10 Cars That Prove Station Wagons Are Definitely Making a Comeback

2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo | Porsche

Ask most car buyers about station wagons, and they’ll probably tell you two things: That their parents owned them a long time ago, and that nobody sells them anymore. While most of our parents likely owned wagons back in the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s, the fact of the matter is this: They’re making a comeback. Thanks to the rise of increasingly car-like crossovers (see: The Subaru Outback), many automakers are introducing a number of models that look and feel a whole lot like the big people movers of the past. Luckily for us these models are better — and more interesting — than ever.

The first rumblings of a wagon revival came late last decade, when Dodge offered the Magnum, Cadillac unveiled the CTS-V Sport Wagon, and Acura offered a TSX wagon. On top of the stalwarts that never quite left the segment, like Mercedes, BMW, and Volvo (wagons are still hugely popular in Europe), it felt like a breath of fresh air in a segment that had all but been swallowed up during the rise of the minivan in the 1990s. But over the past few years, station wagons gained an even larger cult status in the enthusiast community, and it reached a point where the overlap between enthusiast interest and crossover sales was so big that automakers couldn’t ignore it anymore. A number of new wagons were unveiled for 2017, and for 2018 we’re likely to see more new models than we’ve seen since the ’80s. As familiar as the proportions are, these longroofs are a lot different from mom and dad’s old Country Squire. Read on to see how the station wagon is primed to make a massive comeback in the upcoming months.

1. 2018 Buick Regal TourX

2018 Buick Regal TourX
2018 Buick Regal TourX | Buick

After months of will-they-or-won’t-they, Buick confirmed that the handsome Regal TourX will come to America for 2018. Based on the Opel Insignia (likely the last Opel-based Buick), this handsome wagon is the first GM longroof since it discontinued the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon in 2014. Power comes from a 250 horse 2.0 liter turbocharged four, which in top trim will make an impressive 295 pound-feet of torque. With the TourX, Buick is convinced that Americans are ready to board the wagon train again. We hope it’s right.

2. 2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake

2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake teaser image
2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake teaser image | Jaguar

For years, we lusted after the XF Sportbrake from afar, as it was only available in Europe. Now, a facelifted version is making its way to America for 2018. Available later this summer, the Sportbrake shares its aluminum-intensive architecture and engines with the XF sedan, and will feature a glass-panel roof for plenty of extra light inside the XF’s already great cabin. So far, we only have this teaser image to go on, but we’re already excited for this luxurious, next-generation British longroof.

3. 2018 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Wagon

2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 Wagon
2018 Mercedes-AMG E 63 Wagon | Mercedes-Benz

Are you in the market for a new car, but feeling frustrated that there isn’t anyone willing to sell you a 603 horsepower station wagon for around $100,000? Mercedes hears you, and for 2018, your prayers will be answered. With a twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 under the hood and a carbon fiber-intensive interior that would look at home inside the AMG GT supercar, this wagon will take you, your family, and your groceries from zero to 60 in an estimated 3.4 seconds.

4. 2017 BMW 330i Sports Wagon

2017 BMW 330i Sports Wagon
2017 BMW 330i Sports Wagon | BMW

For over 40 years, the BMW 3 Series has been one of the most engaging driver’s sedans in the world. In wagon form? It’s just as good. BMW was one of the first companies to build a legitimately sporty longroof, and that tradition continues to this day. With a twin-turbo four cylinder putting out 248 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, and an available M-Sport performance suspension, the 330i would make the perfect support car for a track day. Hell, it would probably be a fun track car in its own right.

5. 2018 Volvo V60

Expect the all-new Volvo V60 to bear more than a passing resemblance to the new 2018 XC60
Expect the all-new Volvo V60 to bear more than a passing resemblance to the new 2018 XC60 | Volvo

For 2018, Volvo will release the latest generation of the 60-Series vehicles: The XC60 SUV (above), the S60 sedan, and slotting in between, the V60 wagon. While the outgoing wagon has served admirably since 2011, this all-new V60 will bring the automaker’s bold new styling to the forefront, and will likely give the model a new lease on life. Volvo hasn’t unveiled its compact wagon yet, but thanks to the company’s scalable architecture, it’s a safe bet to expect the new V60 to be available with its latest tech, including its Sensus infotainment system, semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system, and 2.0 liter supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E engine. Based on Volvo’s current design track record, it’s likely to be a stunner.

6. 2017 Volvo V90

2017 Volvo V90
2017 Volvo V90 | Volvo

We’re confident in calling the V60 a knockout sight unseen because it’s likely to look a lot like the all-new V90. Based on the sexy S90 sedan, the first-year V90 is a little tougher to come by (they need to be specifically ordered by customers in the U.S.) and a little pricier ($50,000 versus $46,000) than the sedan its based on. But with Volvo’s latest tech and safety features, a breathtaking design, and one of the best interiors money can buy, there really aren’t many better wagons out there for any price.

7. 2017 Audi A4 Allroad

2017 Audi A4 Allroad
2017 Audi A4 Allroad | Audi

When it launched in 1999, Audi’s rugged Allroad was a revelation. Combining world-class luxury with a taller ride height, durable plastic body cladding, and all-wheel drive, the lifted wagon has become a staple in well-to-do snowy locales all over the world. The current Allroad is no exception. With sober good looks, a fantastic interior, a fully-adjustable suspension, and a 2.0 liter turbocharged four, the A4 can take just about everything you can throw at it.

8. 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman

2017 Mini Clubman
2017 Mini Clubman | Mini

Believe it or not, Mini has been offering a station wagon on-and-off since the 1960s. The current Mini Clubman may have a small footprint, but it’s surprisingly capable. With plenty of interior room, and a zippy turbocharged inline-four available, the Clubman won’t blow anyone away with raw power, but you’d be hard pressed to find a family car this size that’s more fun to drive.

9. 2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
2017 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack | James Derek Sapienza/Autos Cheat Sheet

Despite the station wagon being written off decades ago, automakers like Subaru and Audi have proven that you could still have a hit with a lifted, plastic-clad model. Slotting somewhere in between those two, the new-for-2017 Volkswagen Alltrack has already proven its meddle, accounting for 72% of Golf wagon sales this past winter. With a 1.8 liter inline four mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a downright luxurious cabin, the Alltrack will get you (and your stuff) wherever you need to go, rain or shine.

10. 2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
2018 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo | Porsche

If you never expected Porsche to ever make a station wagon, you’re not alone. But for 2018, they have, and it’s the gorgeous Panamera Sport Turismo. Porsche has more than made up for the frumpy older Panamera designs with the latest model, and surprisingly, it looks natural as a longroof. This five-seater starts at just under $100,000, but fully-loaded and with the 550 horsepower twin-turbo V8 under the hood, you’ll be looking at well over the $150,000 mark. We think it’ll be worth every penny.