The practicality of a well-designed hatchback is seemingly unrivaled in the automotive market. The marriage of a small and nimble vehicle that boasts a full second row and large trunk space is a functionality dream.
These smaller cars can go anywhere, fit a small group and all of their luggage, and often boast impressive fuel economy and/or sporty characteristics to boot. Listed here are the ten best hatchbacks currently available for purchase on the market in the United States.
10 Ford Focus
Although Ford is opting to cease production on all of its sedans and hatchbacks, the Focus hatchback is still around for this model year in new condition. Don't allow its discontinuation to fool you, however, as the Focus is solid and reliable.
With 40 miles per gallon fuel economy, Microsoft Sync technology, and the availability of a manual transmission for the purist driver, the Focus is a readily-available, well-made entry into the hatchback market that will maintain for years to come.
9 Honda Civic
There's really not much to say about the Honda Civic that hasn't already been said. When purchasing any Civic product, meaning sedan, coupe, hatchback, Si, or Type R, you are purchasing a car with legendary reliability.
The new generation Civic is no slouch either. With a small but potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the availability of a manual, it can be a serious contender for a compact sports car even in its most basic trims. Plenty of standard tech and safety features round out the Civic as one of the most balanced contenders on this list.
8 Toyota Yaris
The Yaris hatchback is a fun, small entry into the hatch market, offering tech and safety features as its biggest selling points. Standard Apple Carplay and Android Auto make smartphone integration a breeze, as well as a standard backup camera and suite of Toyota safety features.
Its compact design makes it a perfect city ride as well. The Yaris excels in its minimalism, offering everything a hatchback buyer who is not necessarily looking to break the bank would need in a new vehicle.
7 Honda Fit
Another example from the reliable Japanese automaker is the Honda Fit, a sub-compact four-seater with 60 cubic feet of space including seat areas. The Fit is another zippy small vehicle that defines everything a modern hatchback should be.
Ample access from all sides allows for maximization of storage space, and a sport manual trim allows even enthusiasts to row through the gears and rev out the famed Honda four-cylinder, thanks to variable valve timing.
6 Mazda3
The Mazda3 hatch is a newly-redesigned configuration of the best-selling Mazda3 platform, which has always been a reliable small four-door vehicle.
With roughly 50 more horsepower than all of the aforementioned cars, it is not a slouch. When needed, though, the car can squeeze out nearly 40 miles per gallon, meaning long road trips with plenty of gear aboard are something the Mazda3 can take in stride.
5 Volkswagen Golf
Perhaps the most famous hatchback on American roads (or any roads for that matter), the Golf family of vehicles encompass everything from electric hybrids to manually shifted diesel engines. Even 300-plus horsepower turbocharged powerplants under the hood.
The sheer amount of configurations available with the Golf make it a consistent crowd favorite. With more luxury appointments trickling over from big brother company Audi every model year, it is becoming more of a no-brainer to opt for the more cost-effective yet sporty and nimble Volkswagen option. You really cannot go wrong here.
4 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza is a legendary entry in the hatchback market, with a serious pedigree in rallying to back it up thanks to big brothers the WRX and STI. The Subaru offers a bountiful suite of standard safety features and standard all-wheel drive, making it a capable year-round vehicle that can stand up to virtually anything.
The beauty lies in the boxer engine, a proven platform that can handle being consistently put to its limits and come out the other side just as composed as it entered. If more constant oil changes are something that isn't an issue, the Impreza is one of the most solid all-around hatch offerings left on any global market.
3 Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper has always been a quirky and fun hatch for those who were looking for a smaller vehicle with a particular flair to its appearance.
Although the Mini Coopers of today are not exactly "mini" compared to how they originated, they still sit on the smaller side of vehicles and their signature hatch-like design has transcended the size difference. The Mini also holds racing pedigree too, meaning that no matter which trim is selected, it will undoubtedly be a comfortable yet fun ride.
2 Hyundai Veloster
Quirky is the name of the Velosters design's game, and it accomplishes it swimmingly. The Hyundai hatch is a three-door configuration with unique proportions and looks that definitely stand out on the road.
Despite having a similar level of storage utility as the other hatches listed, it does not sport the same level of passenger space. However, the small Hyundai makes up for its lack of passenger space with options such as the newly unveiled N trim, which is set to go toe to toe with the likes of the Gulf R and the Civic Type R in the market of high-performance hatches.
1 Fiat 500
Similarly to the Mini Cooper, a certain racing pedigree and automotive heritage are attached to the Fiat 500. The size swelling that the Mini Cooper has experienced over its generations, however, is something that the Fiat has (mostly) avoided.
The 500 is a little and fun vehicle with 2+2 seating and a small yet peppy four-cylinder engine. Those looking to squeeze a bit more fun out of their 500 may opt for the Abarth version of the vehicle, which pairs the base manual transmission with a more assertive turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension. One of the finest hatches on the market, for sure.