Ford Everest vs smart #3
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Ford Everest starts from $59,490 before on-road costs, while the smart #3 opens at $57,900. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $1,590.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $65,439 and $63,690 respectively.
The smart #3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Ford Everest, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Ford Everest and smart #3 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Ford Everest and 90% for the smart #3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the Ford Everest.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Ford Everest and 7 in the smart #3.
Feature Showdown
The Ford Everest features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the smart #3 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #3 counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting that the Ford Everest does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Ford Everest gets cloth upholstery while the smart #3 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The Ford Everest uses a Diesel Bi-Turbo producing 154kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.1 seconds.
The smart #3 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 154kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 4.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Ford Everest measures 4,978mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 578mm longer than the smart #3 at 4,400mm (2,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Ford Everest generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 259L in the Ford Everest and 260L in the smart #3, giving the smart #3 a 1L advantage.
For towing, the Ford Everest leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Ford Everest) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Ford Everest if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Ford's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #3 takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Ford Everest and smart #3?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Ford Everest by $1,590.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Ford Everest uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Ford Everest and smart #3 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #3 has the largest boot at 260L.
Which can tow the most?
The Ford Everest has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #3 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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