Best SUV alternative: which wagon

[DC-T]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

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

Some of the cars on that list I wouldn't use as a shed for a dog.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

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

Fully agree, and it's also incredibly boring to drive too, especially with 4 cyl CVT. But unlike you, after trying several SUVs and few wagons, I didn't try to steer my wife away from it, quite the opposite.

4 years later, I can safely say, I'd buy it it again for her needs and our family in a heartbeat. It's fantastic family vehicle, reliable, functional, crazy amount of space inside and great AWD "for free", decent gas mileage too. She loves it (yes she enjoys driving my car more) but she still loves hers, so, worked out great.

I much prefer look, fit and finish of any Audi or Volvo wagon, and driving dynamics of Audi for sure, don't get me wrong. However you pay extra with both for AWD and "luxury" brand, and they are also simply too small for my family.

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Fully agree, and it's also incredibly boring to drive too, especially with 4 cyl CVT. But unlike you, after trying several SUVs and few wagons, I didn't try to steer my wife away from it, quite the opposite.

4 years later, I can safely say, I'd buy it it again for her needs and our family in a heartbeat. It's fantastic family vehicle, reliable, functional, crazy amount of space inside and great AWD "for free", decent gas mileage too. She loves it (yes she enjoys driving my car more) but she still loves hers, so, worked out great.

I much prefer look, fit and finish of any Audi or Volvo wagon, and driving dynamics of Audi for sure, don't get me wrong. However you pay extra with both for AWD and "luxury" brand, and they are also simply too small for my family.

This.

Though i'd still get the V6

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

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)

They are about the same size, but volvo feels a lot smaller inside when I compared two two. Especially "non existent" rear leg room if driver is tall. This was the main reason why we didn't get one, though we wanted to like it quite badly.

To make sure I'm making sense here, I double checked, numbers back me up (even though they don't always tell the whole story).
http://www.edmunds.com/volvo/xc70/2015/features-specs/
http://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outbac...eatures-specs/

Now I haven't tried E class wagon, but sedan feels cramped inside, for a large vehicle that is, comparing to say 5 series BMW. I'd be surprised if wagon is different except for rear headroom, which is not great in the sedan.
http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz...eatures-specs/

All depends what OP is after, I read "alternative to SUV" as something "lower to the ground but with lots of space". If that's the case, Outback is hard to beat.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

They are about the same size, but volvo feels a lot smaller inside when I compared two two. Especially "non existent" rear leg room if driver is tall. This was the main reason why we didn't get one, though we wanted to like it quite badly.

I also compared the two (I have a volvo), and I thought particulary the boot space of the volvo was bigger.
I didnt compare back seats, I never sit there

What I also dont get is that almost no japanese wagon (subaru, toyota mazda etc, here in europe we get them all by the bucketloads) has a possibility for a nylon safety net when the rear seats are folded down (so just behind the driver/passenger seats), whereas most european wagons have that safety feature as standard (obviously a volvo has all the important safetystuff as standard as they probably all invented it..). That safetynet functions as a 'seatbelt' for all the stuff you have in the boot when in a crash (slows everything down as it stretches). Gives some piece of mind when you haul all that wood I see in that saab.

But the merc E class wagen is even much much bigger as I wrote. Biggest in its class as has been for decades.
It dwarfs for instance a 5 touring (which is in reality not bigger and less practical than a volvo v70).
Audi A6 is also decent. But both the e class as the a6 are considerably more expensive especially with options.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

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 ...

Nice.

I happen to own a Jetta SportWagen, actually. I too, have been impressed with its capacity. It can definitely haul some big loads, similar to what you show there in your pictures. According to the advertised specs the 9-3 has 72 cu. ft., the Jetta has 70 cu. ft., and the Golf has 66 cu. ft. So they are pretty close even if it doesn't appear that way.

Anyway, like I say, I would have the Volvo V90 square in my sights if I needed something bigger. The V90 looks spectacular while the E350 is stodgy and dated, on its way out, and probably more costly than the base V90 will be. Now a used one on the other hand might be a good value - not sure, haven't checked prices.

Originally Posted by Bbb34

All depends what OP is after, I read "alternative to SUV" as something "lower to the ground but with lots of space". If that's the case, Outback is hard to beat.

OP isn't in the market. In fact, he doesn't even live in the US. He just asked out of curiosity it seems.

[Alfisti]

Wow those numbers surprise me, the Jetta felt a much smaller car. Numbers are a bit weird though, officially the X1 (which we own for now) has 58 cu. ft of space and it is NOWHERE NEAR the 9-3. And i mean a million miles away. It can barely carry it's own wheels and tyres.

Officially the Q6 also has 58 Cu Ft and it is much larger than an X1. My father in law has one, my 9-3 is larger for sure but the Q5 is much larger than an X1.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

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

Looks are subjective, because I think the Subaru Outback is beautifully ugly... if that's a thing LOL.

Subaru Outback is the best of both worlds. It's not as big and cumbersome as a full size SUV, it's not as small as these tiny crossovers, and you get offroad drivability with AWD and ground clearance. Perfect. I can't wait to get one.

[1MOREMOD]

The plastic body cladding doesn't help me like it.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

The plastic body cladding doesn't help me like it.

Ha ha, we own one and I can't argue with you.
New model is a bit nicer, those front and rear fender lines are smoothened quite a bit, nicer grille, nicer brake lights.

It "grows on you" after a while, but pretty it isn't.

[1MOREMOD]

It's also an SUV if you ask me. You get used to whatever you have but don't want to get used to that.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

I also compared the two (I have a volvo), and I thought particulary the boot space of the volvo was bigger.
I didnt compare back seats, I never sit there

Well I just happen to have two kids, call me silly, but I'd like them to be able to go places with us, especially in a wagon tha's kinda meant to be family vehicle.

I disagree with you on Volvo having more trunk space.
They are very close with Subaru having a slight edge, I had them parked side by side and also specs. I provided, both from same reliable source confirm this. Trust me I loved everything about that xc70 (especially sleek dashboard and thick wood trim steering wheel) but was disappointed by seating space for a car that big). Trunk was OK, but it's not bigger than Subaru.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

It's also an SUV if you ask me.

Just don't tell that to my wife, even worse don't hint that it might be minivan.

Look I couldn't care less, I'd never buy one for myself only, and am fully aware if it's faults.
I'm just saying as a family vehicle it's a fantastic, safe, reliable so very functional (roof racks built in, reclining rear seats, AWD on every model, immense seating and trunk space and fairly reasonably priced vehicle.

Yeah I'd much rather own RS6, no doubt.

[1MOREMOD]

Agreed. It is utilitarian.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

Just don't tell that to my wife, even worse don't hint that it might be minivan.

Look I couldn't care less, I'd never buy one for myself only, and am fully aware if it's faults.
I'm just saying as a family vehicle it's a fantastic, safe, reliable so very functional (roof racks built in, reclining rear seats, AWD on every model, immense seating and trunk space and fairly reasonably priced vehicle.

Yeah I'd much rather own RS6, no doubt.

Agreed. It's not too expensive, safe, reliable, highly functional, drives like a car, and being fairly inconspicuous, I feel like I could do more in an Outback than an RS6. Like drive it on the dirt, get it nice and dirty. Put pets in it etc.

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by jmg

Agreed. It's not too expensive, safe, reliable, highly functional, drives like a car, and being fairly inconspicuous, I feel like I could do more in an Outback than an RS6. Like drive it on the dirt, get it nice and dirty. Put pets in it etc.

And if you're a skier, which 4 of us all are, light or heavy snow (great clearance) just crazy good winter car.

I agree with you that because of the price, you don't mind pets, taking it camping, off road, loading with all kinds of outdoor gear having a bike rack and roof box and/or having kids wreck it a bit inside too. Utilitarian describes it perfectly.

[patb23]

CTS-V wagon

[Alfisti]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

The plastic body cladding doesn't help me like it.

Needs to be body coloured ala the Audi Allroad if you select the (expensive) option, though the Allroad is a size smaller here with only the A4 available.

This A6 Allroad is what i would buy if available here .....

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by patb23

CTS-V wagon

"US market current models only" <- from OP

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

This A6 Allroad is what i would buy if available here

Yeah, that or F11 (5 series wagon) if it was available here.

[BEM-S4]

I'm surprised no one has tried to claim the Ferrari FF as a true wagon and add it to the list.

[W///]

My dream wagon at the moment:


Also a big fan of the V90:


But realistically, these are what I'd consider adding to the fleet when my beater 4Runner dies