Readers Say These Cars Would Shine As Hatchbacks or Liftbacks – Our Top Picks
Bottom line: Car fans love to imagine a hatchback or liftback version of popular sedans, and a few models keep popping up in the conversation.

Readers Say These Cars Would Shine As Hatchbacks or Liftbacks – Our Top Picks
Image: Readers Say These Cars Would Shine As Hatchbacks or Liftbacks – Our Top Picks – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
Most of the cars on our list were born as four‑door sedans. Fans argue that a hatchback or liftback would give them a sportier silhouette and more practical cargo space. The Toyota Camry’s sleek roofline, for example, would look aggressive with a rear hatch, while the Honda Accord’s clean profile could become a versatile liftback without losing its elegant feel.
- Camry: A hatch would add a muscular rear hatch that matches its bold front grille.
- Accord: A liftback could keep the flowing roof while adding a larger opening for luggage.
- Sonata: The current fastback design would become even more usable with a hatch.
Performance & Mileage
Changing a sedan to a hatchback rarely hurts performance. In fact, the lighter rear structure can improve handling. The Nissan Altima, for instance, already offers a smooth 28 mpg city rating; a hatch version would likely keep that number while adding practicality.
- Camry – 29 mpg combined
- Accord – 30 mpg combined
- Altima – 28 mpg combined
Price & Rivals
All of these models sit in the midsize segment, priced between $25k and $35k. Adding a hatchback or liftback could let them compete directly with current hatch models like the Mazda3 or Volkswagen Golf, giving buyers a new blend of style and utility.
- Camry – starts at $25,300
- Accord – starts at $26,100
- Sonata – starts at $24,800
| Model | Engine | Mileage (combined) | Price (USD) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | 2.5 L 4‑cyl | 29 mpg | $25,300 |
|
| Honda Accord | 1.5 L turbo 4‑cyl | 30 mpg | $26,100 |
|
| Nissan Altima | 2.5 L 4‑cyl | 28 mpg | $24,900 |
|
| Hyundai Sonata | 2.5 L 4‑cyl | 28 mpg | $24,800 |
|
| Kia Optima | 1.6 L turbo 4‑cyl | 27 mpg | $25,500 |
|
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the Toyota Camry? The Camry delivers about 29 mpg combined.
- Is a hatchback version of the Honda Accord worth waiting for? Many fans think the added cargo space would make it more versatile without sacrificing fuel economy.
- How does the price of a potential liftback compare to current hatchbacks? At $24‑$26k, these models would sit comfortably alongside popular hatchbacks, offering similar value with a familiar sedan feel.
What do you think? Share your favorite sedan that could become a hatchback in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News







