Top Picks for Wagon Excellence: Leading Brands to Explore

Wagons have long been cherished for their versatility and practicality, offering the space of an SUV with the driving dynamics of a sedan. In recent years, the market has seen a surge in high-quality wagon models from a variety of premium and mainstream brands, each bringing unique design and performance attributes to the table. Top contenders in this category include renowned names like Audi, with their luxurious yet robust options, and Subaru, known for their reliable all-wheel-drive systems perfectly suited for all terrains. Meanwhile, Volvo continues to impress with its balance of safety and stylish Nordic design. For a detailed exploration of these leading brands and their standout wagon models, we invite you to explore the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of wagon

Best brands of wagon in 2025

Subaru

Subaru, a renowned wagon producer, holds a significant 85.7% share of the US wagon market with the Outback model alone accounting for 1.2% of the total car sales in 2018, and continues to be a top seller with 13,991 units sold in September 2024, while the Crosstrek had its best September ever with 16,633 sales, proving the brand's continued success and popularity. Although the Legacy sedan will be discontinued in 2025 due to market shifts, the brand's wagon models continue to be a strong choice for consumers looking for space, versatility, and reliability, and the Outback maintains its reputation as a top contender in the wagon segment, often considered a more capable alternative to SUVs.

Volvo

Volvo, a Swedish automaker, has a long and storied history of producing exceptional wagons, starting with the Duett in 1953, and has sold over six million wagons globally, representing a third of their total output since 1927, cementing their reputation as a leader in the estate segment. The V60 and V90 models continue this tradition, offering both luxury and practicality with up to 69 cubic feet of cargo space in the V90 Cross Country, which accounted for 49.9% of V90 sales in 2023, although traditional wagon sales were down by 4.6%. Volvo's commitment to safety is evident in the standard features such as City Safety auto-braking technology; as of October 2024, Volvo's electrified models make up 48% of their total sales globally. For more information, visit their official website.

Audi

Audi has established itself as a premier producer of wagons, with models like the A4 allroad consistently capturing around 20% of the luxury wagon market share since 2020, showcasing their blend of practicality and performance; the brand's commitment to quattro all-wheel drive ensures superior handling in diverse conditions, while the RS 6 Avant, with its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivers exhilarating performance, making them a top choice for discerning drivers; Audi's wagon legacy, dating back to the 1970s with the Audi 100 Avant, continues with cutting-edge technology integrated into each model, offering drivers advanced assistance and connectivity.

BMW

BMW stands out as a premier wagon producer, with a history dating back to the 1980s when engineer Max Reisbock created a modified 3 Series, leading to the first BMW wagon; while wagons make up 70% of all BMW 3 series sales in Germany, they only account for 20% worldwide, and less than 1% of the 3 series sales in the US are wagons, highlighting the different market preferences. Iconic models include the E34 M5 Touring, the first M division wagon, and the modern G81 M3 Touring. BMW produced only 5,553 328d wagons in the US market between 2014-2018, emphasizing their rarity. The 2025 BMW M5 is the newest addition to the BMW wagon lineup, with more models expected in the future.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz stands out as a top producer of wagons, with a history of models like the E-Class that have become synonymous with luxury and utility, and while they had a 4.55% market share in 2022, their focus on high-end vehicles helped them achieve significant sales with over 2 million vehicles sold in 2023, including a 51% increase in electric van sales and an 11% increase in G-Class sales, demonstrating their ability to innovate while maintaining brand prestige, and despite a trend towards SUVs, they continue to offer versatile wagons like the E-Class All-Terrain with a starting price of $74,700 for the 2024 model. For more information on their current wagon models, you can visit their website.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen stands as a prominent wagon producer, offering models like the Golf, Passat, and Arteon, with the Golf wagon boasting over 600L of boot space, and the Passat wagon providing up to 650L, blending practicality with style. Globally, the Volkswagen brand saw a 6.7% increase in shipments to about 4.87 million vehicles in 2023, proving their continued popularity and market relevance. The company's wagon range provides a unique combination of spaciousness and performance. You can explore more at Volkswagen's wagon models.

Toyota

Toyota, a leading automaker, has consistently produced high-quality wagons, capturing a significant market share, with models like the Camry wagon achieving over 15% sales in the 1990s. The modern Corolla wagon continues this tradition of practicality and reliability, further establishing Toyota as a top choice in the wagon segment. With their hybrid options available, they are leading the green movement in family vehicles.

Kia

Kia, a South Korean automotive manufacturer founded in 1944, has established itself as a notable producer of wagons, with models like the Ceed Sportswagon praised for its roomy interior and excellent fuel consumption, and the Soul, known for its boxy shape and spacious cargo area. In 2022, Kia achieved a record 4.8% European market share, selling 542,423 units, a 7.9% increase from the previous year, demonstrating its growing popularity and reliability. Kia's global revenue reached $52 billion in 2022, with SUVs making up 57% of that revenue, showcasing its strength in the larger vehicle segment, including wagons and crossovers. You can explore their current models at Kia's official website.

Buick

Buick, a brand with a rich history dating back to the early 1900s, has been a notable producer of wagons, with the first Buick Estate wagon appearing in 1940 featuring a wooden body and a large 121-inch wheelbase. While the Estate line was briefly retired, it returned in 1970 as a full-size wagon with a 124-inch wheelbase. More recently, the Buick Regal TourX, introduced in 2018, has seen success with sales reaching approximately 40% of all Regal models in 2019, appealing to a wealthier demographic with its luxurious features and powerful 250-horsepower turbocharged engine.

Peugeot

Peugeot, with a legacy dating back to 1882, has consistently proven its expertise in crafting exceptional wagons, with over 30% of their production dedicated to wagon models in recent years, and the 308 SW model achieving a 25% market share in Europe during 2023, solidifying its position as a leader in the category; this family-oriented model was awarded the prestigious "Family Car of the Year" award in 2022, showcasing the brand's commitment to both design and practicality. Explore the full range of Peugeot wagons.