Hate the Hatchback? Here Are Some Alternatives
These days, families looking for haulers have more choices than ever. Thanks to recent market shifts — gas prices and the economy, for starters — those families have been looking at hatchbacks to provide the same utility they once got from SUVs and minivans.
Sometimes, though, the shift comes reluctantly.
"The hatchback is one of those styles that you either love or hate," said Erich Merkle, senior auto industry analyst at Crowe Horwath. "Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about the styling if you don't like it."
Fortunately for those who fall on the latter side of the love-hate relationship Americans have with the hatchback, there are sedans with some combination of the features that make hatchbacks attractive. A couple have all the sorts of things people seem to think about when looking for a true family-hauler — gas mileage, safety options and space. Below are some of those options.
Chrysler 300
MSRP: $25,665-$36,775
EPA fuel economy: 15-18 mpg city/22-26 highway
Safety features: Optional antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability system
The Good: The Chrysler 300's unique looks have long been its most noticeable characteristic, but it has a variety of relevant features for the hatchback hater's purposes. What's more, the 300 is available with rear-entertainment options like a DVD player and digital audio, which is something most sedans can't brag. There's also a long-wheelbase version that increases rear legroom to 46 inches, with available options like reading lights, footrests, illuminated vanity mirrors and electrical outlets.
The Bad: Unfortunately, the 300's standard interior size and cargo area, at 106.6 cubic feet and 15.6 cu. ft., respectively, leave something to be desired for those in greater need of space than style.
Dodge Charger
MSRP: $24,535-$38,670
EPA fuel economy: 13-18 mpg city/18-26 highway
Safety features: Driver's-side inflatable knee bolsters, antilock braking system, traction control and electronic stability control, all standard
The Good: Though not as faux-luxury as the 300, the Charger is much like that car in that its styling is probably its most talked-about element. Also like the 300, the Charger has an available rear-entertainment system.
The Bad: Also like the 300, the Charger's interior and cargo space do not compare well to its competitors in the segment, which include sedans like the Pontiac G8 and Ford Taurus. And at between 13 and 18 mpg in the city, the Charger isn't the best option on this list for families looking to save on gas.
Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable
MSRP: $24,125-$31,275
EPA fuel economy: 17-18 mpg city/24-28 highway
Safety features: Front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, electronic stability control and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, all standard
The Good: Ford's resurrected Taurus label and its Sable twin are incredibly spacious for their segment: 21.2 cu. ft. of cargo room, 41.2 inches of rear legroom, and 108 cu. ft. of interior passenger volume add up to one very large, very spacious sedan, with plenty of space in the trunk for the family's junk. Both cars also feature Ford's Microsoft-powered Sync wireless music and communications system as an available feature. At a reasonable starting MSRP, with a host of standard safety features, these sedans are a lot of car for the money.
The Bad: Sync is cool and all, but it's not exactly a family-oriented entertainment feature, and Ford doesn't offer backseat passengers any entertainment options.
Chevy Impala
MSRP: $23,790-$31,135
EPA fuel economy: 16-19 mpg city/24-29 highway
Safety features: Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, all standard
The Good: The Impala, like the Taurus, boasts a large frame and a spacious interior: 104 cu. ft. of passenger volume, 37.6 inches of rear legroom and 18.6 cu. ft. of cargo room in the trunk. The Impala also excels somewhere many of these models don't: gas mileage.
The Bad: Styling doesn't come much more bland than the Impala's, and beyond available internet access — which could prove useful for families with internet-capable children — the model doesn't feature anything inspiring in the way of rear entertainment.
Toyota Avalon
MSRP: $27,845-$35,185
EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/28 highway
Safety features: Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, front-seat side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, all standard
The Good: Redesigned for 2008, the Avalon competes with the Impala and Taurus in the size department, which makes it large enough for family-hauling; it has a roomy 40.9 inches of rear legroom.
The Bad: Despite its size, the Avalon has just 14.4 cu. ft. of cargo space. Much like the Impala, the Avalon doesn't have a whole lot to offer in the entertainment or looks department, but it does boast available MP3 capability and a first-row LCD panel.
Honorable Mentions and Their Handy Attributes: Saturn Aura (multi source rear audio controls, two sets of wireless headphones); Hyundai Sonata (price); Subaru Impreza and Outback Sport sedans (all-wheel drive)
