Differences Between Subcompact, Compact, Midsize, and Full-Size Cars

You’re shopping for a new car, and you don’t know which one is right for you. There are so many makes and models to choose from, and each car has different standard and available features. One of the most common questions people have is, what’s the difference between subcompact, compact, mid-size and full-size? Here is a guide to help you find out which one is right for you, so your car-buying search will be a breeze!

Subcompact

When you hear subcompact, you might think of an ultra-small car that’s too tiny for the average-sized adult. Really, subcompact cars nowadays are about the size of compact cars from past years. They have 85 to 89 cubit feet between their passenger and cargo areas, and they are 157 to 165 inches long. Some fit up to four passengers, and some fit up to five.

Subcompacts are often the least expensive, and are typically cheaper to insure and repair. Some are also more fuel efficient, so you’re saving more money. Its small design also makes it easier to park, pull in and out of parking spots, and whip around time. If you mostly drive around solo, then a subcompact is the right kind of car for you.

2020 Honda Fit Sport

Compact

A compact car is also called a small car. It can be a two-door, four-door, hatchback, or sports coupe. If you don’t need too much space, this is the right car for you. Compacts have between 100 and 109 cubic feet of interior space, and they are between 161 and 187 inches in length.

Compacts also seat four to five people, but most cars in this category have seating for up to five. If you don’t need a ton of space, then this is the right kind of car for you. It’s perfect for your commute to work, or for driving around town with a couple of friends.

2020 Honda Civic Coupe Sport

Mid-Size

Midsize vehicles are generally the most popular because they aren’t too big or too small. Cars in this category have between 110 and 120 cubic feet of combined passenger and cargo space, and hatchbacks have between 130 and 159 cubic feet. A midsize is up to 196.8 inches long.

They seat up to five people, like most compacts, but they have more head and leg room. They offer lots of room for passengers and cargo, so you can take a few friends or family members on a road trip, or haul sports gear, luggage, or other large items. A midsize car or hatchback is a happy medium.

Full-Size

The biggest kind of car is a full-size, which is also known as large. To earn this classification, a car just has to have more than 120 cubic feet of interior space. Station Wagons have over 160 cubic feet. That means there’s tons of room in the cabin, and lots of trunk space. They seat up to five people

Full-size cars are typically for people who want themselves and their passengers to travel around in style and comfort. They are also great for people who need to regularly haul cargo. While these kinds of cars can be trickier to park or fit in your garage, they make up for it with how much interior space they offer.

2020 Honda Accord LX

Subcompact, Compact, Mid-Size, and Full-Size Cars For Sale in St. Paul, MN

If you want to check out an awesome selection of subcompact, compact, mid-size and full-size cars, stop by Buerkle Honda in St. Paul, MN! We’ll ask you some questions to find out exactly what you need in a vehicle. Then, we’ll set you up with a test drive with a few different models. And, we’ll help you choose one that’s perfect for you and your family. Every vehicle comes with free oil changes, tire rotations, a $200 loyalty bonus toward your next Buerkle vehicle*, and more. Visit buerklerewards.com for details. We’re located near MinneapolisInver Grove, and Blaine!