Wagons only!!!
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 69,224
Likes: 4,221
From: Maryland
I think both have their place. The wagon gives you the sedan driving feel AND space. The best SUVs still don't feel like sedans. Wagons also have about the same cargo capacity as a compact or midsized 2 row SUV. So, if you needed a Yak-rack on a wagon you probably would have needed one on an SUV too.
Personally I don't love the sedan driving experience so much that I would get a wagon over an SUV. If I was going to spend $95k on an E450 wagon for instance I would get a GLE580...or an X5 V8, or a Range Rover Sport. But, people are out there who love those wagons. I have a friend who has an RS6 Avant and he loves it.
Personally I don't love the sedan driving experience so much that I would get a wagon over an SUV. If I was going to spend $95k on an E450 wagon for instance I would get a GLE580...or an X5 V8, or a Range Rover Sport. But, people are out there who love those wagons. I have a friend who has an RS6 Avant and he loves it.
Lead Lap
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From: San Diego, CA
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 601
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From: California
I think both have their place. The wagon gives you the sedan driving feel AND space. The best SUVs still don't feel like sedans. Wagons also have about the same cargo capacity as a compact or midsized 2 row SUV. So, if you needed a Yak-rack on a wagon you probably would have needed one on an SUV too.
Personally I don't love the sedan driving experience so much that I would get a wagon over an SUV. If I was going to spend $95k on an E450 wagon for instance I would get a GLE580...or an X5 V8, or a Range Rover Sport. But, people are out there who love those wagons. I have a friend who has an RS6 Avant and he loves it.
Personally I don't love the sedan driving experience so much that I would get a wagon over an SUV. If I was going to spend $95k on an E450 wagon for instance I would get a GLE580...or an X5 V8, or a Range Rover Sport. But, people are out there who love those wagons. I have a friend who has an RS6 Avant and he loves it.
Most wagons have comparable or larger cargo space to the SUVs in their segments due to longer cargo space (though height is usually less), ie A6 allroad has the same cargo capacity as the larger Q8, and more cargo with the seats folded down.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 26, 2026 at 04:23 PM.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,700
Likes: 290
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Probably the worst-handling SUV I ever sampled was the gargantuan 7000-lb. Ford Excursion. That thing was simply awful. Even trying to drive in a straight line, it was all over the road. It scared me....and I was used to test-driving and reviewing many different vehicles. The miniscule Smart-for-Two, a the other end of the spectrum, was also terrible, but in a different kind of way.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 69,224
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From: Maryland
Well the Outback you owned is a wagon, not a crossover. That generation Outback was unquestionably a wagon. The Encore GX is small, but in a corner you’ll still be able to tell it’s a taller vehicle. It’s a subtle difference with modern crossovers though.
For me, comparing my big sedan to say a Range Rover or a GLS or X7 or something, you can definitely feel a difference.
For me, comparing my big sedan to say a Range Rover or a GLS or X7 or something, you can definitely feel a difference.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 330
Likes: 23
From: MA
I realize SUVs have come a long way from their origins and their handling has improved. It’s unfair to compare sport wagons to small crossover SUVs. The Audi, MB and even my Volvo Polestar are different beasts We’re talking about sub 5 0-60 and frame and suspensions tuned for handling and performance. My Volvo has fully adjustable Ohlins to fine tune the type of rides and handling the owner desires. I know Porsche and other premium brands are producing very driver oriented SUVs so I think in the end some of us just like cars, and in my case it’s been lifelong(74 years old). Honestly from the first SUV I saw I didn’t like it at all and that hasn’t changed much. If God hasn’t decided this is my last car, my next choice will be limited if I want to stay in a driver oriented wagon. I know Polestar is rumored to be producing a wagonesque EV and that may interest me. I would be open to an EV next time out. I’ve enjoyed this thread as well.
Last edited by JTMav; Apr 27, 2026 at 06:46 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,338
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From: Miami, Florida
There was station wagon and then there was wagon, in the early 90s, this is where the separation began. Audi RS 2 Avant - Wikipedia
