From sporty coupes to versatile minivans, there’s a car body style to match every lifestyle and driving need. Whether you want to commute in a fuel-efficient hatchback, haul gear in a full-size pickup truck, or enjoy top-down cruising in a convertible, understanding the different types of cars can help you choose the right fit for you.
This guide breaks down the most popular car body styles you’ll find today, including what they offer in terms of practicality, performance, and style.
Every Type of Car Body Style
- Every Type of Car Body Style
- Sedans
- Hatchbacks
- Coupes
- Convertibles
- Station Wagons
- Minivans
- Vans
- SUVs
- Crossovers
- Pickup Trucks
Sedans
Sedans are the classic four-door family car. Known for balanced proportions, a separate trunk, and a low roofline, they’re often more aerodynamic and have better fuel economy than larger vehicles.
Popular midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic continue to be go-to choices thanks to their practicality, strong safety ratings, and comfortable ride. Luxury sedans include the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Hatchbacks
A hatchback is similar to a sedan, but has a more versatile cargo space. Most have four side doors (some have two) but, unlike a sedan, hatchbacks have a liftgate at the back that swings upward from the top, rather than the bottom, of the rear window. It gives you a taller opening to load things through, as well as the ability to carry bulky items more easily when the back seats are folded.
Subcompact hatchback favorites incdlude the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda 3. Although often overshadowed by crossovers in the U.S., hatchbacks remain incredibly popular overseas and generally offer low running costs and nimble handling — often delivering better fuel economy and a more engaging drive than larger vehicles.
Coupes
A coupe is typically a sleek, two-door car designed for style and performance. Coupes tend to fall into two types: luxury coupes like the Audi A5 Coupe and Lexus LC, or muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Some cars blur the line between a coupe and a sports car, too, with examples including the Porsche 718 Cayman and Porsche 911. And some automotive brands market four-door models as coupes (think BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe). You’ll also find 'coupe' versions of SUV models, with examples such as the Porsche Cayenne Coupe and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Convertibles
Convertibles — sometimes called cabriolets — feature retractable roofs, either soft or hardtop. Four-seat models like the BMW 4 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLE balance comfort and daily usability, while two-seat roadsters such as the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche 911 Cabriolet prioritize pure driving enjoyment.
For open-air luxury, brands like Bentley and Aston Martin offer convertibles with high-end features, sumptuous cabin materials and monstrous performance.
Station Wagons
Often called a wagon or touring, a station wagon offers the ride and handling of a sedan, with added cargo space. Think of it as a stretched-out hatchback with room for gear and groceries.
Brands like Volvo and Subaru continue to produce wagons with optional four-wheel drive and higher ground clearance, making them a favorite for families and adventure seekers alike.
Minivans
While often maligned as not being cool, minivans are the undisputed champions of family-car functionality. With three rows of seats, and clever storage solutions, models like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica offer unbeatable practicality coupled with sedan-like handling and fuel efficiency. Alhough less trendy than SUVs this type of car can light work of family trips thanks to the sheer amount of space they offer, and many have sliding side doors that make it easy to get folks in and out, even in tightly packed car lots.
Vans
While minivans are designed for passengers, full-size vans like the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Ford Transit are built for cargo and commercial use. With multiple configurations and ample enclosed cargo space, vans are common for delivery services, camper builds, and shuttle transport.
SUVs
Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are built for versatility. With a higher ride height, available four-wheel drive, and generous rows of seats and cargo areas, SUVs cater to active lifestyles. From full-size options like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition to off-road-ready models like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner, SUVs continue to dominate sales charts thanks to their do-it-all nature.
Crossovers
Crossovers blend SUV styling with car-like handling. Built on a unibody platform like a sedan, crossovers generally offer a smoother ride and better fuel efficiency than truck-based SUVs. This crowded segment has grown rapidly as crossovers have replaced many traditional hatchbacks and station wagons.
Crossovers come in various sizes — from subcompact models like the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Kicks to compact and midsize favorites such as the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota Highlander, all the way up to full-size options like the Kia Telluride and Infiniti QX60. They're ideal for daily commuting, family errands, and light off-road adventures.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are among the most capable, versatile, and bestselling types of vehicle in the U.S. Built for towing, hauling, off-road adventures, and everything in between, pickup trucks often feature open beds in the rear, multiple cab sizes, and rugged chassis designs.
Full-size models like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, and Nissan Titan, along with midsize pickups like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger, serve as essential tools for both work and recreation. The segment continues to evolve with electric newcomers like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning, showing that strength and innovation can go hand in hand.
