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Fiat 500e vs Smart EQ forfour
Selected trimIconChange trim118 mi · 24 kWh · £20,995
Selected trimStandard · 2017-2281 mi · 17.6 kWh · £24,285
At a glance
In this comparison, Fiat 500e leads on value for money and running costs, while the Smart EQ forfour leads on motorway range and charging speed.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Fiat 500e if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
Choose the Smart EQ forfour if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Smart EQ forfour edges ahead overall, but it's close - check which categories matter most to you.
ValueFiat
Fiat
5.5
Smart
5
Motorway RangeSmart
Fiat
3.3
Smart
3.9
Family
Fiat
4.7
Smart
4.6
Too close to call
ChargingSmart
Fiat
4
Smart
9.5
Cost Per MileFiat
Fiat
9.1
Smart
8.2
City Driving
Fiat
9.6
Smart
9.7
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £20,995 (better) | £24,285 |
| Official range | 118 miles (better) | 81 miles |
| Boot space | 185 L | 185 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 30 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 9.5 sec (better) | 12.7 sec |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
Fiat 500e
Smart EQ forfour
Length
Fiat 500e3,632mm
Smart EQ forfour3,495mm-137mm
Width
Fiat 500e1,683mm
Smart EQ forfour1,665mm-18mm
Height
Fiat 500e1,527mm-27mm
Smart EQ forfour1,554mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,632 mm | 3,495 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,683 mm | 1,665 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,900 mm | 1,875 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,527 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Turning circle | 9.7 m | 8.7 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 717 mm spare | 735 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | Not available | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 185 L | 185 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | Not available | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Fiat 500e
- Eligible for the full £3,750 UK Electric Car Grant, one of 8 hatchback EVs we track that qualifies for the top band.
- At 3,632 mm, shorter than 90% of hatchback EVs in our UK catalogue.
- 9.7 m turning circle, tighter than 85% of hatchback EVs in our database.
Smart EQ forfour
- At 3,495 mm, shorter than 100% of hatchback EVs in our UK catalogue.
- 8.65 m turning circle, tighter than 95% of hatchback EVs in our database.
- 1,665 mm wide, below our 1,750 mm narrow-car threshold.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Fiat 500e Icon |  Smart EQ forfour Base |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.63m | 3.50m-137mm |
| Width | 1.68m | 1.67m-18mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.90m | 1.88m-25mm |
| Height | 1.53m | 1.55m+27mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.32m | 2.49m+172mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 100mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 185L | 185L |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 9.7m | 8.65m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,265kg (better) | 1,275kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 24kWh (better) | 17.6kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 118 mi (better) | 81 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 50kW (better) | 0kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £20,995 (better) | £24,285 |
| Price after EV grant | £17,245 (-£3,750) | £24,285 (not eligible) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2020+ | 2017–2022 |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 118 miles (better) | 81 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 98 miles (better) | 67 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 30 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 50 kW (better) | 0 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 22 kW (better) |
| Usable battery capacity | 24 kWh (better) | 16.7 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not available | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 9.5 sec (better) | 12.7 sec |
| Power | 70 kW (better) | 60 kW |
| Torque | 220 Nm (better) | 160 Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Fiat 500e
Icon
Smart EQ forfour
Base
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Fiat 500e
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £9,772 | £6,495 |
| Average used price | £10,484 | £7,445 |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 31% over ~6 months | Up 18.8% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Fiat 500e Icon
Tested 2021
Adult Occupant76%
Child Occupant80%
Vulnerable Road Users67%
Safety Assist67%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart EQ forfour Base
Tested 2014
Adult Occupant78%
Child Occupant80%
Vulnerable Road Users56%
Safety Assist56%
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Fiat 500eIcon | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km (better) | 100,000 km |
Buying options
Get a quote
Fiat 500e
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart EQ forfour
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Fiat 500e
- £15,1002022EV ExpertsView
- £11,0952021Drive GreenView
- £11,2952022Drive GreenView
Smart EQ forfour
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smart EQ forfour worth the extra £3,290 over the Fiat 500e?
The Smart EQ forfour costs £3,290 more than the Fiat 500e. On the headline specs that premium buys little measurable advantage - the two are closely matched on range, charging and space. The Fiat 500e is not just cheaper - it also offers 37 miles more WLTP range, 50 kW faster peak rapid charging and a 3.2s quicker 0-62mph time. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Smart EQ forfour comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Fiat 500e or the Smart EQ forfour?
The Fiat 500e is £3,290 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £136 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Fiat 500e comes out roughly £3,370 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 98 miles for the Fiat 500e and 67 miles for the Smart EQ forfour - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The Fiat 500e goes roughly 31 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Fiat 500e or the Smart EQ forfour?
The two are within 18 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 735 mm of total clearance for the Smart EQ forfour and about 717 mm of total clearance for the Fiat 500e. The Smart EQ forfour also turns in a 1.0 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Fiat 500e or the Smart EQ forfour?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Fiat 500e and 84% for the Smart EQ forfour. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Fiat 500e comparisons
More Smart EQ forfour comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour rank among EVs under £30,000Where the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best small electric carsWhere the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best city EVsWhere the Fiat 500e and Smart EQ forfour rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideUsed Fiat 500e buyer's guide (2021-on)
Buying a used Fiat 500e: the 24 kWh and 42 kWh batteries, realistic range, what owners report, recalls and what to pay in 2026, plus why a new one may cost little more.
GuideBuying a Used smart EQ fortwo or forfour (2017-2024): Charging Faults, Real Range & What to Pay
A used smart EQ fortwo and forfour buyer’s guide: coupe, cabrio or four-seater, the 22 kW charger, charging and 12V faults, real-world range, the battery warranty, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .