Over the years, hatchbacks have emerged as one of the most practical and efficient car types. With a trunkless design and fold-down seats, hatchbacks are well-suited for maximizing space. They often have a smaller footprint than sedans, making them easier to park, and a higher roofline for interior roominess¹.

Drivers looking to maximize space and fuel economy in a small package and sleek design see the appeal of finding reliable, dependable used hatchback cars. Dealerships looking to capitalize on that demand should keep these vehicles in their inventory. Here are five of the best used hatchbacks worth keeping on the lot.

1. 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2020 Honda Civic is arguably the best used hatchback model. It continues to have low maintenance costs and high reliability and is a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The hatchback has more sound-deadening materials than previous models and a classy, updated interior design². It’s also available with a manual transmission for drivers who like to play. The 306-horsepower Type R version is there for consumers wanting more power³.

The 2020 Honda Civic pricing depends on various factors, including mileage and condition. They also tend to hold their value well, making them more desirable for prospective buyers³.

2. 2020 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Its premium feel and design set the 2020 Mazda 3 apart from other models in its league. It comes packed with safety features like lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda 3 handling is solid with brakes —  part of the G-Vectoring Control Plus system — that never fade under regular and repeated use. The Mazda 3 is the best option for a luxury feel without the luxury price⁴. 

3. 2021 Hyundai Veloster 

The 2021 Hyundai Veloster’s three-door style makes it one of the best used hatchbacks when it comes to unique design. It’s got sporty handling and options for a turbocharged engine, pairing well with an available manual transmission version. The cargo space is more compact compared to other hatchback options, but the trade pays off in unique style and sportiness at a solid value⁶. 

4. 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

This Toyota model is one of the most reliable used hatchbacks a consumer can buy. Combine that with a solid price and automatic, fuel-efficient operation at 32/41 miles per gallon, and this model is a practical choice to add to your dealership’s inventory.

It comes equipped with solid infotainment options as well as reliable safety features, including Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 with pedestrian detection and pre-collision warning, auto high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The CVT automatic option features an upgraded version of this suite of safety features plus additional drive modes, including Eco and Sport. Consumers looking for practicality and reliability will love this hatchback.

5. 2022 Volkswagen Golf

This generation of the Volkswagen Golf comes in two trims: GTI and Golf R. The GTI model features a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, one of the numerous standout features. The Golf R includes all-wheel drive torque vectoring and the Golf R Special Mode – calibrated to easily handle demanding corners.

For consumers looking for options that cross between practicality and fun, the Golf is one of the best used hatchbacks to keep on the lot. This hatchback is one of the higher-valued vehicles on this list⁸.

Source Hatchbacks for your Dealership with ACV Auctions

With ACV Auctions, you can source the most popular used hatchbacks for your customers without leaving your dealership. We source wholesale used inventory nationwide from dealerships all over the United States. With our Saved Search notifications, you will receive alerts for the specific make/model/years you are looking for — served right to your phone. 

Bid anytime, anywhere, with total confidence. Every vehicle on ACV comes with a detailed condition report (including engine sound, undercarriage views, and more) completed by our professional inspectors. No surprises, just the info you need to make smart buying decisions. Join the thousands of dealers who trust ACV to keep their lots stocked. Start bidding today!

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Sources

1. Ogbac, St. (27 April 2016). Five Reasons to Get a Hatch Over a Sedan and Five Reasons Not To. MotorTrend. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.motortrend.com/features/reasons-to-get-hatch-over-sedan-five-reasons-not-to/
2. Liz, K. (8 November 2019). 2020 Honda Civic Hatchback Review. JD Power. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/2020-honda-civic-hatchback-review
3. Tralongo, J. (6 January 2021). 2020 Honda Civic Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/honda/civic/2020/
4. Wardlaw, C. (6 July 2020). 2020 Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback Review. JD Power. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/2020-mazda-mazda3-hatchback-review
5. Tralongo, J. (8 June 2020). 2020 Mazda Mazda3 Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/mazda/mazda3/2020/
6. Niebuhr, K. 2021 Hyundai Veloster Review. Edmunds. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/veloster/2021/review/
7. Degen, M. (30 January 2025). 2021 Hyundai Veloster Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/hyundai/veloster/2021/
8. Ryan, C. (14 December 2021). 2022 Volkswagen Golf Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/volkswagen/golf/2022/