Against 20 other 3-cyl cars rated 2015–2017, the Fortwo beats their 33.5 mpg average by 1.5 mpg, about $49 a year.
Every Smart Fortwo engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1L 3-cyl | 33.5 / 39.3 | 2008–2015 | $1,067 | |
| 0.9L 3-cyl | 33 / 38.5 | 2016–2017 | $1,097 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda CR-Z gets 36 mpg, next to 35 mpg for the 2017 Fortwo. The Fortwo costs the most of them to run: $30 a year more than the Honda CR-Z.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2017) | $0.091 |
| Fuel per year | $1,097 |
| Fuel over five years | $5,485 |
| Against other 3-cyl cars, 2015–2017 | −$49 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,160 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2017 Smart Fortwo gives up 5 mpg in town: 38 on the highway against 33 in the city, $153 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2017) | 33 mpg | $1,164 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 38 mpg | $1,011 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (15%) | Typical for its type |
How the Fortwo changed over the years
The Fortwo peaked in 2015 at 36 mpg (34 city, 38 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2017 at 35 — 1 mpg apart, or $30 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2017 car does 35.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 33 / 38 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 2016 | 33 / 39 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 2015 | 34 / 38 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2014 | 34 / 38 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2013 | 34 / 38 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2012 | 34 / 38 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2011 | 33 / 39 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2010 | 33 / 41 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2009 | 33 / 41 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2008 | 33 / 41 | 1 | $1,067 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Smart Fortwo — 2 engines across 2008–2017. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,160. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2017 Smart Fortwo get?
35 mpg combined, 33 city and 38 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2008 the Fortwo has averaged 35.8 mpg.
Is the 2017 Fortwo more efficient than the 2016?
About the same: 35 against 35 mpg combined.
Which Fortwo year has the best gas mileage?
The 2015, at 36 mpg combined (34 city, 38 highway).
Does the Fortwo get better gas mileage than the Honda CR-Z?
No: 35 mpg for the 2017 Fortwo against 36 for the 2016 Honda CR-Z, about $30 a year more to run.
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