If you’re looking for small cars like Smart car, you’re really after vehicles that share the same magic formula the Smart Fortwo made famous: ultra-compact size, easy city parking, and low running costs. The Smart brand may have left the US new car market in 2020, but it’s still the gold standard when people talk about tiny cars for adults that are practical and fun to drive.
These days, you can easily find plenty of cool cars similar to Smart car. Some match its agility. Others add fresh styling, better tech, or fully electric power. The best thing is that the buying options are more varied than ever. You can get anything from budget-friendly hatchbacks to quirky imports you won’t lose in a parking lot.
Whether you’re hunting for Smart car alternatives USA drivers swear by, or just curious about the smallest cars you can actually buy in 2025, this guide has you covered. I’ll walk you through the best small cars like Smart car available right now, with real specs, expert insights, and a few personal takes from behind the wheel.
1. Fiat 500 and Fiat 500e
- Price: From $12,000 Used (Gas) Or $32,500 New (Ev)
- Engine: 1.4l 4-Cylinder Or Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 101 hp (Gas) Or 117 hp (Electric)
- Fuel Type: Gas Or Electric
- Mpg: 30 City/38 Highway (Gas) Or 121 Mpge Combined (Electric)
- Dimensions: 139.6” L x 64.1” W x 59.8” H
The Fiat 500 is one of the closest matches to a Smart Fortwo you will find. It has the same city-friendly size, offering easy parking and city maneuverability that people love about small cars like Smart cars. It adds a little more personality, comfort, and style while keeping its ultra-compact footprint.
If you choose the gas-powered Fiat 500, you get a fun little hatchback that can squeeze through tight traffic and still handle short highway trips without feeling strained.
However, the newer Fiat 500e gives you a fully electric option, perfect for city drivers who want to skip fuel stops entirely. I have driven both versions, and while the Smart Fortwo feels like pure utility, the Fiat 500 has an almost playful vibe, especially with its retro-inspired interior and bright color options. You can purchase the used gas variant for around $12,000 and the brand-new EV model for around $32,500.
2. Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Price: From $27,800 (New)
- Engine: Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 200 hp
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Mpg: 120 Mpge Combined
- Dimensions: 164” L x 69.5” W x 62.8” H
The Chevrolet Bolt EV is one of the best electric small cars for city driving under $30k, thanks to its mix of efficiency, range, and compact design. It is easy to weave through traffic, yet spacious enough inside for more than just quick grocery runs.
What makes the Bolt so satisfying is how it delivers power. Its electric motor delivers instant torque, giving it an eager start from a stop, while the battery placement keeps the center of gravity low for confident, stable cornering. The steering feels light for easy parking but remains precise enough to place the car exactly where you want it in tight streets.
For urban drivers, the range is more than enough to handle daily commutes without the stress of frequent charging stops, making the Bolt EV one of the most practical electric hatchbacks on the market right now.
3. MINI Cooper 2-Door and MINI Cooper SE
- Price: From $30,900 (New)
- Engine: 1.5l Turbocharged 3-Cylinder, 2.0l Turbocharged 4-Cylinder, Or Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 134 To 189 hp (Gas) Or 181 hp (Electric)
- Fuel Type: Gas Or Electric
- Mpg: 29 City/38 Highway (Gas) Or 119 Mpge Combined (Electric)
- Dimensions: 151.7” L x 68” x 55.7” H
The MINI Cooper 2-Door is a top pick for shoppers looking for small cars like Smart car but with a more stylish twist. It appeals equally to those hunting for cute cars for women and to anyone who wants something genuinely fun to drive. It is compact enough for narrow city streets, yet more spacious than the Smart Fortwo; it blends personality with everyday usability.
Among tiny car brands, the MINI has long stood out for its sharp steering and nimble handling. The standard gas-powered Cooper 2-Door offers punchy acceleration and a sporty exhaust note, while the electric MINI Cooper SE keeps the same agility but swaps the sound for near-silent cruising and instant torque. Depending on trim and options, a new MINI can start in the low $30,000 range, with used models available for far less.
4. Nissan Leaf
- Price: From $28,000 (New)
- Engine: Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 147 hp
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Mpg: 111 Mpge Combined
- Dimensions: 176.4” L x 70.5” W x 61.4” H
The Nissan Leaf may not match the Smart Fortwo’s tiny footprint, but it delivers the same ease of use in the city with the added benefit of being fully electric. As one of the most popular affordable compact electric cars 2025 has for car buyers, it offers quiet operation, smooth acceleration, and enough range for the average urban driver without stretching the budget.
The Leaf accelerates quietly and effortlessly, thanks to its electric motor delivering power from the moment you press the pedal. Its size gives it more interior space than a microcar, but it still slips into tight parking spots without much effort. Steering is light, visibility is generous, and the ride is tuned for comfort, making it a relaxed commuter that still handles city congestion well.
5. Mitsubishi Mirage
- Price: From $16,695 (New)
- Engine: 1.2l 3-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 78 hp
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Mpg: 36 City/43 Highway
- Dimensions: 151.4” L x 65.6” W x 59.4” H
Priced at around $16k, the Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable and smallest hatchbacks you can buy new in the United States. It’s designed for drivers who want something simple, easy to maneuver, and light on the wallet.
For those seeking a compact city car with the best mileage, the Mirage is hard to overlook. It can easily hit over 40 mpg on the highway. It won’t win you any races, but its low running costs and simple design make it a practical everyday driver, especially for college students.
The latest Mirage doesn’t have the upscale feel of some European tiny car brands, but it makes up for it with reliability and low ownership costs. In many markets, you can pick one up for less than the cost of some well-equipped used cars, which makes it an appealing option for first-time buyers or those needing an inexpensive commuter.
6. Toyota iQ (Used)
- Price: Between $8,000 and $12,000 (Used)
- Engine: 1.3l 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 94 hp
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Mpg: 36 City/37 Highway
- Dimensions: 120” L x 66” W x 59” H
The Toyota iQ is about as close as you can get to a Smart Fortwo in size while still offering four seats. In reality, the back seats are more for a grocery bag or a quick lift for a friend than for everyday passengers, but that clever packaging is what made the iQ such a standout in its day and earned it a place among the top 10 smallest cars in USA history.
The steering feels light but precise, which helps when squeezing into tight urban spaces. The short wheelbase gives it a quick, almost dart-like response in traffic.
Visibility is surprisingly good, even for short drivers, thanks to its tall stance and large windows, something you notice right away when navigating busy streets. Even on the highway, it feels stable for its size, though it’s best to drive at city speeds.
One car owner on Reddit shared:
The iQ is super reliable, comfortable, gets great gas mileage, and is the best for city driving and parking. It has such a tight turning radius.
7. BMW i3
- Price: Between $15,000 and $20,000 (Used)
- Engine: Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 170 hp
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Mpg: 124 Mpge Combined
- Dimensions: 158.3” L x 69.9” W x 62.9” H
The BMW i3 fits naturally among eco-friendly small cars for sale in the USA that can stand in for a Smart Fortwo. Like the Smart, it is short, narrow, and built for quick maneuvers in tight spaces, but it adds a premium twist with high-end materials and innovative engineering.
Its compact dimensions make city parking almost effortless, and the upright seating position gives a commanding view of the road, something not all small cars manage.
The electric motor responds instantly when you press the accelerator, making it easy to dart through gaps in traffic. BMW’s use of a carbon-fiber-reinforced frame keeps the car light yet sturdy, and that balance helps it feel stable on the highway while still agile in the city.
8. Kandi K27
- Price: Around $12,500 (New)
- Engine: Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 63 hp
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Mpg: 102 Mpge Combined
- Dimensions: 136” L x 57” W x 61” H
The Kandi K27 brings a no-frills approach to urban electric driving, focusing on keeping things small, simple, and affordable. It’s one of the cheapest electric small cars in the USA, offering an accessible way into EV ownership without sacrificing the maneuverability that makes tiny cars so practical in city environments.
Its ultra-compact footprint makes weaving through crowded streets almost effortless, and finding parking is rarely a challenge. Inside, the cabin is basic but functional, providing seating for two adults and enough space for groceries or a couple of small bags.
With a modest top speed of around 63 mph and a limited range of about 59 miles, it works best for short errands, daily commutes within the city, or as a second vehicle for households that already have a primary car for longer trips. You can even purchase it for your teenage girl who has just got her driving license and wants to drive in modern style.
9. Honda Fit
- Price: Between $10,000 and $15,000 (Used)
- Engine: 1.5l 4-Cylinder
- Horsepower: 128 to 130 hp
- Fuel Type: Gas
- Mpg: 33 City/40 Highway
- Dimensions: 161.4” L x 67” W x 60” H
The Honda Fit proves that a small hatchback can be practical, fun, and surprisingly spacious. While no longer sold new in the United States, used models remain a favorite for drivers who want a vehicle with city-friendly dimensions but enough flexibility to handle weekend trips. Depending on the model year and condition, you can usually find one between $10,000 and $15,000 in the used market.
Its compact size makes urban parking easy, yet the clever Magic Seat rear folding system creates a flat cargo floor for hauling larger items, something rare in this class. The Fit’s responsive steering and tight turning radius help it feel nimble in traffic, and its efficient engine keeps running costs low.
One owner on an online forum shared:
“Magic seats are the best. With rear seats folded up, you can roll 20” BMX bikes right in.”
It may not be as tiny as a Smart car, but it delivers the same maneuverability with extra space for passengers and gear, making it a versatile choice for drivers who want one car to do it all.
10. Hyundai Kona Electric
- Price: Around $33,000 (New)
- Engine: Electric Motor
- Horsepower: 201 hp
- Fuel Type: Electric
- Mpg: 120 Mpge Combined
- Dimensions: 164.6” L x 70.9” W x 61.2” H
The Hyundai Kona Electric blends the efficiency and agility of a small car with the higher driving position and versatility of a subcompact SUV. Its starting price of around $33,000 puts it above many smaller EVs, but it offers more range, comfort, and tech features in return. For buyers who want the feel of a small car but the utility of an SUV, it’s one of the strongest choices in this size category.
Despite being slightly taller than typical city hatchbacks, the Kona Electric is still easy to maneuver in tight spaces and simple to park. The steering is accurate, the suspension smooths out rough city roads, and the electric drivetrain delivers instant torque for quick getaways at traffic lights.
Inside, it feels upscale for its price, with quality materials and plenty of standard technology, including a modern infotainment system and advanced driver assistance features.
Buying Guide for Small Cars Like Smart Car
Choosing the right small car isn’t just about picking the tiniest one you can find. The best choice depends on your driving requirements, your driving style, your budget, and whether you prefer gas or electric power. Here’s what you should keep in mind when shopping for Smart car alternatives in the USA:
Maneuverability and Parking Ease
If your daily commute involves crowded streets or tight parking garages, look for micro-commuter vehicles with short wheelbases and light steering. Models like the Toyota iQ or Fiat 500 are great examples of how compact cars can still feel stable and comfortable.
Powertrain Options
Decide whether you want a gasoline engine, a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or an all-electric drivetrain. Gas-powered options keep the purchase price low, while EVs offer quiet operation, instant torque, and reduced fueling costs over time.
Interior Space and Everyday Practicality
Some small cars surprise you with clever packaging. Look for features like flexible rear seats, underfloor storage, or upright cabin designs that make the most of limited dimensions. These details can make a compact feel far more versatile.
Budget Considerations
Set a realistic budget before you begin looking for a car. In 2025, city-focused hatchbacks can start under $17,000, while premium electric runabouts may top $30,000. Factor in long-term costs like insurance, maintenance, and charging or fuel expenses.
Safety and Technology
Modern urban-friendly cars often come with advanced driver-assistance features, from lane-keeping support to automatic braking. Always check trusted safety ratings (like NHTSA and IIHS) and consider options that make your city driving less stressful, like rearview cameras and parking sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest Smart car alternative in the USA?
As of this year, the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage is one of the most affordable new small cars, with a starting price under $17,000. If you’re open to electric options, the Kandi K27 is one of the cheapest EVs, priced around $12,500. The best thing is that you can either purchase them via financing or just lease them out.
Why do people prefer compact city cars over larger vehicles?
Compact city cars are easier to maneuver in traffic, fit into tight parking spots, and save money on gas or electricity. Many small cars like Fiat or MINI also offer surprisingly roomy interiors for passengers and cargo, giving drivers the benefits of space without the bulk of a bigger car.
What are the best small cars like Smart car in the USA right now?
Some of the best small cars like Smart cars available in 2025 include the Fiat 500, MINI Cooper 2-Door, Mitsubishi Mirage, Toyota iQ (used), Chevrolet Bolt EV, and Hyundai Kona Electric. These models are easy to park, fuel-efficient, and great for city driving.
Are tiny cars for adults safe to drive every day?
Yes, many small cars for adults meet the same crash safety and stability standards as larger vehicles. They’re perfectly fine for everyday driving, though they tend to feel most comfortable and agile in city and suburban traffic rather than long highway trips.
Where can I find small cars like Smart car for sale in the USA?
You can find small cars like the German car brand Smart Fortwo for sale at major car dealerships, certified pre-owned programs, and online car marketplaces like CarGurus, Autotrader, and Cars.com. And if you’re looking for rare models such as the Toyota iQ or older Smart Fortwo, checking local classifieds and enthusiast forums can help you track down well-kept examples.
Conclusion
Choosing the right small cars like Smart car is about balancing maneuverability, efficiency, and the features that matter most to you. These compact vehicles excel in tight spaces, save on running costs, and still manage to deliver top-tier comfort for everyday driving. Whether you prefer the charm of a retro-inspired hatchback, the quiet punch of an EV, or the practicality of a cleverly designed city car, there’s a fit for every kind of driver.
At present, the market offers more variety than ever, from affordable entry-level models to premium compacts with advanced tech. Take the time to compare dimensions, fuel types, and safety features, then test-drive in the environment you’ll use it most. With so many smartly designed choices, your perfect city companion is closer than you think.
