Best SUV alternative: which wagon

[wuufer001]

Just curious to see how members here would choose their best wagon if it was your only vehicle. US market current models only NO SUV

should be interesting
EU and other countries would have lots more choices, so lets just limit to the US and see what you like best

[bobblehead]

e63 wagon is the ONLY way to go

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by wuufer001

Just curious to see how members here would choose their best wagon if it was your only vehicle. US market current models only NO SUV

should be interesting
EU and other countries would have lots more choices, so lets just limit to the US and see what you like best

If you want useful data, you should list the available wagons in the US:

VW Golf SportWagen
Toyota Prius V
Volvo V60
Volvo V60 Polestar
BMW 3 Series Touring
Volvo V90 (soon)
Mercedes E350 Estate
Mercedes E63 Estate

Depending on one's definition, the following may also qualify:

VW Golf SportWagen Alltrack (soon)
MINI Clubman
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC70
Audi Allroad Quattro

If the definition is stretched even further, other choices may be debated (not a complete list):

Mazda CX3
Mercedes GLA
Mercedes GLA45
Toyota Corolla iM (formerly Scion iM)
Ford Flex

[Fanta]

After test drive a Mercedes GLA 45, exhaust sound like broken glass.
GPS system and Computer GUI is totally outdate!

[mkoesel]

For me the clear winner would be the V60 Polestar.

However, I would not buy one without trying the GLA45 first. Even though I would not suggest it is truly a wagon, it is close enough in form that it can achieve wagon-like driving dynamics.

[Alfisti]

I drive a 9-3 wagon, i am a huge fan of the wagon form factor but truth be told i feel the ideal solution is to be "half pregnant", so not SUV but very slightly raised wagon. Best of both worlds. Think the ride height of the X-1, that's perfect. The A4 Allroad is perfect too, so long as the cladding is body coloured, but too small.

Most modern wagons are too small, both the V60 and the A4 are just too damned small, as is the 3 series. With two kids i'd go the Merc E350 assuming I do not have megabucks for a CTS-V, AMG or RS6 import.

[BEM-S4]

Just bought dad a 328 wagon will do stage 1 Dinan. Coming from a Allroad I bought him a year ago which is also a very nice wagon. If you stretch your wagon def the Macan is amazing and the new XC60 due out next year should be awesome.

E63 is the clear winner for what's available stateside but I'm limiting my recommendations to things that are more reasonable $-wise.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I drive a 9-3 wagon,

...

Most modern wagons are too small, both the V60 and the A4 are just too damned small, as is the 3 series.

Aren't all three of those larger than your 9-3?

In any case, I'd probably hold out for the new V90 next year if I needed a large wagon.

[Red Bread]

Finding a manual wagon is nearly impossible. I've got a Mazda3, which is more than enough for a dog, a kid in a rear facing seat and a mountain bike. Not fast, and wrong wheel drive, but honestly more fun than our F30.

[overcoil]

What are the Volvo 60 wagon interiors like ? How do they compare to BMW 3

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

What are the Volvo 60 wagon interiors like ? How do they compare to BMW 3

Quality is ok but I'm not a huge fan of the layout. Seats were really nice though. That said I'd wait for the new stuff w the Chinese $ behind it. The interior of the XC90 for example is gorgeous.

[1MOREMOD]

We have a new gold sportswagon tdi and like it except for the while tdi fiasco. I would consider 328d wagon and have always liked ctsv wagons

[Bbb34]

Well if you're looking at SUV alternative, same amount of space, really the only choice is Subaru Outback.

Plenty of other great wagons otherwise, my personal favorites are Audi and Volvo models, but they aren't SUV alternatives - lot less space inside of these.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Aren't all three of those larger than your 9-3?

Surprisingly no. They are too swoopy and this compromises functionality. The 9-3 is deceptively large for cargo, where it suffers is the very short back seat leg room.

Been shocked what i can fit in the dang thing to be honest.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Quality is ok but I'm not a huge fan of the layout. Seats were really nice though. That said I'd wait for the new stuff w the Chinese $ behind it. The interior of the XC90 for example is gorgeous.

Yeah the older (i.e not XC90) Volvo interiors are looking very 2006.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Well if you're looking at SUV alternative, same amount of space, really the only choice is Subaru Outback.

problem is the latest model is HUGE improvement in term sof refinement and interior if you plumb for the Limited model, however it's FREAKING HUGE, too tall to call a wagon, it's an SUV.

[1MOREMOD]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

problem is the latest model is HUGE improvement in term sof refinement and interior if you plumb for the Limited model, however it's FREAKING HUGE, too tall to call a wagon, it's an SUV.

Don't forget ugly as fak. Glad I was able to steer wife into sportswagon even with diesel issue going on.

[WreckerX5d]

Originally Posted by bobblehead

e63 wagon is the ONLY way to go

I concur.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Well if you're looking at SUV alternative, same amount of space, really the only choice is Subaru Outback.

I think the volvo v70/XC70 has more space (just) in the boot than an outback.
But they're about the same size (xc70 has slightly longer wheelbase and transverse engine which could be the reason for more inner space ).
Merc E class is even more spacious I think, usually largest in its class.

As for best wagons out of that list and if you dont fancy a sporty ride: the new volvo v90 will be epic. (big too)

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Surprisingly no. They are too swoopy and this compromises functionality. The 9-3 is deceptively large for cargo, where it suffers is the very short back seat leg room.

True, if you refer specifically to cargo capacity then I agree that many of the modern wagons, particularly those from luxury makes, come up a bit short. The reason is, they tend to give up some cargo space in favor of passenger space.

Case in point: the Golf SportWagen, a non-luxury car obviously, has more cargo space than any of those three you had mentioned as well. It has almost as much as your 9-3, in fact.

[BEM-S4]

If we broaden the defn a bit the 335 GT is pretty nice too. The rear seats have a TON of leg room and when you fold everything flat decent storage space. Low roof line will be a compromise though. And those can be had really cheap right now bc no one is really sure what to make of it.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Case in point: the Golf SportWagen, a non-luxury car obviously, has more cargo space than any of those three you had mentioned as well. It has almost as much as your 9-3, in fact.

See the thing is, it doesn't, it's not even close. I cross -shopped the jetta wagon and the 9-3 swallowed more "test cargo" (strollers, kids bike etc) than the jetta ... easily. It's quite a bit longer too so better for lumber.

Some examples ....