When it comes to cars, most people know about the engine, the tires, or even the headlights. But there\u2019s one part of a car that\u2019s often overlooked \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, we\u2019ll explain what a car\u2019s back door is called, why it matters, and the common types you\u2019ll see on different vehicles. We\u2019ll also look at why understanding car backdoors can help you, whether you\u2019re a car owner, buyer, or someone renting a car for a trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll break it all down in simple language and give you practical insights you can actually use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s no single definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For most people, when they say car backdoors, they are talking about one of two things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, car backdoors isn\u2019t a technical term with a single meaning. It\u2019s 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\u2019re buying, renting, or maintaining a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking for a family car or a rental that\u2019s safe for kids, checking the rear passenger door features can be important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some features of trunk doors include remote opening, electronic locks, or even hands-free operation in newer car models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding how your trunk door works is useful, especially when you\u2019re loading luggage or shopping bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hatchback door swings upward and is usually supported by gas struts. You\u2019ll find hatchback doors on small cars, compact SUVs, and some crossovers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tailgates are mostly seen on pickup trucks, SUVs, and utility vehicles. They are the rear doors that usually open downward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some modern SUVs have powered tailgates that can be opened with a button or even with a foot sensor for hands-free operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tailgates are practical when you need to load or unload heavy items. If you\u2019re renting a vehicle for moving goods or planning an off-road adventure, knowing about the tailgate design can make a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019t bump the door in tight spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you often shop or travel with family, having a liftgate can be a game-changer in terms of convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term comes from the idea that opening such doors while driving could be dangerous. While stylish, these doors are more of a collector\u2019s item or found in luxury models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They\u2019re rare but worth knowing about if you\u2019re a car enthusiast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing about car backdoors isn\u2019t just for car nerds. It has real-world benefits, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These small details can make a big difference in your car experience, whether you\u2019re buying, renting, or using one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a quick summary of what rear doors are called in different types of cars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re buying a car or renting one, here are some quick tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n