Hatchback vs Crossover: Which One Should You Pick?

The crossover is seen as the answer to the hatchback vs SUV debate. Crossover cars like the Maruti Suzuki Fronx are styled like an SUV but without a very boxy shape or high bonnet line. The crossover is closer to a hatchback than an SUV, in this case, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno serves as a base, with a taller roof and body cladding. 

As a result, the crossover offers some advantages over a traditional hatchback which some people will find suits their needs better. If you’re interested in knowing the difference between crossover and hatchback, this article will detail what each is, who they’re for and the pros and cons of each. 

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Understanding Hatchbacks and Crossovers

Technically speaking, the term crossover includes SUVs not based on a ladder-frame chassis but for our purposes, we’ll go by the more popular distinction for car segments — a raised hatchback or hatchback with SUV-like styling. Some examples of crossovers that first introduced Indians to the concept are the Hyundai i20 Active, Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Cross Polo. 

Modern crossovers that have been more significantly tweaked over their hatchback origins (or on new platforms) may show more improvements in cabin room and boot space. Currently, the list of crossovers in India includes the Renault Kwid, Hyundai Exter, Tata Punch, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, and the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. These crossovers compete with hatchbacks across the A- and B-segments, including the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Tata Tiago, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Hyundai i20. 

What Is a Hatchback?

A hatchback is a two-box car with a tailgate that swings open upwards. They are generally seen as city cars built to be compact, nimble and economical. Once seen as good beginner cars due to their affordable price tag, good seating position, visibility and frugal engines, the hatchback segment has grown to include premium hatchbacks which add more comfort, features and luxury to the mix. 

What Is a Crossover?

A crossover combines the characteristics of a hatchback and an SUV on a monocoque chassis. Similar to hatchbacks, crossovers are seen as city cars that also offer some added SUV-linked benefits such as higher ground clearance, higher seating position, and better visibility. Being closely linked to hatchbacks, crossovers often borrow the same engines and gearboxes as the hatchbacks they are built on. 

Key Differences Between Hatchbacks and Crossovers

Considering crossovers are so closely related to hatchbacks, one might think that there’s no difference between the two except for the styling. While that used to be the case with early crossovers, the segment has come a long way. 

Size and dimensions

Hatchbacks are generally more compact than their crossover counterparts, in more dimensions than one. In almost all cases, crossovers are significantly taller than hatchbacks, even if some are narrower or shorter in length to preserve proportions. In the case of the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios vs Hyundai Exter, for example, both have the same length and wheelbase but the hatchback is 30mm narrower and 91mm shorter in height. The Nios’ ground clearance of 165mm is 20mm lower than the Exter’s 185mm. 

Driving performance and handling

Due to the lower centre of gravity in most hatchbacks, they will feel more stable and planted than a crossover. Similarly because of the added weight or changes in gearing to make a crossover more highway-ready, the hatchback may seem more responsive to drive in the city. The heavier weight of the crossover, could require a stiffer rear suspension setup, which can make it bouncy on rough roads. It is highly model-dependent though, so make sure you take a test drive of the cars in question before forming an opinion. 

Interior space and cargo capacity

There’s one advantage that crossovers have over hatchbacks that doesn’t get talked about enough — development. In most cases, given the popularity of crossovers versus hatchbacks, crossover model development is given more priority than hatchbacks. This results in better designed interiors, more thoughtful packaging, better space utilisation and more modern features and integration. 

Road presence and appeal

Crossovers appeal to a majority of car buyers for their SUV-like styling and better road presence, even if overall dimensions aren’t too far from their hatchback rivals. A more upright stance, body cladding, higher ground clearance — it all results in a car that can look more substantial. It also opens the door for more design elements to be incorporated. This can leave the hatchback looking a little plain in comparison. Many would argue, though, that a hatchback’s proportions are more pleasing to the eye. 

Pros and Cons of Hatchbacks

As city cars, hatchbacks usually excel thanks to their compact footprint, light weight, peppy performance and efficiency. For a first-time buyer, the hatchback’s affordable pricing also serves as a plus point. However, hatchbacks, especially lower segment models are not well suited to highway driving, with light weight construction and narrower tyres leading to instability at speed. These are the pros and cons of hatchbacks to consider before buying: 

Pros and Cons of Crossovers

The crossover segment seems to fit the bill for more buyers nowadays thanks to more rugged styling, better road presence and perceived value of a larger vehicle for not much more money. Coupled with the fact that crossovers usually offer better ground clearance and the perception of their ability to handle bad roads better increases. Most crossovers also come with rear A/C vents, which many lower segment hatchbacks forego. The buyer does pay the price for the upgrades though, with increased cost to purchase, run and maintain. These are the pros and cons of crossovers worth considering before buying: 

Cost Comparison: Hatchback vs. Crossovers

While it is true that crossovers are more expensive to purchase than hatchbacks, they also hold their value better over their life. Considering that many crossovers are a more recent design with more modern engineering than the equivalent hatchback, the price difference between the two can be seen as the cost of development as well. Even when buying a used crossover or used hatchback, you will find better deals on the second-hand hatchback thanks to more demand for the crossover. 

Even during the course of ownership, the crossover will prove to be more expensive with marginally higher running costs and maintenance costs. Being close cousins of the hatchback, the difference won’t be large but it may be noticeable to a value-conscious buyer. Being more modern designs with more complex bumpers and lighting units, the cost of repairs in case of minor accidents may also be higher.

Which One Should You Choose?

By this stage, you may have a clearer idea of the usage that a hatchback suits best. If you’re operating on a tight budget, the right hatchback will likely fill your requirements well. If your usage is limited to single users or small families, the space on offer will be adequate. Moreover, if city driving is a priority, a hatchback will prove to be easier to drive and park. For a new driver, a used hatchback represents the perfect entry into driving with the lower cost of repairs covering any worries about potential scratches, dents and fender benders. 

On the other hand, the crossover can generally be seen as a step up for most buyers. Not literally though, despite crossovers bringing more ground clearance to the table. If the requirement is for a larger car, more luggage carrying ability for a larger family or for more people to travel in comfort even on long distance journeys, the crossover can be a good fit. There are cost, weight and efficiency penalties for the added space, though. If a new crossover is out of budget, there are plenty of used crossovers that can be considered at a lower cost. 

Popular Hatchbacks and Crossovers in the Market

Conclusion

The price difference between crossovers and hatchbacks is not fully indicative of the cost to upgrade in most cases. Considering most buyers opt for the middle variants, you may find that cost difference between the two body styles widens even further. The hatchback may still fully meet your needs if your primary requirement is for a city car. That said, the crossover can be a worthy upgrade if you need the extra space or bad road abilities.