March 2007
What to look for in a wagon or hatchback
Wagons and hatchbacks are available in a variety of models, from the small Toyota Matrix to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz E-Class
wagon. Models like the Subaru Outback and Volvo XC70, with all-wheel drive and a little higher ground clearance, provide reasonable
alternatives to an SUV. (See our complete test results and Ratings for reliability, owner satisfaction, safety, and more, available to subscribers.)
Why buy a wagon or hatchback? Wagons and some hatchbacks combine the cargo-carrying flexibility of a small SUV with the handling, performance, and fuel economy of a sedan. Even a small two-door hatchback provides a lot of cargo room for its size.
Engines and transmissions. Most small and midsized wagons and hatchbacks come with a four- or five-cylinder engine, which typically provides the best fuel economy. For more power, choose a six-cylinder or turbocharged engine. Some modern V6s provide fuel economy that is almost as good or better than a four-cylinder. More-expensive models usually come with a six-cylinder, although some offer an optional V8 for more power. Look for an engine that operates smoothly and quietly. While idling, there should be minimal noise or vibration. Even under hard acceleration, the engine should never be intrusive.
Most models are only available with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are often available for small and sporty models. Manuals usually provide better performance and fuel economy than automatics, and many drivers find them more fun to drive. Many automatics now provide a manual-shift mode that works similar to a manual transmission, but without a clutch.
Front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive? Most models use front-wheel drive, which usually provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions. Some models use rear-wheel drive, which typically provides better handling and steering. All-wheel drive (AWD) models provide significantly better traction in slippery conditions. Traction control, available on many models, also helps provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but it isn’t as effective as all-wheel drive. For more information about drive systems, see our traction-debate report.
Fuel economy. Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. (See our comparison of real-world fuel-economy results for all tested models, available to subscribers.)
Access. When comparing models, try entering and exiting from all four doors. A well-designed model should provide wide doors and enough head room so that both front and rear passengers can enter and exit easily without bumping their heads.
Seating. Most models provide seating for five, two front and three rear passengers. But the middle rear position is often tight and uncomfortable for adults. Sit in each seat to gauge its comfort. Look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt rather than a lap belt. Some models offer a front bench seat, with three seating positions. But the center position is cramped and unsafe because it has only a lap belt.
A few models can be equipped with a small rear-facing third-row seat that increases passenger capacity to seven or eight. These are suitable only for children. Access to them is through the rear hatch.
If your primary rear-seat passengers are children, rear leg room may not be a priority. If you intend to seat adults in back, however, they should be able to sit comfortably with the front seats pushed a good way back. You can check this by adjusting the driver’s seat so that it's comfortable for you, then sit in the seat behind it, checking for adequate leg room.
Cargo space. The versatile seating configurations of a minivan mean that all of the space behind the front seats can be used as cargo space if needed. This is done with second- and third-row seats that are either removable or, preferably, fold down into the floor. The most convenient type of third-row seat is one with a split design, so that one section can be folded down while allowing someone to sit in the other section. When comparing models, try removing and folding the various seats to see which designs are easier to lower, raise, and/or remove. (See our cargo capacity chart to compare the cargo area of different models, available to subscribers.) Minivans also typically have wide rear openings and lower floors than SUVs, which make loading easier. They usually have maximum weight loads of 1,100 pounds or more, which is more than most SUVs.
Towing. Some wagons can tow up to 2,000 pounds, although smaller models may be able to tow about half that. Some are not recommended for towing. Look at the tow capacity rating and be sure you get a vehicle that can handle any load you may tow. Tow packages are typically available as a factory option, or they can be purchased as an aftermarket product.
Safety features. All new wagons have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Some wagons offer side air bags and/or head-protection bags, typically a side-curtain design that's intended to protect people in both the front and rear seats (but not in a third-row seat). Antilock brakes are standard or optional on most models.
Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire-pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. See our Guide to safety features.
Why buy a wagon or hatchback? Wagons and some hatchbacks combine the cargo-carrying flexibility of a small SUV with the handling, performance, and fuel economy of a sedan. Even a small two-door hatchback provides a lot of cargo room for its size.
Engines and transmissions. Most small and midsized wagons and hatchbacks come with a four- or five-cylinder engine, which typically provides the best fuel economy. For more power, choose a six-cylinder or turbocharged engine. Some modern V6s provide fuel economy that is almost as good or better than a four-cylinder. More-expensive models usually come with a six-cylinder, although some offer an optional V8 for more power. Look for an engine that operates smoothly and quietly. While idling, there should be minimal noise or vibration. Even under hard acceleration, the engine should never be intrusive.
Most models are only available with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are often available for small and sporty models. Manuals usually provide better performance and fuel economy than automatics, and many drivers find them more fun to drive. Many automatics now provide a manual-shift mode that works similar to a manual transmission, but without a clutch.
Front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive? Most models use front-wheel drive, which usually provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions. Some models use rear-wheel drive, which typically provides better handling and steering. All-wheel drive (AWD) models provide significantly better traction in slippery conditions. Traction control, available on many models, also helps provide extra traction in slippery conditions, but it isn’t as effective as all-wheel drive. For more information about drive systems, see our traction-debate report.
Fuel economy. Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. (See our comparison of real-world fuel-economy results for all tested models, available to subscribers.)
Access. When comparing models, try entering and exiting from all four doors. A well-designed model should provide wide doors and enough head room so that both front and rear passengers can enter and exit easily without bumping their heads.
Seating. Most models provide seating for five, two front and three rear passengers. But the middle rear position is often tight and uncomfortable for adults. Sit in each seat to gauge its comfort. Look for a center rear seat with a three-point safety belt rather than a lap belt. Some models offer a front bench seat, with three seating positions. But the center position is cramped and unsafe because it has only a lap belt.
A few models can be equipped with a small rear-facing third-row seat that increases passenger capacity to seven or eight. These are suitable only for children. Access to them is through the rear hatch.
If your primary rear-seat passengers are children, rear leg room may not be a priority. If you intend to seat adults in back, however, they should be able to sit comfortably with the front seats pushed a good way back. You can check this by adjusting the driver’s seat so that it's comfortable for you, then sit in the seat behind it, checking for adequate leg room.
Cargo space. The versatile seating configurations of a minivan mean that all of the space behind the front seats can be used as cargo space if needed. This is done with second- and third-row seats that are either removable or, preferably, fold down into the floor. The most convenient type of third-row seat is one with a split design, so that one section can be folded down while allowing someone to sit in the other section. When comparing models, try removing and folding the various seats to see which designs are easier to lower, raise, and/or remove. (See our cargo capacity chart to compare the cargo area of different models, available to subscribers.) Minivans also typically have wide rear openings and lower floors than SUVs, which make loading easier. They usually have maximum weight loads of 1,100 pounds or more, which is more than most SUVs.
Towing. Some wagons can tow up to 2,000 pounds, although smaller models may be able to tow about half that. Some are not recommended for towing. Look at the tow capacity rating and be sure you get a vehicle that can handle any load you may tow. Tow packages are typically available as a factory option, or they can be purchased as an aftermarket product.
Safety features. All new wagons have standard dual front air bags, three-point safety belts in the outboard seating positions, and top-tether and LATCH child-seat attachments in the rear seats. Some wagons offer side air bags and/or head-protection bags, typically a side-curtain design that's intended to protect people in both the front and rear seats (but not in a third-row seat). Antilock brakes are standard or optional on most models.
Other safety features to look for include electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, tire-pressure monitors, safety-belt pretensioners, occupant-sensing air-bag systems, and daytime running lights. See our Guide to safety features.
