What size car is a compact car?
A compact car is a classification of passenger vehicles that are smaller and more fuel-efficient than mid-size or full-size cars. Compact cars typically have a shorter length, narrower width, and lower height compared to larger vehicle classes.
Defining Compact Cars
According to industry standards, a compact car is generally defined as a vehicle with an interior passenger and cargo volume between 100 and 110 cubic feet. This size range places compact cars between subcompact and mid-size vehicles in terms of overall dimensions and interior space.
- Typical compact car lengths range from 175 to 190 inches.
- Compact car widths are usually between 68 to 72 inches.
- The height of a compact car is typically 55 to 60 inches.
Compact cars are designed to provide a balance of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability compared to larger vehicle classes. They often have smaller, more efficient engines that contribute to their better gas mileage ratings.
Examples of Compact Cars
Some popular examples of compact cars include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Hyundai Elantra. These models offer seating for up to five passengers and have trunk or hatchback cargo areas suitable for daily use and light hauling.
Compact cars are a common choice for urban and suburban drivers who value maneuverability, parking ease, and fuel economy without sacrificing too much interior space or cargo capacity. Their smaller size and weight also make them more environmentally friendly compared to larger vehicle classes.
Is a Toyota Corolla considered a compact car?
Yes, the Toyota Corolla is considered a compact car. It falls into the compact car class, a category known for a balance of efficiency, style, and practicality.
- Size and handling: The Corolla's compact size makes it easy to maneuver in traffic and park in tight spaces, which is especially beneficial in urban environments.
- Interior space: Despite its compact exterior, the interior is designed to maximize space, offering good legroom and usable cargo capacity.
- Market position: The Corolla is a well-known and popular model within the compact car segment, often highlighted for its reliability and efficiency.
What size is a compact car?
A compact car is typically between 161 and 187 inches long and has a combined interior passenger and cargo volume of 100 to 109 cubic feet. They are larger than subcompacts but smaller than mid-size cars, comfortably seating up to four adults, and sometimes a fifth person. Examples include the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, and they are available in various body styles like sedans and hatchbacks.
Key dimensions and characteristics
- Length: 161–187 inches
- Interior volume: 100–109 cubic feet (combined passenger and cargo space)
- Seating: Comfortably seats four adults, with some models accommodating five
- Body styles: Commonly found as sedans and hatchbacks, but also as coupes
- Examples: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra
What to consider
- For city driving: Their size makes them easy to maneuver and park in urban areas.
- For families: While they seat up to five, a fifth passenger may find the rear seating tight. They are not ideal for large families or those who frequently haul a lot of cargo.
- For efficiency: Compact cars typically offer good fuel efficiency and lower insurance premiums compared to larger vehicles.
What makes a car considered compact?
Guidelines for Compact Cars
Automobile classes are defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year, dated July 1996. Compact cars have a combined passenger and cargo interior volume between 100 and 109 cubic feet.
Does a SUV count as a compact car?
No, an SUV is not inherently a compact car, but a compact SUV is a smaller classification of a sport utility vehicle. A compact SUV is a specific type of SUV that is larger than a subcompact but smaller than a midsize one, offering a balance of size, fuel efficiency, and cargo space.
- SUV: This is a broad vehicle category, and they come in many sizes, including compact, midsize, and full-size.
- Compact SUV: This refers to a specific size class of SUV. It's a smaller model that is typically more fuel-efficient than its larger counterparts and easier to maneuver in city environments.
- Key differences: While a compact SUV has the body style and often the capability of a larger SUV, its smaller dimensions are what make it "compact".
