2012 Smart fortwo vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 6 out of 10

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Feb 21, 2012

The all-new 2012 Scion iQ is without a doubt the Fortwo's only direct rival in the U.S.

market.

The iQ doesn't feel quite as agile and tossable at low speeds as the Fortwo, but it's far better on the highway and a feasible option for suburban commuters.

The iQ also can fit three adults in a pinch, thanks to its unique '3+1' seating, and its set of features and options is more extensive.

The MINI Cooper (and also for that matter the FIat 500) is more of a lifestyle car, and even though it costs thousands more, it overlaps with some of the same crowd, looking for a car that's unique and doesn't scream 'bargain basement.' The Mitsubishi i (electric car) would also land in this class, although it too is priced many thousands higher.

Finally, if you have to look at the Fortwo with a practical eye, it simply doesn't make a lot of sense next to base models of fine subcompacts like the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, and Ford Fiesta.

With all of those, you get more car, more features, and a price that's about the same.

2012 Smart fortwo Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Fit Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Hyundai Accent Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mitsubishi i	2012 MINI Cooper Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Scion iQ Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
6 Still stylish and quirky, the 2012 Smart Fortwo can be a fun and useful car for tight urban spaces where its size and maneuverability is an asset; but for even occasional highway driving, nearly any other small car would be a better pick.	8 The 2012 Honda Fit is peppy and fun to drive, and its interior is incredibly space-efficient; but some might be turned off by its rather utilitarian look.	7.2 Do Americans want small cars with more room and great gas mileage? The 2012 Hyundai Accent is betting they do--and so are we.	7 Want a practical electric car for commuting, or as a second car? The 2012 Mitsubishi i is the simply the most affordable and efficient pick.	8.6 In all of its guises the 2012 MINI Cooper is fun-to-drive, uniquely styled, and with three standard levels of performance, there's an option for everyone.	7 The appeal of the 2012 Scion iQ minicar is limited; but for parking-challenged urban dwellers, it's charming.
MSRP From
$12,490	$15,325	$12,545	N/A	$19,500	$15,265
Gas Mileage
34 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	27 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy		25 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy	36 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I3	Gas I4	Gas I4	N/A	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Minicompact	Small Station Wagon	Compact Cars	N/A	Minicompact	Mini Compact
Style Name
2-Door Coupe Pure	5-Door HB Man	4-Door Sedan Man GLS	N/A	2-Door Coupe	3-Door HB (Natl)
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	N/A	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
2	5	5	N/A	4	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	2
Body Style
2 Door Coupe	5 Door Hatchback	4 Door Sedan	N/A	Coupe	3 Door Hatchback
Transmission
Automatic w/Manual Shift	Manual	Manual	N/A	Manual	Continuously Variable Ratio