Rookie car buyers likely have the same dilemma: the confusing array of car classifications. Cars are classified according to varying criteria, and this blog post classifies them according to body types. Here are a few of the most common:
Coupe– All coupes feature two long doors with either 2 or 4 seats. Coupes are typically sports cars, and they’re easily identified by the longer front part which houses a large and powerful engine while sporting a compact rear.
Sedan– Sedans are probably the most common. They’re the stereotypical “family car” and often feature four doors with two rows of seats, along with a nice and spacious trunk in the rear. The Britons also call them saloons.
SUV– Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) are large vehicles. Designed for both on-road and off-road, an SUV features high ground clearance, big tires, excellent passenger and cargo space, and powerful engines. Unlike sedans or coupes, SUVs have a conjoined passenger and cargo compartment. Their bodies are mounted on a truck-like chassis.
Crossover– Crossovers are essentially “watered down” versions of the bigger SUVs. They resemble their big brothers in looks, though they’re smaller and less powerful. Unlike SUVs, their bodies are mounted on car-like chassis and they handle like sedans due to their construction.
Hatchback– Hatchbacks also resemble SUVs but they’re popular because of the hatch in the back that acts as a fifth door—hence the name, hatchback. Hatchbacks are small vehicles but their cargo and passenger capacity aren’t anything to scoff at.