You need a practical vehicle that you can use every day and one that can haul all of your stuff. So obviously, you’re thinking about a big, pricey SUV. But, there is an option that can manage all that you need and still not cost a lot of money. It’s the mighty, yet humble, hatchback.
The difference between a hatchback and a sedan is that a sedan has a lockable trunk separate from the main body of the car. In a hatchback, you can access the cargo area behind the rear seats from inside the passenger cabin. SUVs are also essentially hatchbacks, but they’re bigger, heavier, have more ground clearance, are rugged, have 4WD/AWD, and are more expensive to buy and maintain.
Wagons are also hatchbacks, but longer. They have an elongated cargo hold behind the second or even third row. You can spot a wagon by checking for an extra pillar between the B- and C-pillar. If you need something that is inexpensive, can fit your entire family, and all of their belongings, get this.
Pure hatchbacks are compact cars. They’re light, very efficient, have a low center of gravity, handle well, and have cheaper parts than equivalent sedans or SUVs. Hatchbacks also offer more cargo space than equivalent sedans.
Hatchbacks Come in Several Sizes
Subcompact
These are the smallest and cheapest cars. Dimensions are tight, weight is low, maneuverability, efficiency, and cargo capacity are high. But they can be cramped for passengers. Examples are Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit.
Compact
Same as above but bigger. They also have better tech features and more powerful engines. Some even approach the bridge between economy and luxury cars. You’ll also find sportscar-performance rivaling hot hatches here. Think Mazda3 and VW Golf GTI.
Midsize/Large
These are big cars with spacious rear seats, powerful engines, and large cargo areas. A lot of luxury cars are available in this segment. If you want to spend on a hatchback, check out vehicles like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Panamera, or Kia Stinger.
Electric
Apart from the Tesla Model S, you also have the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and Kia Niro EV. You could find a used Fiat 500e or VW E-Golf.
