Staying Alive: 5 Coolest New Station Wagons
We recently took a look back at the Dodge Magnum, which could be considered one of the last great American station wagons. Even with the Magnum relegated to the history books, there are still a some solid options on today’s market for the traditional wagon lover or even those who just want added practically without jumping into an SUV or crossover. Many of these wagons also happen to be enthusiast-approved, and we’ve gone ahead and rounded up five of the coolest offerings on the market that might make you think twice before settling for that SUV. Here they are.
1. Jaguar XF Sportbrake
First up we have a relative newcomer to the bunch: the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the wagon version of the XF sedan and sleeker alternative to the F-Pace SUV. It’s not just one of the most attractive wagons available right now, it’s one of the best looking wagons of all time.
The XF Sportbrake comes in a couple different flavors, but the enthusiast pick is the "S" model with a supercharged 380hp V6 and AWD. Along with the attractive look, the interior is finished with the level of quality you expect from Jaguar.
While it certainly doesn’t come cheap, with a base price of about $65,000 the XF Sportbrake is easily one of the most unique luxury cars available right now, and we are glad that Jaguar decided to offer its high-end wagon in the U.S. market.
2. VW Golf Sportwagen & Alltrack
Now we move to the other end of the market, with Volkswagen’s Golf Sportwagen and Golf Alltrack. VW has had a small station wagon in its U.S. lineup for many years, and the current iterations of the car are as good as ever.
Along its extra ride height and unique styling touches, the key draw of the Golf Alltrack is its 4Motion AWD system, which is mated to a torquey 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder and a DSG transmission.
If you want a more traditional car-like feel, the standard Golf Sportwagen is another great choice, and it can even be had with the same 4Motion AWD system used in the Alltrack. While it’s not quite the Golf R Wagon that’s sold in other markets, it’s definitely the next best thing.
3. Buick Regal TourX
The next car comes from Buick by way of Opel, who builds and sells the Regal TourX in European markets as the Insignia Country Tourer. Despite its American badges, the Regal Tour X is flowing with European DNA.
The TourX is powered by a standard 250hp 2.0 turbo engine with an eight-speed transmission and AWD. Inside, it packs mid-size car passenger space along with a generous rear cargo area.
While some would prefer the TourX without its SUV-like body cladding, we still think it’s an attractive car and very worthy of a look from anyone who is in the market for a new station wagon.
4. Volvo V60
Volvo is a brand that has been associated with station wagons since long before the SUV boom, and fortunately, the wagon has continued to be an important part of the brand’s lineup. The new 2019 V60 shows that the wagon can still rule.
Featuring styling based on the larger V90, the V60 can be had with either FWD or AWD in the U.S. market. With the latter, the V90 is powered by a four-cylinder engine that’s both turbocharged and supercharged to make 316hp.
Rather than raw horsepower, most buyers will likely be attracted to the V60 because of its elegant exterior and interior styling, along with the brand’s advanced safety features. Either way, we are happy Volvo hasn’t given up on the wagon.
5. Mercedes E Class Wagon
Another brand that hasn’t given up on the wagon in the U.S. market is Mercedes Benz, who continues to offer the wonderful E Class Wagon. Along with a whole lot of space and class, even the “regular” E450 Wagon is an impressive performer with its 362hp twin turbo V6 and AWD.
But then there’s the ultimate wagon, the AMG E63 S, which is packing a 603hp twin turbo V8 and an AWD system that can be disabled if you just want to have some tire-shredding RWD drive fun.
With performance credentials that put many a sports car to shame, the AMG E Class Wagon is a unique beast. It’s expensive, a little bit crazy and completely awesome. In other words, it’s the perfect car to finish off this list. Long live the long roof.
