Smart Car vs Honda e: Which Retro-Futuristic City EV Wins?
You’re scrolling through electric vehicle listings, and two tiny, adorable, tech-packed city cars keep catching your eye—the quirky, space-efficient Smart car and the impossibly cute, retro-futuristic Honda e—and you can’t decide which one deserves a spot in your driveway.
TL;DR
The Smart car and Honda e represent two very different approaches to the electric city car. The Smart—especially the new Smart #1, #3, and #5—has evolved into a larger, more practical SUV-like EV with impressive range and premium features. The Honda e, on the other hand, stays true to its city car roots with a compact footprint, distinctive retro styling, and a tech-filled cabin that feels like a spaceship. While the Honda e wins on style, charm, and driving fun, the Smart #1 offers more range, more space, and more practicality for everyday use. This comprehensive comparison covers design, performance, interior space, technology, range, charging, and running costs to help you choose the right electric city car for your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Smart #1 is larger and more practical than the Honda e
- Honda e has a shorter range (137 miles) vs Smart #1 (270 miles)
- Both cars are packed with technology and modern features
- Honda e has a tighter turning circle and is easier to park
- Smart #1 offers more passenger and cargo space
- Both are premium-priced for their segment
- Honda e’s production has ended, making it a collector’s item
- The Smart #3 and #5 offer even more space and range
Two Icons of Urban Electric Mobility
Here’s the thing about both of these cars: they’re not just transportation—they’re statements. The Smart car says you value clever engineering and maximum efficiency. The Honda e says you have style and appreciate the finer things in life.
The Smart Story
Smart has been making city cars since 1998, and the brand has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. The classic Smart Fortwo and Forfour were all about extreme compactness. But the new generation—the Smart #1, Smart #3, and Smart #5—are completely different vehicles.
They’re built on an all-new electric platform developed with Geely, and they’re larger, more luxurious, and more technologically advanced than anything Smart has made before. The new Smart cars are premium compact SUVs, not microcars.
The Honda e Story
The Honda e launched in 2020 to universal acclaim for its stunning retro-futuristic design. It was Honda’s first dedicated electric vehicle, and it was designed from the ground up to be an urban runabout.
With its round headlights, sleek body, and minimalist cabin, the Honda e looked like nothing else on the road. It was a love letter to Honda’s city car heritage, specifically the original Honda N360 from the 1960s.
The bad news: Honda has discontinued the Honda e due to slow sales and the high cost of development. It’s now a collector’s item—rare, desirable, and likely to hold its value well.
Size and Dimensions: Which One Fits Your Life?
This is where the differences become immediately obvious.
Smart Fortwo (Classic)
- Length: 106.1 inches (2,695 mm)
- Width: 65.4 inches (1,662 mm)
- Height: 61.4 inches (1,560 mm)
- Turning circle: 22.8 feet
The classic Smart Fortwo is absurdly short—it’s shorter than many pickup trucks are wide. Parking is almost laughably easy.
Smart #1 (New Generation)
- Length: 169.1 inches (4,295 mm)
- Width: 71.7 inches (1,822 mm)
- Height: 63.9 inches (1,623 mm)
- Wheelbase: 108.3 inches (2,750 mm)
The Smart #1 is significantly larger than both the classic Fortwo and the Honda e. It’s a small SUV, not a microcar. If you need passenger and cargo space, this is the better choice.
Honda e
- Length: 149.4 inches (3,795 mm)
- Width: 68.9 inches (1,750 mm)
- Height: 59.4 inches (1,510 mm)
- Wheelbase: 99.6 inches (2,530 mm)
- Turning circle: 28.7 feet
The Honda e is about 20 inches longer than the classic Smart Fortwo but 20 inches shorter than the Smart #1. It’s a pure city car—compact, maneuverable, and designed for tight urban spaces.
Winner: Depends on Your Needs
- For extreme urban parking: Smart Fortwo (classic) or Honda e
- For a balance of size and practicality: Honda e
- If you need more space: Smart #1
- For maximum passenger capacity: Smart #1 (5 seats)
Design and Styling: Personality and Appeal
Both cars have incredible design, but they express it very differently.
Smart #1 Design
The Smart #1 has a clean, modern, and slightly futuristic design. The exterior is smooth and aerodynamic, with flush door handles, sleek lighting, and a minimalist aesthetic.
The interior is equally impressive—a Digital Instrument Cluster and a massive Floating Center Display dominate the dashboard. The materials are premium, the build quality is excellent, and the ambient lighting adds a touch of sophistication.
The Smart #1 is available in a range of modern colors, and the design language is carried across the entire new Smart lineup.
Honda e Design
The Honda e is a design masterpiece. It captures the spirit of Honda’s classic city cars while looking thoroughly modern. The round headlights, the sleek profile, the minimal overhangs—everything about the Honda e says “design icon.”
The interior is a revelation. The dashboard is dominated by a massive screen that stretches from pillar to pillar. It’s like sitting inside a retro-futuristic living room. The wood trim, the premium materials, and the thoughtful details make every drive feel special.
The Honda e’s design isn’t just about looks—it’s also functional. The short overhangs and body-hugging shape make it incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces.
Winner: Honda e (For Pure Design)
This one is subjective, but the Honda e is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars of its era. The Smart #1 is handsome and modern, but the Honda e is art.
Interior Space and Comfort
Your daily experience with either car will be shaped by what’s inside.
Smart #1 Interior
- Seating: 5 seats
- Cargo space: 13.8 cubic feet (behind rear seats)
- Cargo with seats folded: 34.6 cubic feet
The Smart #1 offers genuine space for four adults. The rear seats are comfortable, the headroom is generous, and the cargo area is practical.
The seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives. The panoramic glass roof (available on some models) makes the cabin feel even more spacious.
Honda e Interior
- Seating: 4 seats
- Cargo space: 6.5 cubic feet (behind rear seats)
- Cargo with seats folded: 16.2 cubic feet
The Honda e’s interior is stylish but cramped. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seats are only suitable for children or adults on very short trips.
Cargo space is limited—you can fit a few grocery bags, but that’s about it. The folding rear seats provide more space, but the cargo area is still smaller than the Smart #1’s.
Winner: Smart #1
There’s no contest here. The Smart #1 has significantly more passenger and cargo space. The Honda e is a two-plus-two, while the Smart #1 is a genuine five-seater.
Performance and Driving Experience
These cars are both electric, but they drive very differently.
Smart #1 Performance
- Motor: Single or dual electric motors
- Power: 272 hp (Pro+, Premium) / 428 hp (Brabus)
- Torque: 253-428 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds (Pro+), 3.7 seconds (Brabus)
- Top speed: 112 mph (180 km/h)
The Smart #1 is genuinely quick. The base model offers plenty of acceleration for city driving, and the Brabus version is a hot hatch in disguise.
The driving experience is refined and comfortable. The ride is smooth, the cabin is quiet, and the car feels stable at highway speeds.
Honda e Performance
- Motor: Single electric motor (rear-wheel drive)
- Power: 134-151 hp (depending on battery option)
- Torque: 232 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
- Top speed: 90 mph (145 km/h)
The Honda e is quick enough for city driving but not fast by modern standards. The acceleration is peppy off the line, but it runs out of steam at higher speeds.
Where the Honda e shines is in handling. The rear-wheel drive layout, low center of gravity (thanks to the floor-mounted battery), and tight turning circle make it an absolute joy to drive in the city. It feels like a go-kart—nimble, responsive, and playful.
Winner:
- For straight-line speed: Smart #1
- For driving fun in the city: Honda e
- For highway driving: Smart #1
Range and Charging
This is where the Smart #1 has a clear advantage.
Smart #1 Range
- Battery size: 66 kWh (usable)
- WLTP range: Up to 270 miles (440 km)
- EPA range: Approximately 210-220 miles (estimated)
The Smart #1 offers competitive range for its class. You can comfortably do a road trip without range anxiety.
Smart #1 Charging
- AC charging (11 kW): 3-4 hours (0-100%)
- DC fast charging (150 kW): 10-80% in about 30 minutes
The Smart #1’s fast-charging capability is excellent. A 30-minute charge adds about 160 miles of range.
Honda e Range
- Battery size: 35.5 kWh (gross)
- WLTP range: Up to 137 miles (220 km)
- EPA range: Approximately 100-110 miles (estimated)
The Honda e’s range is limited. It’s a pure city car, designed for daily commutes and urban errands. A road trip would require careful planning and frequent charging stops.
Honda e Charging
- AC charging (7.4 kW): 4-5 hours (0-100%)
- DC fast charging (100 kW): 10-80% in about 30 minutes
The Honda e charges quickly, but the limited range means you’ll be stopping more often.
Winner: Smart #1
The Smart #1 has almost double the range of the Honda e. If you ever plan to leave the city, the Smart #1 is the better choice.
Technology and Features
Both cars are packed with technology, but they emphasize different things.
Smart #1 Technology
- 12.8-inch Floating Center Display: Large touchscreen
- 9.2-inch Digital Instrument Cluster: Digital driver display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard
- Smart Pilot Assist: Advanced driver assistance
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Software updates without visiting a dealer
- Ambient Interior Lighting: Customizable mood lighting
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): Power external devices (Smart #5)
The Smart #1’s technology is comprehensive and modern. It’s intuitive, responsive, and feature-rich.
Honda e Technology
- 12.3-inch dual screens: Two screens side by side (one for driver, one for passenger)
- Digital instrument cluster: 8.8-inch display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard
- Advanced parking assist: Automated parking system
- Side camera mirror system: Cameras instead of traditional mirrors
- Honda Sensing: Driver assistance suite
- Over-the-Air updates: Limited OTA capability
The Honda e’s technology is impressive, especially the dual screens and the camera mirror system. The cabin feels like a tech playground.
Winner: Smart #1 (Slightly)
Both cars are technologically advanced. The Smart #1 has more comprehensive OTA capabilities and a more modern infotainment system, but the Honda e’s tech is more distinctive and visually striking.
Price and Value
Both cars are premium-priced for their segment.
Smart #1 Pricing
- Smart #1 Pro+: Starting around $45,000
- Smart #1 Premium: Starting around $48,000
- Smart #1 Brabus: Starting around $55,000
The Smart #1 is priced competitively with other premium compact EVs. It offers good value for the features and range.
Honda e Pricing
- Honda e (50 kWh): Starting around $42,000 (when new)
The Honda e was more expensive than many expected. The limited range and compact size made it a hard sell at this price point.
Note: Since the Honda e is discontinued, you’ll need to buy used. Prices vary, but well-maintained examples are holding their value well due to rarity.
Winner: Smart #1 (For Value)
The Smart #1 offers more car for the money—more space, more range, more practicality. The Honda e is a niche product with a premium price.
Running Costs
Both cars are electric, so running costs are generally low.
Smart #1 Running Costs
- Energy consumption: 3.8-4.2 miles/kWh
- Annual charging cost: Approximately $400-$600 (at home)
- Maintenance: Low (EVs have fewer moving parts)
Honda e Running Costs
- Energy consumption: 3.3-3.8 miles/kWh
- Annual charging cost: Approximately $450-$650 (at home)
- Maintenance: Low (EVs have fewer moving parts)
Winner: Tie
Both cars are cheap to run compared to gasoline vehicles. The Smart #1 is slightly more efficient, but the differences are small.
Reliability and Maintenance
Both cars should be reliable, but there are differences.
Smart #1 Reliability
The Smart #1 is built on a proven electric platform developed with Geely. Early reviews suggest it’s well-built and reliable.
Since it’s a new model, long-term reliability data is limited. However, electric vehicles generally have fewer problems than gasoline cars.
Honda e Reliability
Honda has a strong reputation for reliability. The Honda e is well-built, and early owners report few problems.
The limited production run means parts availability could become an issue in the long term.
Winner: Tie (Slight Edge to Honda)
Honda’s reputation for reliability gives it a slight edge. However, the Smart #1’s newer platform and EV simplicity suggest it will also be reliable.
Why the Honda e Was Discontinued
If the Honda e is so great, why did Honda stop making it?
The High Cost of Development
Honda invested heavily in developing the dedicated electric platform for the Honda e. The car was designed from the ground up as an EV, which is expensive.
The Limited Range
The Honda e’s range of 137 miles was below what many buyers wanted. The market was moving toward longer-range EVs, and the Honda e felt dated in that respect.
The Premium Price
At around $42,000, the Honda e was competing with cars like the Tesla Model 3, which offered more range and space. Many buyers couldn’t justify the price.
Slow Sales
Sales were slow, especially outside of Japan and Europe. Honda decided to cut its losses and focus on larger, more practical EVs.
The Rarity Factor
The discontinuation means the Honda e is now a collector’s item. Values have remained stable, and well-maintained examples are likely to appreciate.
Comparison Table: Smart #1 vs Honda e
| Feature | Smart #1 | Honda e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 169 inches | 149 inches |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Cargo Space | 13.8 cu ft | 6.5 cu ft |
| Horsepower | 272 hp | 134-151 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec | 8.3 sec |
| Range (WLTP) | 270 miles | 137 miles |
| Battery Size | 66 kWh | 35.5 kWh |
| Fast Charging | 150 kW | 100 kW |
| Starting Price (New) | ~$45,000 | ~$42,000 (discontinued) |
| Driving Wheels | Rear or All | Rear |
| Turning Circle | ~31.6 ft | 28.7 ft |
| Style | Modern minimalism | Retro-futuristic |
Chart: Smart #1 vs Honda e Comparison
Smart #1 vs Honda e: Key Metrics Comparison
Relative scores across key categories (higher is better)
Which Should You Buy?
The answer depends on what you need from a car.
Choose the Smart #1 if:
- You need more range and practicality
- You carry passengers or cargo regularly
- You occasionally drive outside the city
- You want a modern, well-equipped EV
- You’re buying new or nearly new
- You want more performance options
- You need five seats
Choose the Honda e if:
- Style and design are your top priorities
- You rarely leave the city
- You never carry more than two passengers
- You want a unique, collectible vehicle
- You value tight parking and maneuverability
- You’re willing to compromise on range and space
- You appreciate the retro-futuristic interior tech
Real-World Owner Experiences
What do actual owners say about their cars?
Smart #1 owner: “I was worried the Smart #1 would be too big—it’s not like the old Fortwo. But it’s actually the perfect size for my family. The range is fantastic, and I can do road trips without anxiety. The interior is premium, and the tech is excellent.”
Honda e owner: “This car is an absolute joy. Everywhere I go, people ask me what it is. The interior feels like a spaceship, and the turning circle is incredible—I can do a U-turn in the narrowest streets. Yes, the range is limited, but I never leave the city, so it’s perfect for me.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car has better range, the Smart #1 or Honda e?
The Smart #1 wins decisively. It has a 270-mile WLTP range compared to the Honda e’s 137-mile range. The Smart #1 can handle road trips, while the Honda e is strictly a city car.
Is the Honda e still being produced?
No. Honda discontinued the Honda e in 2024 due to slow sales and the high cost of development. It’s now a collector’s item with limited availability.
Which car is better for city driving?
The Honda e is more maneuverable in tight city spaces with its shorter length, tighter turning circle, and excellent visibility. The Smart #1 is still fine for city driving but is a larger vehicle.
Which car has more interior space?
The Smart #1 has much more interior space. It offers five seats and significantly more cargo space. The Honda e is a 2+2 with very limited cargo space.
Is the Smart #1 more expensive than the Honda e?
The Smart #1 starts around $45,000, while the Honda e was priced around $42,000 when new. The Smart #1 is more expensive but offers more car for the money.
Which car is more reliable?
Both should be reliable. Honda has a stronger reputation for reliability, but the Smart #1’s EV platform is proven. Long-term data for both is limited.
Should I buy a Honda e as an investment?
Possibly. The Honda e is now a collector’s item, and well-maintained examples are likely to hold their value or even appreciate. However, it’s still a car—don’t buy it expecting to make money.
References
Smart vs Honda e Comparison Resources:
- Smart Official Website
- Honda e Official Site
- Car and Driver Comparison
- Autocar Honda e Discontinuation
Which car would you choose—the practical Smart #1 or the stylish Honda e? Have you driven either one? Share your experience in the comments below!
