What are the main car size categories?
While some consider the main car size categories to be sedans, SUVs, vans and trucks, a broader categorization includes microcars, subcompact cars, compact cars, mid-size cars, full-size cars, SUVs, crossovers, vans and trucks (pickup trucks).
What is the main difference between microcars, subcompact cars, compact cars, mid-size cars and full-size cars?
The main difference is their size. Other differences include weight, engine size and passenger capacity.
Microcars: These are the smallest cars. They are usually ultra-compact and lightweight, typically 10 feet long. Example: Smart Fortwo.
Subcompact cars: These are slightly larger than microcars but still small and fuel-efficient. Example: Toyota Yaris.
Compact cars: These are bigger than subcompact cars with a balance of interior space and efficiency. They are usually 14-15 feet long. Example: Honda Civic
Mid-size cars: These are medium-sized vehicles that are larger than compact cars with more comfort features, and definitely stronger engines. They are usually 15-16 feet long. Example: Toyota Camry.
Full-size cars: These are the largest and most luxurious of sedans. The have powerful engines, have large interior space and may exceed 16 feet in length. Example: Chevrolet Impala.
Are subcompact cars, compact cars, mid-size cars and full-size cars all sedans?
No, they are not all sedans. While many car models within the above categories are available as sedans, others may be:
Hatchbacks: Cars with a rear door that swings upwards which provides access to the cargo area.
Wagons: Cars with a longer roofline and a larger cargo area compared to sedans.
Coupes: Usually cars with a sloping roofline and sportier design.
Convertibles: Usually cars that have removable or retractable roofs.
Some Notable Examples:
Subcompact cars: Honda Fit (hatchback), Ford Fiesta (hatchback or sedan)
Compact cars: Honda Civic (sedan, coupe, or hatchback), Volkswagen Golf (hatchback)
Mid-size cars: Toyota Camry (sedan), Ford Fusion (sedan or wagon)
Full-size cars: Chevrolet Impala (sedan), Ford Taurus (sedan)
What Is A Sedan?
A sedan is a type of passenger car that typically has a 3-box design (different compartments for engine, passenger seating, and cargo).They usually have 2 or 4 doors, a fixed roof and a conventional trunk. It is also known as a saloon in British English.
Examples of Sedans include BMW 3 Series, Toyota Camry, Ford Focus and Honda Civic.
Popular types of sedans include…
Compact sedans: Smaller sedans like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
Mid-size sedans: Medium-sized sedans like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
Full-size sedans: Larger sedans like the Ford Taurus or Chevrolet Impala.
Luxury sedans: High-end sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
What is the difference between an SUV and a Crossover?
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. They are typically built on a truck platform, while crossovers are built on a car platform. It is worthy of note that Crossovers often offer better fuel efficiency and handling and SUVs are better for off-road driving and rugged terrains.
Are SUVs categorized differently based on their size?
Yes they are. SUVs are categorized into subcompact, compact, mid-size, and full-size SUVs. The classification is based on their length, interior space, and seating capacity.
Subcompact SUVs: Smallest SUVs that are usually under 165 inches (4.2 meters) long. Example: Honda HR-V and Nissan Kicks.
Compact SUVs: Mid-size SUVs that are typically 165-180 inches (4.2-4.6 meters) long like the Honda CR-V.
Mid-size SUVs: Larger than compact SUVs, usually 180-200 inches (4.6-5.1 meters) in length. Example: Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano.
Full-size SUVs: Largest SUVs, over 200 inches (5.1 meters) in length. Example: Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia.
Luxury SUVs: High-end SUVs with varying lengths, offering advanced features and built with premium materials. Example: BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Does car size affect fuel efficiency?
Yes it does! Usually, smaller cars seem to have better fuel efficiency because of their lighter weight and smaller engines, while larger cars generally consume more fuel.
What is the best car size for city driving and parking?
Compact and subcompact cars are often seen as the best choice for city driving. Their smaller size allows easier maneuverability and parking. Since they are also usually more fuel efficient than larger cars, they are perfect for the stop-and-go nature of urban driving.
How do I know the right car size for me?
You must consider your needs and budget. Factors like passenger seating, cargo space, maneuverability, parking and fuel efficiency must also be strongly considered to know the right car size for you.
