Best Hatchbacks For Families

While some growing families may need extra space in their car, a crossover or SUV sometimes just isn't appealing. That's where a hatchback comes in. Typically offering more cargo space within the same footprint of a car, hatchbacks offer the flexibility that many families need without compromising on fuel economy.

Here are five hatchbacks terrific for families that won't break the budget.

Sticker Price: $14,855-$21,435
Smart Buy Price: $13,730-$20,224
Fuel Economy: 26-27 mpg City, 35-38 mpg Highway

Ford is out to prove that inexpensive cars don't need to be cheap on features. Standard amenities in this five-seater that was redesigned in 2014 include a seven airbags, 60/40-split rear seat and 26.0 cubic feet cargo capacity with the rear seats folded while heated seats, leather, remote keyless entry and voice-activated navigation are standard on some trim levels. All Fiesta hatchbacks are powered by a 120 horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine except for the performance-oriented ST model, which gets a 197 horsepower, 1.6-liter engine. 

Sticker Price: $19,690-$20,890
Smart Buy Price: $18,313-$19,489
Fuel Economy: 21-25 mpg City, 29-33 mpg highway

The Forte had a mild makeover for the 2014 model year and all hatchback models come standard with six airbags, a six-way driver's seat with lumbar support, heated and cooled front seats and 23.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The EX hatchback is powered by a 173 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the sporty SX hatch gets a 201 horsepower, 1.6-liter, I-4 engine. Available features include heated rear seats and voice-activated navigation.

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Sticker Price: $18,945-$25,545
Smart Buy Price: $18,135-$24,328
Fuel Economy: 26-29 mpg City, 35-40 mpg Highway

After getting a full redesign for the 2014 model year, the Mazda3 has sporty styling and a long list of features not typically seen in this segment. All five trim levels have a whopping 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space and maximum of 47.1 cubic feet, six airbags, cruise control, an auxiliary power outlet and power windows with one-touch up/down for the driver. Higher-end hatchbacks get dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver's seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, leather upholstery, heads-up display and blind spot sensor. Power comes from either a 155 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 184 horsepower, 2.5-liter I-4 engine.

Sticker Price: $15,650-$19,925
Smart Buy Price: $15,603
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg City, 37 mpg Highway

With a redesign for 2015, the Honda Fit is smaller on the outside, but larger on the inside with five more cubic feet of interior space, bringing the total to 16.6 cubic feet with seating for five or 52.7 cubic feet when the 60/40-split rear seat is folded. Standard features include six airbags, six-way driver's seat, cruise control, two auxiliary power outlets, power windows with one-touch up/down driver's side, power door locks and an audio system with CD, MP3 and Bluetooth capability. All models are powered by a 130 horsepower, 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine.