A car's body style is the overall shape and structure that defines how many people and how much cargo it can carry. It includes the number of doors, roofline design, and trunk or hatch configuration. Body styles like sedans, SUVs, and coupes directly impact the vehicle’s usability, fuel efficiency, driving feel, and safety. Understanding different body styles helps buyers choose a car that fits their daily needs and lifestyle.
Why Car Body Type Matters
The configuration determines how much you can carry. EpicVIN’s data shows SUVs and crossovers offer 30% more cargo space on average than sedans. The design also defines how many people the car holds comfortably. When using a VIN decoder or reviewing a vehicle history report, analyze fuel economy and other data to asses the car's previous use.
Key factors influenced include:
- Capacity - Number of people and comfort level.
- Storage capability - Available car space for daily needs.
- Fuel efficiency - Aerodynamic shape affects gas mileage.
- Driving dynamics - Weight distribution impacts handling.
- Safety features - Structural design influences crash protection.
- Insurance costs - Some designs cost more to insure.
Common Car Body Types Explained
Today's automotive market offers numerous car body types. Before ordering a vehicle history report, consider reviewing these categories.
Sedan

The sedan remains one of the most popular configurations worldwide. This four-door design features a separate trunk compartment. It provides secure storage while maintaining a sleek profile.
Key sedan features include:
- Four doors for easy access to the front and rear areas.
- A separate trunk that doesn't connect to the rear passenger compartment.
- Three-box design with distinct engine, passenger, and storage sections.
- Balanced proportions that provide both style and functionality.
- Good fuel economy (an aerodynamic shape).
Hatchback

Hatchbacks are smaller cars than sedans. Thus, they combine practicality with maneuverability. The rear door opens upward. This provides direct access to storage from the passenger compartment.
Essential hatchback options:
- Rear hatch door that opens upward for access.
- A flexible cargo room that expands when the rear areas fold down.
- Compact exterior dimensions can fit neatly in tight parking spaces.
- Higher seating positions.
- Easy loading at a comfortable height for the driver.
- A driver-friendly design, good visibility, and ergonomics.
Coupe

A coupe emphasizes style and performance. Most coupes feature two-door configurations. They have sloping roofs creating an elegant, sporty silhouette.
Distinctive coupe elements:
- A two-door configuration that prioritizes style over rear access.
- Sloping roofline that enhances aerodynamics and visual appeal.
- Sporty proportions with emphasis on performance.
- Limited rear seats suitable only for short trips.
- Enhanced driving dynamics.
Convertible

Convertibles offer the unique experience of open-air driving. Such cars have a retractable roof system. Modern convertibles use either a soft fabric top or a hard metal roof. The latter can fold away electronically.
Notable convertible features:
- Retractable roof system for open-air driving.
- Reinforced chassis to compensate for the missing roof structure.
- Weather protection when the roof is raised.
- Reduced capacity, especially with the top down.
- Enhanced driving enjoyment and a fun-to-drive experience for the driver.
Station Wagon

Station wagons extend the rear area to create maximum utility and cargo area within a car platform. These vehicles typically feature four doors and a large rear opening for access.
Primary station wagon advantages:
- Extended storage that rivals many SUVs.
- Car-like handling with a lower center of gravity than SUVs.
- Four-door convenience for easy access.
- Fold-flat rear cargo areas that create a large, flat loading floor.
- Better fuel economy than similarly sized SUVs.
SUV

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) demonstrate truck-based capabilities complemented by passenger car comfort. The sport utility vehicle SUV category typically features higher ground clearance. It demonstrates all-wheel drive availability and rugged construction.
Core SUV characteristics:
- Higher ground clearance for off-road capability and commanding view.
- Robust construction is often based on truck platforms.
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive options for traction.
- Multiple seating configurations, including third-row options.
- Substantial towing capacity for boats and recreational equipment.
- Large storage compared to sedans and other cars.
Crossover

Crossovers' style is similar to that of SUVs. At the same time, they combine car-based platforms and unibody construction. These vehicles offer an SUV appearance. However, their front-seat and rear-seat positions are higher. Fuel economy parameters are also better than those of SUVs.
Key crossover benefits:
- Car-based platform providing smoother ride quality.
- SUV-like appearance with higher seating position and clearance.
- Improved fuel economy, especially compared to truck-based SUVs.
- Easier entry and exit than low-sitting cars.
- Flexible seating with options for five to eight people.
Pickup Truck

Pickup trucks feature an open bed. It's separated from the passenger compartment. These vehicles prioritize hauling capability and towing capacity.
Essential pickup truck features:
- Open bed for hauling materials and large items.
- Separate cab and bed design with various cab configurations.
- High towing capacity often exceeding 10,000 pounds.
- Rugged construction designed for work and recreational activities.
- Available four-wheel drive for off-road capability.
- Larger wheels are often standard for improved ground clearance.
Minivan / MPV

Minivans maximize cargo space. Nonetheless, they're characterized by a compact footprint. This is especially noticeable in comparison with SUVs and pickup trucks. Such vehicles are equipped with sliding doors and low loading floors.
Primary minivan advantages:
- Maximum capacity with seating for seven or eight.
- Sliding doors that work well in tight parking spaces.
- Flexible seating with removable or fold-flat options.
- Low loading floor for easy access.
- Generous headroom due to tall roof design.
Niche and Specialty Body Styles
Several specialty designs serve specific markets. These configurations often combine elements from different car body types.
Style | Description | Key Features | Target Market |
Shooting Brake | Two-door wagon with sporty styling | Extended storage, coupe-like profile | Luxury performance enthusiasts |
Roadster | Open-top two-door sports car | Minimal weather protection, pure driving focus | Sports car purists |
Cargo Vans | Commercial delivery vehicle | Maximum interior space, often with diesel engines | Commercial delivery services |
Targa | Semi-convertible | Retains rear window and B-pillar structure | Open-air driving enthusiasts |
Limousine | Extended sedan with partition | Professional driver area, luxury rear compartment | Corporate and special events |
What Automakers Consider When Designing a Body Type
Manufacturers carefully balance multiple factors. Thanks to market research, carmakers find out which features customers value most.
Here are some design considerations:
- Target customer needs - Family size, lifestyle, and driving patterns.
- Manufacturing efficiency - Production costs and assembly complexity.
- Safety regulations - Crash protection requirements.
- Fuel economy standards - Government mandates and customer expectations.
- Market positioning - Competition analysis and pricing strategies.
This pie chart shows how automakers prioritize different factors when designing a vehicle body type. Their decisions are based on what customers need most, like space and comfort, while also keeping production cheap, meeting safety rules, and hitting fuel economy targets.

Which Body Types Hold Value Best Over Time?
Resale value varies significantly among different configurations. Demand and market trends influence this parameter. Mercedes-Benz and other luxury vehicles often depreciate faster initially. However, they may stabilize when becoming collectible. When shopping for certified pre-owned vehicles, grasping depreciation patterns helps identify value.
Body | 5-Year Retention | Factors | Best Examples |
Pickup Trucks | 60-65% | Work capability, durability | Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150 |
SUVs | 55-60% | Family utility, towing capacity | Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Tahoe |
Sedans (Luxury) | 45-50% | Brand prestige, build quality | Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series |
Crossovers | 50-55% | Popularity, fuel efficiency | Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 |
Sports Cars | 40-55% | Collectibility, performance | Porsche 911, Chevrolet Corvette |
How Car Body Style Affects Insurance Rates
Insurance companies assess risk differently across various designs, leading to significant premium variations. When researching the trim level on a car, insurance implications should factor into decisions.
Premiums are influenced by several factors. Certain models are more prone to theft, while luxury vehicles often cost more to repair. Cars with strong safety ratings usually receive lower rates. Driver demographics, such as age and driving history, also play a role. High-performance engines can lead to higher premiums due to increased risk.
Can Body Style Impact Safety Ratings?

The design significantly influences safety performance. Larger vehicles generally provide better protection. It's due to increased mass and longer crush zones. IIHS data shows midsize SUVs are 75% less likely to result in fatal injuries than compact cars. However, EpicVIN data reveals that compact vehicles with strong roof structures and advanced safety tech can still achieve top ratings, with 35% fewer injury claims reported in side impacts. The roof structure, door configuration, and overall vehicle height all affect passenger protection.
How to Choose the Right Car Body Style
Rely on your needs when selecting an ideal vehicle design. Consider whether you regularly carry passengers, as well as the amount you typically transport and your driving environment. For those looking at cheap SUVs to buy, understanding the trade-offs between different designs helps identify the best value and comfortable ride.
Follow this decision-making process:
- Assess passenger needs - Count regular occupants and consider comfort requirements.
- Evaluate cargo requirements - Consider daily hauling needs and occasional large items.
- Consider driving conditions - Urban, suburban, or rural environments affect clearance parameters.
- Set budget parameters - Include purchase price, insurance costs, as well as fuel and maintenance expenses.
- Test drive options - Experience different body types to understand handling distinctions and driver comfort.
- Plan for future needs - Consider life changes over the ownership period.
Summary
Grasping car body types helps make informed purchase decisions. Each make and model of a car offers distinct advantages. The sedan's balanced efficiency, the pickup truck's ultimate utility, and other models' options are vital to consider. Modern vehicles blur traditional boundaries. E.g., crossovers combine SUV capability with car-like efficiency. At one end of the spectrum, luxury models offer premium features, while basic trim levels focus on value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unibody construction integrates the frame and body. It improves vehicle handling and fuel economy. Unibody advantages include:
- Reduced weight compared to separate frame construction.
- Improved structural rigidity.
- Lower manufacturing costs.
- Better noise isolation.
- Enhanced aerodynamics.
Converting one style to another is not only difficult but also not cost-effective. The structural modifications required would compromise safety and potentially void insurance coverage. It's better to sell your current vehicle and purchase the desired body type.
Premium hatchbacks are typically more expensive than entry-level sedans. However, luxury sedan models exceed hatchback prices. Hatchbacks also sometimes carry premium pricing. Their European heritage and practical advantages in urban environments are the central reasons.
The body style describes the car’s physical shape, like a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe, a five-door hatchback, or a convertible. It shows how many doors the car has and how the trunk or roof is designed. The submodel refers to the trim level or version of that style. It includes options like Base, Premium, or Limited. Submodels can also have sport upgrades, luxury materials, or special features.
Sedans in the UK are called saloon cars. They remain popular at auctions, especially luxury and performance variants. Classic saloons from prestigious manufacturers often appreciate in value.