What is the Name of a Car’s Back Door? Understanding Car Backdoors in Simple Terms

When it comes to cars, most people know about the engine, the tires, or even the headlights. But there’s one part of a car that’s often overlooked — the back door. Whether you call it the trunk, tailgate, liftgate, or hatch, the truth is, car backdoors have different names based on the car type and their function.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a car’s back door is called, why it matters, and the common types you’ll see on different vehicles. We’ll also look at why understanding car backdoors can help you, whether you’re a car owner, buyer, or someone renting a car for a trip.

We’ll break it all down in simple language and give you practical insights you can actually use.

What Does “Car Backdoor” Really Mean?

The term car backdoors can mean different things based on the context. In most cases, it refers to any door located at the rear side of a vehicle. But there’s no single definition.

For most people, when they say car backdoors, they are talking about one of two things:

• The rear passenger doors, which allow people to get in and out of the back seat
• The trunk or rear hatch, which is used to access the storage area of the car

So, car backdoors isn’t a technical term with a single meaning. It’s a general term that covers both rear doors for passengers and the door used for accessing the cargo area. Understanding this difference is important if you’re buying, renting, or maintaining a car.

Rear Passenger Doors — The Everyday Car Backdoors

In cars with four doors, the rear passenger doors are the ones located on each side at the back. These doors serve the basic purpose of letting passengers enter and exit from the back seats.

Rear passenger doors are common in sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and many family cars. They may come with features like child safety locks, power windows, or central locking systems.

If you’re looking for a family car or a rental that’s safe for kids, checking the rear passenger door features can be important.

For example, in one of our earlier blogs on family travel car rental tips, we explained how safety locks on rear doors are a key feature for parents.

The Trunk Door — A Common Type of Car Backdoor

When people talk about car backdoors, they often mean the trunk door. This is the door located at the rear of the car that gives access to the storage space.

In many cars, especially sedans, this door opens upward and is commonly known as the trunk in American English or the boot in British English.

Some features of trunk doors include remote opening, electronic locks, or even hands-free operation in newer car models.

Understanding how your trunk door works is useful, especially when you’re loading luggage or shopping bags.

If you’re someone planning a vacation or renting a car for a trip, knowing about the trunk capacity and access type can save you a lot of hassle.

Hatchback Doors — Combining Rear Access with Flexibility

Hatchbacks come with a special type of car backdoor known as the hatch. Unlike a regular trunk, the hatch opens along with the rear window, giving you wider access to the storage space.

The hatchback door swings upward and is usually supported by gas struts. You’ll find hatchback doors on small cars, compact SUVs, and some crossovers.

The biggest advantage of hatchback doors is the flexible storage space. You can fold down the rear seats and get more cargo room, making hatchbacks a popular choice for city driving or weekend trips.

Tailgate — More Than Just a Pickup Truck Feature

Tailgates are mostly seen on pickup trucks, SUVs, and utility vehicles. They are the rear doors that usually open downward.

On pickup trucks, the tailgate opens to give access to the cargo bed. On some SUVs, the tailgate may open upwards or split sideways, depending on the design.

Some modern SUVs have powered tailgates that can be opened with a button or even with a foot sensor for hands-free operation.

Tailgates are practical when you need to load or unload heavy items. If you’re renting a vehicle for moving goods or planning an off-road adventure, knowing about the tailgate design can make a difference.

Liftgate — The Modern SUV and Crossover Backdoor

Liftgates are similar to hatchback doors but are usually larger and used in SUVs and crossovers. The liftgate swings upwards and often comes with powered options in newer vehicles.

With liftgates, you get easier access to the rear cargo area, especially when your hands are full. Some models even allow programmable height settings, so you don’t bump the door in tight spaces.

If you often shop or travel with family, having a liftgate can be a game-changer in terms of convenience.

Coach doors — A Rare Rear Door Style

Though not common today, some older cars and a few luxury models have what are known as suicide doors. These doors are hinged at the rear instead of the front, meaning they open in the opposite direction to traditional doors.

The term comes from the idea that opening such doors while driving could be dangerous. While stylish, these doors are more of a collector’s item or found in luxury models.

They’re rare but worth knowing about if you’re a car enthusiast.

Why Understanding Car Backdoors Matters

Knowing about car backdoors isn’t just for car nerds. It has real-world benefits, such as:

• Choosing the right car for your needs
• Understanding safety features like child locks and remote access
• Making car rental choices that suit your trip
• Learning maintenance needs, especially for automatic or powered doors
• Avoiding confusion when talking with car dealers or rental agents

These small details can make a big difference in your car experience, whether you’re buying, renting, or using one.

What’s the Rear Door Called in Different Cars?

Here’s a quick summary of what rear doors are called in different types of cars:

• Sedan — Rear passenger doors and trunk
• Hatchback — Rear passenger doors and hatchback door
• SUV — Rear passenger doors and liftgate or tailgate
• Pickup — Rear passenger doors and tailgate
• Luxury/Classic Cars — Suicide doors on some models

Choosing a Car with the Right Backdoor Type

Whether you’re buying a car or renting one, here are some quick tips:

• For family trips, choose cars with wide-opening rear passenger doors and safety locks
• If you need large cargo space, consider a hatchback or SUV with a liftgate
• For carrying heavy goods, pickup trucks with tailgates are ideal
• For style and classic appeal, some luxury cars offer unique door designs

If you’re planning to rent a car in the Caribbean, our fleet at MyMy Auto Rentals offers a variety of vehicles. You can check our rental options for the right match.

Final Thoughts on Car Backdoors

Car backdoors may seem like a small part of a vehicle, but they play a big role in how we use cars every day. From simple rear passenger doors to advanced power liftgates, each type has a purpose.

Understanding these differences can help you make smarter choices — whether you’re driving around town, going on a trip, or picking a rental car for your vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions