A family vacation is a time-honored tradition; the right car can make all the difference. While SUVs and minivans dominate today’s market, there’s something special about station wagons. They blend comfort, practicality, and style in a way few vehicles can. The 20 wagons on this list have been the unsung heroes of road trips for generations, offering spacious interiors, ample cargo space, and surprisingly sporty handling.
Volvo V90 Cross Country (2017)
The Volvo V90 Cross Country, launched in 2017 and designed by Thomas Ingenlath, is a rugged yet luxurious station wagon. With a 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged inline-4, it churns out 316 horsepower to do the 0 to 60 mph run in just 6.3 seconds. The inside has Nappa leather seats, open-pore wood accents, and a crystal gear shifter. A panoramic sunroof and a 9-inch Sensus touchscreen infotainment system give you a high-tech feel and generous room.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon (2010)
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon debuted in 2010 under Gordon Wagener. The luxury wagon features a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine with 362 horsepower, suitable for a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. The interior is trimmed in leather, with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and ambient lighting. Foldable rear seats create room for cargo, and heated and ventilated passenger seats ensure luxury and comfort.
Subaru Outback (1994)
The Subaru Outback, engineered by Olivier Boulay in 1994, is a quintessential family wagon. The newest iteration boasts a 2.4L turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower, taking the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. The interior has robust materials, an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, and weather-resistant upholstery. Its standard all-wheel-drive system promises extra confidence on any terrain.
Audi A6 Allroad (1999)
The Audi A6 Allroad, Marc Lichte’s brainchild, debuted in 1999. It has a 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine that delivers 335 hp and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The interior offers premium leather, a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, and a virtual cockpit display. The car has an adjustable air suspension for a smoother ride, and its cargo-friendly design makes it more suitable for family vacations. With the Quattro all-wheel drive, the A6 Allroad combines luxury with practicality for any adventure.
BMW 3 Series Touring (1987)
Hitting the market in 1987, the BMW 3 Series Touring is a creation of Claus Luthe that blends performance with practicality. Its latest model has a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The interior features sporty yet luxurious details, like Sensatec leatherette, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and ambient lighting. The split-folding rear seats and spacious cargo area make it a great family wagon for vacations.
Volkswagen Passat Variant (1973)
The Volkswagen Passat Variant, launched in 1973 and designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, has remained a classic and reliable family wagon. Its latest variant has a 2.0L turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. It has a 10-inch digital cockpit and Discover Media infotainment system. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, and the cargo area easily accommodates bulky baggage.
Volvo 240 Wagon (1974)
The 1974 Volvo 240 Wagon, designed by Jan Wilsgaard, defines timeless durability. Even today, ‘built to last’ perfectly describes it. Under the hood, a 2.3L inline-4 engine delivers 114 horsepower, going from 0 to 60 mph in about 11 seconds. Inside, it’s all about practicality, with tough cloth seats, a simple, no-fuss dashboard, and loads of cargo space. Its solid build and boxy charm made it the ultimate road trip companion, earning the trust of families for generations.
Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (2012)
Designed by Gorden Wagener, the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake was unveiled in 2012, bringing together elegance with utility. Under the hood lies a 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine producing 329 horsepower, achieving a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The luxurious interior features leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, and Burmester surround sound. The ambient lighting and sleek lines give the cabin a premium feel, while the spacious cargo area ensures practicality.
Audi RS6 Avant (2002)
It debuted in 2002. The most recent version packs a 4.0L twin-turbo V8, generating 591 horsepower and going from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. It boasts luxurious Valcona leather seats, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit, and carbon fiber accents. Other amenities, such as heated seats and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, complete the vehicle. This family-friendly rocket on wheels has adequate interior space and 30 cubic feet of cargo space.
Peugeot 504 Break (1968)
The Peugeot 504 Break arrived in 1968. Pininfarina designed it and brought a taste of French elegance with some practicality. Equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 engine cranking out 96 horsepower, its 0 to 60 mph time was 13 seconds. Inside, it had a utilitarian layout with comfortable seating for several passengers, very easy controls, and sufficient cargo room. Known for its durability and reliability, the 504 Break remains a practical holiday car with a touch of old-world charm.
Ford Country Squire (1950)
The Ford Country Squire was first released in 1950 as an iconic American wagon made for a family adventure. Its later models have a 5.0L V8 engine that delivers 150 horsepower and 0 to 60 mph within 12 seconds. The interior offers classic bench seating, woodgrain paneling, and an expansive cargo area. Third-row rear-facing seats add a nostalgic yet practical twist for large families. Its unique design and functionality made it a staple of American road trips for generations.
Subaru Levorg (2014)
Mamoru Ishii designed the Subaru Levorg, which was introduced in 2014 as a sporty yet practical wagon. Powered by a turbocharged 1.8L boxer engine with 175 horsepower, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The interior is clean and driver-focused, with high-quality materials, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and advanced safety features. Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive ensures excellent handling in all weather conditions. With its generous cargo space and durable build, the Levorg is perfect for adventurous families who enjoy exploring off the beaten path.
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports (2018)
The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, launched in 2018 by Simon Humphries, perfectly combines efficiency and practicality. It has a 1.8L hybrid with 121 HP and a 0 to 60 mph time of 10.9 seconds. This interior is all about comfort and technology, with soft-touch materials, an 8-inch infotainment display, and abundant legroom. The split-folding rear seats add flexibility; families can quickly maximize cargo space as needed. The company is an excellent hybrid powertrain car for eco-friendly families.
Opel Insignia Sports Tourer (2008)
Designed by Mark Adams, the new Opel Insignia Sports Tourer 2008 caters to the needs of the modern family. The latest variant comes with a 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces 200 horses and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds. The interior is modern and spacious, with ergonomic seats, a digital cockpit, and premium finishes. Folding rear seats provide expansive volumes of 560 liters for transporting sports equipment or luggage.
Volvo 850 T5-R (1994)
Launched in 1994, the Volvo 850 T5-R, designed by Jan Wilsgaard, is a performance-oriented family wagon. It comes with a 2.3L turbocharged inline-5 engine that generates 240 horsepower, and the car accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The interior is sporty yet practical, with leather upholstery, wood accents, and a premium sound system. The rear seats are spacious enough, and the large trunk holds all the essentials for a family vacation.
Citroën DS Safari (1958)
The Citroën DS Safari, launched in 1958 by Flaminio Bertoni, is a classic beauty that never fails to charm the enthusiasts. The 2.0L inline-4 engine churns out 75 horsepower and can do 0 to 60 mph in about 14 seconds. The interior is unmistakably retro, with lounge-like seats, a single-spoke steering wheel, and an innovative hydraulic suspension system for an unbelievably smooth ride.
Skoda Superb Combi (2009)
The Skoda Superb Combi was created by Jozef Kabaň and launched in 2009. The newest variant features a 2.0L TSI engine that delivers 272 horsepower and reaches 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The interior feels understatedly luxurious, from the leather seats to the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system and ample legroom for all passengers. The massive 660-liter cargo capacity makes it perfect for family vacations with plenty of luggage.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2012)
The Jaguar XF Sportbrake, which was launched in 2012 and was designed by Ian Callum, is a model that combines British elegance with functionality. It comes with a 3.0L V6 diesel engine that is good for 300 horsepower and allows a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds. The cabin has leather upholstery, a 10-inch infotainment display, and a panoramic sunroof. The split-folding rear seats and ample cargo space make it ideally suited to families who want luxury and practicality.
Honda Accord Wagon (1989)
Launched in 1989 and designed by Kunihiko Kato, the Honda Accord Wagon quickly became a family favorite. With a 2.2L inline-4 engine delivering 140 horsepower, it wasn’t the fastest, but it was built to last. It took about 10 seconds to hit 60 mph. Inside, it was all about comfort and practicality, with plush seats, easy-to-use controls, and plenty of cargo space.
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo (2017)
The Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo was designed by Michael Mauer and launched in 2017. With a roaring 4.0L twin-turbo V8 pushing out 550 horsepower, it flies from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. Inside, it’s all about luxury—premium leather, a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen, and smart driver-assist features.
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