Smart Fortwo Tire and Wheel Guide: Sizes, Adapters and What Fits
In this guide
Tiny car, real tires. One of the questions we get most is some version of "what tires fit my Smart?" The honest answer depends on three things: which Fortwo you drive, which lift you run, and whether you are keeping the factory wheels. This guide covers the tire sizes we list for each Smart, what has to be on the car for them to fit, and the small parts (adapters, lug nuts, TPMS sensors, flares) that people forget until install day.
The short answer
| Your Smart | Tire we list | Wheel | What it needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortwo 451 (2008–2015) | 215/75R15 all-terrain | 15x7, 4x156 | The 3" lift kit, plus 3x112 to 4x156 wheel adapters |
| Fortwo 453 and EQ (2016+) | Maxxis 205/60R15 | 15x7, 4x156 | The 453 buffer lift kit, 4x100 to 4x156 wheel adapters and fender flares |
| Fortwo 450 | Ask first | 15x7, 4x156 | Our 450/451 adapters list 450 fitment. The lift kit needs modified rear shock hangers on a 450 |
One rule covers all of it: the 215/75R15 tires require the lift. They are not a bolt-on upgrade for a stock-height Smart.
Smart Fortwo 451: 215/75R15 on the 3" lift
The 2008–2015 Fortwo 451 is the car our main Smart kit is built for, and it takes the biggest tire we list for a Smart. Our Smart Fortwo 451 3" lift kit bolts on at the factory mounts with no cutting or welding, and it is what makes room for a 215/75R15. Without the kit, these tires are not an option.
The 215/75R15 all-terrains we list for the 451, each sold as a set of 4:
- Toyo Open Country 215/75R15
- Falken Wildpeak A/T4W 215/75R15
- General Grabber 215/75R15
- BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 215/75R15, rated 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake
- Yokohama Geolandar 215/75R15
All five share one size, so the choice comes down to tread pattern and budget. Our full 451 stance runs them on 15x7 4x156 wheels with the 3x112 to 4x156 wheel adapters and bolt-on fender flares.
Going bigger than 215/75R15
Some owners want more. The lift kit itself needs no frame cutting, but very large tires (28" tires, for example) need some easy clearance trimming of superficial pinch welds. If you are planning a size we don't list, send us your plan before you buy tires.
Smart Fortwo 453 and EQ: Maxxis 205/60R15
The 2016+ Fortwo 453 (EQ electric included) gets a milder lift than the 451, and it runs a smaller tire to match. The tire we list for the 453 is the Maxxis 205/60R15, a medium-tread tire built for pavement and dirt, sold as a set of 4.
The 453 lift is a package rather than one box:
- The 453 suspension buffer lift kit, which raises the factory spring rate and keeps the factory suspension geometry
- 453 wheel adapters, 4x100 to 4x156
- Bolt-on fender flares (the same flare set fits the 451 and the 453)
- 15x7 4x156 wheels and the Maxxis tires
Put together, that gets a 453 nearly 3" taller with our wheels and tires. We break it down step by step in Lifting a Smart 453 or EQ: the buffer kit explained.
Smart Fortwo 450: ask before you buy
Our Smart Fortwo 450/451 wheel adapters list 450 fitment, because the 450 shares the 451's 3x112 bolt pattern. The lift kit is a different story: it can go on a 450, but it requires modifying the rear shock hangers, and we make no guarantees on fitment or compatibility for that generation. Read Can you lift a Smart Fortwo 450? and contact us before you order tires for one.
Wheels: why everything is 4x156
Every aftermarket wheel in our wheel collection is a 15x7 in the 4x156 bolt pattern, sold as a set of 4, from Fuel, KMC and MSA Offroad. No Smart comes with a 4x156 hub. The 451 (and 450) is 3x112 from the factory, and the 453 is 4x100. A wheel adapter bolts to your factory hub and gives you a 4x156 pattern for the new wheel.
Wheels differ in offset, center bore, load rating, weight and finish, and each product page lists its own numbers. For the full breakdown of offsets and backspacing, read our 4x156 wheel guide. We won't repeat it here.
Wheel adapters and lug nuts
Both Smart adapter sets are staggered, 2" in front and 2.25" in the rear, which keeps the Fortwo's factory-style staggered stance while you run four matching wheels and tires. Each set is one-piece, hubcentric on the vehicle side, and comes as four adapters (two front, two rear) with silver conical seat hex lug nuts in the box.
A 451 adapter will not fit a 453. The hubs use different bolt patterns, so buy the set for your car.
Want black lug nuts instead of silver? Our black acorn lug nut set is 24 pieces in 12x1.5 mm with a splined socket key, made to work with our wheel adapters.
TPMS sensors
New wheels need tire pressure sensors. We sell pre-programmed sets of 4 for the 451 and the 453. They work with factory and aftermarket wheels, need no scan tool, and have a battery rated for up to 8 years under normal driving. A sensor sits inside the wheel, so it goes in when the tires are mounted. Bring them to the tire shop with your wheels and tires.
Fender flares
Our bolt-on fender flares are one product for both the 451 and the 453. They are matte black, impact-resistant ABS with stainless steel hardware and full-color instructions, and the ends are trim-to-fit. They add coverage over the wider wheel and tire setup and finish the look.
What to order, in order
- Lift kit for your Smart (451 kit, or the 453 buffer kit).
- Wheel adapters for your factory bolt pattern. Lug nuts are included.
- One set of 4 wheels, 15x7 4x156.
- One set of 4 tires listed for your car: 215/75R15 for the 451, Maxxis 205/60R15 for the 453.
- Fender flares.
- Extras: TPMS sensors, and black lug nuts if you want them.
The easiest way to get this right is the builder for your car. It starts with the lift and only shows parts that fit: Smart Fortwo 451 builder or Smart Fortwo 453 builder.
FAQ
Can I run 215/75R15 tires on a stock-height Smart?
No. The 215/75R15 tires require the lift. On the 451 that means our 3" lift kit, plus wheel adapters to run 4x156 wheels.
What tire size goes on a lifted Smart 453?
The tire we list for the 453 is the Maxxis 205/60R15, sold as a set of 4. It matches the milder 453 lift.
Do the wheels come with tires?
No. Wheels and tires are sold separately, each as a set of 4.
Can I use wheels I already own?
Our adapters convert your hub to 4x156, so the wheel has to be 4x156. Before you buy wheels somewhere else, send us the wheel's size and offset and your car, and we'll tell you straight.
Can I go bigger than 215/75R15 on a 451?
The kit needs no frame cutting, but very large tires, such as 28" tires, need some easy trimming of superficial pinch welds. Contact us with the size you have in mind before you order.
Still stuck between two setups? Send your year, model and plans through our contact form. A real person answers.
