No, an economy car is not typically bigger than a compact car. In fact, the opposite is true. The term "economy" primarily refers to a vehicle's low purchase price, excellent fuel efficiency, and low operating costs, not its physical size. A "compact" is a specific size classification for a vehicle's interior passenger and cargo space. Many economy cars are compacts, but a compact car can also be a more feature-rich model that isn't considered an economy vehicle.
The confusion arises because these terms describe different attributes. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) provides standard vehicle class definitions based on interior volume, measured in cubic feet. A compact car has an interior volume index of 100-109 cubic feet for sedans. An economy car isn't a formal EPA size class; it's a market segment that often includes vehicles from the subcompact class (which is smaller than compact) and the compact class itself.
For example, a Kia Rio is a subcompact economy car, while a Honda Civic is a compact car. The Civic is larger than the Rio. However, the base-model Civic is also considered an economy car due to its price and efficiency. This shows the overlap: a car can be both a compact (by size) and an economy car (by market positioning).
| Vehicle Class | Typical Interior Volume (EPA Sedan) | Example Models | Primary Focus |
|---|
| Subcompact | 85-99 cu ft | Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent | Maximum affordability, fuel economy |
| Compact | 100-109 cu ft | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla | Balance of size, efficiency, and features |
| Midsize | 110-119 cu ft | Honda Accord, Toyota Camry | Passenger comfort and space |
| Economy (Market Segment) | Varies (often Subcompact/Compact) | Chevrolet Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage | Lowest cost of ownership |
When choosing, focus on your needs. If your top priority is the absolute lowest price and best gas mileage, you'll likely be looking at subcompact economy cars. If you need more rear-seat legroom and cargo space but still want good efficiency, a compact car—even an economy-trim model—is the bigger and often more practical choice.
