Best Hatchbacks of 2023

Characteristics of Hatch Cars

The compact hatch car remains highly popular in the cramped cities of Europe, but shoppers in the US want something bolder and more eye-catching - at least, for the most part. There are those who can see their value and practicality without being distracted by the best-looking high-riders on the road. Such discerning shoppers will notice that there are several traits that are common among the top hatchback models.

• Design: Hatchback cars are unmistakable with their quirky aesthetics. Tough possessed of only 4 doors, they are often called 5-door vehicles because of the liftgate trunk. This makes accessing the cargo hold an easy matter, which is one of the things that makes similarly designed crossovers so appealing. A subdivision of the small hatchback, hot hatches stand out for their sporty styling.
• Size: Hatchbacks have decidedly diminutive dimensions, which is part of their charm. They ride high enough to give the driver a decent view of the road, but they aren't quite as commanding as crossovers. Their unique design gives them surprisingly spacious cabins, though the back seats can feel cramped. The trunk, on the other hand, receives a hefty portion of the interior volume allocation.
• Performance: For the most part, the best hatchback cars are powered by punchy but efficient engines. They don’t need insane output figures since hatches are so small and light. Hot hatches are also one of the few remaining refuges of the manual transmission. This makes them some of the most engaging drivers around. However, it is worth noting that AWD is extremely rare in the segment.
• Price: Small cars are generally quite cheap, and this is definitely the case for hatchbacks, at least for the most part. There are premium brands like Mini that compete in the market, and the cost of these big personality cars can be higher than you might expect. On the plus side, even the less efficient hatches get great mpg figures, so the cost of ownership is usually quite reasonable.

What to Consider When Buying Hatchback Vehicles

Even the top-rated hatchbacks come with their fair share of deficits, but the same is true of even the vaunted crossover segment. No type of car does everything perfectly, but by carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can decide if a new 2022 hatch is the right choice for you.

Pros

• Less pricey to buy and insure
• Good gas mileage
• User-friendly storage volume
• Multiple variants, including hybrids
• Easy to park

Cons

• Cheap options usually feel low-grade
• Passenger space is limited
• Entry-level versions are underpowered
• Divisive aesthetics 
• Safety reviews ratings are often not very good

FAQs