Hatchback vs. sedan

What's the difference between a sedan and a hatchback?

Both sedans and hatchbacks are passenger vehicles that seat up to five people. According to Car and Driver, sedans are described as having "three-box" bodies: the front box houses the engine; the middle box is larger and houses the passengers; and the third box is the trunk. Hatchbacks are called "two-box" cars, with the engine up front in the first box and a second box for passengers and cargo area, but no trunk.

Major differences include:

• Cargo space: In a sedan, the trunk is separate from the passenger area. In a hatchback, the two areas are connected. A hatchback's trunk configuration makes it more practical than a sedan for transporting cargo and larger items.
• Doors: Sedans usually have four doors; hatchbacks traditionally have two or four doors with a tailgate that flips upwards called a hatch.
• Length of car: Hatchbacks are usually a bit shorter than sedans, which can be useful for parallel parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.

Pros and cons of hatchbacks and sedans

Here's how hatchbacks and sedans stack up across a few key categories:

Less noise

Winner: Sedan. Since the trunk is separate from the passenger area, sedans typically have less road noise than hatchbacks.

Resale value

Winner: Hatchback, usually. Although it depends on the car make and model, hatchbacks may show better resale value than their sedan counterparts.

Security

Winner: Sedan. Since the trunk of a sedan is separate from the passenger area, no one can see what's inside it. Whereas a hatchback can allow passersby to see what you're storing in the back, unless you have a cover.

Storage

Winner: Hatchback. Because there's no separation between the trunk and the car's interior, hatchbacks have more storage space than sedans. You can fit larger items into the trunk of a hatchback, and the rear seats fold down, giving you even more room for cargo. Plus, a hatchback's trunk area is flat, making it easier to load and unload.

Which is right for you?

Some auto manufacturers offer sedan and hatchback versions of the same model car (e.g. Toyota Corolla sedan vs. Toyota Corolla hatchback), making it easy to compare your options. Before deciding, consider the following:

• Lifestyle: A hatchback may offer more flexibility and is practical for people who need room to haul cargo
• Budget: While hatchbacks may be cheaper than sedans, the price difference may not be significant
• Design: Hatchbacks typically have more sporty designs than sedans

How does having a sedan or hatchback affect auto insurance rates?

Your car's make and model may affect your car insurance rate. The more claims the make and model has and the more it costs to repair on average, the higher your rate may be. If your car has high safety ratings, your rate may be lower.

Learn more about buying a new car and check out Progressive's Car Shopping Services by TrueCar to browse a wide range of new and used cars.