If you are looking to buy a car, one of the first things you should do is determine what type of vehicle you need. This may seem like a rather simple task at first. After all, you likely already have a preference. But, once you start thinking about it, you may find that it’s not as straightforward as it seems. But, that’s alright, because our quick guide to the different types of vehicles will help you choose the best car for you.
Common Types of Vehicles
The first step towards picking the right type of vehicle is knowing what type of vehicles even exists in the North American auto market. Here are the most common types:
Sedans: A sedan is essentially a passenger car that has four doors and two rows of seating with five seating spaces in total. The rear seats can usually accommodate two adults or up to three children. The cargo compartment is disconnected from the cabin and has a windowless lid.
Hatchbacks: A hatchback is a passenger vehicle that has a rear door, which is called a hatch. You can lift the hatch up to allow access to the cargo compartment. Similar to sedans, hatchbacks have two rows of seating and allow up to 5 people to sit in them. The difference is that the cargo area and the cabin are connected.
Coupes: A coupe is a passenger car with two doors and a fixed roof. It is usually shorter than a hatchback and a sedan and can feature either one or two rows of seating. Rear seats, even if they are present, are usually not comfortable enough for adults to be seated, which means this area can serve as a space to carry light items. The cargo compartment is disconnected from the main cabin.
SUVs: Sports utility vehicles put a special emphasis on cargo capacity and cabin space. Depending on its configuration and size, the vehicle may have between two to three rows of seating and can seat between 4 to 8 passengers comfortably. The cargo area is usually connected to the cabin and the space can be accessed by lifting the rear door.
Now that you know a little about the different types of vehicles available, you can decide which one works the best for you by considering the potential number of passengers and cargo you intend to carry, your style of driving, where you intend to drive most often, and your aesthetic preferences.
