2013 Smart fortwo vs. Its Competition

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John Voelcker

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Apr 17, 2012

The 2013 Smart ForTwo has been slightly restyled, but its drawbacks still stand out in comparison to its closest competitor, the Scion iQ.

While the iQ isn't quite as nimble in city driving, it's far more tolerable on highways and would make an entirely suitable commuter car.

The iQ's so-called 3+1 seating also fits three adults, more or less, and has a far more modern interior and features list.

The Fiat 500 and MINI Cooper are more stylish lifestyle cars (with minimal back seats) whose design doesn't scream "bargain basement," but both cost somewhat more.

The all-electric Mitsubishi i might fit that description as well, though it's almost twice the price.

But base models of the Honda Fit subcompact--or the newer Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, or Kia Rio--provide far more car and almost the same gas mileage for prices about the same as the Smart's.

2013 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 Distinctive, quirky, and lightly restyled this year, the 2013 Smart ForTwo is at its best in crowded cities where parking and maneuverability are top priorities, but smooth driving takes careful practice and almost any other inexpensive car is a better choice for highway use.	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
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