Honda Accord vs smart #1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs 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 Honda Accord starts from $54,250 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the Honda Accord the more affordable entry point by $650.
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 $59,675 and $60,390 respectively.
The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Honda Accord, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda Accord and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 8 in the Honda Accord.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Honda Accord and 7 in the smart #1. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Honda Accord misses.
Feature Showdown
The Honda Accord features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display and 9.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda Accord stands out with Bose audio that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with heated front seats and Beats audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda Accord uses a Hybrid producing 135kW and 315Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda Accord measures 4,975mm long on a 2,830mm wheelbase, 705mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Honda Accord generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 473L in the Honda Accord and 203L in the smart #1, giving the Honda Accord a 270L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 (Honda Accord) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda Accord)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda Accord if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Honda Accord has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda Accord and smart #1?
The Honda Accord is the cheapest at $54,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $650.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda Accord uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda Accord and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Honda Accord has the largest boot at 473L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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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