While pickup trucks, sports utility vehicles, and crossovers are all the rage right now, that doesn’t mean all motorists are enthralled with them.
Some people want vehicles that are smaller, more fuel-efficient, and closer to the ground. Although they don’t have traditional trunks, hatchbacks with rear doors that open upward to access the interior are great options.
New or Used Hatchbacks Offer Tons of Benefits
A hatchback makes sense if you want something brand-spanking new or you’re okay with something used. That’s especially true if the rear seats can fold down for more cargo room.
What follows is a look at 15 reasons why your next new or used car should be a hatchback.
Compact Size
One reason people love hatchbacks is their compact size. If you don’t want to feel like you’re behind the steering wheel of a yacht on wheels, a hatchback is worth considering. They’re easy to maneuver and park in environments with lots of foot and vehicle traffic.
Spacious Interior
It’s not uncommon for hatchbacks to have more interior space than compact sedans. So, if cargo space, headroom, and legroom are important to you, consider a hatchback for your next vehicle.
Versatile Cargo Space
While a car has a trunk, a hatchback doesn’t. But many hatchbacks have seats that fold forward. That can significantly increase the amount of cargo space in a way that’s impossible with a regular sedan. Even a small hatchback can create substantial cargo space if you fold the back row flat.
More Cargo Space Than Some SUVs
Some hatchbacks have more cargo space than some SUVs. If you’re paying a premium for an SUV or crossover with less space than a hatchback, ask yourself whether the higher up-front purchase price and ownership costs are worth it.
Hatchbacks are generally cheaper than SUVs, and the cost of ownership, including fueling expenses, is usually less.
Ideal for City Driving
Because hatchbacks are compact, they’re at home on urban and city streets. No more struggling with massive vehicles that are a pain to park. Whether the population density is high or low, a hatchback is always the right size.
Easy Loading and Unloading
Because of the fifth door—the rear hatch that opens upwards—it’s easier to load and unload gear. Doing so with a truck, SUV, or crossover can be tricky since they’re higher off the ground.
If you have mobility issues that make lifting and removing things challenging, a lower-to-the-ground hatchback will make your life easier. Loading and unloading won’t be a significant chore.
More Rear Passenger Comfort
It’s not uncommon to find a hatchback that offers more comfort for backseat passengers than compact sedans. If you need to accommodate adults, a hatchback may offer just enough legroom for a more comfortable trip without requiring a massive SUV or crossover.
Easy for Pet Owners
Almost seven in 10 U.S. households (66%) own a pet. That works out to around 86.9 million homes. A hatchback is ideal if you like to travel with your pet and need sufficient space. Loading or unloading your dog—assuming it can’t get in and out independently—will be easier.
Remember that a hatchback isn’t as high off the ground as an SUV or truck. Folding down the rear seats produces a lot of room, whether you want to secure a dog carrier or put a dog bed in the rear.
Longer Roofline for Roof Racks
Sometimes, you need more space than your vehicle offers. In these situations, a roof rack can be a game-changer. The good news is that the longer the roofline on a hatchback, the better it can accommodate a roof rack.
Fuel Efficiency
Some hatchbacks offer more cargo space than some SUVs and crossovers. So, you can purchase a hatchback for the interior space you want rather than get a less fuel-efficient SUV or crossover that offers little to no advantage overall in terms of interior space.
Different Configurations
Another reason to consider a hatchback is that they’re available in various configurations. For example, you can buy a traditional hatchback that’s comparable in size to a compact sedan. But you can also get a hatchback in a station wagon configuration, whether compact or longer. And, yes, it’ll have a rear door that opens upward.
Strong Handling
Another reason to consider a hatchback is its strong and responsive handling. It’s a smaller and more compact car, so it’ll be easier to operate on the roadway or highway.
Eco-Friendly Options
If you want a particularly fuel-efficient and eco-friendly car, you can get electric vehicles, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids in a hatchback configuration.
Great for Active Lifestyles
Live an active lifestyle? If so, a hatchback is the perfect vehicle for hauling other passengers, camping gear, sports equipment, and more. If you don’t have rear-seat passengers, fold down the seats for more cargo space.
Fun to Drive
Hatchbacks are fun to drive. They combine the benefits of larger vehicles—like cargo room—with the benefits of smaller vehicles—like handling. Because they’re so compact, they don’t need a ton of horsepower to feel fast. For these reasons, drivers love how zippy hatchbacks feel on the road.
Hatchbacks Are a Blast
These are some of the reasons your next car should be a hatchback. Whether as a daily driver or backup vehicle, consider the benefits of buying one.
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