A Basic Guide to Hatchbacks

An SUV seems like the apparent option for those looking for cars with more cargo space. But if all you’re looking for is a trunk that can swallow more junk, there are other options than those hulking vehicles — you can choose a hatchback instead.

Hatchbacks are cars with a hatch at the back. In contrast to sedans, which have a sealed trunk that hinges at the bottom of the rear window, hatchbacks have a liftgate-style trunk that hangs at the roofline.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, here are some basic guidelines to follow when shopping for hatchbacks.

Fold the Back Seats

Can the seats be folded from the cargo area, and if so, how easily? Examine to see if the resulting cargo area is completely flat. Identify any restrictions on how far back the front seats can be moved when the back seats are folded. Furthermore, it’s worth lying down in the cargo area to see if you can fit in if you plan to camp out of the back of your wagon and gaze through the moonroof.

Check to See if Frequently Used Cargo Fits

Is there enough space in the cargo area for your ski bag? Are you a keyboardist who needs to fit in the back of your new car and lug around multiple electric pianos to every gig? It’s worthwhile to find out.

Check Visibility and Blindspots

Check for blind spots and outward visibility from the driver’s seat. Wide C-pillars in some hatchbacks can obstruct your view. Similarly, if you’re coming from an SUV, consider how the lower seating position alters your perspective. The vehicle must be equipped with blindspot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert technology if visibility is compromised.

Check the Seats

Fix the driver’s seat to your preferred position so you can sit behind “yourself” in the back seat. Even if this is primarily a single-passenger vehicle, you should be aware of what your friends and family will be subjected to if they are relegated to the back seats.

Get the Car up To Speed

If you plan to use this vehicle for commuting and road trips, you should be familiar with what it’s like to drive on a highway. While traveling at high speed, pay attention to tire and wind noise. How does the vehicle handle on freeway expansion joints? What about the ride quality? It’s also a good idea to pay attention to how hard the engine works to maintain highway speeds or pass another vehicle on the road.