Station wagons were a hallmark of American family transportation between the 1950s and 1970s, symbolizing practicality and versatility. Once popularized by models like the Mercury Commuter and Chrysler Town and Country Wagon, their dominance waned as SUVs took over the market. Today, station wagons are primarily crafted by European automakers, offering a compelling alternative to compact SUVs with their agility, spaciousness, and often performance-oriented designs.
Modern station wagons combine luxury, performance, and practicality, providing an attractive option for buyers seeking a balance of style and function. Some models focus on off-road capabilities, while others highlight sporty or luxurious features, catering to a variety of preferences. The 2024 lineup showcases these versatile vehicles, offering drivers a mix of utility and excitement.
This exploration highlights five standout 2024 station wagons: the Audi A4 Allroad, Audi A6 Allroad, Audi RS6 Avant, Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Wagon, and Mini Clubman. Each model brings unique strengths and caters to distinct audiences, from budget-conscious buyers to luxury performance enthusiasts.
2024 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Wagon
The Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Wagon stands out with its elegant design and refined driving experience. Powered by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder mild hybrid system, it produces 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth acceleration and handling. While not designed for extreme off-roading, its 7.0-inch ground clearance handles snowy and rough roads with ease. A redesigned exterior and cabin for 2024 further enhance its appeal.
Priced at an estimated $75,000, the E450 All-Terrain offers a premium interior with a digital dashboard, although some users may find the interface challenging. Fuel economy is moderate at 21/28 mpg, and cargo space measures up to 64.6 cubic feet. While it excels in luxury and handling, it lacks the ruggedness of dedicated off-road vehicles.
For those who value style, comfort, and road manners over extreme off-road capability, the E450 All-Terrain is a sophisticated and practical choice, ideal for luxury-minded wagon enthusiasts.
2024 Audi RS6 Avant
For those craving high performance, the Audi RS6 Avant delivers exhilarating speed and luxury. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine generates an impressive 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds. Larger turbochargers and a slight boost in PSI make the 2024 model quicker than its predecessor. Despite its performance focus, the RS6 Avant remains versatile and comfortable for everyday use.
However, its six-figure starting price of $126,895 puts it out of reach for many buyers. Additionally, its fuel economy of 15/22 mpg reflects the trade-offs of its powerful engine. While luxurious and fast, the RS6 Avant offers less audible growl compared to similar high-performance vehicles, which may disappoint enthusiasts.
For buyers who prioritize performance and exclusivity, the RS6 Avant is a remarkable choice. Its blend of speed, practicality, and premium features cement its place as one of the most desirable wagons of 2024.
2024 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback remains a beloved option for those seeking a rugged yet affordable wagon. With a starting price of $30,240, it provides excellent value, including Subaru’s renowned all-wheel-drive system. The 2024 Outback Wilderness trim elevates its off-road capability with all-terrain tires, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and a skid plate, making it a compelling choice for adventure-seekers.
On the downside, the Outback’s powertrains lack the refinement of some competitors, and the infotainment system could use upgrades. A low-resolution backup camera is another drawback. Despite these issues, the Outback offers ample cargo space (up to 75.6 cubic feet) and a smooth ride, making it versatile for family trips or rugged outings.
As a blend of affordability, capability, and practicality, the Subaru Outback continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Its off-road chops and extensive trim options make it a reliable choice for adventurous families.
2024 Mini Clubman
The Mini Clubman offers distinctive styling and an engaging driving experience at an affordable price. Its compact dimensions make it one of the smallest wagons on the market, but it compensates with a spirited 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. The John Cooper Works variant takes performance further with 301 horsepower, delivering an exhilarating ride for just $42,400.
While its cargo space and passenger room are limited, the Mini Clubman’s affordability and fun-to-drive nature make it appealing. Downsides include a rough ride and fuel economy that lags behind other small wagons. Additionally, the model is being discontinued after February 2024, adding urgency for interested buyers.
For those seeking an affordable and unique wagon with sporty performance, the Mini Clubman is a standout. Its engaging handling and distinctive charm make it a fitting swan song for the model.
2024 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
The Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo pushes the boundaries of what a wagon can be. As an all-electric model, it offers staggering performance, with the Turbo S version accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds. Its sleek and futuristic design positions it as a leader in the electrified future of wagons. Buyers can select from a range of configurations, tailoring the vehicle to their preferences.
However, its incredible performance comes with notable trade-offs. The Taycan Cross Turismo’s range is limited to 235 miles, which may disappoint those expecting more for its $103,550 starting price. Additionally, its cargo space of 42.8 cubic feet (with rear seats folded) falls short compared to other wagons. Despite these limitations, the Cross Turismo delivers an exhilarating driving experience, setting a new standard for electric wagons.
For buyers seeking cutting-edge technology, speed, and electric innovation, the Taycan Cross Turismo is unmatched. While it may lack some practicality, its thrilling acceleration and bold design make it a standout choice for performance enthusiasts.
2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country
The Volvo V90 Cross Country builds on the strengths of its smaller sibling, offering more space and power. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 295 horsepower, giving it a noticeable performance boost over the V60. With 69 cubic feet of cargo space and a refined interior, it caters to families seeking luxury and utility. Safety remains a highlight, with top-tier ratings and comprehensive standard features.
Despite its strengths, the V90 Cross Country has room for improvement. The transmission can feel sluggish, and its ride quality isn’t as smooth as some competitors. Additionally, rivals like the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain offer superior performance and refinement, though often at a higher cost.
For buyers looking for a spacious, stylish, and capable wagon, the V90 Cross Country is a solid choice. Its combination of safety, design, and practicality ensures its place among the best luxury wagons of 2024.
2024 Audi A4 Allroad
The Audi A4 Allroad offers a versatile blend of practicality and sportiness. As the wagon counterpart of the A4 sedan, it addresses the latter’s limited cargo space while maintaining Audi’s signature high-quality interior. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, it feels more robust than its specs suggest. A 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds makes it a standout performer in its class. Notable upgrades for 2024 include a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control.
However, the A4 Allroad has its downsides. Larger wheels can make the ride harsh, and the infotainment software occasionally suffers from glitches. Despite its starting price of $48,590, it lacks standard blind-spot monitoring, a surprising omission for a premium vehicle. Fuel economy is respectable at 23/30 mpg, and it offers generous cargo space of 58.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down.
For those seeking a sporty and luxurious wagon that handles well and accommodates family needs, the A4 Allroad is a solid option. Its combination of features and performance makes it a practical yet premium choice in the station wagon segment.
2024 Volvo V60 Cross Country
The Volvo V60 Cross Country exemplifies safety and practicality in a luxury package. Equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and mild hybrid system, it produces 247 horsepower, making it capable but not the most powerful in its class. Standard features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a pre-collision safety system highlight Volvo’s commitment to safety.
However, the V60 Cross Country faces stiff competition from rivals like the Audi A4 Allroad, which offers better value for the money. Additionally, its infotainment system can be challenging to navigate. Cargo space is modest, with 31.4 cubic feet behind the first row. Still, its comfortable seating, spacious cabin, and refined ride make it a practical choice for families.
The V60 Cross Country is ideal for those prioritizing safety, comfort, and style. While not the most powerful or spacious option, its premium features and dependable design make it a compelling choice in the luxury wagon segment.
2024 Audi A6 Allroad
The Audi A6 Allroad is a step up from the A4 Allroad, offering greater power and refinement. Equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, it balances luxury and rugged capability. The A6 Allroad also boasts 2.0 inches more ground clearance than the A6 sedan, making it suitable for varied road conditions. New features for 2024 include adaptive cruise control, ambient cabin lighting, and remote engine start.
While its starting price of $69,595 positions it as a premium offering, the A6 Allroad justifies its cost with high-end amenities like heated seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and elegant wood trim. The wagon provides a spacious cargo area, with up to 77.9 cubic feet of capacity, making it an ideal family vehicle. However, the transmission could be smoother, and the haptic-touch controls may frustrate some users.
Despite its high cost, the A6 Allroad combines practicality, performance, and luxury, making it a top pick for those willing to invest in a premium wagon with ample power and versatility.