What is a hatchback?
A hatchback is a car with a rear door, the hatch, that lifts up together with the rear window, opening a cargo area that is part of the cabin. Fold the rear seats and it swallows loads a sedan's trunk cannot, in a body that is usually shorter and easier to park.
Key traits.
- A rear hatch hinged at the roof, lifting with the rear window.
- A two-box shape: an engine compartment in front and one shared space for passengers and cargo.
- Three or five doors, counting the hatch: a three-door has two side doors, a five-door has four.
- Folding rear seats that open a long, tall cargo floor.
- A short rear overhang, so a hatchback is often shorter than the sedan version of the same car.
Kinds of hatchbacks, with examples.
| Kind | What it is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Compact hatchback | The everyday version, efficient and practical | Honda Civic Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Mazda3 Hatchback, Volkswagen Golf |
| Hot hatch | A hatchback with serious performance | Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla |
| Liftback or fastback | A longer, sleeker body where the hatch has a sloping rear window | Audi A5 and A7 Sportback, Tesla Model S |
Lineups change every model year, and new hatchbacks have become rarer in the US as buyers moved to crossovers, which are themselves tall hatchbacks.
Hatchback vs liftback.
Every liftback is a hatchback. The difference is the shape: a liftback has a long, gently sloping rear window that lifts with the hatch, so from the side it looks like a sedan. Audi calls its liftbacks Sportbacks.
Pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Far more flexible cargo space than a sedan | Cargo is visible unless you use a cover |
| Short and easy to park | Slightly more road noise from the open cargo area |
| Usually efficient and affordable | Fewer choices in the US than there used to be |
| Hot hatches are fun and practical | Some shoppers see them as less upscale |
Who a hatchback fits.
- City drivers who need to park in tight spaces.
- Active people carrying bikes, gear, or big boxes.
- Enthusiasts who want a quick car that still does errands.
How a hatchback compares.
Quick answers.
What is a hatchback car?
A hatchback is a car with a rear door that lifts with the rear window, opening a cargo area shared with the cabin, such as the Volkswagen Golf or Honda Civic Hatchback.
Is a hatchback a sedan?
No. A sedan has a separate trunk with its own lid; a hatchback's rear door opens with the rear window into the cabin. Some models, like the Honda Civic, come as both.
Hatchback vs sedan: which is better?
A hatchback carries taller, bulkier loads and is often shorter; a sedan is quieter and keeps luggage hidden and secure. It comes down to what you carry.
Hatchback vs SUV
An SUV or crossover is essentially a taller hatchback, with more ground clearance and often all-wheel drive. A hatchback sits lower, handles better, and usually costs less to run.
What is the difference between a hatchback and a liftback?
A liftback is a hatchback with a long, sloping rear window that makes it look like a sedan from the side. Both open with the rear window.