Features

Below we highlight important features for you to consider when purchasing a station wagon.

Engines and fuel economy

Most small and basic midsized station wagons and hatchbacks come with a four- or six-cylinder engine. Most European and turbocharged wagons require premium fuel, so be aware before you buy. Upscale models usually come with a six-cylinder; a V8 is sometimes available.  Even within the same categories, the fuel-economy of different models can vary significantly. Larger engines and all-wheel drive usually hinder fuel economy.

Most models are only available with an automatic transmission, although manual transmissions are often available for small and sporty models. Manuals can provide better performance and fuel economy than basic automatics, and some drivers find them to be more fun to drive. Many automatics now provide a manual-override feature that can work in a way similar to a manual transmission, but without a clutch. Models with 5-, 6-, or even 7-speed automatic transmissions or continuously variable transmissions may provide better fuel economy than a traditional manual. It is always smart to check our ratings before making assumptions.

Drive wheels

Most models use front-wheel drive, which usually provides better traction than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions. Rear-wheel drive is used on some sporty and luxury wagons because of its contribution to good handling. There is a rising number of models that are available with all-wheel drive, providing heightened foul-weather traction. (For more information about drive systems, see our traction-debate report.)

Towing

Some wagons can tow up to 2,000 pounds, although smaller models might be able to tow only about half that weight. Many are not recommended for towing. Look at the tow capacity rating and be sure that you get a vehicle that can handle any load you might tow and is properly equipped to do so. Tow packages are typically available as a factory option, or they are outfitted with aftermarket products.

Access

When comparing models, try entering and exiting from all four doors. A well-designed wagon should provide wide doors and enough head room so that front and rear passengers can enter and exit easily without bumping their heads. The rear hatch should open and close easily. Most models allow the rear split seat to fold flat, but others leave this seat tilted slightly, making it a challenge to load cargo and keep it in place.

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, especially with the budget models. Only the Mercedes E-Class wagon can be equipped with a small rear-facing third-row seat that increases passenger capacity to seven. It is suitable only for children. Access is through the rear hatch.

Cargo space

Cargo space can vary a great deal between smaller and larger models. All models have fold-down rear seats that can expand the cargo space. A split-back design is the most versatile because one side can be folded down while a passenger occupies the other rear seat.

Safety

Wagons and hatchbacks can be very safe on the road, as indicted by Consumer Reports' safety ratings, which include assessments of crash-avoidance capabilities and of crash-test results based on tests performed by the federal government and insurance industry. Our road tests detail issues regarding child seat installation and the adequacy of front and rear head restraints.

All rear seating positions have top-tether and lower LATCH attachments. Chest-level side air bags are common for front-seat passengers, too. Head-protecting side air bags, usually in the form of a side curtain that covers front and rear side windows, are becoming  very common and we recommend them.

Electronic stability control is a computer-controlled feature that automatically and selectively applies brakes to prevent an impending sideways slide. We highly recommend ESC in cars in which  it's not standard. It can help to reduce the risk of a rollover and other crash types. Another feature, traction control, can help you to get going on a slippery road but doesn't aid in a sideways skid.  (Learn more about car safety.)

Emerging safety technologies

The latest automotive safety advances include telematics systems that alert emergency personnel if an air bag deploys, lane-departure warning systems that sound an alert if you change lanes without signaling, rear-view cameras to prevent back-over accidents, and blind-spot warning systems that indicate vehicles driving in the blind spots to the side and rear of you. Automatic-braking systems are also spreading. These apply the brakes if you're approaching the car ahead too fast and ignore an audible warning that alerts you to the situation. (Learn more about car safety.)

Entertainment and convenience

The latest mobile electronics enable cars to deliver the fidelity of home theater, along with cell-phone connectivity and navigation guidance. There is a wide range of information and entertainment features available from the factory, and more so available through the aftermarket. (See our guide to mobile electronics.)

Audio system

The standard car-audio package is a stereo radio tuner and in-dash CD player with speakers left and right and fore and aft. An upgraded system typically has higher-watt amplifier power output—so you can play music loud while minimizing distortion—and more and better-quality speakers to enhance clarity and sound separation. Top-level systems add digital sound fields, noise-canceling, surround sound, and DVD-Audio playback.

Depending on the package, an audio upgrade can add many hundreds of dollars to a car's sticker price. Cars at every price level are adding a jack where you can plug in an MP3 device for playback through the car's audio system. Only stereos with a specific iPod connector, rather than a micro plug port, will be able to control and recharge an iPod.

Satellite and HD radio

Subscription-only satellite radio offers broad channel selection, catering to a variety of musical and information interests, much like cable TV. Most vehicles offer satellite radio readiness in some audio systems.

HD Radio is a relatively new system that allows conventional (or terrestrial) AM and FM stations to broadcast their content over digital signals with higher fidelity. It also allows stations to add more programming over several additional channels that can be broadcast "alongside" a station's main frequency, for delivering traffic or weather information, or diverse music content.

Navigation systems and connectivity

In-car navigation systems can be a valued feature if you often drive in unfamiliar territory. They typically retail for about $2,000 when offered alone but are often bundled with other features, such as a backup camera or a high-end audio system, that can add another $1,000 or more. Built-in systems have large, clear screens that are in the center of the dashboard and have generally intuitive controls. They are integrated nicely into the car, and some use touch-screen displays that make it easy to put in destinations and navigate through menus. Some can also respond to voice commands, giving you the added safety of keeping your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. For a fee, many systems can provide real-time traffic reports, which can alert you to congested traffic, accidents, or road construction. But portable units can offer most of those abilities for much less money. (See Ratings and learn more about portable GPS navigators.)

Bluetooth connectivity is becoming more readily available, enabling wireless devices such as cell phones to communicate wirelessly with the car's audio system. That results in convenient, hands-free phone operation.

Popularized by GM's OnStar, telematics systems use a combination of cellular telephone and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to connect drivers with a call center staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at the touch of a button. For a monthly or annual fee, such concierge services can provide directions or summon emergency aid based on your vehicle's location.

See also:

GPS Navigation Systems

Car batteries

Car seats

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