A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door [1][2][3][4][5] that swings upward to provide access to the main interior of the car as a cargo area rather than just to a separated trunk. Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second-row seating, where the interior can be reconfigured to prioritize passenger or cargo volume. While early examples of the body configuration can be traced to ...
See our list of the best hatchbacks for 2026. These hatchbacks were chosen by our experts for their top-rated scores based on performance, fuel economy, interior, value and safety.
The best hatchbacks of 2025 and 2026 ranked by experts. Get ratings, fuel economy, price and more. Find the best vehicle for you quickly and easily.
Hatchbacks combine SUV-like versatility with carlike drivability and maneuverability, and these are the best models for delivering on that dual purpose.
Edmunds expert reviewers rank the best hatchbacks of 2026 and 2027 on a 10-point scale that includes performance, comfort, interior, technology, and value.
A hatchback is a wise choice if you need extra versatility and cargo space but can’t fit a small SUV in your budget. Hatchbacks combine some of the best features of a small crossover with the agility, fuel economy, and value pricing of a small car.
From track tests to real-world drives, we ranked the best hatchbacks of 2026. See which models deliver the most for your money.
What is a hatchback? A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area. Hatchbacks are similar to station wagons, but the hatchback’s cargo area is more truncated and the rear opening is perpendicular to the ground while the station wagon’s cargo area continues further forward and has a rear door that is parallel to the ground.