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2018 Audi A4 Allroad

These All-Wheel-Drive Options Prove Wagons Aren’t Dead

Wagons have been a niche market in the United States ever since they were introduced. Regardless, there is a lot to be said about the practicality of choosing a wagon over a standard sedan. Wagons on their own seem to have their own fan base, and people either love the style of the wagon or …

Wagons have been a niche market in the United States ever since they were introduced. Regardless, there is a lot to be said about the practicality of choosing a wagon over a standard sedan. Wagons on their own seem to have their own fan base, and people either love the style of the wagon or hate it. Whatever side of the fence you are on, it’s hard to deny that these all-wheel-drive wagons are pretty cool.

All-wheel drive wagons win out

Having the additional space of a wagon adds a whole world of practicality to your day, without having to jump into a large SUV. They are great for big cities or commuting, and sometimes people just like the style. Add on the addition of all-wheel-drive and you practically have a miniature SUV. While I’m personally not a big wagon fan, there is something to be said about a car that can conquer off-road trails as well as any climate.

The 2020 Subaru Outback is seen in a U.S. National Park-themed display at AutoMobility LA
The 2020 Subaru Outback | David McNew/Getty Images

The Subaru Outback has been the only all-wheel-drive wagon that Consumer Reports has tested this year. The Outback is so large and so capable it’s easy to mistake the vehicle for a compact SUV, and in some ways, you wouldn’t be wrong. The Outback is an SUV in spirit, and it gives you everything you need — most importantly, all-wheel-drive capabilities.

More all-wheel-drive options

The market for wagons is slim, but that doesn’t mean all-wheel drive options are limited to the Outback. Some wagons even come with luxury, like the Audi A6 Allroad. The Allroad has all of the beautiful and aggressive design of the Audi A6 extended into a fully-practical wagon. Combined with the notorious Quattro all-wheel-drive system coined by Audi and this car is definitely worth a second look.

Gray 2020 Audi A6 Allroad in front of a mountain range at sunset
2020 Audi A6 Allroad | Audi

Volvo might be one of the more underrated car brands, but they blessed us with not just one, but two all-wheel-drive wagons this year. They are both beautiful examples of luxury vehicles, and the design is so striking it’s enough to make even the most vehement wagon haters take a second glance. Like the rest of the wagons on this list, you can see that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury and style when it comes to getting a wagon.

Have an all-wheel drive wagon is like having the ultimate all-weather, any terrain sedan with a boost of practicality. The hatchback roofline means rear seat passengers don’t have to sacrifice headspace, and so much room in the trunk it’s almost like driving a compact SUV. While wagons will continue to be the underdog here in the United States, these brands are doing the best to produce the best wagons possible to keep us interested — and they’re doing a pretty good job.

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