Hybrids like Toyota's Prius and the Honda Civic Hybrid get substantially better fuel economy than the Smart, in a much larger package, albeit at a much higher price.
The Toyota Yaris, the most fuel-efficient small hatchback, with ratings of 29 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, feels downright substantial next to the Fortwo, with a real backseat and the legs for occasional distance driving, and the sprightly MINI Cooper is just as good, at 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway.
The Smart Fortwo is more fun to drive on tight, congested city streets at low speed than even the MINI Cooper.
But as soon as the traffic thins out and the roads open up to the beltways and interstates, the Fortwo's cons—a hard ride, a noisy interior, the lack of power, and tense roadholding—become more serious drawbacks.
Factor in the middling fuel economy of only 33 mpg city, and the "wow" factor is quickly muted.
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 2009 smart fortwoBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Toyota PriusBrowse Used Listings |  2008 Toyota YarisBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||
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The 2009 Smart Fortwo is in its element in inner-city streets, but in the suburbs or almost anywhere else, it’ll probably feel uncomfortably toylike. |
The 2008 Toyota Prius isn’t that entertaining a car to drive, but it delivers exceptional fuel economy and a roomy interior. |
The 2008 Toyota Yaris is one of the cheapest, and cheapest to run, of all new vehicles. |
| MSRP From | ||
| $11,990 | $21,500 | $11,550 |
| Gas Mileage | ||
| 33 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 48 MPG City / 45 MPG Hwy | 29 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||
| Gas I3 | Gas/Electric I4 | Gas I4 |
| EPA Class | ||
| Minicompact | Mid-size | Subcompact |
| Style Name | ||
| 2-Door Coupe Pure | 5-Door HB Base (GS) | 3-Door HB Manual (GS) |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front wheel drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||
| 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||
| 2 Door Coupe | 5 Door Liftback | 3 Door Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||
| Manual | CVT | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||
| 2009 smart fortwo vs. 2008 Toyota Prius | 2009 smart fortwo vs. 2008 Toyota Yaris | |
