Hatchbacks are an interesting configuration of vehicle. For their small size and reasonable engines, they’re rather practical in terms of size and cargo space. They first appeared in post-WWII Europe as an alternative to station wagons.
In the US, during the oil crisis, many families downsized significantly and found hatchbacks to be great options for saving on gas. In 2019 the culture has changed but hatchbacks remain popular among families! Today we’re looking at some of the best hatchbacks for 2019.
Best Hatchbacks for 2019
Hyundai Elantra
The simple, straightforward and likeable Hyundai Elantra is a favorite of no-frills customers. It’s got a great platform, two distinct trim levels and a reasonable price. The Elantra GT sports a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine with 161 horses and 150 pound-feet of torque. The other trim level, the Elantra GT Sport, is a bit meaner. It has a 1.6-liter turbo four with 201 horsepower, 195 lb-ft and offers an optional 7-speed dual-clutch.
The first trim level and the sport level both come standard with manual 6-speed transmissions, though they can both be ordered with automatic transmissions. The Elantra offers great fuel economy, sports great cargo space and has a nice, luxurious interior.
The ride quality has been described as smooth, quiet and enjoyable. If you’re looking for an affordable, reasonable and no-frills hatchback, consider going with this sensible option from Hyundai. If you really like sports performance, the Sport trim will scratch that itch, too.
Buick Regal Sportback
Following a rough 2017 and poor sales of the Regal, the Sportback was redesigned as a hatchback-style vehicle. The lighter, more nimble and sportier Sportback is a unique take on the Buick style, making it an interesting pick and a solid contender for best hatchback of 2019. The 2-liter turbo 4 is a great engine for getting up and taking off, putting out a respectable 250 horsepower. For torque, the engine gets 260 or 295 lb-ft, depending on whether you go for the front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
The starting price for the Buick Sportback is a reasonable and affordable $20,000, though the trim levels and options go all the way up to $40,000 for those who want way more luxury. In either event, the vehicle sports some great standard features, stellar selection of options and unparalleled luxury that you expect from a brand like Buick. This is a solid choice for discerning drivers.
Kia Forte5
The Kia Forte is most well-known for its sedan configuration, though the Forte5 hatchback-style configuration remains popular. It’s a bit more powerful, sporting an engine with 164 horsepower, or 201 in the SX trim. The engine in the Forte5 is a more impressive 1.6-liter turbo four engine.
The sleek Kia is a serious contender when it comes to the discussion of which hatchback you should go with. The cargo space is great when you compare it to how powerful the engine under the hood is. While the engine is mighty and the storage space is great, the Forte5 also sports numerous amenities within the cab for the savvy driver. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported, and the infotainment center is nothing to scoff at.
Safety features are also a high priority for the Forte and Forte5. The body is made of strong material and is highly rated for safety and crash ratings. This is a great pick for someone looking for a more budget hatchback with great features and an excellent engine.
Honda Civic Type R
The Type R configuration of the Honda Civic doesn’t look like a hatchback. It looks like a lean, mean, bad-ass machine. And that’s not a bad thing, at all. Hatchbacks are known for their practicality and value to families. That makes the Type R quite a unique car in its field. It’s eye-catching, sleek, and looks like it might eat lesser hatchbacks. If you want to look mean and ready to roll, this is the best hatchback for you.
For roughly $34,000, the Type R brings you 306 horses, 295 lb-ft and a 2-liter turbo 4 engine that can be pushed all the way past 7,000 rpm when you need to move. That’s beyond awesome for the price and further solidifies Honda as a premier car maker for lovers of performance and practicality. The enhanced Dual Axis technology in the suspension takes torque steer out of the equation. The engine computer reads the conditions and makes the Type R run smooth like butter. If you want a well-balanced, sporty compact with a hatchback and a great price, look no further.