CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 150
Average Price: Around £5,300

Smart ForFour (2014-2022) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Manoeuvrability makes it very capable in the city	Not all that much fun to drive
Unusual styling stands out	Rather expensive compared with rivals
Generally feels like a premium product	Small boot

Quick Summary

The Smart ForFour (2014-2022) is a four-seat city car developed in conjunction with the Renault Twingo, offering a more refined driving experience than its predecessor. Designed for urban use, it features an ultra-tight 8.65-metre turning circle and excellent manoeuvrability, making it ideal for navigating congested city streets. The rear doors open to 85 degrees, simplifying access to the cramped rear quarters and child seat installation. With rear seats folded, it provides an impressive 975 litres of boot space, though with seats up, storage is limited to just 185 litres.

Available with a non-turbo 1.0-litre petrol engine (70bhp) or a turbocharged 0.9-litre three-cylinder (89bhp), the ForFour delivers modest performance suited to shorter urban journeys. Fuel economy reaches approximately 54.3mpg with the automatic transmission, whilst CO2 emissions of 113-123g/km keep tax costs low. The interior feels vibrant and premium, with clever design touches and good standard equipment. However, it remains expensive compared with rivals like the Renault Twingo and Volkswagen Up, and longer motorway journeys can feel uncomfortable due to engine noise and limited refinement.

Best for: Urban drivers seeking excellent manoeuvrability, city commuters prioritising parking ease, and buyers who value distinctive styling and premium interior design.

Not ideal for: Those seeking engaging driving dynamics, drivers covering long distances regularly, buyers on tight budgets, or those requiring substantial boot space with rear seats in use.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the ForFour if: You're an urban driver seeking excellent manoeuvrability, a city commuter prioritising parking ease, or a buyer who values distinctive styling and premium interior design.

Consider alternatives if: You seek engaging driving dynamics, cover long distances regularly, are on a tight budget, or require substantial boot space with rear seats in use.

Competitive Position: The Smart ForFour (2014-2022) excels as an urban city car with unmatched manoeuvrability and a premium feel. However, it struggles against more affordable rivals like the Renault Twingo and Volkswagen Up, which offer better value for money. The Fiat 500 provides comparable styling appeal with stronger driving dynamics, whilst the Twingo is mechanically similar but cheaper to purchase. For budget-conscious buyers, the ForFour's depreciation has made it more accessible, but its premium positioning and limited practicality mean it appeals primarily to those prioritising city driving and distinctive design over outright value.

Read our full Smart ForFour Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.