Rear window, what happened to you?
June 10, 2015 4:38 PM Subscribe
Rear windows on cars have been getting smaller, right? What kind of car still has good visibility, and why isn't this a safety concern?
I'm considering buying a new car soon and have consequently been paying more attention to vehicles on the road. Many newer cars seem to have small rear windows, with the Prius being one of the most egregious offenders. I'm interested in getting a hatchback, but even recent hatchback models seem to have small rear windows (Kia Rio, I'm looking at you).
1. Why has this trend happened? Backup cameras are great when you're driving in reverse, but they don't help when you're trying to get a good look at what's behind you on the highway, so it seems like small windows would be a safety hazard.
2. What types of cars, preferably hatchbacks, still have nice, big, rear windows?
I'm considering buying a new car soon and have consequently been paying more attention to vehicles on the road. Many newer cars seem to have small rear windows, with the Prius being one of the most egregious offenders. I'm interested in getting a hatchback, but even recent hatchback models seem to have small rear windows (Kia Rio, I'm looking at you).
1. Why has this trend happened? Backup cameras are great when you're driving in reverse, but they don't help when you're trying to get a good look at what's behind you on the highway, so it seems like small windows would be a safety hazard.
2. What types of cars, preferably hatchbacks, still have nice, big, rear windows?
Best answer: Motortrend has an article comparing a bunch of 2014/2015 hatchbacks with photos.
I was going to say the VW Golf, but looking at those photos they're all pretty similar.
If it makes you feel any better the way the rear seats are configured blocks most of the view anyway so you can only see what the tiny windows show anyway - even if the window was itself bigger you wouldn't see any more.
posted by GuyZero at 4:44 PM on June 10, 2015
I was going to say the VW Golf, but looking at those photos they're all pretty similar.
If it makes you feel any better the way the rear seats are configured blocks most of the view anyway so you can only see what the tiny windows show anyway - even if the window was itself bigger you wouldn't see any more.
posted by GuyZero at 4:44 PM on June 10, 2015
I have an old Honda Fit, big back window and a really nice car. No idea about the newer models, but maybe a place to start?
posted by mikurski at 4:56 PM on June 10, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by mikurski at 4:56 PM on June 10, 2015 [3 favorites]
Best answer: I find the rear window of a sedan a lot easier to see out of, and it's one of the many reasons I own one, despite the neverending hatch craze.
That said, it's pretty hard to really get a sense of visibility until you are actually in the car, so I wouldn't necessarily pass judgement until you've taken some test drives.
As to why its happened? Fuel economy saving measures and styling queues, basically.
posted by selfnoise at 4:57 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
That said, it's pretty hard to really get a sense of visibility until you are actually in the car, so I wouldn't necessarily pass judgement until you've taken some test drives.
As to why its happened? Fuel economy saving measures and styling queues, basically.
posted by selfnoise at 4:57 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I bought a 2015 Subaru Impreza hatchback, in part because it had larger windows and better rear visibility than its closest hatchback competitors (Mazda3, Ford Focus). But even its windows are smaller than cars from 10 years ago. If it's any comfort, I haven't found it a problem in practice. The Impreza's large side-view mirrors help a lot, especially if you position them properly to eliminate blind spots.
Consumer Reports complained about this back in 2009, and in 2012 they published this list of cars with the best visibility.
I believe the trend is mostly aesthetic: Rising beltlines and swooping rooflines are supposed to make large 4-door cars and SUVs look more like sporty coupes. Matthew de Paula wrote about this at Forbes. I've also read that increased structural supports (for crash protection) are squeezing out window space, and that roofs sweep down in the back partly for aerodynamic reasons, to eke out a few more MPG.
posted by mbrubeck at 4:59 PM on June 10, 2015 [5 favorites]
Consumer Reports complained about this back in 2009, and in 2012 they published this list of cars with the best visibility.
I believe the trend is mostly aesthetic: Rising beltlines and swooping rooflines are supposed to make large 4-door cars and SUVs look more like sporty coupes. Matthew de Paula wrote about this at Forbes. I've also read that increased structural supports (for crash protection) are squeezing out window space, and that roofs sweep down in the back partly for aerodynamic reasons, to eke out a few more MPG.
posted by mbrubeck at 4:59 PM on June 10, 2015 [5 favorites]
Subaru has done a great job with visibility on their hatchbacks. I've found within that same category there wasn't any comparison - many others were ridiculously bad. Better front/side visibility on the 2015 models too.
posted by belau at 5:05 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by belau at 5:05 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
It's discontinued, but I have a Nissan Versa hatchback and it has good rear visibility. I had the same feeling when I was looking at cars in 2011, and it's one of the reasons I picked it. If you're looking for newer used cars, they made them until 2013.
I can't speak to the Nissan Versa Note, which replaced the Versa Hatchback in 2014...it's actually a totally different car with a similar body style.
posted by radioamy at 5:06 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
I can't speak to the Nissan Versa Note, which replaced the Versa Hatchback in 2014...it's actually a totally different car with a similar body style.
posted by radioamy at 5:06 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'll have a stab at the why isn't it a safety concern question by comparing it to driving a truck. When you first learn to drive a truck (or van, or similar) that doesn't have any rear window view at all it seriously messes with your head. Then you learn to use the two side mirrors a lot better, and I think even come to prefer it. No one suggests a van is a safety hazard because there isn't a rear view mirror.
posted by deadwax at 5:07 PM on June 10, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by deadwax at 5:07 PM on June 10, 2015 [4 favorites]
Newer cars also have much better side mirrors than older cars. Going from my newer cars (all Japanese) to driving a relative's older American car, I noticed how much worse the mirrors were immediately.
posted by sonic meat machine at 5:14 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by sonic meat machine at 5:14 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I squarely blame the SUV trend of moving bunkers ("safety!"). Mobile roadblocks are also much less safe to drive behind: being able to see through the car in front of you makes you a much, much better follower. And driving a car with good visibility makes you less likely to get rear-ended, because the person in back of you can see why you're stopping and how urgent it is (or isn't).
The VW hatchbacks are great for visibility, in my experience.
posted by Dashy at 5:21 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
The VW hatchbacks are great for visibility, in my experience.
posted by Dashy at 5:21 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
Rearview camera's compensate for the limited view from the rear window. If only the US Government would update the safety standards to allow camera's to replace the side mirrors by camera's...
Bonus record the last 10 minutes of 360 view to collect evidence in case of an accident...
posted by Mac-Expert at 5:28 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Bonus record the last 10 minutes of 360 view to collect evidence in case of an accident...
posted by Mac-Expert at 5:28 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
This ranking from a car insurance company actually gives the Prius a score of 5 out of 5 for rear visibility. I have an old Prius and while I didn't like the back window design at first, I've never had a problem with not seeing something (after more than a decade of driving it...without a rear camera). But, your height may have an impact. I also have carefully adjusted all the mirrors.
posted by three_red_balloons at 5:58 PM on June 10, 2015
posted by three_red_balloons at 5:58 PM on June 10, 2015
Nthing the Impreza. My mom has a 2015 and I noticed this immediately the first time I drove it (and my Mazda 3 is meh in comparison).
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:51 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:51 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Does it have to be a new car, or just new to you? My 2005 Scion xB has the most amazing visibility of any car I've driven or been in. Yeah, it's 10 years old, but it's a great car if you can find one.
posted by The corpse in the library at 7:46 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by The corpse in the library at 7:46 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]
Seconding the first-generation Scion xB as a car with excellent all-around visibility.
posted by bricoleur at 8:24 PM on June 10, 2015
posted by bricoleur at 8:24 PM on June 10, 2015
Cars evoke strong emotional responses from our brains, especially our reptilian brain.
...
Dr. Rapaille consults with Detroit automakers regularly and his research on buyer motivation has won high accolades from Chrysler when he assisted in making the PT Cruiser a "hot buy." The "30s gangster look" sent the "don't bother me" message thereby creating a safety zone around the car. Potential buyers told him they felt vulnerable knowing that people could look inside their car, so the PT Cruiser rear window was reduced in size. Visibility was lessened but that wasn't a concern to consumers; they felt safer and they bought them.
from
"Primal urges define the wheel you"
The Seattle Times, April 30, 2004
archived copy here
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:18 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
...
Dr. Rapaille consults with Detroit automakers regularly and his research on buyer motivation has won high accolades from Chrysler when he assisted in making the PT Cruiser a "hot buy." The "30s gangster look" sent the "don't bother me" message thereby creating a safety zone around the car. Potential buyers told him they felt vulnerable knowing that people could look inside their car, so the PT Cruiser rear window was reduced in size. Visibility was lessened but that wasn't a concern to consumers; they felt safer and they bought them.
from
"Primal urges define the wheel you"
The Seattle Times, April 30, 2004
archived copy here
posted by sebastienbailard at 9:18 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Also re cameras: my kids have a new Honda Civic that has a rear-view/backup camera and a right-turn camera (mounted in the right-side mirror) that gives you an enhanced view of that side of the car when you use the right-turn signal.
(Why they did this for the right side but not the left side, I do not know).
posted by doctor tough love at 10:07 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
(Why they did this for the right side but not the left side, I do not know).
posted by doctor tough love at 10:07 PM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
After 2 Mini Coopers and a Prius--which I tolerated for 8 months--I realized that my short stature compounds any rear visibility issues. I needed an SUV anyway (mountain property), but I hated the rear slope on most of the post 2013 models. I ended up with a boxy 2012 Ford Escape and am pleased as punch with its rear visibility.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 1:50 AM on June 11, 2015
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 1:50 AM on June 11, 2015
Seconding Honda Fit.
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 5:15 AM on June 11, 2015
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 5:15 AM on June 11, 2015
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone! The Fit is already on my list, and it was the first car I test drove. The rear window gave less visibility that I expected, given the outside and shape. However, the Kia Rio I drove immediately after had an even smaller window, so my expectations may be a bit off.
The Subaru Impreza is more than I hoped to spend, but I will definitely drive one before ruling it out.
Also re cameras: my kids have a new Honda Civic that has a rear-view/backup camera and a right-turn camera (mounted in the right-side mirror) that gives you an enhanced view of that side of the car when you use the right-turn signal.
(Why they did this for the right side but not the left side, I do not know).
Is this because there's an extended side mirror on the left? The salesman noted that the Fit's mirror was extra long, with a vertical line showing where a standard mirror would end/items in the blind spot.
posted by casualinference at 3:43 PM on June 11, 2015
The Subaru Impreza is more than I hoped to spend, but I will definitely drive one before ruling it out.
Also re cameras: my kids have a new Honda Civic that has a rear-view/backup camera and a right-turn camera (mounted in the right-side mirror) that gives you an enhanced view of that side of the car when you use the right-turn signal.
(Why they did this for the right side but not the left side, I do not know).
Is this because there's an extended side mirror on the left? The salesman noted that the Fit's mirror was extra long, with a vertical line showing where a standard mirror would end/items in the blind spot.
posted by casualinference at 3:43 PM on June 11, 2015
In my (wild) dreams, the right-side camera enhances your view of cyclists, so you don't right-hook them.
posted by Dashy at 7:12 PM on June 11, 2015
posted by Dashy at 7:12 PM on June 11, 2015
There are no blind spot cameras for the driver’s side because (1) the driver’s side mirror is already close enough to the driver to provide a wide field of view, and (2) while turning or merging toward the driver’s side, you should be looking the direction you’re going—not in the opposite direction at a screen on your center console.
posted by mbrubeck at 8:33 AM on June 12, 2015
posted by mbrubeck at 8:33 AM on June 12, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 4:42 PM on June 10, 2015 [2 favorites]