Choosing the right car body type matters. It affects how many people you carry, how much cargo space you need, how the car handles city life, and even your fuel bills. This guide breaks down the common auto body types and body styles of cars, shows what they do best, and points to examples you can rent from Hertz UAE.
What are Car Body Types?
A car body type or body style describes the vehicle’s shape and how the space is arranged. Different body types of vehicles serve various needs: some prioritize fuel economy and easy urban driving, while others offer ample cargo space and off-road capability. Knowing the main body shapes helps you choose a passenger car, a utility vehicle, or a commercial model that fits your routine.
Sedan
Sedans use a classic three-box design: an engine compartment, a passenger compartment, and a separate boot space. They typically seat four to five people and are fuel-efficient for long drives and city commutes. Sedans balance a comfortable rear seat area with reasonable luggage space, and they remain ideal for families and business use.
Many sedans also fall into the category of four door cars, making them practical while still stylish.
Explore Sedan options in the UAE
At Hertz, you can find a variety of sedan car models for rent. Explore the Toyota Camry and the Volvo S90.
SUV
SUVs, or sport utility vehicles, have a higher driving position, interior volume, and ground clearance. Larger SUVs offer second and third rows for seven seats, while mid-size models offer generous interior space and boot space. Thanks to four-wheel-drive options on some models, they suit families, longer road trips, and light off-road driving.
Explore SUV options in the UAE
Popular Hertz SUV examples include the Toyota Prado, Toyota Fortuner, and similar family-sized SUVs from leading car manufacturers.
Crossover
Crossovers blend car comfort with SUV practicality. Built on a unibody platform, they tend to be fuel efficient, nimble in traffic, and offer flexible seating arrangements and a useful cargo area. They’re a strong choice for everyday city driving with occasional weekend adventures.
Explore Crossover options in the UAE
Hertz UAE lists compact crossovers such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Honda HR-V among its crossover choices.
Pickup Truck
Pickup trucks provide an open cargo bed or flatbed and a cabin that can seat several passengers. They shine when you need to carry tools, equipment, or heavy loads, and many have solid off-road capability and high ground clearance.
Explore Pickup Truck options in the UAE
Hertz UAE offers the Toyota Hilux and other light commercial pickups through its commercial fleet. These models are popular for work and rugged use.
Van
Vans and cargo vans prioritize a large rear cargo area or flexible passenger layouts. They often feature sliding rear doors, generous luggage space, and configurations up to 12 seats for group transport or airport runs.
Explore Van options in the UAE
Examples at Hertz include the Toyota Hiace available in cargo and passenger variants, and other minivan or multi person vehicle configurations.
Hatchback
Hatchback models are compact and practical for city driving. A rear hatch gives easy access to the rear cargo area, and folding rear seats expand storage space. Hatchbacks are often the most fuel-efficient choice for tight urban streets.
Coupe
Coupes are usually two-door cars with a sportier profile and sleeker lines. They prioritize style and performance over rear passenger space. A four-door coupe is a newer variant that blends coupe styling with extra doors and some rear seat practicality.
MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
MPVs or minivans offer spacious interiors, sliding doors, and multiple rows of seats. They focus on comfort for rear passengers, easy access, and flexible seating for families or group travel. MPVs often provide the most seating capacity without moving to a full-size commercial vehicle.
How to Choose the Right Car Body Type for You
Start with use and people:
- Seating capacity: how many passengers (up to four passengers, five, seven seats?) do you need?
- Cargo needs: Do you require ample cargo space, an open cargo bed, or foldable rear seats?
- Driving environment: essentially city life, desert trips, or off-road driving?
- Fuel and running costs: Is fuel efficiency important for daily commutes?
- Parking and maneuvering: small hatchback models win for tight parking; SUVs cost more in paid parking but offer visibility and space.
A quick rule:
- City commuting, parking ease, fuel efficiency: hatchback or compact sedan.
- Family with luggage or longer road trips: SUV, crossover, or estate/station wagon.
- Work, hauling, or off-road needs: a pickup truck or a commercial van.
- Style and performance: coupe or convertible options. If you’re still new to driving, it might be easier to try different car body types before committing. This guide on renting a car for new drivers in the UAE can help you explore your options safely and affordably.
Practical Tips When Choosing
- Inspect the passenger compartment and test rear seats for comfort.
- Check the boot space and the rear cargo area with the luggage you plan to carry.
- Consider a high driving position for better visibility in traffic.
- Review fuel economy and real-world running figures for your likely mileage.
- For desert trips or off-road driving, confirm ground clearance and four-wheel-drive options.
- For city life, favor smaller body types to save on parking time and paid parking fees. And since city life often means handling parking meters, make sure you know how to pay parking in Dubai with 9 different methods, especially if you plan on driving regularly in busy areas.
Conclusion: Pick the Car Body Style that Fits Your Life
Body styles are tools. Pick the one that matches how you actually drive. Whether you want a fuel-efficient hatchback for Dubai’s streets, a family-friendly SUV for weekend trips, or a Hilux pickup for work, the right car body type makes daily travel easier and more enjoyable. Test seats, check cargo room, and consider fuel efficiency, then choose with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Identify the Car Type?
Check the body shape and access carefully. A car with a separate enclosed boot usually indicates a sedan, while a rear hatch that opens upward suggests a hatchback. If the vehicle has an open bed at the back, it is typically a pickup. On the other hand, sliding doors combined with a boxy body design are strong signs of a van.
How Many Body Styles of Cars are there?
There are many: sedan, hatchback, coupe, convertible, station wagon/estate cars, SUV, crossover, pickup, van, MPV, and several sub-variants (four-door cars / coupe, convertible SUV, etc.).
Which Body Type Car is Best?
The “best” depends on needs. For city driving and fuel efficiency, choose a compact sedan or hatchback. For family space and flexibility, look at SUVs, crossovers, or MPVs. For hauling, choose pickups or cargo vans.