Compared to decades ago, car models have been redesigned and pushed other car body styles such as a hatchback style and SUV into the spotlight. There are a variety of factors that go into your choices with car body styles, including aesthetics, price, and sitting space.
Have you been car searching but aren't sure how to choose a car body style? If this sounds like you, then keep reading on to learn more about choosing the perfect car.
Car Body Styles
You might be surprised to hear that there are more car body styles on the market outside of sedans, SUVs, and trucks. Some sites even list up to 19 different styles. Some of the more popular types of car bodies, outside of the ones listed above, include:
- Sports car
- Station wagon
- Coupe
- Hatchback
- Minivan
- Hybrid
- Crossover
Arguably, the sedan has been one of the most popular car bodies on the market for years. This is because many car brands have multiple models at an affordable price. Additionally, if you don't need off-road features, this style is also great for getting better gas mileage.
How To Choose a Car Body Style
The type of car body style you choose often correlates to its function. This is not true for every car - sometimes car body styles may differ, but they still perform similarly. For example, a sedan and coupe often get mistaken for the same thing.
The difference between the two of them is that a sedan has four doors, and a coupe has two doors. Additionally, many basic trucks and SUVs perform similarly on the road, but their car body designs differ drastically.
The distinguishing characteristics between a truck and an SUV are that a truck normally has an open truck bed and a two to four-door design. This limits their interior space at times but can give you greater cargo space, better suspension for off-roading, and a higher towing capacity.
An SUV differentiates from a truck in that it is completely enclosed with higher ground clearance compared to a sedan. It has an enclosed cargo space and options for a third row of passengers.
How Are You Using It?
Are you mainly using your car to get around town? Do you need something durable for construction work?
The car's body style typically dictates how it will respond to road conditions. Larger car bodies and more rugged designs are great for winter conditions, off-roading, and construction work.
Smaller car body designs such as coupes, sports cars, and some electric cars are designed for ideal road conditions and milder climates. Sedans, crossovers, and hatchbacks hover in the gray area. They often get easily mistaken when you are searching for different types of cars.
Sedans include four doors and a separate trunk. A hatchback has two or four doors and a cargo area. It does not technically have a "trunk" that is standard in sedans.
Instead, the lift-up system found in a hatchback is the biggest distinguishing factor between the two. This typically gives hatchbacks more space in the cargo area compared to sedans.
Hatchbacks are different from crossovers in that they are largely designed with sedans in mind. They have similar looks, features, prices, and driving capabilities outside of the added cargo space.
Crossovers are designed mainly on the basis of SUVs, although they do take some characteristics of hatchbacks and sedans. It has a single body frame and looks like a smaller version of an SUV. Many crossovers provide more cargo space, sitting arrangements, and off-road capabilities compared to hatchbacks.
Space Matters
If you need to fit multiple people in your car on a weekly basis, you are better off skipping the coupe and fancy sports car bodies. Instead, you will want something that has a larger frame that can comfortably fit your whole family.
Some crossovers provide additional room for smaller families and still give you great gas mileage. However, minivans and SUVs are some of the most common car types that large families purchase.
A minivan's appearance is distinguished by its low body, sliding or hinged doors, and multiple rows of seats. A minivan's low clearance makes it less ideal for winter conditions and off-roading compared to an SUV.
How Much Is Your Budget?
Sports cars are usually one of the more expensive car body types on the market. Their sleek features, upgraded designs, and high-speed capabilities place a higher value on it. Trucks and SUVs typically run at a higher cost compared to sedans and coupes.
If you are on a budget, then a smaller car such as a sedan, coupe, or hatchback is usually a bit cheaper. Vehicles that have additional packages like off-road features, upgraded interior designs, and higher towing capacities tend to cost more.
If you are looking for new car buying tips and have a lower price range, look for basic features in smaller cars for better prices.
For example, a new 2021 Ram truck can easily run in the $30,000 to $40,000 price range for a base price. If you have the option, used cars will tend to save you at least a couple of thousand dollars.
Find Your Dream Car
Car body styles make a huge difference in your car's performance. The style of your new car impacts how it performs on the road and how much interior space you will have.
If you are struggling in finding the perfect car that fits you or your family's needs, then check out our wide inventory of new and used cars. Get pre-approved today so that you can get back out on the road in style.
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