What is a sedan?
A sedan is a four-door passenger car with a fixed roof and a separate, enclosed trunk. It is the classic car shape, built for a comfortable back seat, a quiet cabin, and luggage kept out of sight, and it still comes in every size from compact to flagship.
Key traits.
- Four doors and a full back seat for three.
- A three-box shape: the engine in front, the passengers in the middle, and a trunk walled off from the cabin at the back.
- A separate trunk, typically about 13 to 19 cubic feet in a compact or midsize sedan, with a lid that opens below the rear window.
- Built on a car platform (unibody), so it sits low, handles well, and is usually more efficient than an SUV of the same size.
- A quiet cabin, because the trunk is sealed off from the passengers.
Sedan sizes, with examples.
| Size | What it is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | Easy to park, efficient, room for four adults | Mercedes-Benz CLA, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla |
| Midsize and entry luxury | The everyday sweet spot for space and price | Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry |
| Executive | More room, more comfort, more technology | Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Genesis G80 |
| Full-size flagship | The top of a brand's lineup, often with a long-wheelbase version | Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS |
Sport sedans and four-door coupes.
A sport sedan keeps the four doors and adds power, firmer suspension, and bigger brakes, such as the Mercedes-AMG C 63, BMW M3 and M5, and Audi S and RS sedans. Some sedans also trade the upright trunk lid for a sloping, fastback roof; brands call these four-door coupes, Gran Coupes, or Sportbacks. They seat and drive like sedans, with a little less rear headroom. Here is how coupes and sedans differ.
Pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet cabin and a secure, hidden trunk | Less cargo height than a hatchback, wagon, or SUV |
| Lower center of gravity, better handling | Lower seating position, harder to get in and out |
| Usually better fuel economy than an SUV | Less ground clearance for snow and rough roads |
| Often less expensive than the matching SUV | Fewer new sedans on sale than a decade ago |
Who a sedan fits.
- Commuters who want comfort and efficiency.
- Families of four who rarely haul bulky items.
- Drivers who value handling and a quiet ride.
- Anyone who wants luggage out of sight in a locked trunk.
How a sedan compares.
Quick answers.
What is a sedan car?
A sedan is a four-door car with a fixed roof and a separate, enclosed trunk, such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Honda Accord, or Toyota Camry.
What is considered a sedan?
A car with four doors, a full back seat, and a trunk that is separate from the passenger cabin. If the rear opens as a hatch with the rear window, it is a hatchback or liftback instead.
What is the difference between a sedan and a coupe?
Traditionally, a coupe has two doors and a sportier, lower roof, while a sedan has four doors and a full back seat. Some brands now call four-door cars with a sloping roof coupes.
Is a sedan better than an SUV?
It depends on what you need. A sedan handles better, costs less to run, and is often less expensive; an SUV sits higher, carries more, and offers more ground clearance.
What is a sedan vs a hatchback?
A sedan has a separate trunk with a lid below the rear window. A hatchback has a rear door that lifts with the rear window, opening the cargo area into the cabin for taller loads.