Best Station Wagons

Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen is the top station wagon overall

The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (Base MSRP: $19,995 to $24,995) edges ahead of the excellent 2011 Subaru Outback (Base MSRP: $23,195 to $31,495) as the 2011 best station wagon overall, according to reviews. While the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedan has been changed significantly for 2011 to compete with more mainstream models, but the Jetta SportWagen remains mostly unchanged, which editors at Edmunds.com say makes it "the all-around better Jetta." Edward Niedermeyer at The Truth About Cars sums up the Jetta SportWagen's appeal: "All of Volkswagen's premium-enthusiast Euro-appeal has been stripped from the Jetta, and been concentrated into the higher-quality, better-driving, more-expensive SportWagen that true Euro-enthusiasts would have ordered anyway."

Improving the SportWagen's base engine's efficiency is the one change Volkswagen has made for 2011. The bump in economy works out to 27 miles per gallon in combined driving. Green-minded buyers may prefer the even more economical 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI (Base MSRP: $24,995), whose four-cylinder turbodiesel engine returns an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway/34 mpg combined – better than any other station wagon currently available. In terms of passenger comfort and utility, it is no different than the standard Jetta SportWagen. The biggest disadvantage the diesel Jetta has versus its gas counterpart is that the TDI commands a $5,000 price premium. In recent years this was mitigated somewhat, as vehicles with economical diesel powertrains like the SportWagen TDI qualified for a $1,300 federal tax credit, but that incentive is expired at the end of 2010.

Reviewers say the Jetta SportWagen has a premium feel, with a very composed ride and attractive interior. Rick Cotta of ConsumerGuide Automotive says the SportWagen is "a step above [its] class in refinement and dynamic feel," and his colleague Tom Appel cites its "restrained good looks" and "near-luxury car interior." Not only is the Jetta Sportwagen attractive and comfortable, it also handles its primary task of hauling people and cargo very effectively. With the rear seats folded, the VW wagon has room for up to 66.9 cubic feet of cargo, and with the seats in place, it still manages 32.8 cubic feet of space; making it almost as practical in that respect as the all-wheel-drive Subaru Outback, which has capacities of 34.3 with the seats in use and 71.3 with them folded.

Ford Flex seats seven in comfort

The boxy styling of the 2012 Ford Flex (Base MSRP: $29,355 to $45,520) not only affords copious room for cargo (83 cubic feet with the second- and third-row seats folded), it is also a huge boon to rear-seat passengers. "Even the third row is sufficient for adults," Edmunds editors say, and "the optional reclining second-row captain's chairs reduce seating capacity to six, but comfort increases and their ability to slide forward expands third-row legroom." They say that extra room allows "six-footers to comfortably fit." Inside Line, which conducted a 29-month long-term test with a 2009 model, says the Flex is the staff's "go-to road trip vehicle" thanks to its space, on-road comfort and myriad amenities.

In 2010, Ford added what ConsumerGuide Automotive calls a "strong and smooth" EcoBoost V6 engine option, a near 100 horsepower gain over the stock V6 that delivers about the same mileage. "Even the most basic 2012 Ford Flex comes packed with creature comforts," and "high-tech features are in abundance," say Edmunds editors. The top-level Flex Titanium can be optioned well enough to compete directly with its Lincoln relative, the MKT, only for several thousand dollars less. Edmunds found family-friendly options: "From a family standpoint, the optional twin-screen entertainment system and second-row refrigerator should keep the kids happy on long drives." If all-wheel drive and a proven track record are your main criteria, the 2011 Subaru Outback (Base MSRP: $23,195 to $31,495) might be a good alternative, though there is only seating for five.

BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is upscale and fun

Edmunds.com editors don't mince words about the 2011 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon (Base MSRP: $37,150 to $39,150): "It's one of the finest automobiles on the globe." A perennial favorite among critics and consumers, the 3 Series continues to impress reviewers, whether as a sedan, coupe or station wagon. "The 3 Series wagon combines straightforward controls, a comfortable but firm ride, and excellent dynamics," Car and Driver editors say. "The BMW offers a mature, classic look," according to Winding Road's John Beltz Snyder, and credible sources report that the rear seats are sized to fit two adults in comfort. The wagon offers a maximum cargo capacity of 61 cubic feet, compared to the 51 cubic feet of the 2012 Audi A4 (Base MSRP: $36,400).

The 3 Series Sports Wagon offers standard rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available. The only engine choice is a three-liter inline six-cylinder that produces 230 horsepower – "hardly a slouch," according to Edmunds editors. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. The 3 Series Sport Wagon's EPA fuel Economy ratings aren't as good as other more economical wagons – the Volkswagen SportWagen TDI bests this segment with 34 mpg in combined driving - but the 3 Series returns up to 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway/21 mpg combined when fitted with rear-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Scion xB for budget trendiness

The 2011 Scion xB (Base MSRP: $16,000 to $18,405) takes the top budget wagon spot in ConsumerSearch's wagon buying guide. Editors at Edmunds.com describe the xB's styling as "dripping with hipster cool." "The firm and controlled ride is impressive for the class" according to ConsumerGuide Automotive. "Scion hasn't abandoned its goal of trying to stay ahead of the game in those areas that matter most to young buyers," note Edmunds editors, and for that demographic the xB can be had with what they call an "audiophile-friendly" Release Series 8.0 trim package, which incorporates a premium audio system. New for the 2011 model year are amenities like a telescopic steering column and patterned upholstery.

Kelley Blue Book editors enjoy the xB's "spirited" inline-four engine, which develops 158 horsepower, though "highway passing power disappoints." ConsumerGuide Automotive editors say the Scion is "practical and refined, but the xB is not the fuel sipper it once was." According to government tests, mileage estimates are 22mpg city/28mpg highway/24 mpg city for both the standard five-speed manual and the available four-speed. By comparison, the 2011 Nissan Cube (Base MSRP: $14,740 to $21,640) averages 29 mpg in combined driving.

Subaru Outback is the best SUV alternative

Kelley Blue Book puts it plainly: "If you need the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive but shudder at the thought of driving a big, fuel-inefficient SUV, the [2011] Subaru Outback is the answer." "The Outback is an excellent choice. It's roomy and nice to drive," writes Jack Stewart of ConsumerGuide Automotive.

The current 2011 Subaru Outback (Base MSRP: $23,195 to $31,495) is bigger than previous generations inside and out, but "still represents a terrific value," say editors at U.S. News Rankings and Reviews. They also comment on updated styling: "Broad wheel arches, substantial-looking roof racks and tasteful lower body cladding complement its wagon-like window line and proportions." Reviewers also say the back seat is spacious.

Making its list for the second year in a row, Kiplinger names the Outback "Best in Class," partially for its "strong resale values and heaps of utility." 71.3 cubic feet of cargo space are available with the Subaru's seats folded, which is comparable to the 72 maximum cubic feet of the pricier 2011 Volvo XC70 (Base MSRP: $32,150 to $38,200)and better than the 69 cubic feet of the 2011 Ford Edge (Base MSRP: $27,640 to $36,925). All-wheel drive is standard, and its 8.7 inches of ground clearance bests SUVs like the 2011 Land Rover LR2 (Base MSRP: $35,700), with 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Compared to Subaru's own 2011 Forester (Base MSRP: $20,495 to $29,995) SUV, Edmunds.com editors say, "the Outback differs with a higher-quality interior, a quieter and more comfortable ride and a more carlike driving position."

Several notable runners-up wagons

Our research identifies only a few wagons as best in class, but that doesn't mean the other wagons on the road don't have their pluses.

Returning to production after a short hiatus, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 4matic Wagon (Base MSRP: $56,200) has "overall refinement and spaciousness" and the unique rear-facing third-row seat stand out in this class, making the Benz "a very premium wagon indeed," write Edmunds.com editors. ConsumerGuide Automotive's Jack Stewart says the 2011 Volvo XC70 (Base MSRP: $32,150 to $38,200) "is a good alternative to an SUV. However, with options it becomes expensive."

As for the 2011 Kia Soul (Base MSRP: $13,300 to $18,495), Stewart thinks it "has great interior room in a small package. It is also comfortable and fun to drive around town." His colleague Ed Piotrowski says "the sport model gets extremely fidgety over bumps taken at higher speeds." Other sources note that the Hyundai Elantra Touring (Base MSRP: $15,995 to $19,495) may not be the most refined wagon available, but it's a good, practical choice overall.