Top 10 Station Wagons 2022 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The best station wagon you could buy in 2022 was the Subaru Outback Wilderness — our Best Overall pick because it married real off-pavement hardware (9.5 inches of ground clearance, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, a 260-hp turbo flat-four) with wagon practicality and a starting price of $37,695 that undercut every European rival by tens of thousands.

For shoppers who want the same low-slung, do-everything wagon character without a luxury badge, the Best Value crown goes to the standard Subaru Outback 2.5i, which delivered AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, and 29 mpg combined from a starting MSRP of just $27,645.

A quick honesty note up front: by 2022 the true low-roof American wagon was nearly extinct. Most of the "wagons" left on US lots were lifted, cladding-wrapped all-terrain variants of European sedans. Where a model is really a raised crossover-wagon rather than a traditional low wagon, this guide calls it out plainly so you know exactly what you are buying.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted the categories that actually matter to wagon buyers, drawing real 2022 specifications and road-test impressions from Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, U.S. News & World Report, Cars.com, the EPA, and IIHS crash data. Our scoring formula:

• Cargo & versatility — 25%: behind-seat and seats-folded cubic feet, load-floor shape, roof rails, towing.
• Driving dynamics — 20%: steering feel, body control, powertrain response, the low center of gravity that makes a wagon better to drive than a tall SUV.
• Value & ownership — 15%: starting MSRP, standard equipment, warranty, and expected resale.
• Efficiency & powertrain — 15%: EPA combined mpg, hybrid or mild-hybrid assistance, real-world usability.
• Tech & safety — 15%: standard driver aids, infotainment, and available IIHS and NHTSA results.
• Style — 10%: the simple, hard-to-quantify appeal of a good-looking longroof.

Prices below are 2022 model-year starting MSRPs and exclude destination charges unless noted.

1. Subaru Outback Wilderness 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Starting MSRP: $37,695 | Best for: Buyers who want trail capability without giving up wagon usability

The Wilderness took the standard Outback and gave it genuine purpose. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four making 260 hp and 277 lb-ft, paired with a CVT and standard symmetrical all-wheel drive. Subaru raised ground clearance to 9.5 inches, fitted all-terrain Yokohama tires, and added a front skid plate, so this wagon will follow many SUVs up a fire road.

EPA economy lands around 22 city / 26 highway / 24 combined, and standard EyeSight driver assistance plus a strong IIHS record back up the safety case. Cargo room stays generous at roughly 32.5 cu ft behind the rear seats.

Pros:

• Real off-pavement hardware with 9.5 inches of clearance and standard AWD
• 260-hp turbo engine that tows up to 3,500 lb
• Standard EyeSight safety suite and excellent crash scores
• Durable, water-resistant interior built for muddy boots and dogs

Cons:

• CVT drone under hard acceleration and a fuel-economy hit versus the base 2.5i

Verdict: The most capable, most sensible wagon of 2022 and the easy Best Overall.

2. Subaru Outback 2.5i (Base/Premium) 💎 BEST VALUE

Starting MSRP: $27,645 | Best for: Value shoppers who want AWD and clearance for the least money

The standard Outback is the reason the nameplate sells so well. Its 2.5-liter flat-four makes 182 hp, returns an EPA-rated 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined, and still rides on 8.7 inches of ground clearance with standard all-wheel drive. You get up to 75.7 cu ft of total cargo space, an 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen on most trims, and Subaru's standard EyeSight suite, which helped earn strong IIHS results.

Nothing here is exotic, but few vehicles at any price match this blend of space, traction, and economy for under $30,000.

Pros:

• Lowest entry price of any AWD wagon on this list
• Standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of clearance
• 29 mpg combined with real cargo capacity
• Standard EyeSight driver-assist technology

Cons:

• The 182-hp base engine feels leisurely when loaded
• Interior materials are practical rather than plush

Verdict: Unbeatable practicality per dollar — the clear Best Value.

3. Audi A6 Allroad

Starting MSRP: $65,900 | Best for: Buyers wanting a genuine luxury wagon with quattro grip

The A6 Allroad is one of the few cars here that still feels like a proper executive longroof. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft, routed through standard quattro all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch for a quick, refined gait. Adaptive air suspension lets it raise for rough surfaces, and EPA economy is a respectable 21 city / 28 highway with the mild-hybrid system.

Cargo space is a class-leading 30 cu ft behind the rear seats. The cabin's dual-screen tech and material quality are among the best in any 2022 wagon.

Pros:

• 335-hp V6 with smooth, confident power delivery
• Adjustable air suspension for extra clearance on demand
• 30 cu ft of cargo space, generous for the class
• Beautifully finished cabin with premium technology

Cons:

• Expensive to buy and to maintain
• Dual-clutch low-speed manners can feel hesitant

Verdict: The most complete luxury wagon of 2022, if the budget allows.

4. Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain

Starting MSRP: $68,400 | Best for: Families wanting a plush wagon with an available third row

Mercedes' lifted E-Class wagon pairs cosseting luxury with surprising space. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 48-volt EQ Boost makes 362 hp, the strongest non-Porsche engine here, and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive plus air suspension smooth out rough roads. EPA ratings are 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined.

Cargo runs 35 cu ft behind the second row and 64 cu ft folded, and a rear-facing folding child seat is standard — a rare third-row option in this segment. The MBUX dual-screen interior and deep safety-tech roster make it feel like a flagship.

Pros:

• 362-hp mild-hybrid inline-six, silky and strong
• Standard air suspension and 4Matic AWD
• Available rear-facing third-row seat for kids
• Flagship-grade interior and driver-assistance tech

Cons:

• Costs nearly as much as a loaded luxury SUV
• Options inflate the price quickly

Verdict: The luxury family wagon of 2022, third row included.

5. Audi A4 Allroad

Starting MSRP: $45,500 | Best for: Right-sized luxury wagon shoppers who want quattro

The smaller Allroad is the sweet spot of Audi's wagon lineup. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four makes 261 hp and 273 lb-ft, driving standard quattro all-wheel drive through a seven-speed dual-clutch. It is the efficiency champ among the German entries at 24 city / 30 highway, and offers 24.2 cu ft of cargo room with the seats up.

Modest cladding-driven clearance and a polished, tech-rich cabin make it an easygoing daily companion. Standard driver aids and Audi's crisp virtual-cockpit displays round out a tidy package.

Pros:

• 261-hp turbo four with quattro grip
• Best German fuel economy here at up to 30 mpg highway
• Refined, tech-forward cabin at a sub-$46k start
• Right-sized footprint for tight garages and city streets

Cons:

• Less ground clearance than the rugged-look styling implies
• Tighter cargo hold than the larger A6 Allroad

Verdict: The best-balanced compact luxury wagon of 2022.

6. Volvo V90 Cross Country

Starting MSRP: $55,200 | Best for: Buyers who want understated Scandinavian luxury and length

Volvo's full-size raised wagon is quietly one of the most desirable cars here. The B6 mild-hybrid drivetrain — a turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four with a 48-volt assist — makes 295 hp and 310 lb-ft through standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. EPA economy is 22 city / 29 highway, and with the seats folded cargo opens up to roughly 69 cu ft.

The minimalist Sensus interior, supportive seats, and Volvo's deep standard safety suite make it a relaxing long-distance machine.

Pros:

• 295-hp mild-hybrid powertrain with standard AWD
• Up to 69 cu ft of cargo with seats folded
• Calm, beautifully minimalist Scandinavian cabin
• Comprehensive standard safety technology

Cons:

• Soft tuning prioritizes comfort over sport
• Portrait touchscreen interface can feel slow

Verdict: The serene luxury cruiser of the 2022 wagon class.

7. Volvo V60 Cross Country

Starting MSRP: $46,200 | Best for: Shoppers wanting the V90's character in a smaller package

The midsize Cross Country delivers the V90 experience in a more affordable, more maneuverable body. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four makes 250 hp and 258 lb-ft, with standard all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance for light all-terrain duty.

EPA economy is a strong 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined. Cargo measures 23.2 cu ft behind the seats and 50.9 cu ft folded. The same clean interior design and full safety roster carry over, making this the value pick within Volvo's wagon range.

Pros:

• 250-hp turbo four with standard AWD and 8.3 inches of clearance
• 25 mpg combined, the most efficient Volvo wagon here
• Tidy size that parks and steers easily
• Volvo's full standard safety suite

Cons:

• Smaller cargo hold than the V90 Cross Country
• Firmer ride over sharp bumps

Verdict: The smart-size Volvo wagon and a strong all-rounder.

8. Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo

Starting MSRP: $100,000 | Best for: Enthusiasts who want a sports car that swallows luggage

The Sport Turismo is the wagon for buyers who refuse to compromise on driving thrills. The base 4 pairs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 making 325 hp with standard all-wheel drive and a lightning-quick eight-speed dual-clutch. It is not built for cargo bragging rights — volume runs 14.2 to 18.3 cu ft depending on configuration — but no other wagon here corners or accelerates like it.

EPA economy is the lowest of the group at 18 city / 24 highway, the price you pay for genuine Porsche performance and a hand-built cabin.

Pros:

• Genuine sports-car handling in a five-door body
• Standard all-wheel drive with a slick dual-clutch
• Exquisite materials and Porsche build quality
• Hatchback versatility atop supercar pace

Cons:

• Smallest cargo hold and worst fuel economy here
• Six-figure entry price before options

Verdict: The driver's wagon of 2022, for those who can afford it.

9. Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT

Starting MSRP: $35,395 | Best for: Buyers wanting turbo power and blacked-out style under $36k

The Onyx XT slots between the standard Outback and the Wilderness, adding the 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four and 277 lb-ft of torque for far stronger passing and towing than the base car. It keeps 8.7 inches of clearance, standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, and a water-repellent StarTex interior, all wrapped in gloss-black exterior trim.

EPA economy with the turbo is about 22 city / 29 highway / 24 combined, and the standard EyeSight suite carries the same strong safety reputation. Towing climbs to 3,500 lb.

Pros:

• 260-hp turbo engine for genuine highway muscle
• 3,500-lb towing and standard AWD
• Distinctive blacked-out styling and rugged interior
• Standard EyeSight and excellent crash record

Cons:

• Turbo trims sacrifice some efficiency versus the 2.5i
• No extra clearance over the standard Outback

Verdict: The value-minded turbo Outback and a great middle ground.

10. Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4

Starting MSRP: $33,900 | Best for: City dwellers wanting wagon practicality in a tiny, fun footprint

The Clubman is the pint-size wagon of the group, and its split barn-door rear hatch is a genuine conversation piece. The Cooper S version uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 189 hp, and the optional ALL4 all-wheel drive adds wet- and snow-weather security. Cargo tops out at a modest 17.5 cu ft, but the Clubman returns a friendly around 26 to 29 mpg and is hugely entertaining to fling through corners.

Standard tech and available driver aids keep it competitive, and it remains the easiest wagon here to park.

Pros:

• Go-kart handling that no other wagon here matches for fun
• Available ALL4 all-wheel drive for bad weather
• Distinctive barn-door tailgate and premium small-car cabin
• Easy-to-park, city-friendly footprint

Cons:

• Smallest cargo hold of any wagon on this list
• Options push the price up fast

Verdict: The playful small wagon for buyers who value fun over space.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Wagon

• Measure cargo the way you use it. Behind-the-seat volume matters more for daily life than the bigger seats-folded number that brochures love to quote.
• Decide whether you truly need clearance. Lifted "all-terrain" wagons look rugged, but real off-pavement use is rarer than buyers expect — the cladding and raised ride height matter less than marketing implies for most owners who stay on pavement.
• Confirm the drivetrain. Some wagons make all-wheel drive standard, while others (like the Mini Clubman) charge extra for ALL4.
• Check the warranty and maintenance picture. European wagons can cost far more to service than the Subaru entries.
• Test the infotainment before you sign. Portrait touchscreens vary widely in speed and ease of use.

Why choose a wagon over an SUV at all? A wagon's lower roof and lower center of gravity give it noticeably sharper steering, flatter cornering, and a more planted highway feel than a tall crossover built on the same platform — you keep most of the cargo room while gaining the driving feel that makes a car genuinely enjoyable.

FAQ

Were there any true low-roof wagons left in 2022? Very few. The Audi A4 Allroad, A6 Allroad, Volvo Cross Country models, Mercedes E450 All-Terrain, and Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo were the mainstream choices, and most were raised, cladding-clad variants rather than traditional low wagons.

What is the best value wagon for 2022? The standard Subaru Outback 2.5i at $27,645 offers AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, and 29 mpg combined, making it the value leader by a wide margin.

Which 2022 wagon has the most cargo space? Among the everyday picks, the Subaru Outback offers up to 75.7 cu ft total, while the Mercedes E450 All-Terrain leads the luxury group at 64 cu ft folded.

Are these wagons good in snow? Yes. All of our top picks offer or include all-wheel drive, and the Subaru and Volvo entries add extra ground clearance for deeper snow.

Which 2022 wagon is the most fun to drive? The Porsche Panamera 4 Sport Turismo is the clear enthusiast's choice, with sports-car handling and a twin-turbo V6, though the Mini Clubman ALL4 punches above its size for budget fun.

Do wagons hold their value? The Subaru Outback is known for strong resale, while the lower-volume European wagons can depreciate faster once out of warranty.

Bottom Line

The 2022 wagon field was thin but genuinely good. If you want one vehicle that does nearly everything — haul gear, climb a trail, keep your family safe, and save money — the Subaru Outback Wilderness is the Best Overall at $37,695. If your priority is stretching every dollar, the standard Subaru Outback 2.5i is the Best Value at $27,645 and still delivers AWD, clearance, and 29 mpg.

Buyers chasing luxury should cross-shop the Audi A6 Allroad and Mercedes E450 All-Terrain, while enthusiasts with deep pockets will find no better longroof than the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Whichever you pick, you will enjoy the lower, sharper, more engaging drive that keeps the wagon worth choosing over a taller SUV.

Sources

• Kelley Blue Book — 2022 Subaru Outback
• Edmunds — 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness Specs & Features
• Cars.com — 2022 Audi A6 Allroad Specs, Prices & MPG
• U.S. News — 2022 Audi A6 Allroad Review
• Edmunds — 2022 Audi A4 Allroad Specs & Features
• Edmunds — 2022 Volvo V60 Cross Country Review & Ratings
• Cars.com — 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country Specs
• JD Power — 2022 Mercedes-Benz E450 All-Terrain Specs
• CarBuzz — 2022 Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Pricing & Specs
• Cars.com — 2022 MINI Clubman Specs & Pricing

*Station wagon review — wagon reviews, rating, best station wagon 2022, and a review of the top wagon and all-terrain picks for buyers.*