Sedan vs Coupe vs Hatchback vs SUV - Which Is Right For You?
Choosing the right car type can be a gamechanger in your everyday life. It can impact everything, from your comfort and convenience to fuel efficiency and style. And whether you’re a solo commuter, a growing family, or an adventure enthusiast, the car you drive should fit in with your lifestyle seamlessly.
But here’s the thing… there are so many car body styles and models these days that it can be really hard to decide which one is right for you. So many boxes to tick, so many options! You want to like the look of it, of course, but you also need to think about your driving habits, what you use your car for the most, how many people are in your family (if any), where you live…
Stressed and about to start a Google spreadsheet? Don’t worry, we’ve been doing this for a while, and in the battle of sedan vs. coupe vs. hatchback vs. SUV, we’ve got a few things to say.
Sedans
Sedans are the classic car shape you probably drew as a kid. They’re stylish, comfortable, and a great choice for small families who don’t need a huge boot. Built in a three-hox configuration, sedans have separate compartments for the engine, passengers, and cargo. The enclosed trunk is probably their standout feature, offering a quieter ride and better security for your belongings. With lower ground clearance and a large wheelbase, sedans provide a smooth, stable, and comfortable driving experience.
Is the sedan the type of car for you? Check out our range of used and new sedans for sale.
Pros of sedans
- Comfort: Smooth ride, cushy seats, and plenty of legroom–perfect for daily commutes and long drives.
- Fuel efficiency: Sedans are generally more fuel than SUVs, saving you money at the pump.
- Spaciousness: While not as roomy as SUVs, sedans offer plenty of space for passengers and luggage.
- Affordability: Sedans often come with a lower price tag and cheaper maintenance costs compared to other vehicle types.
Potential drawbacks
- Cargo space: Need lots of room for a big family or gear? Sedans have limited boot space, so you might need to consider a hatchback or SUV instead.
- Ground clearance: Love off-road adventures? Sedans have lower ground clearance, making them less suitable for rough or unpaved roads–best to stick to the tarmac.
- Limited versatility: Sedans are excellent for city driving and highway cruising, but they lack the extra space and off-road capability of SUVs. Choose based on your lifestyle and needs!
Coupes
You don’t really hear the word coupe thrown around quite as much these days, but don’t count them out! Coupes are small, two-door cars that excel in fuel economy and sport a sleek, aerodynamic design. Perfect for singles or couples who do a lot of city driving, coupes offer a sporty and stylish look.
While they don’t have much passenger space, they make up for it with distinctive, compact bodies and sloping rooflines. Inside, you’ll find sportier interiors with bolstered seats and driver-focused layouts, prioritising front-seat comfort and an enjoyable driving experience.
Are coupes calling to you? Check out our new and used coupes for sale.
Pros of a coupe
- Sporty design: Attractive, sleek, aerodynamic… coupe’s look good!
- Performance: Built for performance with powerful engines, responsive handling, advanced suspension, and high-performance brakes.
- Driver experience: Coupes offer an engaging and enjoyable driving experience–perfect for those who love to drive.
Potential drawbacks
- Limited rear-seat space: Coupes focus on front-seat comfort, leaving little room in the back–not ideal for families or frequent carpoolers.
- Practicality: Less cargo space with a smaller boot and limited rear access means it’s trickier to carry larger items.
- Accessibility: With only two doors, getting to the back seats can be tough, especially for older adults or those with mobility issues.
Hatchbacks
Small hatchbacks are a favourite among city dwellers for their compact size and excellent fuel efficiency, perfect for navigating traffic and snagging those tight parking spots. Their rear hatch design offers more trunk space than other small cars, and most models come with fold-down backseats, making them ideal for transporting goods or taking short road trips. Unlike sedans, hatchbacks integrate cargo space with the passenger cabin, providing versatile interior space, higher headroom, and a more spacious feel.
Are hatchbacks your ideal car? Check out our hatchbacks for sale to find your perfect ride.
Pros
- Versatility: Fold-down rear seats offer plenty of room for larger items–perfect for grocery runs and road trips.
- Compact size: The compact dimensions of hatchbacks make them perfect for city driving.
- Fuel efficiency: Great fuel economy makes hatchbacks an economical choice for daily commuting.
- Accessibility: The rear hatch door give easy access to the cargo area, even in tight spaces.
Potential drawbacks
- Design perception: Some drivers find hatchbacks less prestigious compared to other car types.
- Noise: Integrated cargo and passenger areas can make hatchbacks a bit noisier than sedans.
- Limited cargo space compared to SUVs: Hatchbacks offer pretty good cargo space, but they can’t match the storage capacity of SUVs for frequent heavy hauling.
SUVs
Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are your go-to for versatility, comfort, and capability. If you’ve got a big family or a bunch of friends who always seem to pile into your car, an SUV is perfect. These high-riding vehicles offer spacious interiors, comfy elevated seating, and a sturdy build. Plus, with advanced all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems, they can handle almost any terrain or weather.
Need to tow a boat or trailer? No problem–many SUVs pack enough power to rival bigger 4WDs. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, there’s plenty of room for your surfboards and sports gear.
Looking for your perfect SUV? We have a great range of SUVs for sale, both new and used, so you can find the right fit for your lifestyle.
Pros
- Spaciousness: SUVs offer tons of interior space for passengers and cargo, making them perfect for families, pets, and road trips.
- High seating position: Elevated seats provide better road visibility, boosting driving confidence and safety.
- Versatility: All-wheel and four-wheel drive options make SUVs versatile for both off-road adventures and urban driving.
- Safety: SUVs typically come with advanced safety features and a robust build.
Potential drawbacks
- Fuel consumption: SUVs generally use more fuel than smaller cars, leading to higher running costs.
- Size and maneuverability: SUVs can be challenging to park in tight urban spaces.
- Cost: SUVs typically have a higher purchase price and maintenance costs compared to smaller vehicles.
Find your perfect car with John Hughes
Choosing the right car can transform your daily life, offering the perfect blend of comfort, style, and functionality. Whether you’re drawn to the classic sedan, the sporty coupe, the versatile hatchback, or the robust SUV, it’s all about finding a vehicle that fits seamlessly with your lifestyle.
Ready to make a choice? Visit us today and drive home in the car that's perfect for you!