Upgrade Your Family Road Trips: 14 Station Wagons Worth Driving
Do you spend time stuffing your gear into an SUV and hear about legroom issues from backseat passengers before departing? Station wagons have made a comeback to the automotive scene, reshaping our perception of comfortable travel.
The latest Car and Driver research shows that station wagons deliver exceptional cargo space and ride quality ratings among family vehicles. In contrast, 81% of the families surveyed prefer wagons for road trips over compact crossovers. Vehicle shoppers in families look for models that combine spacious interiors with superior fuel economy, high-tech safety features, and enjoyable driving dynamics.
Wagons fulfill all the essential requirements while offering a nostalgic charm that SUVs cannot match. This list will transform your perspective, making you question why you put your kids (or snacks) in any other vehicle. The following 14 station wagons will transform your next family road trip from stressful to seriously excellent.
Audi A6 Allroad
Your family may not realize it, but they require an SUV-slayer wagon. The A6 Allroad showcases an advanced European design, offering adjustable air suspension for enhanced comfort, a spacious cargo bay for vacation essentials, and all-wheel drive to ensure confidence in any weather conditions.
Car and Driver editors gave this car a 9/10 score for its top-notch cargo space and excellent driving comfort. It delivers 25 mpg combined for extended travel between refueling stops. Looking for a cool tip? The power tailgate feature eliminates back strain when children pack their entire wardrobe.
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has become known as the Swiss Army knife for families because of its versatile features. This wagon combines standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with spacious seating for five and innovative storage options to handle both adventurous paths and everyday errands, such as grocery runs.
Your passengers stay safe throughout every journey thanks to EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and outstanding safety ratings. Gold Rush Subaru claims the vehicle achieves 33 mpg on highways while offering 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Family road trip hack: Folding the rear seats flat creates a makeshift bedroom on wheels.
Volvo V60 / V60 Cross Country
Discover the fashionable Swede who shares genuine insights about family road trips. The V60 Cross Country combines all-wheel drive and advanced driver-assistance technology with impressive fuel efficiency of up to 31 mpg, delivering SUV-level practicality through its minimalist design.
According to Chasing Cars, it combines comfort with safety and understated elegance, making it the perfect choice for parents who value style and need ample space for sports equipment and groceries. The panoramic sunroof? Stargazers seated in the back will find the panoramic sunroof a delightful additional feature.
Audi RS6 Avant
The Audi RS6 Avant transforms your road trip dreams into reality, offering immersive sound effects and pit crew support. The twin-turbo V8 engine powers this machine, delivering an impressive 591 horsepower.
This vehicle achieves 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.5 seconds, while maintaining ample room and comfort. Car and Driver describes the RS6 Avant as a versatile wagon in a standalone category that provides five-passenger seating alongside an expansive trunk to deliver outstanding performance and practicality.
BMW M5 Touring
Luxury meets utility with a bit of adrenaline. The M5 Touring creates unforgettable driving experiences through its plug-in hybrid powertrain and athletic handling capabilities.
The lavish interior combines practicality with 25 miles of electric-only range, perfect for early morning departures while the kids sleep, and ample cargo space for weekend getaways. Carwow describes the vehicle as a dynamic wagon with plug-in hybrid capabilities, demonstrating that eco-friendly technology can still be exciting.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
You can experience the V90 Cross Country’s plush comfort without needing a country club membership. The Volvo V90 Cross Country combines a luxurious leather interior with advanced technology and safety features while providing all-terrain ruggedness for any mixed-weather adventure you seek.
Due to its driver-assistance features and intuitive infotainment system, the V90 Cross Country earned an 8.5 out of 10 rating from Car and Driver. When the seats fold down, the V90 Cross Country has 53.9 cubic feet of storage space, which is enough to pack your tent and inflatable kayak together.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon (E 450 All-Terrain)
This vehicle functions like a five-star hotel on the move. The E-Class Wagon boasts a mild-hybrid turbo engine, cloud-like air suspension, and advanced technology that predicts each driver’s actions. The option to adjust cargo space and add third-row seating makes this vehicle ideal for larger families.
Automotive experts praise the vehicle for its SUV style combined with utility, and its driver-assistance systems allow you to relax somewhat while driving.
Audi A4 Allroad
Do you need all-wheel drive and efficient cargo space without the size of a full-size SUV, and do you want fashionable elegance? The A4 Allroad steps up. This vehicle offers SUV capability while maintaining the agility of a sedan, all at a lower starting price.
Family road trips don’t need long for this model to excel in comfort and practicality. Car and Driver editors found that it met many critical criteria, even for trips that only reach as far as soccer practice.
Audi A5 Allroad
Craving a more coupe-like profile? The A5 Allroad offers a sportier design while maintaining everyday practicality, making it a family favorite, much like the A4 Allroad. This wagon lets parents stay cool while dropping off their kids at camp.
The interior features elegant materials alongside a dynamic infotainment screen. Online user reviews highlight how the car combines a distinctive exterior design with all-weather capability, enhancing road trip photos with extra Instagram appeal.
Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Electrify your next adventure—not just your playlist. According to Porsche’s official data, the Taycan Cross Turismo electric wagon delivers excitement without compromise while charging from 5% to 80% in just 22.5 minutes using a fast charger.
The trunk space expands to 15.7 cubic feet when the seats fold down, while the standard all-wheel drive provides enhanced safety on winding roads. “Practical and quick” describes the BabyDrive’s experience with its family-friendly performance during testing. Save time at gas stations by satisfying everyone with additional servings of ice cream.
Toyota Crown Signia
The all-new Crown Signia from Toyota delivers luxury through its ultra-comfortable seating, spacious legroom, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Critical first impressions suggest the vehicle is “perfect for a baseball road trip,” highlighting its broad utility. The hybrid powertrain allows longer stretches between refueling stops, saving money for snacks during road trips.
Volvo V90
The V90 wagon stands apart from its rugged sibling by offering an elegant wagon experience with exceptional style. Consider the expansive cargo capacity combined with luxurious leather interiors and Volvo’s renowned dedication to safety features.
The 2025 CarBuzz review emphasizes the Volvo V90 wagon’s smooth ride and ample trunk space, which will be valued by anyone who has driven five hours with hungry children. The turbo engine performs well, even following the scenic path, which takes you through hilly areas.
Subaru Outback Wilderness
The standard Outback provides family-friendly features, while the Wilderness model adds beefier tires, underbody protection, and additional ground clearance. The Wilderness trim brings wilderness adventures to life through its specialized suspension system and skid plates.
According to Gold Rush Subaru, this vehicle provides powerful off-road capability with dependable, rugged comfort to meet your adventure needs.
Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo
The Cross Turismo offers exciting vibes, but if you desire a lower stance and more sporty performance, look no further. The Taycan Sport Turismo offers its passengers ample cargo space and Porsche’s renowned precision handling. Drivers who demand performance and zero emissions will find Auto123’s family-friendly package a head-turning solution.
According to user reviews, the vehicle achieves an impressive blend of stylish design and weather adaptability, which enhances the visual appeal of road trip photographs for Instagram.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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