Before crossovers and SUVs took over the world, the station wagon reigned supreme. Long roofs, low centers of gravity, and just enough ground clearance to get you through a snowy driveway or a gravel road; the best wagons were the practical alternative to both sports sedans and bulky 4x4s. You didn’t need an SUV when a wagon could haul kids, kayaks, and groceries while still being fun to drive. These were cars made for road trips, not parking lots. And now, as the wagon makes a niche comeback, we’re reminded of just how good things were before everything had to sit six inches higher and look “rugged.”Today’s wagons are mostly specialty models, built for enthusiasts and buyers who remember life before the SUV arms race. But the appeal hasn’t faded — if anything, the few wagons are more desirable than ever. Whether you’re after Swedish style, German power, or Japanese durability, these five wagons prove that utility and driving engagement don’t have to be mutually exclusive.To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources. Subaru Outback Cargo Space: 75.6 Cu. Ft. W/ Seats Down The Subaru Outback has always blurred the line between wagon and crossover, but early models were undeniably wagons — with car-like handling and just enough lift to tackle a dirt trail. Even today, it remains one of the last holdouts in the long-roof world, and it’s easy to see why. The Outback gives you standard all-wheel drive, an available flat-six engine (on older models), and rugged styling without going full-SUV.2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness Front Angle ViewThe best part? You don’t have to pay luxury prices to get into one. Outbacks are affordable, reliable, and built with practicality in mind. They’re not flashy, but they get the job done — whether that job is hauling gear, dogs, or weekend warrior dreams. Volvo V90 Cargo Space: 69 Cu. Ft. W/ Seats Down The Volvo V90 is one of the last true full-size luxury wagons — a stunning blend of minimalist Scandinavian design and modern tech. It may not shout for attention like some German rivals, but the V90 has presence. From the Thor’s Hammer LED lights to the clean, wood-trimmed cabin, this wagon exudes understated confidence.2025 Volvo V90 Cross-CountryWhat makes the V90 special is how effortlessly it handles family duty while feeling like a premium experience. It’s quiet, comfortable, and loaded with safety features. Just don’t expect it to be sporty — even the Cross Country version leans more elegant than athletic. Audi A6 Allroad Cargo Space: 58 Cu. Ft. W/ Seats Down The Audi A6 Allroad strikes a perfect balance between luxury and capability. It’s essentially a lifted A6 Avant with fender cladding and air suspension — think of it as a thinking person’s crossover. You get Quattro all-wheel drive, a buttery-smooth turbo V6, and a spacious interior wrapped in leather and brushed aluminum.2025 Audi A6 Allroad (5)It’s not a canyon carver, but it is an excellent road trip machine. The A6 Allroad feels like it was built for autobahn blasts and snowy mountain getaways. If you want SUV practicality without SUV compromises, this is the wagon to get. BMW M5 Touring Cargo Space: 57.6 Cu. Ft. W/ Seats Down The M5 Touring is the unicorn of performance wagons — and one that never officially came to the U.S. It’s the kind of car that combines supercar speed with wagon versatility, packing a twin-turbocharged V8 under the hood and enough cargo room for your weekend Costco run.2025 BMW M5 Touring in matte black driving on roadYou’ll mostly see the E34 and E61 versions popping up in enthusiast circles and on Bring a Trailer. They’re rare, fast, and surprisingly practical, making them one of the most sought-after performance long-roofs in existence. Finding one in good condition is tough — but for those lucky enough to own one, the M5 Touring is a dream machine. Audi RS6 Avant Cargo Space: 59.3 Cu. Ft. W/ Seats Down The Audi RS6 Avant is what happens when engineers are allowed to build a muscle car in wagon form. It’s wide, aggressive, and brutally fast — with a twin-turbo V8, Quattro grip, and an exhaust note that can scare small children. Yet it’s also refined when you need it to be, offering all the tech, space, and luxury of a premium executive car.A parked Audi RS6 AvantUnlike the M5 Touring, the RS6 Avant finally made its way to the U.S. in recent years, and it instantly became a cult favorite. There’s something inherently cool about a family wagon that can outrun most sports cars — and still carry your camping gear in the back.