Can You Still Buy a New Smart Car in America?
If you’ve been hunting for a brand-new Smart car at a U.S. dealership, you’ve probably noticed they’ve completely vanished—but the story of why and what comes next is more interesting than you might expect.
The short answer is no, you cannot buy a new Smart car in America today. The brand officially withdrew from the U.S. market in 2019, and the current lineup of all-electric crossovers—models like the Smart #1, #3, and #5—simply isn’t sold here . But here’s the twist: Smart is actively exploring a return, and the tiny two-seater that made the brand famous might be making a comeback. Let’s break down what happened and what the future holds.
The Short Version
Smart pulled out of the U.S. in 2019 after sluggish sales, but the brand still exists elsewhere as an all-electric crossover maker. A new tiny city EV, the Smart #2, is coming in 2027—but it’s headed to Europe and China, not America. For now, used Fortwo models are your only option.
What Happened to Smart in America?
The Smart Fortwo arrived in the U.S. with high hopes back in 2008. It was tiny, fuel-efficient, and perfect for city parking. But American buyers just weren’t that into it . Sales dwindled to just a few hundred units by 2019, and Mercedes-Benz quietly pulled the plug .
The 2018 Fortwo Electric Drive was the last new Smart model sold in the U.S. It was available as a coupe or convertible, making it the only electric convertible on the market at the time . But its limited range (just 58 miles) and tiny two-seat layout couldn’t compete with more practical EVs like the Nissan Leaf . The brand was renamed the EQ Fortwo in 2019, and then it was gone .
What’s Smart Doing Now?
Here’s where things get interesting. In 2019, Smart became a 50/50 joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Chinese automaker Geely . The brand completely reinvented itself. Today, Smart builds all-electric crossovers for markets like Europe and China . The lineup includes:
- Smart #1 – A compact all-electric SUV
- Smart #3 – A coupe-like SUV variant
- Smart #5 – A mid-size SUV with up to 638 horsepower and a 342-mile range
These aren’t the tiny city cars you remember. The #5 is nearly 4.7 meters long—about the size of a Honda CR-V . It’s built on an 800-volt platform and can fast-charge from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes . Smart even showcased the #5 at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, a clear signal they’re keeping an eye on the U.S. market .
Could Smart Return to America?
Maybe. Smart’s global marketing chief, Kang Yi, said recently: “We’d love to go back. We have quite a bit of history there” . However, he acknowledged that “the geopolitical situation prevents us,” pointing to high tariffs and broader U.S.-China trade tensions .
The brand is now present in around 40 global markets, with China and Europe as its biggest sales regions . A U.S. return isn’t imminent, but it remains part of their long-term thinking .
The Smart #2: A New Tiny EV on the Horizon
Smart is reviving the Fortwo spirit with an upcoming model called the Smart #2. It’s a two-seat electric city car that retains the classic proportions of the original Fortwo, with a rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive . It’s scheduled to launch in Europe and China at the end of 2026, with production starting in 2027 .
The #2 is expected to have a range of about 186 miles and can charge from 10% to 80% in under 20 minutes with DC fast charging . But here’s the catch: sales are limited to Europe, China, and “other selected global markets” . The U.S. is not on that list—at least not yet .
Your Options Right Now
If you’re set on owning a Smart car in America, here’s what you can do:
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Buy a used Smart Fortwo | The only realistic choice. Gas models (up to 2017) and electric models (up to 2019) are available on sites like Carvana and Carfax . |
| Import a new Smart | Technically possible but extremely complex and expensive. Current models aren’t federalized for U.S. safety and emissions rules . |
| Wait for a potential return | Smart is interested, but there’s no timeline. Political conditions will determine if and when they come back . |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a brand-new Smart car in the U.S. today?
No. Smart officially withdrew from the American market in 2019 and does not sell new vehicles here.
Why did Smart leave the U.S.?
Sales were poor—just a few hundred units sold in 2019—and American buyers preferred larger vehicles .
What is the Smart #2?
It’s a new two-seat electric city car that serves as a spiritual successor to the Fortwo. It launches in Europe and China in 2026, but not in the U.S. .
Will Smart ever return to America?
Smart executives have expressed interest, but trade tensions and tariffs are major barriers. There’s no confirmed timeline .
What’s the newest Smart I can buy used in America?
The 2019 Smart EQ Fortwo Electric Drive was the last model sold here .
Are current Smart models like the #1 or #5 sold in the U.S.?
No. These electric crossovers are not federalized for American roads and aren’t available at U.S. dealerships .
Does Smart still exist as a brand?
Yes. Smart operates as a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, selling all-electric vehicles in Europe, China, and other markets .
Are you holding out hope for Smart’s return to America, or have you moved on to other compact EVs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
References
Smart U.S. Market Information Sources:
