how much gas mileage does a smart car get

[ElliottLee]

The gas mileage for a Smart car, specifically the Fortwo model sold in the U.S. until 2019, is quite impressive. For the most common model, the gasoline-powered Fortwo coupe, the official EPA estimates are 33 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined fuel economy of 35 mpg. This makes it one of the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid gasoline cars ever sold in the American market.

It's important to clarify that the term "Smart car" primarily refers to the tiny two-seater Fortwo. These vehicles were designed exclusively for urban efficiency, featuring a small 0.9-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. While their peak horsepower was modest, the low weight and small engine size are the direct reasons for the excellent fuel economy. However, this design comes with trade-offs. On the highway, the short wheelbase and engine note can make it feel less comfortable on long, high-speed journeys compared to a larger compact car.

The following table shows the EPA estimates for the final model years of the gasoline Smart Fortwo in the U.S.:

Model Year	Model & Transmission	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
2016-2019	Fortwo Coupe (5-Speed Automated Manual)	33	39	35
2016-2019	Fortwo Cabrio (5-Speed Automated Manual)	33	38	35

A key point for potential buyers is the unique 5-speed automated manual transmission. It operates differently than a traditional automatic; shifts can feel more pronounced and there can be a slight pause when accelerating from a stop. For the best mileage, gentle acceleration is key. While you can't buy a new gasoline Smart car in the U.S. today, their high fuel efficiency remains a major selling point on the used market for city dwellers.

[OEli]

I owned one for three years, mostly for my downtown commute. It consistently got around 33-34 mpg in stop-and-go traffic, which was perfect. The official numbers are pretty accurate for city driving. Just be ready for the quirky transmission—it’s not a smooth automatic. It’s a brilliant little car if you understand its purpose: saving money on gas and fitting into any parking spot.

[Zoe]

Driving a Smart car on the highway is a different experience. While the EPA says it can get 39 mpg, you have to work for it. The engine is revving pretty high at 70 mph, which can hurt efficiency. I’d say a realistic highway number is closer to 35-36 mpg if there's any wind or hills. It’s definitely more at home in the city where its small size and great city mileage of 33 mpg really pay off.

[Donna]

You have to compare it to what’s out there. A 35 mpg combined rating was stellar for a pure gasoline car. But now, a standard Honda Civic sedan gets over 40 mpg on the highway, and hybrids like the Toyota Prius easily exceed 50 mpg. The Smart car’s advantage was its tiny footprint, not class-leading efficiency by modern standards. For pure fuel savings today, there are more comfortable and more efficient choices.

[RemingtonLee]

Think about your actual usage. If you’re single, live in a packed city, and rarely take road trips, the Smart Fortwo’s 33 city/39 highway mpg is a huge benefit. You’ll fill the 9-gallon tank infrequently. But if you have a family or commute long distances on interstates, the fuel savings might not outweigh the lack of space and highway comfort. Its efficiency is perfectly tailored to a specific urban lifestyle, not as a primary car for all situations.