Imagine four people, two weeks of luggage, and a loose plan to chase castles, and every scenic detour possible in Germany. I reserved a midsize SUV because that’s what everyone does these days, but the rental counter offered me a Mercedes-Benz E 220 T-Modell instead. Mercedes calls a station wagon a T-Modell in Germany, so I’d be swapping a boxy SUV for a sleeker option.
- Base Trim Engine
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3L I-6 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
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9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
Narrow village lanes, high-speed autobahns, and ridiculously small parking garages loomed in my future, so I said yes, despite not being entirely sure I was making the right choice. Wagons are anathema in the U.S., and when I think about road trips, I think SUVs, but I decided it was a great opportunity to really live with one.
When Wagons Ruled The Road
The station wagon was the go-to car of the ’70s. These long, low cruisers, often adorned in wood-grain accents, had bench seats that could seat an entire Little League team. They were also the Holy Grail of childhood with rear-facing third rows where kids waved at following traffic like royalty. Yep, completely illegal today, but let’s just forget that little detail.
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What was once a staple on the market has all but disappeared. Here is what happened to the American station wagon and what it needs for a comeback.
Those wagons were the original family adventurers. They swallowed hockey bags, lawn chairs, and golden retrievers without breaking a sweat. Once minivans, and later SUVs, became all the rage, station wagons became the automotive equivalent of bell-bottoms. They were uncool, and we all bought into the hype of big, boxy vehicles even though most of us never leave the pavement. No, tackling the field of parking at the state fair doesn’t count.
Driving The Autobahn
The beauty of the autobahn is its sections of unrestricted speeds. You can drive fast, far faster than you’re allowed to in the U.S. unless you’re willing to risk a hefty fine. The left lane of the Autobahn is truly only for those with a heavy right foot. I gave it a go, and it was absolutely brilliant driving this wagon at high speeds.
An SUV might match the velocity on paper, but the sensation is numb by comparison. Higher centers of gravity mean more lean, more secondary motion, and a constant reminder that you’re piloting a top-heavy box. A wagon, with its low center of gravity, is far more at home and more fun to drive than a big old SUV.
Load Up All The Luggage
Four adults plus two weeks of clothes, shoes, and souvenirs should have been a Tetris nightmare, yet everything disappeared into the cargo area with room for spontaneous finds. Cargo capacity is a big deal for SUVs, but they rarely mention the real-world gymnastics of hoisting bags into that cargo space. The wagon makes loading feel civilized.
Even at the end of the trip with our bags pushing the airline weight limits, it was far easier to load up our luggage than it would have been with a taller SUV. A low load floor is not to be underestimated. And when it came to parking, especially in towns with roads better suited to horses than cars, our trusty wagon eased into spots that would leave an SUV driver muttering creative curses.
A Space For Conversation
The best road trips run on conversation, and the wagon’s sedan-like interior kept everyone in the same cozy acoustic space. It was easy for all four of us to carry on a conversation without having to raise our voices to be heard. A wagon has plenty of room, but with the perks of a sedan for creating a more passenger-friendly space.
Too many SUVs feel like mobile conference rooms with the second row marooned in a different time zone. Voices get lost, kids feel isolated, and the whole group dynamic suffers. The wagon brings everyone together the old-fashioned way. Entry is effortless, too, with no need to step up. If you’re short, or if kids are along for the ride, this makes everyday life easier.
Rare Gems Still Shine Bright
True station wagons still exist in the United States, even if the selection is heartbreakingly small. Audi sells the A6 allroad, Mercedes-Benz offers the E-Class All-Terrain, BMW has the M5 Touring, and Porsche has the Taycan Cross Turismo. These are some of the brave few who dare call themselves wagons.
Why European Wagons Are Still Cool—Even If Americans Don’t Want Them
The station wagon is still a big deal over the Atlantic and automakers are still refining the same classic recipe of power, style, and hauling ability
Then there are the stealth wagons, the hatchbacks that do everything wagons do but refuse to say the word because the stigma is so strong. This includes the new Kia K4 Hatchback with its low load floor and surprising room. It’s the same recipe with a different label, proving the idea is alive and well even when the name is too scary to use.
All Hail The Wagon
Our wagon spoiled us rotten with comfort that coddled without isolating, handling that put SUVs to shame, and practicality that never required compromise. While an SUV promises you can conquer anything in sight, it doesn’t deliver the same driving experience found in something more nimble, like a wagon.
Station wagons prove you can carry people and stuff without sacrificing engagement. America walked away once, seduced by height and clever marketing. Next time you’re shopping, skip the predictable crossover aisle and hunt down one of the rare wagons that still exist, or the hatchbacks that are wagons in disguise.