CarGurus expert rating: 2 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 3.9 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 140
Average Price: Around £5,700

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 clever, city-focused four-seater that prioritises urban manoeuvrability and style over outright performance. Developed with the Renault Twingo, it offers a more refined driving experience with improved sound deadening and a slicker interior. The second generation provides the most spacious Smart car available, with ingenious design solutions such as rear doors opening to 85 degrees and rear seats folding completely flat to reveal 975 litres of boot space. Available with either a non-turbo 1.0-litre petrol engine (70bhp) or a turbocharged 0.9-litre three-cylinder (89bhp), paired with five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions, it excels at navigating tight urban spaces with an impressive 8.65-metre turning circle.

The ForFour delivers a relaxed, fuss-free driving experience with a well-balanced chassis that proves entertaining on twistier routes, though smaller engines require more effort on motorways. Fuel economy reaches approximately 54.3mpg with the turbocharged automatic, whilst CO2 emissions of 113-123g/km keep tax costs low. The interior feels vibrant and premium with clever design touches, though some cheaper plastics appear lower in the cabin. Running costs are generally modest, and the used market now offers excellent value following depreciation, making it an affordable option for those seeking a stylish, practical city car with distinctive character.

Best for: Urban drivers seeking excellent manoeuvrability and parking ease, those who appreciate distinctive styling and premium interior design, and buyers wanting a practical four-seater for city commuting.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising performance or engaging driving dynamics, those requiring a large boot, or buyers seeking the best value compared with rivals like the Renault Twingo or Volkswagen Up.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the ForFour if: You're an urban driver seeking excellent manoeuvrability and distinctive styling, value a premium interior feel, or want a practical four-seater for city commuting at a reasonable used price.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise driving engagement, require a larger boot, seek the best value proposition, or prefer more conventional styling and proven reliability.

Competitive Position: The Smart ForFour (2014-2022) occupies a unique position in the city car market, offering distinctive design and premium interior quality that rivals struggle to match. Whilst the Fiat 500 provides better value and the Renault Twingo offers near-identical mechanics at a lower cost, the ForFour's superior manoeuvrability and refined feel justify its premium positioning for style-conscious urban drivers. The Volkswagen Up delivers superior driving dynamics and reliability, making it the more practical choice for those prioritising performance. However, for buyers seeking a characterful, well-equipped city car with excellent parking credentials, the ForFour represents an increasingly affordable option on the used market.

Read our full Smart ForFour Review

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