20 Types of Cars and Body Styles Explained

The automotive industry may appear simple on the outside, however, once you take a peek below the surface, it becomes increasingly more complex.

In today’s world, a significant portion of car body styles have fallen out of the public’s favor. Regardless, there is still a total of 20 major types of cars, each with subclass categories of varying sizes and designs.

The way these categories have been introduced tend to follow suit with their respective uses and characteristics. That being said, manufacturers adopt a perception that is more appealing to the consumer, along with a description that makes the vehicle more desirable.

Types Of Cars

Here are the top 20 cars on the market, sorted by body style.

Sedan	Coupe	Sportscars	Station wagon
Hatchback	Convertible	Sport-utility vehicle (SUV)	Minivan
Pickup truck	Jeep	Electric car	CUV/Crossover
Spyder	Hot hatch	Limousine	UTE
Pony car	Sports sedan	Military vehicle	Dragster

#1. SEDAN.

One of the clear representations of a car type with four doors is a sedan. Due to being a part of a larger group, sedans tend to have a three-box design where the engine, passengers, and cargo are kept in separate compartments. This design structure allows the car some stability because of the improved weight distribution.

In addition to this, the unibody construction reduces the overall weight of the car, which in turn leads to better fuel economy.

Despite there being less and less sedans available in the market, they are still a part of the sub-compact, compact, midsize and even full-size categories.

Some examples of compact sedans are the Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent, while other examples include Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Subaru WRX.

The arena of midsize sedans incudes the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Chevy Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, and many others.

The list of full-size sedans in the U.S. is shrinking at an alarming rate but still includes the Dodge Charger, Volkswagen Arteon, and Nissan Maxima. There is still quite some distance to go before American sedans are shelved altogether in the full-size luxury segment.

The cancellation list is still far from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Genesis G90, BMW 7 series, Lexus LS, and other models, selling well enough to keep them off.

#2. COUPE.

Coupe brings to mind a two door trunked compact sedan with a fixed hardtop. The more sporty side of the vehicle comes from the trim appearance and strong sloping roof, with a powerful looking tagline.

As much as it is loaded with new technology, a coupe typically comes with hundreds of horsepower and has sharp handling.

Take the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Infiniti Q60, and Audi A5,5 for example. Some models from the sports car group spill over into the coupe segment, like the Nissan Z and Toyota GR86.

Then there’s a category of more extensive hardtop 4 doors with slanting rooflines, which manufacturers refer to as coupes. This is where it becomes slightly strange.

The CLA from Merdedes-Benz and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe belong to this category. Even more bizarre, Mercedes-Benz also sells a crossover GLC Coupe.

#3. SPORTS CAR.

Sports cars, by definition, are two-seat convertibles designed for driving with the top down and having a sporty aesthetic.

They also tend to have exceptional acceleration and handling, which contributes to these vehicles’ exhilarating rides and, coupled with a huge amount of power, makes them joy rides.

There was a time when a two-seat convertible, like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the BMW Z4, was the only car referred to as a sports car. They had to be small, sporty-looking, and fun to drive. Not easy at all nowadays, though.

Now the term covers cars such as the Chevy Corvette, and even includes some with a small backseat, like the Ford Mustang and Porsche 911.

In this category, we include high-priced, high-performance sports cars like the Ferrari Roma, McLaren GT, and Aston Martin DBS which are exotic cars and in very few people’s reach.

#4. STATION WAGON.

Also known as estate cars, station wagons resemble an elongated version of a sedan with a cutout at the rear for extra cargo space. Another way to describe it is a crossbreed between a sedan and a hatchback.

Additionally, the fuel economy of station wagons is more favorable when compared to SUVs. This makes the vehicle ideal for large families that need a dependable vehicle.

Other relatives to sedans such as the Subaru Outback and Audi A4 Allroad are more like sporty SUVs due to the raised ground clearance and rugged body cladding.

Most Wagons have declined in popularity in the past few decades, and the options available for purchase in the US are relatively limited.

#5. HATCHBACK.

One feature that a hatchback vehicle has is the rear part that opens vertically, known as hatch or a hatch door. This type of car usually has two to four doors, in addition to the trunk door. Together with passenger cars, hatchbacks also share features with sedans.

As for the cars’ differences, it is probably the car’s cargo space. Compared to sedans, a hatchback usually carries greater volume of several items.

In addition, you can also get rid of large shopping bags or other heavy items more quickly. A hatchback is the ideal design to have if you want greater cargo space and better fuel economy.

This is the type that includes Nissan Versa, Subaru Impreza 5-Door, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Less commonly, they may have three doors, as with the subcompact Chevy Spark. Along with these, however, we have larger and more glamorously styled models such as the mid-size Kia Stinger and the Audi e-tron S Sportback, which are still classified as traditional hatchbacks.

#6. CONVERTIBLE.

A cabriolet is a type of vehicle where the roof can be folded or removed. It can come as a hard-top or soft-top. The hard-top is made of plastic or steel, can be operated automatically, and a soft-top is made of vinyl or canvas, making it easier to raise or lower the roof.

Retaining both grace and a feeling of unshackled energy, driving a convertible often marks the experience of luxury.

Current models of two-door convertibles include the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Mazda MX-5 Miata, although four-door versions do exist. These model variants are exemplified in the GMC Hummer EV, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, and Ford Bronco. Conversely, sports cars do share some characteristics with convertibles.

#7. SUV.

SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. This type of vehicle is designed for off-road driving and has generous storage space.

SUVs are tailored for long drives, giving a smooth riding experience across rugged terrain. The drivers enjoy a relatively high seating position for an unobstructed view of the road ahead.

This functionality has been made possible because of its rugged body-on-frame structure, which is borrowed from trucks.

So, if you are one of those people who are into outdoor adventure activities and expect to tow dirt bikes, an SUV will suit you best.

They include a station wagon like the SUV’s vast cargo space accessible through a flip up hatchback door and those with all wheel drive.

The bigger ones have three rows of seats. Sizes start at small cars (Hyundai Kona, Nissan Kicks) to medium and full size (Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe). Many SUV models are offered by luxury brands in the same size classes.

#8. MINIVAN.

Minivans fuselage design revolves around the cabin space rather than the storage space. These cars tend to be categorized with station wagons and family type cars.

It was made with the specific idea in mind to accommodate a whole family in there. It has a lot of cargo space compared to the hatchback, but not by much.

Minivans are perhaps the best multi-functional family vehicles, making them the most efficient means of transporting both people and items.

These vehicles are referred to as minivans, however, they are anything but “mini”. This is because they are tall rectangular boxes with wheels measuring much larger than average, with sliding doors on the side for easy entering and exiting as well as a tailgate that opens to a trunk with ample space.

The majority of minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica have second and third-row seats that can lie back, be removed, or folded down into the floor to provide vast empty space for storage.

#9. PICKUP TRUCK.

As one of the most popular car types in the world, a pickup truck stands out from the crowd due to its unique design.

Unlike most vehicles, it has a separate section for cargo, which is classified as a pick-up truck, as well as a separate section for the driver’s cabin, which is seated, accommodating 3 or 4 individuals.

A pickup truck consists of an open cargo bed in the rear and a passenger cab at the front. Almost all pickups come with some kind of all-wheel-drive system. The Honda Ridgeline is the only mid-sized pickup that has separate steel framed cab bodies.

The Ridgeline resembles a crossover SUV with the back of the roof cut off to form a cargo bed. Nowadays, pickup trucks are sold as either full-size or mid-size.

#10. JEEP.

Similar to the way people refer to facial tissues as Kleenex, Jeep is also a brand that has transcended its individual models. The model Jeep is a product of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. production started in November 1940 when the US was preparing for WWII.

Due to their remarkable off-road capabilities, they became and remained a key asset in the military during subsequent wars.

The Jeep brand was acquired by Chrysler in 1987 and they have since released a large selection of models. In addition to classic models such as the Wrangler, Chrysler released the SUV Cherokee, which is more popular among younger drivers.

#11. ELECTRIC CAR.

Presently, we regard fully electric cars as a separate category of vehicles, however, the prevailing expectation is that all types of cars will eventually become electric over the next several decades.

Electric Cars, or EVs, benefit further from the staggering efficiency advantages that electric motors provide.

EVs are already improving performance across the board for every type of vehicle: They provide supremely enhanced efficiency, are much cheaper to fuel and charge at home, and allow for innovative packaging that improves safety, handling, and space in the car’s interior.

Other remaining issues include charging infrastructure, which is not yet widely available, and the expensive, heavy batteries.

#12. CROSSOVER.

If we had to summarize Crossovers in a single phrase, it would be “A combination of an SUV and a hatchback”. Crossovers have SUV practicality merged with superb hatchback fuel efficiency, due to unibody construction that’s lighter and more fuel-efficient.

#13. SPYDER.

Spyder is a car with two seats and a sporty look. One of its numerous variations is the well-known Lamborghini Spyder. It is honored internationally as a luxury automobile.

In the mid-50s to the mid 60s, it served as a racing car for the United States Auto Club. Besides being a formal title, Roadster colloquially refers to a horse that is well built for open road travel, which parts of the viewing public know as the Spyder.

Initially designed for a single occupant, the Spyder has evolved to the internationally recognized two-seater configuration.

#14. HOT HATCH.

Labeled as high-performing, the hot hatch performs as a car and is designed in the manner of a hatchback. It has the same shape and back-opening door like the hatchback.

The hot hatch is not as spacious as the parent car, the hatchback, but it still can accommodate up to 5 passengers and a good amount of luggage. The hot hatch became available in the late 1980s and has been well received in European and Asian markets.

#15. LIMOUSINE.

A limousine is considere one of the most luxurious cars in the globe and contains distinguishing features such as its large length and a partition separating the back and front seats.

In most cases, the limousine is drove by a chauffeur and it is pre-booked for formal affairs. Usually owned or used by movie stars, businessman, dignitaries and even politicians, limousines are now commonplace.

#16. UTE.

Cut short and simply UTE, utility vehicle is a term used in New Zealand and Australia for the cars that have the trunk located behind the passenger cabin.

With a standard class driving license, anyone can drive a UTE. It used to describe vehicles that were based on a passenger car chassis and had a bed mounted to the back of the passenger body.

In the New Zealand-Australia region, any vehicle with an open cargo space located at the back is termed a UTE.

#17. PONY CAR.

Pony car derives its name from the Ford Mustangs which originated around the 1940s to 50s. These cars gained immense popularity in the 1960s and even set record sales in the US marking the launch of what is now referred to as the pony car craze which was aimed at providing Americans an affordable compact car.

A direct result of consumer demand for small, sleek, and sporty cars showed their interest in these vehicles.

#18. SPORTS SEDAN.

Sports Sedan or Sports Saloon is term and put into use comparatively recently and is also interpreted very widely. It performs best and is unrivaled in its sports car handling. The term dates back to the 1930s and encompasses the Rover 14 and 16 cars.

The term Sports Sedan was first applied to sporty versions of different manufacturer’s cars in the 1960s.

The originals employed manual gearboxes and rear-wheel drive, but many other transmission types and layouts became prevalent with time.

Some of the more significant cars that fall into the category are the BMW M5 and LM5, the Jaguar XJR, the Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG.

#19. MILITARY VEHICLE.

Military vehicles are specially made for fighting and enduring in combat. These vehicles are made with the intent of taking and inflicting a great deal of damage due to the considerable amount of Bullets and blasts they can withstand.

Heavily armoured and protected, they can also carry soldiers, ammunition, and a great deal of other cargo, which allows them to move quickly while carrying a lot of cargo.

#20. DRAGSTER.

Dragsters are customized for rail racing. Like all racing cars, they undergo special modifications in their engines for drag racing purposes. Dragsters started being built in the 1960s using front-engine rails and slingshots, and their design can include superchargers and turbochargers.

Alcohol, natural gas, or a nitromethane and gasoline blend can be used as fuel. The design reliability and performance benefits of rear engine dragsters have made them the standard dragster design used today.

#21. SHOOTING BRAKE.

The term Shooting Brake refers to a distinct car body style. It was previously used for horse-drawn carts that carried rifle squads to their hunting grounds. The horse-drawn variants were created during the early 1900s.

They are noted for having an exceptionally large cabin and lengthy sterns resembling the tailgate. Mercedes Benz is one of the most acclaimed manufacturers with their Shooting Brake model CLS.

What’s the Most Common Car Type?

SUVs and their crossover subtypes sport the most categories of any car type, though trucks sell best. There are over a dozen subtypes of SUVs, while pickup trucks simply come in compact, midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty varieties.

SUVs and trucks make up the vast majority of the types of cars seen on American roads.

Every Type of Car

• SUV
• Sedan
• Truck
• Coupe
• Van
• Hybrid
• Electric Car
• Hatchback
• Luxury SUV
• Luxury Car
• Sports Car
• Convertible

FAQs.