Practicality and personality.
Want something with a bit more size than a compact or subcompact but still smaller than a midsize or full-size sedan? Welcome to the world of hatchbacks—the perfect blend of practicality and personality. These great cars provide plenty of storage and access space in the rear trunk for luggage, groceries, and more.
Looking for a new daily runaround in 2020? Explore this list of the 10 best hatchback cars for 2020 shoppers, based on CarMax vehicle sales data from May 1, 2019 through October 31, 2019. Please note that some of the vehicles on this list are also available as non-hatchbacks, so check the specific model years and trims to make sure you are getting the version that best suits you.
- Toyota Prius
- Ford Focus
- Honda Fit
- Chevrolet Volt
- Nissan Versa Note
- Ford Fiesta
- Mazda Mazda3
- Subaru Impreza
- Fiat 500
- Hyundai Veloster
All of these cars fit the hatchback formula perfectly: smaller than sedans on the outside but with plenty of room on the inside.
If you're looking for something that's both practical and easy on fuel, the Prius is a good option. The 2019 L model can achieve an EPA-estimated 52 mpg combined from its 1.8L four-cylinder hybrid engine.1 The Honda Fit is also very impressive in this department. The 2019 model, equipped with a 1.5L four-cylinder engine and continuously-variable transmission, is able to deliver an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined.1
If you're looking to add some excitement to your daily drive, we've got that covered too. The hot-hatch style has been popular among drivers for decades—all the practicality of a regular hatchback with enough acceleration, power, and road-holding to rival a sports car.
A good example of this on our list would be the Ford Focus—a practical hatchback at the standard trim levels, but at the top of 2018's list of trims are the powerful ST and RS packages. With the RS packing 350 horsepower and all-wheel drive, this is a hatchback that will make your daily commute as thrilling as possible.
The Subaru Impreza is also great for all-wheel-drive excitement and performance, and don't sleep on the Fiat 500 either; the top-of-the-range Abarth is capable of 160 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque on the 2019 model.
From practicality to performance and everything in between, there is a hatchback waiting for you.
Want to check out more hatchbacks? Take a look at these:
- Volkswagen Golf
- Subaru Impreza
- Ford Fiesta
- Honda Civic
- Kia Soul
- Chevrolet Sonic
- Nissan LEAF
- Toyota Yaris
Ready to shop? Check out this related article:
1 Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates when vehicles sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov for details.
Unless otherwise noted, information relating to these featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.