Crossovers are one of the most popular market segments on the modern car market today. They are advertised as a jack-of-all-trades, a vehicle that combines fuel efficiency, off-road capability, and practicality into one package.However, the station wagon does all of this as well, and in many cases, even better than a crossover. If a buyer wants something faster or more off-road capable, there’s a good possibility that a crossover like that can cost a large chunk of change, so why not consider a station wagon instead: a vehicle that can fit in just as much as most crossovers while not compromising on looks and driving dynamics for a fraction of the price. These are 10 station wagons that are better and cheaper than modern SUVs. Mercedes E-Class MB E-Class wagonA midsize luxurious SUV, such as a Genesis GV80 or Volvo XC90, is an expensive car to purchase new. Sure, these models are well-equipped and have nice interiors, but the same can be said for a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class station wagon. The E-Class does one thing better than these models: driving feel.As a luxury mid-size sedan, the ride of the E-Class is smooth and plush, and the interior is well-furnished with a classy combination of wood and leather. One of the best options to choose from is the W213 generation, made between 2017 and 2023. A lot of these wagons have depreciated to bargain levels, especially if they’re between five and eight years old, as an E450 wagon can easily be picked up in the mid $30,000 range with relatively low miles. Alternatively, W212 models from the early to mid-2010s can be found in the $20,000 range, with their designs and tech still feeling relatively modern. Subaru Outback 2020 Subaru Outback The modern Subaru Outback has ballooned into a crossover these days. The new Outback is supposed to be a relatively affordable vehicle, with a starting price in the mid-$30,000 range and extending up to $40,000 when optioned. This is quite a lot considering the Outback is a vehicle that's meant to be used for family activities.However, buying a used Outback is the way to go. Low-mileage models made between 2019 and 2020 can be easily found in the $22,000 to $25,000 price range, nearly 50 percent less than a new model. However, models closer to 10 years old can be purchased in the mid-teens. These slightly older Outback models aren’t much different from new ones as they still feature a dependable four-wheel-drive system, robust powertrain, and simple interior, and can fill the same role as a new Outback or any new crossover at a fraction of the cost. Volvo V70/XC70 2008 - 2009 Volvo V70 - front 3/4 angle Buying a crossover for practical purposes is simply wrong. Despite most crossovers being taller and heavier than sedans or hatchbacks, they often have similar levels of cargo room. Wagons, on the other hand, are designed to be practical, taking a sedan platform and adding a massive storage container on the back, a practice that no one does better than Volvo.The best combination of modernity and value Volvo wagons are the V70 and XC70 from the 2000s and early 2010s. The V70 is the more conventional wagon, while the XC70 is its off-road geared sister. Both these models excel in the cargo department. Both models have 20.3 cu-ft of storage with the rear seats up, and 72.1 cu-ft with the seats folded, meaning it can truly haul anything. Both of these can be picked up for under $15,000, and with regular maintenance, these can be just as good as any crossover. Buick Roadmaster 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate wagon front 3/4Some people feel they need to buy an SUV to haul despite the fact that there are many wagons that are just as capable of doing the same job. This is the case with the Buick Roadmaster, a full-size, body-on-frame wagon that's capable of towing up to 5,000 lbs. Roadmasters equipped with the towing package can further improve this figure to 7,000 lbs, truly rivaling some modern SUVs.The Roadmaster is a huge wagon that even features a third row for children. The Roadmaster has become a novelty in recent years as huge wagons such as these have unfortunately gone extinct. Despite that, these can be found at relatively affordable prices, ranging from $10,000–$20,000 for well-kept examples. Audi Allroad 2017 Audi A4 Allroad front 3/4The latest Audi Allroad sold in the US is based on the Audi A4, but receives notable off-roading upgrades to increase its ride height and ground clearance. The Allroad also receives body cladding, adding to the off-road theme. Newer Allroads can be relatively expensive, with models two to three years old costing upwards of $40,000. This is a lot for a used car, so the best compromise is to find a pre-facelift model from 2015 to 2020, as these typically go for under $25,000, more than half the price.These also use the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, meaning there is a compromise there. Despite being over a decade old, the Audi Allroad has aged beautifully, still looking just as sharp today and much better than a similarly priced crossover. BMW 3-Series 2002 BMW 3 Series Touring Buying an engaging luxury crossover can be expensive. Even models like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 are more geared towards daily driving as opposed to driving engagement. The same cannot be said for the E46 BMW 3 Series wagon, one of the last simple mechanical wagons from BMW’s golden years.The E46 wagon was most commonly offered as 325i, featuring a 2.5-liter M54 engine producing 184 hp and 175 lb-ft. While this may not sound like much power, this car is more about the feel, as the E46 3-Series is known for its engaging driving experience. This engine is relatively reliable and easy to work with, and can achieve well over 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.These little sport wagons are also pretty affordable, with prices ranging between $5,000 and $12,000 depending on condition, making this a relatively affordable, entry-level enthusiast wagon. Mini Clubman 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S ALL4 front 3/4 on roadOne major aspect lacking from modern crossovers is the element of fun. Most compact crossovers are extremely underwhelming to drive, with dull four-cylinder engines and CVT transmissions. The solution to this is the Mini Clubman, which combines hot hatch driving dynamics in a more practical body. These can be found with manual transmissions and are light enough to enjoy around corners.All Minis were also available with some decent customization options, as you can find a range of vibrant colors on the second-hand market. Equipped with small 2.0-liter engines, these are also just as efficient as many compact crossovers, and are relatively affordable, with prices ranging between $10,000 to $25,000. Cadillac CTS-V Wagon 2014 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon front 3/4Buying a fast, exciting SUV can be really expensive. M-performance BMW models and AMG Mercedes can easily cost in the six-figure range, especially if seeking a V8 model. The Cadillac CTS-V wagon is the alternative, a fast, practical muscle wagon that’s a respected rarity on roads today.These are comparatively expensive compared to other cars on the list, as these have become more collectible by enthusiasts; they can go for between $50,000 to $70,000. However, this is still a lot of car for the money as a manual, V8-powered American wagon simply doesn’t exist, making the CTS-V a beautiful rarity in the automotive world.These are still fast by modern standards, as the CTS-V features a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 good for 556 hp and 551 lb-ft, more than enough power for a thrill. VW Golf Sportwagen 2015 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack The Golf Wagon is the Mini Clubman’s more grown-up alternative. Whereas the Mini is cutesy and flashy, the Golf is more subtle and restrained. These are very similar vehicles in hindsight, both compact wagons based on hatchbacks.The VW Golf may be the less fun of the two, but it still has plenty to offer. It's larger than the Mini, but offers a manual transmission. The Golf SportWagen came equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 170 hp and can be picked up for around $10,000 to $20,000. There was also the four-wheel drive, off-road oriented Golf Alltrack, a miniature Audi allroad. Toyota Camry Wagon 1996 Toyota CamryA modern crossover is not a car you buy with your heart, but more as a tool to get about and fit your things. If all that you need from a car is to be basic, reliable transportation, then why not choose one of the most dependable cars of all time: a 1990s Toyota Camry, which was briefly offered as a wagon between 1992 and 1996.The 1990s Camry is famously one of the most reliable cars out there, known for reaching hundreds of thousands of miles with basic maintenance. The wagon was an excellent option, featuring 40.5 cu-ft of cargo space with the seats up, making it more spacious than some mid-size SUVs. The best part is that these can be picked up at bargain prices, typically selling for under $10,000. These may not be very exciting cars to drive, but they are guaranteed to get you to your destination.
