Verdict
The smart #3 costs RM15,788 less, yet brings a 268-hp, 343-Nm rear motor, 49-kWh battery and 325-km electric range. Its 22-kW AC and 150-kW DC charging figures suit buyers able to plan charging, while its 370-litre boot and 2,785-mm wheelbase also beat the Subaru’s 315 litres and 2,670 mm. The Crosstrek counters with all-wheel drive, a 63-litre petrol tank and a space-saver spare. For Malaysia, the smart’s RM260 annual road tax versus RM438 is another tangible saving; choose the Subaru if AWD and petrol refuelling matter more than EV running costs.
Pick the smart #3 if you can charge regularly and want 268 hp, a 325-km EV range, more boot space and RM178 lower annual road tax.
Pick the Subaru Crosstrek if all-wheel drive, a 63-litre petrol tank, a space-saver spare and a five-year vehicle warranty suit your use better.
Key differences
- Powertrain: smart #3 has one 268-hp, 343-Nm electric motor; Crosstrek has a 1,995-cc 154-hp, 196-Nm petrol engine.
- Drive: smart #3 is rear-wheel drive; Crosstrek is all-wheel drive.
- Energy storage: smart #3 has a 49-kWh battery and 325-km EV range; Crosstrek has a 63-litre petrol tank.
- Boot space: smart #3 has 370 litres; Crosstrek has 315 litres.
- Wheelbase: smart #3 measures 2,785 mm; Crosstrek measures 2,670 mm.
- Annual road tax: smart #3 is RM260; Crosstrek is RM438.
#3
- 268-hp, 343-Nm electric motor with a 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 370-litre boot and 2,785-mm wheelbase.
- 22-kW AC, 150-kW DC charging and 3.3-kW V2L.
- Rear-wheel drive instead of the Crosstrek’s all-wheel drive.
- No spare tyre, where the Crosstrek includes a space-saver.
- Four-year vehicle warranty versus the Crosstrek’s five years.
Crosstrek
- All-wheel drive and a 63-litre petrol tank.
- Space-saver spare tyre included.
- Dual-zone climate control, front fog lamps and a driver’s memory seat.
- RM15,788 dearer than the smart #3.
- 315-litre boot is 55 litres smaller than the smart #3’s.
- No rear air-conditioning vents, front parking sensors or automatic parking.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM175,000✓ | RM190,788 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM260✓ | RM438 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 16-Valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with direct injection and variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,995 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 154 hp |
| Torque | — | 196 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 268 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 343 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 49 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 325 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Lineartronic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,400 mm | 4,480 mm |
| Width | 1,844 mm | 1,800 mm |
| Height | 1,556 mm | 1,575 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,785 mm | 2,670 mm |
| Fuel Tank | — | 63 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 370 litres✓ | 315 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 225/55R18 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060 | Falken Ziex ZE001A A/S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones |
| Front Wheels | 19" Flux Alloy Wheels | 18" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Flux Alloy Wheels | 18" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Front Passenger Seat Cushion |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available On Front Passenger Seat, Rear Outer Seats | Available for two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Front and Rear | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Manual Levelling | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Manual Sunshade for Glass Roof | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 11.6" HD Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Driver and Front Passenger Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Yes, Powered | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, With 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used #3 & Crosstrek for sale
#3 vs Crosstrek FAQ
Is the smart #3 or Subaru Crosstrek better?
The smart #3 is the stronger choice for buyers who can charge regularly, with 268 hp, 325 km of EV range and a larger 370-litre boot. Choose the Crosstrek for all-wheel drive, petrol refuelling and its space-saver spare.
What is the price difference?
The smart #3 costs RM175,000 and the Subaru Crosstrek costs RM190,788, so the Crosstrek is RM15,788 more expensive.
Which has more luggage space?
The smart #3 has the larger boot at 370 litres, compared with 315 litres in the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a 55-litre advantage for the smart.
