DecodedCars2016 smart fortwo
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 0.9L 3-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- EV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 33 city / 39 hwy
- EV range
- 68 mi · 6 h on 240 V
- Length
- 106.3 in
- Curb weight
- 2,050 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 73% better than the average 2016 two seaters (20.2 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 2016 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), 73% better than the 2016 two seaters average of 20.2 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 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
- Engine added: 0.9L 3-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 1.0L 3-cyl
- Lightest version 243 lb heavier
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 fortwo →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Hambach, France
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 2 2016 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 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 | 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 33 / 39 / 35 | +73% | $2,350 | 246 |
| fortwo coupe | 0.9L 3-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 / 39 / 34 | +68% | $2,400 | 255 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 smart fortwo.
Recalls (2)
Parking Brake · Jul 16, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V448000 · 5,061 vehicles
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 smart fortwo vehicles. In these vehicles, the lock nut that secures the parking brake cable to the parking brake lever may loosen over time, resulting in increased parking brake lever travel before the parking brake engages.
- Risk
- As the parking brake lever travel increases, the holding force may decrease to a point where the vehicle is no longer safely secured in all parking situations, allowing the vehicle to unexpectedly move when parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the parking brake cable lock nut, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2017. Owners may contact smart customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Mar 16, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V179000 · 2,213 vehicles
- Problem
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 Smart Fortwo vehicles. The horizontal headlight adjustment mechanism on these vehicles may not have been properly sealed off to prevent future adjustment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- If the headlight can be adjusted horizontally, the headlight may be adjusted outside of the designed specifications, reducing the driver's visibility and potentially blinding oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct sealing caps to prevent the headlights from being adjusted horizontally, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
Not every 2016 smart fortwo is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 smart fortwo buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,000 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 2016 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 |
| 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 →