From Car and Driver · Austin Parsons · · 2m
Car Body Styles and Sizes Explained
How car body styles and sizes work from compact sedans to full-size SUVs.
In brief
How car body styles and sizes work from compact sedans to full-size SUVs. Car and Driver explains eight vehicle body styles with their sizes, types, and examples. Originally reported by Car and Driver.
What is a body style
The term 'body style' describes a vehicle's size, shape, and characteristics.
Eight primary body styles
Car and Driver separates vehicles into eight main body styles for easier categorization.
Size categories
Vehicles are categorized by size: subcompact, compact, mid-size, and full-size.
Sedans
Sedans have four doors and a three-box design with a distinct hood, passenger compartment, and trunk.
Subcompact sedans
Subcompact sedans are the smallest in the U.S. with no non-luxury options available.
Compact sedans
Compact sedans are larger than subcompacts but smaller than mid-size models.
Mid-size sedans
Mid-size sedans sacrifice driving enjoyment for extra rear seat and cargo space.
Full-size sedans
Full-size sedans are luxury flagship models with emphasis on comfort and rear seat space.
Sports sedans
Sports sedans include high-performance variants like the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing.
Sport-Utility Vehicles
SUVs are the most popular vehicle type in the U.S. with versatile cabin and cargo space.
Subcompact SUVs
Subcompact SUVs are the smallest with middling rear seat space and higher seating position.
“The 10Best-winning Chevrolet Trax”
Compact SUVs
Compact SUVs combine reasonable rear seat and cargo space with a manageable footprint.
“The 10Best-winning Honda CR-V”
Mid-Size SUVs
Mid-size SUVs often have more passenger and cargo space with a premium feel.
“The 10Best-winning Kia Telluride”
Full-Size SUVs
Full-size SUVs provide generous space and formidable towing capabilities.
“The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon”
Crossover SUVs
Crossover SUVs use car-like unibody construction for better maneuverability and ride comfort.
“The Honda CR-V”
Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks combine passenger compartment and cargo hold into one continuous area.
Hot Hatchbacks
Hot hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf R and Honda Civic Type R offer high performance.
Coupes
Coupes feature a three-box form with two doors and prioritize style over practicality.
Performance Coupes
Performance coupes sacrifice practicality for high speeds and engaging handling.
“The Chevrolet Corvette Z06”
Luxury Coupes
Luxury coupes feature opulent cabins and high price tags with premium materials.
“The Bentley Continental GT”
The one thing
Car and Driver explains eight vehicle body styles with their sizes, types, and examples.
