The term "body style" is an all-encompassing label used to describe the size, shape, and characteristics of a vehicle. For example, sedans and pickup trucks are two popular vehicle body styles in the United States. At Car and Driver , we separate vehicles into eight primary body styles, making them easier to categorize (and easier for you to shop).
๐ The Core Development
Within those eight broad body styles are a host of different variations that get even more specific. Size is one of the most important distinctions. We typically categorize vehicles in the following sizes, listed in increasing order: subcompact, compact, mid-size, and full-size. There are also differences in luxury vehicles versus non-luxury vehicles, and some vehicles that defy categorization altogether. Not sure where the car youโre interested in fits? We've broken down all of the main vehicle types and their subcategories to help you understand the body style basics.
Sedans are what most people picture when they think of a traditional passenger car. Sedans have four doors and incorporate a three-box design (jargon for a design with a distinct hood, passenger compartment, and trunk). Sedans come in multiple types and sizes, ranging from fuel-efficient and small compact to luxurious and large full-size options.
๐ Background & Sector Context
The smallest sedans in the U.S. are subcompact in size. Among non-luxury options, there are no sedans remaining in this segment, as automakers have dropped these entry-level options. The luxury subcompact segment is more flush with options. This subset includes the Audi A3 and Mercedes CLA-class .
Compact sedans are larger than subcompacts but smaller than mid-size models. Both mainstream and luxury options abound. In either form, compacts tend to offer reasonable space for cargo and people, though taller individuals may find these modelsโ rear seat room a bit too confining. The Honda Civic is a benchmark of the mainstream compact segment, as it expertly blends a reasonably roomy rear seat and trunk with enjoyable driving dynamics for a reasonable price. Itโs why the modelโs practically a regular on our 10Best Cars .
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
Mid-size sedans tend to sacrifice some of the driving enjoyment of their compact kin for additional rear seat and cargo space. These machines are perfect for those who regularly carry passengers or haul various items. The best mid-size sedans afford this extra versatility with only a marginal hit to behind-the-wheel joy. This includes the 10Best-winning Honda Accord in the mainstream segment and vehicles such as the BMW 5-series in the mid-size luxury segment.
Benchmark Telemetry & EV Fuel Savings
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๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
Full-size sedans these days are the flagship models in a brandโs lineup. Only luxury-badged full-size sedans remain, as previous mainstream full-size options such as the Ford Taurus were discontinued years ago. The luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-class is a prime example of the category. Such sedans tend to emphasize a comfortable ride and loads of rear seat space above all else.
Sports sedans come in subcompact, compact, mid-size, and full-size forms. These models tend to be high-performance variants of more run-of-the-mill models, though some may argue that a number of these โrun-of-the-millโ options are sports sedans in and of themselves. For instance, the subcompact Cadillac CT4 and compact Cadillac CT5 feature engaging rear-drive dynamics that arguably make these sedans worthy of the title. However, we limit the sports sedan designation to the models' truly sporty 10Best-winning CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing variants.
