We love performance, so practicality isn’t a major consideration. But for many buyers, a car is a rational choice; they buy what they need to transport themselves and their loved ones as safely, comfortably, and cheaply as possible. It’s a smarter way to buy, but it isn’t any easier. With more than 400 new cars to choose from, how do you pick the right one?

What Kind of Car Do I Need?

Forget a number of models available, the number of body styles alone can be overwhelming: coupes, sedans, station wagons, crossovers, SUVs. How do you choose what you need?

Coupe/Convertible: If you want a car that makes a statement about you, coupes and convertibles are classically the most expressive designs, but limited access to the back seat (if the car you are considering even has one) seriously limits their practicality.

Sedan: If there are children in the picture or in the near-future plan, four doors are a likely prerequisite. Even if children are small enough to ride easily in the back seat of a coupe with any regularity, consider the difficulty of constantly climbing into and out of the back seat to tend to a child before pledging to just two doors.



Hatchback: If you add an extra door—bringing the total to five—you’re looking at hatchbacks and station wagons, which offer SUV-like space without the dynamic and fuel-economy concessions of heavier vehicles.

Station Wagon: Station wagons have possibly the worst reputation of any car style on the market, but we’re fighting to change that. They offer the best elements of a car without the tradeoffs of larger crossovers and SUVs.

SUV/Crossover: Jack up the ground clearance of a hatchback or station wagon, and you have a crossover or an SUV. Do you need that ground clearance? Probably not. When was the last time your road didn’t get habitually worked or cleared? Sure, it happens, but the fuel-economy penalty of choosing a taller and heavier vehicle is something that affects you each time you start the car.

No doubt, the higher seating position of a crossover or SUV is something many people like, for its increased visibility and for the ease of entry and exit as the seat is at a more natural height. But keep in mind that height adds weight, and weight reduces fuel economy and stability.

Motors24

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