Meaning of Sedan Vs. Convertible
Vehicle classifications can get confusing. It seems that various names are being bandied about to describe the latest rides, with new ones emerging all the time. What once seemed like a simple matter of describing a vehicle’s body style has now become more complex and seemingly contradictory.
But through it all, some terms have remained common, such as “sedan” and “convertible.” What do these two descriptors mean, and can a sedan be a convertible?
No, a sedan cannot be a convertible because “sedan” and “convertible” are two different body types.
Essentially, a vehicle with a soft-folding top or retractable hardtop is considered a convertible. They can also be referred to as a cabriolet or roadster, but not a sedan. Vehicles that come as convertibles can often also be purchased in a sedan variation.
A sedan has a fixed ceiling, four doors, and a conventional trunk separated from the cabin, with a separate compartment in front for the engine. This is called a “three-box configuration,” and is delightfully straightforward. Sedans can vary in size.
What is a coupe?
A coupe is a vehicle with two doors and a conventional trunk. The main difference here from the sedan is that the coupe has two doors instead of four. Some coupes have removable roof panels. These may make them seem like a convertible, but technically, if it doesn’t have a soft-folding top or retractable hardtop, it’s not a convertible. It’s just a coupe where the roof can come off.
Coupe models often feature sportier, sleeker styling than traditional sedans. This can impact practical elements such as cargo space and rear headroom, but it also boosts appearance points.
Automakers have recently attempted to classify vehicles as “four-door coupes,” but these categories are questionable at best; they’re more of a marketing gimmick.
Read More: Should You Get a Used Sedan, Hatchback, or Crossover?
