Cars are primarily classified by their size, body style, and primary purpose. The main categories, from smallest to largest, are subcompact, compact, midsize, and full-size for sedans, with additional classes for sports cars, SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), trucks, and minivans. This classification helps manufacturers target specific markets and allows buyers to compare similar vehicles. Government agencies like the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) also use these classes to standardize fuel economy ratings.
The most common system in the United States is defined by the EPA, which categorizes vehicles based on their interior passenger and cargo volume. For example, a compact car has a combined volume of 100-109 cubic feet, while a midsize car offers 110-119 cubic feet. This objective measurement prevents marketing terms from confusing buyers.
Beyond size, body style is a key differentiator. A sedan is a passenger car with a separate trunk, while a hatchback has a rear door that opens upward, combining the passenger and cargo areas. Coupes are typically defined by their two-door design and sportier nature, though some four-door cars with a sloped roofline (like the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe) also use the term.
Here’s a quick reference table for common EPA car classes with examples:
| EPA Vehicle Class | Passenger & Cargo Volume (Cubic Feet) | Typical Examples |
|---|
| Minicompact | Less than 85 | Fiat 500, Mini Cooper |
| Subcompact | 85-99 | Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio |
| Compact | 100-109 | Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla |
| Midsize | 110-119 | Honda Accord, Toyota Camry |
| Large | 120 or more | Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 |
Understanding these classes simplifies the car-buying process. If you know you need the space of a midsize sedan, you can instantly focus your search on models like the Accord or Camry, ignoring smaller compacts and larger, more expensive full-size cars. It also helps set realistic expectations for features, fuel economy, and driving dynamics—a subcompact car won't handle like a sports car, and a full-size SUV won't be as easy to park as a compact hatchback.
