Station wagons have quietly held a special place in the hearts of families for decades. They blend the practicality of an SUV with the soul of a sedan, making them the go-to vehicles for road trips, family outings, and daily commutes. Here’s a look at 23 station wagons that continue to surprise us with their durability, power, and a bit of flair.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
The V90 Cross Country packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, pumping out 316 horsepower. This station wagon has a high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, which is effective everywhere. The best part is that the car is designed in the minimalist Swedish way. Fun fact: Did you know that Volvo invented the three-point seatbelt and allowed all other car makers to use it free of charge? Be grateful for that design. Starting price? Roughly $58,000.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is the Swiss Army knife of station wagons. Its 2.5-liter Boxer engine provides a flat, low center of gravity, improving stability. It is rugged but uses lightweight, high-strength steel, ensuring both durability and fuel efficiency. Special feature: Subaru’s EyeSight technology offers advanced driver assistance that helps prevent accidents. Price starts at around $28,000.
Audi A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad has a 3.0 L turbocharged V6 engine with an output of 335 horsepower. It also has an adaptive air suspension, which, for the Audi, transitions city roads and rugged, off-the-beaten paths smoothly. Interestingly, Audi has been producing all-wheel drive vehicles since the 1980s and has been improving on it through the ages. Starting price: $67,000.
Mercedes Benz E Class Wagon
The Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon has a 3.0-liter inline 6 turbo engine, which can only be described as German engineering at its finest. The elegance of the interior can be summed up in three words: leather, wood, and brushed steel. And the most remarkable feature? The rear-facing third-row seating! Yes, this is one of the very few vehicles that still offers it. Children enjoy it, and grownups reminisce about it. The Starting Price? $71,000.
Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
Volkswagen brings its classic Golf model into the station wagon world with the Golf Alltrack. Its 1.8-liter turbocharged engine delivers 168 horsepower, giving it enough oomph for daily drives or weekend escapes. It’s a German-engineered beauty with a strong steel frame and resilient build. The fun thing about the Alltrack? It comes with a six-speed manual option! For those who want that old-school driving feel with new-age tech, this is a gem. Price? Around $28,000.
BMW 3 Series Touring
The BMW 3 Series Touring blends sports car-like agility with the utility of a wagon. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, this German powerhouse delivers 255 horsepower. The unique feature is its split tailgate, which allows you to open just the rear window for quick access—a rare and handy feature. Fun fact: The 3 Series Touring has been in production since the 1980s, evolving into a refined masterpiece. It starts at $46,000.
Volvo V60
With a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the Volvo V60 perfectly balances power and fuel efficiency, delivering 250 horsepower. Its Scandinavian build focuses on sustainable materials, from leather alternatives to eco-friendly fabrics in the cabin. Volvo’s Pilot Assist makes long highway drives a breeze by gently steering and braking. Fun fact: Volvo has pledged to be fully electric by 2030, but this hybrid offering is the best of both worlds for now. Starting at $43,000.
Peugeot 508 SW
The Peugeot 508 SW may not be common in the US, but it’s a station wagon that deserves attention. It has a 1.6-liter PureTech engine that punches above its weight class with 225 horsepower. The Peugeot 508’s sleek design is paired with an interior using premium leather and soft-touch plastics. And, oh la la, the frameless doors give it an elegant edge rarely seen in wagons. Starting price? Around $50,000.
Ford Flex
Although no longer in production, the Ford Flex is still beloved by families. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine, with 287 horsepower, offers the perfect blend of muscle and reliability. With an exterior inspired by the iconic wood-paneled wagons of the past, it brings retro charm with modern comforts. Fun fact: Its spacious interior comfortably seats seven, making it more like a minivan than a station wagon in terms of utility. Price (if you can find a used one)? Around $20,000.
Buick Regal TourX
Buick’s attempt at a station wagon surprised many, but the Regal TourX holds its own. Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower, it can easily handle daily commutes and road trips. Buick’s American roots are evident in its bold, muscular, yet sophisticated design. The TourX offers ample cargo space, and its 18-inch wheels add to its sturdy, ready-for-anything appearance. Fun fact: Buick was one of the first carmakers to mass produce overhead valve engines. Starting price? Around $36,000.
Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Station wagon, but make it a Porsche. The Panamera Sport Turismo is in a league of its own, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 620 horsepower in the GTS variant. Its standout feature is the adaptive rear spoiler, which adjusts based on speed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Fun fact: This wagon can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds! Starting at $98,000.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake
British luxury finds a home in the Jaguar XF Sportbrake. Its 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine churns out 380 horsepower, making it as sporty as spacious. The panoramic sunroof is a standout feature, bringing the outside in. Fun fact: Jaguar was originally an aircraft manufacturer during World War II, and that precision engineering translates into their vehicles. Price starts at $65,000.
Tesla Model S Plaid
It’s not a traditional station wagon, but the Tesla Model S Plaid redefines the category with its electric prowess. Three electric motors produce over 1,000 horsepower, catapulting it into the future. Its minimalist design uses sustainable materials, including vegan leather. The hidden gem? Its software updates are over the air, constantly improving without ever needing a dealership visit. Fun fact: The Model S Plaid can hit 60 mph in under 2 seconds, making it the fastest “station wagon” ever. Price? Around $140,000.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid earns its spot with its sleek lines and family-oriented design. The 3.6-liter V6 engine pairs with an electric motor to offer a smooth, eco-friendly ride. Fun fact: It’s the only hybrid minivan currently on the market, with an electric range of 32 miles. Price starts at $46,000.
Mini Clubman
Though typically known for its compact cars, Mini’s Clubman station wagon is a delightful twist on its iconic style. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 189 horsepower, and true to Mini’s British origin, the build emphasizes quirky yet highly functional design. The Clubman keeps things fun with signature split rear doors. Fun fact: The original Mini, produced in the late 1950s, was designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible due to the Suez Oil Crisis! Starting price? Around $32,000.
Toyota Prius V
The Toyota Prius V was made for eco-conscious families. Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, it delivers 134 horsepower, making it a fuel-efficient champ. The special feature here is its hybrid technology, which allows drivers to save on gas while reducing their carbon footprint. Fun fact: The Prius V was the largest member of the Prius family before it was discontinued. The starting price for used models? Around $20,000.
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
A hidden gem in the Chevrolet lineup, the Malibu Maxx blends sedan comfort with station wagon versatility. Its 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 200 horsepower, delivering smooth performance for long drives. Special feature: The sliding rear seats allow passengers to customize their legroom or cargo space. Fun fact: Despite being phased out after only a few years, it has a loyal following among enthusiasts. Starting price for used models? Around $8,000.
Dodge Magnum
The Dodge Magnum screams muscle car meets station wagon. With its 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine, this American beast delivers up to 425 horsepower in the SRT8 version. Special feature: It’s one of the few station wagons that could outdrag many sports cars. Fun fact: The Magnum’s aggressive design was inspired by Dodge’s muscle car heritage, and though it was discontinued, it remains a cult classic. Starting price for used models? Around $10,000.
Mercedes Benz CLS Class Shooting Brake
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Sleek, stylish, and ultra-luxurious, the Mercedes Benz CLS Class Shooting Brake is the epitome of German engineering. Powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with 362 horsepower, this wagon blends beauty with brawn. Special feature: The exquisite wooden floor in the trunk, made from cherry wood, is a nod to old luxury yachts. Despite its elegance, it’s also one of the most aerodynamic wagons ever built. Starting price? Around $100,000 (if you can find it).
Buick Roadmaster Estate
The Buick Roadmaster Estate is the quintessential American station wagon from the ’90s. Its 5.7-liter V8 engine churns out a hearty 260 horsepower, while its sturdy steel body feels like driving a tank (in a good way). Special feature: The rear-facing third-row seat evokes nostalgia for families with wagons. Its wood panel sides, though not natural wood, made it one of the most distinctive wagons on the road. Price for used models? Around $12,000.
Volvo 240 Wagon
The Volvo 240 Wagon is an icon of practicality and safety. Its 2.3-liter inline-four engine delivers 114 horsepower, making it modest but incredibly reliable. Volvo’s legendary commitment to safety means this wagon is built with reinforced steel for maximum durability. Fun fact: The Volvo 240 became famous for lasting over 200,000 miles — a testament to its longevity. Today, these classic wagons have a cult following. Price for used models? Around $6,000.
Saab 9 5 Wagon
Saab may no longer produce cars, but the 9 5 Wagon stands out. Its 2.3-liter turbocharged engine produces 220 horsepower, offering a fun, smooth ride. Built in Sweden, the Saab 9 5 featured the company’s quirky design touches, like the key ignition placed between the seats. Special feature: Its Night Panel mode dims all dashboard lights except the speedometer for night driving — a Saab innovation borrowed from their aircraft designs. Fun fact: Saab’s aircraft roots are reflected in every car they built, particularly their obsession with safety and performance. Starting price for used models? Around $7,000.
Citroën DS5
A masterpiece of French design, the Citroën DS5 is as avant-garde as station wagons come. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 163 horsepower, it blends performance with style. Fun fact: The Citroën DS series has always been revolutionary — the original DS from the 1950s was the first car with hydraulic suspension. Starting price? It’s around $40,000 (though it’s more commonly seen in Europe).
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit
Reliability is a core feature that defines a vehicle. Over the last few decades, some vehicles have emerged as a reliable and durable option, standing out as workhorses that never quit. These vehicles not only prove themselves in terms of performance but transcend their role and become reliable partners, always fulfilling their role. Here are 12 Cars known for their unbreakable reliability.
12 Cars That Are Known for Their Unbreakable Reliability — They Just Don’t Quit