Reliable hatchbacks 2022
Why should I buy a hatchback?
If you’re looking for a family car, you can’t go far wrong with a hatchback. There’s a reason why this car type often includes the best smallest cars on the market within its ranks. Hatchback cars are typically reliable, spacious, cheap to run, and fun to drive. In short, they’re good all-rounders. And thanks to their enduring popularity, there is a huge range of used hatchbacks available to choose from.
The best hatchbacks are versatile, offer good fuel economy, and come with all the tech features you could want. They’re usually surprisingly affordable too, especially if you’re looking to buy a car on finance.
There’s a model to suit almost every taste. Whether you’re looking for speed, style, safety, or something you can rely on, there’s sure to be a hatchback on the market that fits the bill.
Should I buy hatchback or SUV?
There are pros and cons of both options. SUVs can have more spacious interiors, might be available with seven seats, and give great visibility thanks to their high driver position. But their size can also mean that they burn through fuel faster than smaller models and can be more expensive to buy and run than typical hot hatchbacks.
While you’re unlikely to find more than five seats in a hatchback and boot space might not be as generous, the sheer volume of hatchbacks on offer means they can be more affordable than SUVs and are usually cheaper to run too. They are also fun to drive thanks to their light steering, aerodynamic designs, and powerful engines.
Looking for car finance? As hatchbacks can be cheaper than SUVs to buy upfront, you might find that you need to borrow less to buy a new used car. And typically, the lower the loan amount, the less risk it poses to the lender, which means you might be more likely to secure finance if you have a bad credit rating or have been refused elsewhere.
What are the most reliable hatchbacks to own in 2022?
A good family car must be reliable. There’s no use in having all the fancy tech, a huge boot, and a sleek design if your car breaks down when you’re trying to do the school run or need to get to work. You need a model that will start straightaway on cold mornings, can cope with the odd pothole or rough road, and has the power to keep up with traffic on the motorway. Luckily, the best hatchbacks tick all these boxes.
Overwhelmed with options? Don’t worry; we’re here to help. Check out our round-up of the most reliable hatchbacks to own in 2022:
Toyota GR Yaris
There have been rumours in some corners of the car industry that hot hatchbacks are on the way out, but if any car could revitalise the genre, it’s the Toyota GR Yaris.
The new Yaris isn’t just reliable, it’s also one of the most fun used cars to drive on the market. It was originally built as a rally car and Toyota has used all the knowledge and tech gained from competitive racing to create a sporty hatchback that would be just as comfortable taking on a track as it is motoring down the M1.
With its 1.6 litre, three-cylinder Turbo engine, the Yaris has all the power you’ll need but it’s also lightweight and handles well on the road. Inside, you’ll find racing-inspired seats and steering wheel, an 8-inch multimedia system that connects with your phone, six speakers, and retractable rear seats for when you need to maximise boot space.
Ford Focus
The Ford Focus is one of the most reliable yet exciting family friendly hatchbacks available. That excitement comes from its drive quality, powered by a punchy engine, responsive steering, and a controlled chassis that can handle corners with ease.
When it comes to size, the Focus sits between the Fiesta and the Mondeo, which means it has plenty of leg and head room for all passengers (even those squeezed into the middle seat) as well as a decent 375-litre boot. Need more room? There’s an estate version available that has boot space to spare.
Inside, even the entry-level trim comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen and easy-to-navigate dashboard with clearly labelled buttons. Newer models boast even more driver-assist tech including automatic high beam control, blind spot assist, intersection assist, and local hazard info.
Hyundai i30 N
If you’re someone who truly loves driving and can’t wait to get behind the wheel, we’re sure you’ll fall head over heels for the Hyundai i30 N. The i30 has been designed for fun, offering high performance and speed without skimping on luxury.
It could well be the fastest hatchback on the market; you’ll get 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds. But you can make the most of the touchscreen navigation and heated seats and steering even when you’re stuck in stop-start traffic.
The Hyundai’s engine is highly responsive while its prominent front bumper helps to improve its aerodynamics and reduce turbulence when you do hit those top speeds.
Volkswagen Golf
There’s a reason why the Volkswagen Golf is one of the world’s most popular cars. It also makes a good case for claiming the title of best family hatchback thanks to its high-end engineering, reliability, fuel economy, and a boot that’s more than big enough for a pushchair.
The Golf is easy to drive too, durable, and well-built with a range of tech-savvy safety features included like curtain airbags, driver fatigue alert, and lane assist technology that can recognise road edges and signs.
If you’re looking for the fastest hatchback, The Volkswagen Golf R model can reach 0-60mph in under five seconds but, if fuel consumption and low emissions are at the top of your priority list instead, the Golf plug-in hybrid boasts an electric range of up to 44 miles.
Renault Megane RS
The Renault Megane RS stands out from the crowd thanks to its four-wheel steering. Not only does this mean you can negotiate tight corners with ease, but it also provides extra stability when powering down the motorway at top speed.
Stability is the key word; the Megane feels reassuringly solid thanks to its imposing build but it’s still stylish with sleek lines and sporty interior details. Once you get used to the width of the wings, it’s the kind of car that makes you feel confident behind the wheel.
The interior has plush seating and all the standard tech you’d expect but, like most hot hatchbacks, the Megane is more about performance and drive. Even so, you’ll still have a boot that’s more than big enough for a set of suitcases.
Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra was our most financed car in 2021, so it should come as no surprise that it’s earned a spot on our list of the most reliable hatchbacks. A solid all-rounder, the Astra has been built to last, but don’t let that practicality fool you, it has style too and a dramatic sloped dashboard that wouldn’t look out of place in a race car.
Vauxhall’s engineering provides a comfortable and smooth ride with barely any noise, even when you’re pushing 70. And it’s fun to drive thanks to its powerful engine and good grip on the road.
If you’re looking for added extras, the Astra offers all the standard features you’d expect in a family car: air conditioning, electric and heated mirrors, front and side airbags, and two sets of ISOFIX points are fitted on entry-level models.
Mazda 3
One of the most stylish hatchbacks on the road, the Mazda 3 is guaranteed to turn heads. It offers the features of a sporty hatchback – power, precision, and an aerodynamic body – packaged in a sleek, curved exterior. Despite being designed with enjoyment in mind, the Mazda still boasts excellent fuel economy and drivers will benefit from an excellent driving position.
Its interior is just as luxurious yet simple, equipped with the Mazda Connect infotainment system that links to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features a large screen and rotary wheel selection. You can even download the Mazda app to lock your doors and find your car remotely!
Kia Ceed
The Kia Ceed is a great family car; it’s affordable, practical, spacious, and comfortable with a good size boot. It might not be the flashiest hatchback available but it’s a genuine pleasure to drive. Think light steering, good body control, large windows, and an impressive suspension that can take on rougher roads with ease.
Inside, the space is generous. Drivers will find the seats supportive and easy to adjust into optimal driving position while all three passengers in the back seat will be able to sit comfortably. Child-friendly soft plastic trims come as standard while the back row of seats can be flipped to maximise boot space when carrying larger loads.
There are three engines on offer: 1.0 litre petrol, 1.4 litre petrol, and a 1.6 litre diesel. Each option has pros and cons depending on how much city and long distance driving you do. Tech features include an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring.
Nissan Leaf
If you’d rather go green and choose an EV, the Nissan Leaf is one of the most popular electric hatchbacks on the market – and it’s surprisingly affordable too! With its angular front-end and smooth grille-less bumper, the Leaf’s design is less divisive than some of its competitors. Its interior is relatively simple in comparison but still boasts a range of tech features including built-in Satnav, smartphone mirroring, and a digital display. There’s room for four adults to sit comfortably as well as a good size boot while drivers will enjoy the visibility afforded by the Leaf’s large windows. As an EV, it’s almost silent on the road and with its 168-mile range, it’s ideal for city driving.
Skoda Octavia
One of the more affordable hatchback cars on our list, the Skoda Octavia is also one of the more spacious models available. Its design means its longer than many of its rivals, which may make it more difficult to park in small spaces but does provide a huge 590-litre boot and plenty of legroom in the back seats.
You’ll find even more storage in the cabin thanks to its array of hidden cubbies and cup-holders while tech features include climate control, parking sensors, and an 8-inch touchscreen display.
The Octavia is easy to drive thanks to its accurate steering and reassuring grip on the road while autonomous braking and seven airbags are just two of the many family-friendly safety features included.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has all the traits that make hatchbacks such sought-after family cars: a spacious interior, comfortable ride, practical tech features, and a high safety rating. There are two petrol engines and a diesel to choose from, but our pick would be the 1.5 litre petrol, which is well-suited to both town and motorway driving.
Its design has been updated recently and newer models now more closely resemble sporty hatchbacks with their low aerodynamic profiles and sleek lines. Passengers will love the soft, supportive seats as well as the generous leg and headroom on offer in the back seats, while the 478-litre boot has more than enough space for your weekly shop or set of suitcases.
The Civic scored four stars in Euro NCAP crash tests and features a range of tech-enabled safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and traffic sign recognition while a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is fitted as standard.
Can I get car finance for a hatchback?
Yes, the good news is that hatchbacks are one of the most popular car types that we can help you finance through our panel of lenders. Whether you’re looking for hire purchase (HP) or personal contract purchase (PCP), at CarFinance 247, we’ll always look to find you the best deal from our panel of lenders. You can get a quote online and you’ll find out whether we can find you an approval in principle within minutes. With a dedicated account manager on hand to guide you through the process, you could be driving away in your new hatchback within days!