# Car Body Styles and Sizes Explained

> How car body styles and sizes work from compact sedans to full-size SUVs.
- Title: Car Body Styles and Sizes Explained · Car and Driver
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: car body styles, sedans, suv, hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles, wagons, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, Car and Driver
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/shopping-advice/a64655267/vehicle-car-truck-suv-body-types-explained
- Author: Austin Parsons
- Published: 2026-11-04T16:55:52+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: car body styles, sedans, suv, hatchbacks, coupes, convertibles, wagons, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, cars
## 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
## Key takeaway

Car and Driver explains eight vehicle body styles with their sizes, types, and examples.