What is a sedan?

A basic sedan definition is a 4-door passenger car, made of three main compartments – passenger, cargo, and engine.

The sedan has a super diverse range of models – family-friendly mid-sized cars, sophisticated sporty models and luxurious premium silhouettes – there is a sedan for every lifestyle and occasion.

Best-selling models, such as the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla and Honda Accord, are both affordable and efficient. Each passenger space can fit five people comfortably, with a separate trunk – perfect for family adventures.

Full-sized vehicles have a volume of more than 120 cubic feet – a perfect choice if you need a roomy, four-door vehicle. Big brands such as Audi, BMW and Lexus boast luxury full-sized sedans.

Mid-sized sedans, or family sedans, are the perfect size for families and extra baggage. A mid-sized sedan can be defined as having a combined volume of 110 to 119 cubic feet. The 2022 Honda Accord is a highly ranked mid-size with its spacious interior, comfy drive and peppy engine options.

Compact sedans are nestled in between subcompact and midsized classes – with a combined volume of 100 to 109 cubic feet. For example, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan with a spacious interior and dynamic design.

By definition, a sedan is associated with comfort – the name deviates from Latin ‘to sit’. Its fusion of comfort and practicality makes a sedan an attractive choice for families, couples and commuters.

Some key benefits of a sedan include:

• 3Fuel economy – the sedan is typically very fuel-efficient, its sleek shape contributes to a lower drag.3
• 3Versatility – the sedan is one of the most versatile car models. From large family-friendly vehicles to compact city cruisers and even limousines, there’s a model for every occasion.
• 3Affordability – get more bang for your buck with a sedan. The intense competition between brands means you could get additional features for a similar cost.
• Handling – the sedan is a comfortable drive. Its lower weight makes braking and accelerating easy. They’re also more aerodynamic than larger SUVs.
• Safety – the sedan’s relatively low ground clearance helps with stability and balance, making it less likely to roll. Its lower center of gravity helps it to move quickly.

Despite the popularity of the sedan, there are some drawbacks to its distinctive style and shape. These include:

• Less cargo space – the more compact shape of a sedan means that there’s less cargo space than with an SUV.
• Low ground clearance - a sedan has less ground clearance than an SUV, so it’s not well suited to difficult terrain.
• Less passenger space – the sleek style and low roof of a sedan mean there’s less headroom for passengers when compared to an SUV.

The main difference between a sedan and a hatchback is the design of each car:

• A sedan has four doors with a separate trunk.
• A hatchback has either two or four doors with a tailgate that flips upwards (the hatch) instead.

In terms of proportions, a hatchback is shorter than a sedan, which is great for maneuvering and parking. However, this means that space in the passenger compartment is compromised – the three-component body of a sedan allows for more spacious legroom. If headroom is a deal-breaker, the sleek frame of a sedan is outmatched by the generous height of a hatchback.

If cargo space is your top priority, a hatchback is the one for you. Despite a sedan having a family-friendly trunk, the design of a hatchback’s tailgate means that the vehicle has extended storage space. Lifting the tailgate and folding down the back seats provides some extra room in the main body of the car – perfect for awkwardly shaped luggage.

A sedan is a great choice for comfort, style and relative affordability. Whether you opt for luxury with an Audi A3, an affordable Toyota Camry or a sporty Hyundai Sonata, there is a sedan for you just waiting to be discovered at EchoPark.

Turn heads with its sharp and sporty exterior and driver-oriented interior. A strong turbocharged engine and luxurious design stand an Audi A3 out from the crowd.

Audi A3

A fusion of sophistication and modern design, the Volkswagen Jetta not only looks good but is economical to run and boasts low maintenance costs.

Shop Volkswagen Jetta

Design innovation lends itself to this sporty vehicle, with the iconic black mesh grille, sleek shape and even night trims on the newest model. Strong fuel efficiency makes this family car a great value.

Shop Hyundai Sonata

The Honda Civic doesn’t hold back, with the 2021 model boasting a 180-horsepower, turbocharged engine. A comfortable cabin and generous trunk size welcome family adventures.

Honda Civic

The Toyota Camry presents everyday practicality fused with sophistication and progressive hybrid technology. The Camry puts safety first with Pre-Collison Safety System (PCS) warning, blind-spot monitoring and SRS airbags in the newest models.

Toyota Camry

At EchoPark, you can buy a used sedan for up to $3,000 less than the competition. Our cars are nearly new so you can feel confident that your used sedan is reliable and ready to go.