Common types of motor vehicles
The auto industry is saturated with different models and various types of cars. Most of us are familiar with the standard categories of trucks, vans & SUVs. Generally, these categories are based on the engine displacement, the capacity (number of passengers), and purpose of use. Manufacturers bring in new features and styles every year, keeping their basic functions the same. Let’s look at the list of these vehicles and their main features.
Sedan
Sedan, one of the most common types of cars, comes in various sizes, from small or subcompact, such as the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio, to compact, which includes the Toyota Corolla.
Coupe
Earlier, a coupe used to be a two-door car with a solid roof and trunk; however, in recent times, four-door cars or crossovers that look like a coupe with a low roof also fall in this category. Some examples of a coupe are Ford Mustang and the Porsche Boxster.
Station Wagon
These vehicles are similar to sedans; instead of a trunk, they have a hatch door and an extended roof. They could also have a high ground clearance and a rugged look to appear more like an SUV. These cars have dropped in popularity over time. The Audi A4 Allroad and the Subaru Outback are station wagons.
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)
Most often called a crossover, these types of vehicles have an elevated ground clearance and seating compared to a car. They have a large cargo space similar to a station wagon that can be accessed through the rear hatch door. These are available in different sizes ranging from subcompact to full-size. The large SUVs can accommodate more people, with three rows of seats. The Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Hyundai Kona are examples of SUVs.
Trucks
A pickup truck is distinctive from other vehicles as it has a rear open cargo bed. This cargo space is completely divided from the cabin, which can seat about 3 to 4 people. Pickup trucks are available in two sizes full-size and mid-size. The popularity of trucks is growing due to their towing capabilities and versatility. Most trucks come with all-wheel drive. A few examples of these types of trucks are the Ford Maverick, Honda Ridgeline, and the Chevrolet Colorado.
Minivans
These vehicles are extremely popular with families. They look like boxes on wheels and can be used for carrying people and cargo. They have sliding doors and a large cargo area that can be accessed through a rear hatch door. The second and third-row seats in most vans can be folded or removed to increase cargo space. Examples of vans are the Chrysler Pacifica and the Honda Odyssey.
Convertible
These cars come with foldable or removable roofs, which are made with a strong fabric that can fold down on itself. It can be done automatically or manually. Some brands offer cars with hardtop retractable roofs or those in which only a part of the roof retracts or can be removed. The Mazda MX-5, Corvette, and the Porsche 911 Targa are examples of convertibles.
Hatchback
It is a type of compact sedan with a rear hatch door that flips open and provides access to the cargo space. Examples of this car are the Kia Rio and the Volkswagen Golf. The cargo space is much larger than a sedan, although it looks a bit sleeker.
Sports car
Sporty, hot, and flashy are the words that best describe these types of cars. They are low to the ground and most often highly-priced. Most often, these vehicles can only accommodate two people, although a few models have small rear seats. Examples of this type of car are the Porsche 911 and the Mazda Miata. Well-known and expensive brands for sports cars are Jaguar, Lamborghini, and Ferrari.
Limousine
Limousines are popular, mostly chauffeur-driven luxury cars. These vehicles usually have a partition that separates the driver and the passengers. They are often seen at formal events and are usually owned by the rich and famous. One can ride in one by pre-booking it from a limousine hire company for various occasions.
The listed cars have different models that come in a range of sizes that can meet every requirement. You can check the brand’s official website for details. If you are confused, you have a look at the offline stores to get a real-time experience before you purchase one.