Classifying car types can be useful. It helps us learn more about certain car characteristics and leads us there. However, there are times when it also leads to confusion. However convenient the classification, its usefulness should not hinder us from understanding a car’s unique value and attributes. With that in mind, let’s explore the most common vehicle types as well as their quintessential examples.
1. SUV
A Sport Utility Vehicle(SUV) is defined by its off-road capabilities and roominess. In rough cross-country terrain, it boasts a comfortable ride. The seating position, which is relatively high, gives you a better view of the road. These functionalities have been made possible by its sturdy body-on-frame construction that is borrowed from trucks. Hence, if you are one of those who enjoy outdoor adventure and expect to tow dirt bikes, an SUV might be best suited to you.
Example of SUV: Kia Sorento
2. Hatchback
The most noticeable part of a hatchback is its hatch or a rear door that swings upward. With the exception of the trunk’s door, it typically comes with two or four doors. Sedans and hatchbacks are very similar in that they are both considered passenger cars. Their cargo capacities are the primary distinctions between them. Hatchbacks typically haul more pieces of cargo compared to their sedan counterparts. Moreover, you can remove bulky shopping bags or other heavy pieces more easily. A hatchback might be a good choice for you if you value better fuel economy and more cargo space. Kia Rio is an example of a hatchback. 3. Crossover
If we had to summarize crossovers in a single phrase, it would be “a combination of an SUV and a hatchback”. Crossovers have the practicality of an SUV but also come with superb fuel efficiency like hatchbacks do, as they are built on a unibody construction that is lighter and consumes less fuel.
Kia Seltos is an illustration of crossover 4. Convertible
A convertible or a cabriolet is a vehicle that has a roof that can be removed or folded down. When it comes to the roof, it comes in two types: hard-top and soft-top. Steel or plastic are used in a hard-top, which operates automatically. A soft-top, on the other hand, is made of a textile material like vinyl or canvas, which makes it easy to raise or lower the roof. Due to its elegant appearance and sense of freedom, a convertible is frequently regarded as a luxury vehicle. Example of convertible: Kia Stinger Convertible
5. Sedan
A sedan is a conventional example of a four-door passenger car. More often than not, sedans have a 3-box design with separate areas for the engine, passenger, and cargo, which allows for stable driving thanks to better weight distribution. Additionally, its unibody design reduces the vehicle’s overall weight, which improves fuel economy. Example of sedan: Kia Cadenza
6. Auto Sportive By definition, sports cars are two-seater convertibles that allow for open-air driving and have a sporty appearance. Automakers have incorporated remarkable features such as nimble maneuverability, excellent acceleration, and great handling into their sports cars, contributing significantly their huge amount of power and thrilling ride.
Kia Stinger is one example of a sports car. 7. Coupe
The term “coupe” conjures up images of a compact sedan, a car with two doors, a trunk, and a roof that stays the same. However, the vehicle’s exciting appeal stems from its sloping roofline, which gives it a sportier, more refined appearance. As much as its appearance would suggest, a coupe is typically loaded with extra bells and whistles, from sharp handling to hundreds of horsepower.
Example of coupe: Kia Forte Koup
8. Minivan
In the world of family cars, the greatest benefits offered by minivans—comfort and safety—continue to hold significant significance. Thanks to its practical sliding door and roomy interior, minivans are often the best choice for families. Minivans offer plenty of space and easy access to the cabin, making it much more comfortable to transport a large number of children.