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 2017 smart fortwo is a two seaters offered with a 0.9L 3-cyl turbo engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 106 inches long and 65 inches wide on a 74-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,050 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (33 city / 39 highway), 72% better than the 2017 two seaters average of 20.3 MPG, for an estimated $700 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 58 miles and takes about 3 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 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2017
- Longest EV range down from 68 to 58 miles
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 fortwo →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Hambach, France
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2017 fortwo configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 106.3 in | 65.4 in | 61.4 in | 73.6 in | 56.7 / 55.9 in | 2,050 lb | 45/55 |
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 coupe EV | 60 KW AC Synchronous | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 58 mi · 31 kWh/100mi | – | $700 | – |
| fortwo electric drive convertible EV | 60 KW AC Synchronous | Automatic (A1) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 57 mi · 33 kWh/100mi | – | $750 | – |
| fortwo cabriolet | 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 / 38 / 35 | +72% | $2,350 | 251 |
| fortwo coupe | 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 / 39 / 35 | +72% | $2,350 | 248 |
| fortwo cabriolet | 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 / 38 / 34 | +67% | $2,400 | 258 |
| fortwo coupe | 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 / 39 / 34 | +67% | $2,400 | 257 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 smart fortwo.
Recalls (1)
Steering · Jul 14, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V447000 · 110 vehicles
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 smart fortwo and smart fortwo Cabriolet vehicles. Casting imperfections may result in the failure of the left front axle steering knuckle.
- Risk
- Failure of the left front axle steering knuckle could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left front axle steering knuckle, replacing any from the affected batch, free of charge. The recall October 13, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Not every 2017 smart fortwo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 smart fortwo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Seat Belts — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 2,900 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 58 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 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 |
| 2016 fortwo | 35 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2015 fortwo | 36 | 106.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 11 |
| 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 →