Hatchback vs. Sedan: Which One Should You Buy? (2024 Updated)

Published on 8 Jun, 2022, 11:20 AM IST

Updated on 2 Jul, 2024, 6:20 AM IST

Team Ackodrive

7 min read

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If you are a first-time car buyer or want to buy a car on a budget, you may be more inclined towards a hatchback or a sedan instead of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). If you are confused about making a choice between a hatchback and a sedan, this article is for you. Read on as we provide all the information related to hatchback vs. sedan, and it should give you a clear direction on which one to buy.

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Contents

Hatchback vs. Sedan (2024 Updated)

The main difference between a hatchback and a sedan is that a hatchback is assembled on a two-box body, whereas a sedan is assembled on a three-box body with a separate boot. A hatchback is ideal for daily commutes, and the sedan is good for highway cruising due to its better stability on the road.

What is a Hatchback?

A hatchback refers to a type of car that is assembled on a two-box body. The engine compartment is the first box, and the passenger compartment is the second box. It comprises 4 doors and a hatch at the rear, opening upwards. The boot of the hatchback is integrated into the passenger compartment and can be accessed from inside the vehicle.

Also, read: Best hatchback cars in India

What is a Sedan?

A sedan refers to a type of car that is assembled on a three-box body. The engine compartment is the first box, the passenger compartment is the second box, and the boot is the third box. Sedans feature a separate boot that is accessible from the tailgate and hence offer more boot space compared to hatchbacks.

Also, read: Best sedan cars in India

Difference Between Hatchback and Sedan

If you look at the parameters like size, comfort, fuel economy, etc., there are subtle differences between a hatchback and a sedan. Here is a table showcasing how different factors vary between the two body types.

Parameters	Hatchback	Sedan
Design type	Two-box design	Three-box design
Size	Smaller than sedans	Larger than hatchbacks
Rear visibility	Higher rear visibility	Lower rear visibility
Cabin space	Lower cabin space	Higher cabin space
Boot space	Generally, a smaller boot space	Generally, a bigger boot space
Wheelbase	Shorter wheelbase	Longer wheelbase
City use	Easier to drive due to compact size	It is more difficult than hatchbacks due to the bigger size
Highway use	Less stable at high speeds	More stable at high speeds
Fuel economy	More fuel-efficient due to lighter weight than sedans.	Lesser fuel-efficient due to heavier weight than hatchbacks.
Price	Less expensive	More expensive
Resale value	Better resale value	Lower resale value than hatchback cars
Comfort	Less comfortable due to shorter wheelbase	It is more comfortable due to the longer wheelbase
Rear crash safety	Lower	Higher

Pros and Cons of Hatchbacks

Here are the pros and cons of hatchbacks:

Pros of Hatchbacks	Cons of Hatchbacks
Easy to drive in cities	Less stable at high speeds
Higher rear visibility	Lower rear crash safety
Great for fuel-efficiency	Doesn’t have a strong road presence
Costs less to buy than other body types	The cabin isn’t usually as spacious as other body types

Pros and Cons of Sedans

Here are the pros and cons of sedans:

Pros of Sedans	Cons of Sedans
Easy to drive on highways	Difficult to park due to bigger size
Higher rear crash safety	Lower rear visibility
Powerful engine for a smooth driving experience	Lower fuel efficiency than hatchbacks
A quiet and spacious cabin	More expensive than hatchbacks

Top Hatchbacks and Sedans in India (2023)

Here’s a table with the top hatchbacks available in India as of September 2023.

Model	On-Road Price (Delhi)
Maruti Suzuki Alto K10	Rs. 5.07 lakhs to Rs. 6.38 lakhs
Renault Kwid	Rs. 5.62 lakhs to Rs. 7.10 lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Celerio	Rs. 5.68 lakhs to Rs. 7.81 lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R	Rs. 5.88 lakhs to Rs. 8.16 lakhs
Tata Tiago	Rs. 5.90 lakhs to Rs. 9.13 lakhs
Hyundai Grand i10 Nios	Rs. 6.11 lakhs to Rs. 9.66 lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Swift	Rs. 6.36 lakhs to Rs. 9.82 lakhs
Tata Altroz	Rs. 7.27 lakhs to Rs. 12.58 lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Baleno	Rs. 7.42 lakhs to Rs. 11.11 lakhs
Hyundai i20	Rs. 8.39 lakhs to Rs. 13.33 lakhs

Here’s a table with the top sedans available in India as of September 2023.

Model	On-Road Price (Delhi)
Tata Tigor	Rs. 6.89 lakhs to Rs. 10.07 lakhs
Hyundai Aura	Rs. 7.14 lakhs to Rs. 10.09 lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Dzire	Rs. 7.35 lakhs to Rs. 10.50 lakhs
Honda Amaze	Rs. 7.95 lakhs to Rs. 10.88 lakhs
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz	Rs. 10.39 lakhs to Rs. 14.`6 lakhs
Hyundai Verna	Rs. 12.73 lakhs to Rs. 20.17 lakhs
Skoda Slavia	Rs. 13.08 lakhs to Rs. 21.73 lakhs
Honda City	Rs. 13.36 lakhs to Rs. 18.46 lakhs

Hatchback vs. Sedan: How to Make Your Decision

While comparing cars, you will find the pros and cons of each model. Ultimately, it comes down to which car serves your needs the best. You should evaluate your options based on power, cabin space, price, driving comfort, etc. It will help you get to a perfect car purchase decision.

A hatchback would make sense for everyday use when most of your driving is within the city. However, choosing a sedan would be better if you need a car for your family with good legroom and a powerful engine for long journeys.

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about hatchbacks and sedans.

Which car is more stable at high speeds, a hatchback or a sedan?

A sedan is usually considered more stable at high speeds than a hatchback due to its larger wheelbase and heavier body.

Why are sedans considered safer than hatchbacks?

Sedans are considered safer than hatchbacks due to the additional metal shield they offer at the rear. The boot area of a sedan can absorb the impact of a crash (from the rear) before it reaches the driver and passengers. However, the safety rating of some hatchbacks may be higher than that of sedans due to other parameters.

Should I purchase a hatchback or sedan with a budget of Rs. 10 lakhs?

You can choose between a top variant of a hatchback or a base variant of a sedan with this budget. The best approach would be to compare both options using the tips given in this article and choose as per your requirements.

Which car is more stable at high speeds, hatchback or sedan?

A sedan is usually considered more stable at high speeds than hatchbacks due to its larger wheelbase design.

Why are sedans considered safer than hatchbacks?

Sedans are considered safer than hatchbacks due to the additional metal shield they offer at the back. The boot area of a sedan can absorb the impact of a crash (from the rear) before it reaches the driver and passengers. However, the safety rating of some hatchbacks may be higher than sedans due to other parameters.

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