Small hatchback cars stand out as incredibly practical vehicles, perfectly blending compact dimensions with the adaptability of a hatchback design. This combination offers owners the best of both worlds: easy maneuverability and parking in urban environments, coupled with surprising cargo space for their size. In fact, the beauty of a hatchback lies in its ability to often provide more luggage room behind the rear seats than a traditional, longer sedan. Furthermore, folding down the second row of seats in a hatchback can more than double the available cargo area, making these small cars incredibly versatile.
When we talk about “small” hatchback cars, we’re focusing on vehicles in the subcompact segment and even smaller categories. These are cars designed for efficiency and practicality, without sacrificing the ability to carry a reasonable amount of cargo when needed.
To give you a comprehensive overview of what’s available in this segment, we’ve compiled a list of noteworthy models. And for a unique approach, we’re presenting them in reverse alphabetical order.
Toyota Yaris (2015)
Toyota offers the 2015 Toyota Yaris in both three-door and five-door configurations, both of which maintain the same compact length. While cargo volume with the rear seats up is slightly less in the three-door model (15.3 cubic feet compared to 15.5 in the five-door), both offer excellent utility for their size. Unfortunately, detailed specs on cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down are not readily available for this model. It’s worth noting that the base Yaris L model features bench seating in the second row, while higher trims offer a more versatile 60/40 split.
The 2015 Yaris received a stylish refresh, boasting a more aerodynamic and sleek exterior design. The interior was also upgraded with a more premium feel, incorporating more soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. Standard Entune audio enhances the in-car entertainment experience and can be further upgraded with Toyota’s navigation system.
Nissan Versa Note (2015)
The 2015 Nissan Versa Note is the hatchback version of the value-oriented Versa sedan, and it truly exemplifies the “versa-tility” that a hatchback body style can offer. The Versa Note boasts a generous 18.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, significantly more than many sedans. Folding down the rear seats expands this to an impressive 38.3 cubic feet. In comparison, the Versa sedan offers a maximum cargo volume of just 14.9 cubic feet. Nissan further enhances practicality with the “Divide-N-Hide” adjustable floor in the Versa Note, allowing for better organization and secure storage of belongings.
For those seeking a sportier aesthetic, Nissan introduced the SR edition of the Versa Note in 2015. This trim level includes unique front and rear fascias, a distinctive front grille, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and upgraded interior accents, adding a touch of athletic flair to this practical hatchback.
2015 Nissan Versa Note front three quarter view
MINI Hardtop 2 Door (2015)
While many small hatchback cars prioritize practicality, the 2015 MINI Hardtop 2 Door places a strong emphasis on driving dynamics and premium features. Even the base Mini model benefits from BMW’s TwinPower turbo technology, featuring a sophisticated three-cylinder engine that delivers 134 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine was recognized as one of WardsAuto’s “10 Best Engines,” highlighting its impressive performance and efficiency.
Complementing its powerful engine is a range of premium infotainment and technology features. The optional MINI Wired Package stands out, offering an 8.8-inch high-definition display, the MINI Connected XL system, navigation, and enhanced Bluetooth capabilities. Despite its focus on driving enjoyment, the 151.9-inch Mini Hardtop 2 Door still provides a usable 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 34 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it surprisingly practical for a sporty small car.
Mazda Mazda2 (2016)
Although the 2016 Mazda Mazda2 was not yet officially available in the U.S. at the time of this article, it was eagerly anticipated as a strong contender in the small hatchback car segment. The Mazda2 promised to bring Mazda’s suite of advanced technologies to the subcompact class, including Skyactiv powertrain and chassis technologies for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, the Mazda Connect infotainment system for seamless connectivity, and Activsense proactive safety features for added peace of mind.
In global markets, the Mazda2 also offered diesel engine options and all-wheel drive, although it was uncertain at the time whether these features would be available in the U.S. market. The anticipation surrounding the 2016 Mazda2 underscored the growing appeal of small hatchback cars with advanced technology and efficient powertrains.
Kia Rio 5-Door (2015)
The 2015 Kia Rio 5-Door is a compelling option in the small hatchback car category, especially considering Kia’s unique pricing strategy. Unlike some competitors who charge a premium for the hatchback version, Kia prices both the Rio 5-Door and the Rio sedan starting at the same MSRP. This makes the Rio 5-Door an even more attractive value proposition for buyers seeking hatchback versatility.
The Rio 5-Door delivers a substantial cargo advantage over its sedan counterpart. It offers 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and expands to 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Rio sedan, in contrast, maxes out at 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Remarkably, the Rio 5-Door, at 159.3 inches in length, is also significantly shorter (by about 12.6 inches) than the Rio sedan, further highlighting the space efficiency of the hatchback design.
Hyundai Accent Hatchback (2015)
The Hyundai Accent hatchback has become a strong performer in the small car market, consistently ranking high in sales within the segment. The Accent hatchback provides impressive cargo capacity for its size, offering 47.5 cubic feet of space when the rear seats are folded down. Even with the rear seats in their upright position, it still provides a generous 24.1 cubic feet of cargo area. The Accent sedan, positioned as a more entry-level option, offers a trunk capacity of 13.7 cubic feet.
For the 2015 model year, both the Accent hatchback and sedan received mid-cycle updates, including refreshed styling for the grilles, headlights, and taillights. Redesigned wheel covers for both 14-inch and optional 16-inch wheels, updated interior fabric patterns, and new exterior color options like Vitamin C, Pacific Blue, and Misty Beige further enhanced the appeal of the 2015 Hyundai Accent.
Honda Fit (2015)
The 2015 Honda Fit is often considered the gold standard in the small hatchback car segment. The 2015 model marked the arrival of a new, next-generation design, bringing increased power and improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor. Honda engineers further optimized the hatchback design, increasing passenger volume by 4.9 cubic feet, despite reducing the overall length of the Fit by 1.6 inches.
The standout feature of the Honda Fit is its innovative “Magic Seat,” which allows for multiple seating and cargo configurations. Depending on the configuration, owners can accommodate items up to 7 feet, 9 inches long or nearly 4 feet tall, maximizing the interior space to a total of 52.7 cubic feet. The 2015 Honda Fit also earned recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick and a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, solidifying its position as a top choice for safety-conscious buyers.
Ford Fiesta Hatchback (2015)
The 2015 Ford Fiesta is available in both hatchback and sedan body styles, but the hatchback version offers a significant cargo advantage despite being shorter overall. While the Fiesta sedan provides 12.8 cubic feet of trunk space, the Fiesta five-door hatchback offers 14.9 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and a total of 25.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This highlights the inherent space efficiency of the hatchback design in a small car.
For driving enthusiasts, the Fiesta ST variant adds a performance dimension to the small hatchback car segment. Powered by a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, the Fiesta ST delivers 197 horsepower and 202 lb.-ft. of torque, exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Despite its sporty performance, the Fiesta ST still achieves impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 26 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.
Fiat 500 (2015)
Bringing Italian style to the small hatchback car market, the 2015 FIAT 500 is known for its distinctive haute-couture design and vibrant personality. For the 2015 model year, Fiat introduced three new eye-catching exterior colors: Giallo Moderna Pearl (Modern Pearl Yellow), Laser Blu (Bright Metallic Blue), and Billet Argento (Billet Silver). The Fiat 500 also offers premium features such as Beats audio, BLUE&ME hands-free communication technology, an available turbocharged engine, and multiple special edition models. A redesigned instrument panel with a 7-inch high-definition color display further enhances the interior experience.
The Fiat 500 stands out with its three-door body style and exceptionally nimble dimensions, measuring just 139.6 inches in length. While its rear luggage compartment is a modest 9.5 cubic feet, folding the rear seats expands the total cargo capacity to 27.2 cubic feet. (Note: The Fiat 500 is also available as a cabriolet, but its retractable cloth top results in a trunk rather than a traditional hatchback.)
Chevrolet Spark (2015)
The hatchback advantage is clearly demonstrated in the 2015 Chevrolet Spark. This city-friendly car is remarkably compact, measuring only 144.7 inches in length, yet it can accommodate up to 31.2 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats folded. Even with all seats in use, the Spark still offers 11.4 cubic feet of luggage space.
Beyond its cargo capacity, the Spark offered notable features for the 2015 model year. It was among the first Chevy vehicles to offer OnStar 4G LTE technology, providing fast and reliable connectivity and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Spark was also the only car in its class at the time to earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Chevrolet further highlighted its confidence in the Spark with the only five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty in its class.
In conclusion, Hatchback Small Cars offer a compelling combination of practicality, efficiency, and versatility. Their compact size makes them ideal for navigating city streets and squeezing into tight parking spaces, while their hatchback design provides surprising cargo capacity for everyday needs and beyond. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, maneuverability, or maximizing cargo space in a small footprint, a hatchback small car is well worth considering.
