Buying a sedan vs. coupe

What are the differences and similarities between coupes and sedans?

Traditionally, a sedan has four doors while a coupe has two. A coupe, which originates from the French word "to cut" due to the vehicle's shortened design, usually has a smaller interior and sportier shape than a sedan. Sedans come in different sizes and performance levels and can seat as many as five passengers.

Coupes and sedans both have what the automotive industry calls a three-box design, with distinct compartments for the engine bay, passengers, and trunk. Another similarity is the low center of gravity, which reduces rollover risks compared to taller vehicle types, such as SUVs and trucks.

What are the pros and cons of coupes?

Pros of coupes

• Sportier and sleeker appearance with low, sloping rooflines
• The two doors are often wider than the front two doors on a sedan
• Shorter wheelbase, lighter weight, and optimized engines

Cons of coupes

Despite better handling and acceleration, coupes may have some limitations:

• Rear seating is only accessible through the front doors
• Tight spacing due to the sloping roof
• Less cargo space, typically, than sedans
• Higher priced than sedans
• Costlier to maintain and repair, especially ones with specialized parts

What are the pros and cons of sedans?

Pros of sedans

• Sizes range from tiny, lightweight subcompact cars to spacious full-size vehicles
• More passenger and cargo room
• Accessible rear seating compared to a vehicle with two doors
• Lower ownership cost including maintenance and repairs, compared to coupes
• Affordable pricing when compared to the coupe, although some luxury models with powerful engines and upgraded interiors cost more

Cons of sedans

• Increased weight and length can make handling and acceleration feel less sporty than a coupe

Popular models of coupes and sedans

According to Car and Driver, some of the more popular sedans in 2025 include the Nissan Versa, Mitsubishi Mirage, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, and the Toyota Camry. According to Kelley Blue Book, popular coupes in 2025 include the Subaru BRZ, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Toyota GR Supra, and Chevrolet Corvette.

Insuring a coupe or sedan

According to Car and Driver, a coupe may generally cost more to insure than a sedan. Many factors contribute to how much you pay for auto insurance, including the car's year, make and model, and safety features as well as your location, age, driving record, and coverage selection.

Should I buy a coupe or sedan?

There are several important factors to weigh in the sedan vs. coupe debate. One is space, both for passengers and cargo. Accessibility is another: How many people do you anticipate transporting, and how often? Will they be able to get in and out with ease? The cost to buy and own the vehicle should also factor into your decision. If you're on a tighter budget, it may be worth looking at sedans instead of coupes.

If you're less worried about your budget and are looking for style and performance, then a coupe may be more to your liking. Learn more about buying a new car, and check out Progressive's Car Shopping service provided by TrueCar to shop an inventory of new and used cars.

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