Coupe Vs Hatchback: Detailed Comparison In 7 Major Segments

If you find yourself torn between these two vehicle choices – fear not! We’ve got your back with our in-depth coupe vs hatchback article. Here you will find answers to all of your questions as well as a comparison of these two vehicles in all of their important features. Being well-informed will make your hiring decision significantly easier since you’ll be familiar with what kind of car fits your lifestyle and exact needs.

Table Of Contents

1 The Difference Between A Coupe And Hatchback
2 Coupe Vs Hatchback Comparison
3 Final Verdict: Should You Hire Or Buy A Coupe Or Hatchback?
4 Frequently Asked Questions
5 Conclusion

The Difference Between A Coupe And Hatchback

Different in body style, price and performance, these two vehicles offer quality and a good driving experience for many people. The primary difference between a coupe and a hatchback is in their design. Coupes typically have a sleeker, two-door design, while hatchbacks have a practical four-door configuration with an additional rear door that opens upward, which provides access to a larger cargo area.

Some of the popular coupe models are the Ford Mustang, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Chevrolet Corvette, while the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta and Honda Civic are the stars of the show in the hatchback world. You can check out our blog where we explain what a coupe is or see here for more details about hatchbacks.

The term ‘coupe’ originates from the French word ‘la coupe’, which means ‘cut’.

From the first innovative 1938 Citroën Traction Avant 11CV Commerciale, which is considered the first hatchback, this vehicle evolved to be one of the most practical and widely used vehicles. It’s versatile and can fit into the everyday lives of most individuals. Coupes have also come a long way since their design started as a horse-drawn carriage in the 18th century. Now they are synonymous with style and luxury living.

Comparing different vehicles is crucial to the hiring process, and if you’re interested in the saloon vs coupe battle or want to know how a hatchback stands against an estate car, make sure to check out our in-depth post.

Coupe Vs Hatchback Comparison

There are some key factors you need to take into consideration when comparing hatchbacks to coupes. We have put together an overview of the most important ones.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Space & Practicality

Coupes prioritise style and performance over space, and as a result, in the realm of practicality, hatchbacks take a clear win.

With coupes, you’ll have to get past the front seats to get to the back seat, as the models that offer additional rear seats are also two-door vehicles. Hatchbacks are way more practical as they are five-door cars with easy access to the back seats and cargo area.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Performance

It’s not hard to see why the hatchback is one of the most popular cars in the UK, significantly more compared to coupes. They can deliver a satisfying driving experience while still meeting the demands of everyday life. Many hatchbacks are recommended for young and new drivers. But coupes have a lower roof and are focused on sharp handling. They are high-performance vehicles for enthusiasts who want an exhilarating driving experience.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Style

A coupe has only two seats (some rare models have four, so they boast two additional rear seats) and two doors. While they might not excel in the boot space, they offer a sporty design that is associated with a more exclusive and upscale image.

Hatchbacks have a flat roof, different from the sloping roofline in coupes. Its hatch is often considered a door, so people call it a five-door vehicle. They boast models with vibrant and youthful colours, but they can’t rival the aesthetics of the coupe.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Fuel Efficiency

Hatchbacks are specifically focused on practicality, and as a result, they are a better choice if you put fuel economy as the top priority. Their design and utility, coupled with good fuel economy, make them a far better choice for everyday use. Most high-performance coupes emphasise power over fuel efficiency. Since it’s designed for sporty driving, the coupe’s powerful engine limits its overall fuel efficiency.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Comfort

In terms of comfort, hatchbacks take yet another win. Coupes are two-door vehicles with limited rear passenger space. Their setup makes them less convenient. Hatchbacks provide easier access for passengers to their seating area. They also boast a lot of boot space. Sure, they might not give you as much space as a multi-purpose vehicle with seven seats, but they are a type of car that has a spacious interior, which guarantees comfort.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Price & Maintenance Costs

Hatchbacks tend to be a more affordable choice, both when it comes to maintenance and overall price. This makes them a popular choice among drivers looking for affordable vehicles. Coupes are generally more expensive than hatchbacks, particularly models from premium brands such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut coupe model made history as the most expensive car sold at auction.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Safety Levels

When it comes to safety, both body styles can be equipped with advanced safety technologies but hatchbacks tend to be a safer option. Compared to a two-door coupe, the hatchback has five doors, and easy access to doors can be crucial in emergencies. Coupes also have a lower roofline, which can potentially affect visibility. A lot of hatchback models made it into a top-safety list of cars as well.

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Overview Of Pros & Cons

Now that we have considered all the features in detail, here is a quick overview of every good and bad detail of both car body types.

This is a list of pros you’ll benefit from if you choose a hatchback vehicle:

Everyday practicality
Fuel efficiency
Versatility
More interior space

And here are some drawbacks:

Styling
Less exciting to drive
Not as luxurious

When it comes to stylish coupes, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

Sleek and sporty design
Thriviling driving performance
Associated with luxury

And you might not like the following characteristics:

Limited rear passenger space
Less practical
Expensive

Final Verdict: Should You Hire Or Buy A Coupe Or Hatchback?

Whether you should hire or buy a coupe or hatchback will depend solely on your personal preferences, needs and budget. If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to pamper yourself with an exciting car, a coupe is the perfect vehicle for you. And if you’re looking to save money and get a high-quality, practical car to help you finish your everyday tasks, then a hatchback is definitely the right car for you.

If you’re interested in small hatchbacks, you can reach out to SDVH today for small car rental services at affordable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Coupes More Expensive Than Hatchbacks?

Yes, coupes are more expensive than hatchbacks. Coupes are more stylish and sporty, which results in them having a higher price than their hatchback counterparts. They sometimes have higher prices than equivalent saloon cars or the sports utility vehicle. The overall price, however, can also vary depending on the specific model, so it’s best to compare prices when buying.

Which Car Offers Better Fuel Efficiency: Coupe Or Hatchback?

The hatchback offers better fuel efficiency than the coupe. It’s designed to be a practical vehicle with minimal fuel consumption. Sports cars are stylish vehicles, but fuel economy isn’t their strongest feature. However, newer models have improved in this regard and you can now get coupes with much better fuel efficiency.

What Should You Consider When Choosing Between A Coupe And Hatchback?

You should consider your lifestyle, needs and budget when choosing between a coupe and a hatchback. If you prioritise riding in style and don’t intend to carry a lot of cargo or passengers, then a coupe is the right vehicle for you. If you care more about utility, then a hatchback that has extra boot space and a rear door has an obvious advantage.

What Is A Hatchback Coupe?

A hatchback coupe is a vehicle that typically combines the sporty design elements of a coupe with the practical nature of hatchbacks. The rear hatch allows for more versatile cargo space, and the stylish design makes it more visually appealing. So, it’s a body style that represents the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality.

Conclusion

In the coupe vs hatchback face-off, every vehicle has both pros and cons to offer, and it’s up to you to decide which one is the perfect fit for you. Now that you’re aware of the most important features each one offers, the choice of which one to hire will be a breeze!

Coupe Vs Hatchback: Detailed Comparison In 7 Major Segments

The Difference Between A Coupe And Hatchback