smart #3 vs Suzuki e Vitara

The smart #3 starts from $52,900 before on-road costs, while the Suzuki e Vitara opens at $42,700. That makes the Suzuki e Vitara the more affordable entry point by $10,200.

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 $58,190 and $46,970 respectively.

Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases.

The smart #3 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Suzuki e Vitara. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the smart #3 and 77% for the Suzuki e Vitara.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the smart #3, against 0 on the Suzuki e Vitara.

Both include the essentials: a reversing camera.

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The smart #3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Suzuki e Vitara. The Suzuki e Vitara counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The smart #3 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.

The Suzuki e Vitara responds with a Electric Motor making 106kW and 193Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The smart #3 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 106kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the smart #3 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 49kWh (Suzuki e Vitara), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 344km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #3) vs 129kW (Suzuki e Vitara).

The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 125mm longer than the Suzuki e Vitara at 4,275mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 370L in the smart #3 and 306L in the Suzuki e Vitara, giving the smart #3 a 64L advantage.

For towing, the smart #3 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 850kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Suzuki e Vitara). Both match on warranty length.