These Used Sub-$30K Wagons Are Cooler Than Your Neighbor’s SUV (And Means Extra Enjoyable to Drive)

A profitable mixture of sedan-like driving dynamics and cargo-carrying versatility has made station wagons extremely wanted by automotive fanatics. Sadly, just like guide transmissions, they’ve grow to be more and more tough to search out.

The mix of fewer wagons offered within the U.S., together with the need to safe one of many final remaining wagons, has led to a surge in demand within the used market. Should you’re trying to purchase a guide station wagon — the holy grail — you’re in for an excellent more durable uphill battle.

How We Discovered These Wagons

To construct this checklist, I pulled knowledge from trusted automotive sources together with Kelley Blue E book, Vehicles.com, Edmunds, Motor Pattern, Shopper Stories, Deliver a Trailer, and a number of other fanatic public sale platforms. I additionally factored in market traits and real-world pricing fluctuations from the previous a number of years, particularly as curiosity in wagons has surged amongst fanatics and collectors alike.

The core focus is on used wagons out there for below $30,000, prioritizing fashions from the final decade that mix practicality, driving engagement, and on a regular basis usability. We excluded high-end superwagons just like the CTS-V, Audi RS6 Avant, and Mercedes E63 AMG attributable to value, however not with out remorse.

Nonetheless, for these keen to stretch their price range or enter a tough spherical of negotiation, we’ve included a Bonus Rides part that includes standout wagons simply outdoors the $30K threshold. These are value keeping track of when you’re after one thing rarer, sooner, or just extra enjoyable.

Volkswagen Golf SportWagen (2015-2019)

Automobile and Driver praised the SportWagen’s dealing with, noting it feels just like the smaller Golf regardless of being a foot longer. Though bigger than the usual Golf, the SportWagen maintains a small footprint, which is especially spectacular given its capability to hold extra cargo than some equally priced crossovers.

The comparatively new Golf is on the market with fashionable security options. The non-obligatory Driver Help package deal consists of computerized emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. All-wheel drive was non-obligatory. Energy comes from considered one of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines: a 1.4-liter producing 147 hp and a 1.8-liter producing 170 hp. Kelley Blue E book reveals 2015 to 2019 Golf SportWagens itemizing for $11,000 for S and SE fashions with nearer to 100,000 miles as much as $21,000 for high trim SEL examples with low mileage.

Volkswagen Golf Alltrack (2017-2019)

With additional physique cladding and 4Motion All-Wheel Drive, the Alltrack is actually the “Cross Nation” or “Allroad” model of the Golf SportWagen.

Based mostly on the Mark 7 Golf, the Alltrack has a raised suspension in comparison with the SportWagen. At solely 180 inches lengthy, the Alltrack boasts as much as 67 cubic ft of cargo house with the rear seats folded. Including to its enchantment is an out there 6-speed guide transmission. Kelley Blue E book reveals quite a lot of 2019 Alltracks out there within the $17,000 to $23,000 value vary.

1st-Gen Volvo V60 and V60 Cross Nation

Extra aerodynamically styled than the boxy 740, 940, and 850 wagons that preceded it, the first-generation V60 was out there within the States from 2015 to 2018. Because the wagon variant of the S60 sedan, Automobile and Driver reviews that it’s out there with each front-wheel and all-wheel drive, together with four- to six-cylinder engine choices producing between 240 hp and 345 hp. The sportier design leads to diminished cargo capability and rear-seat house. Nonetheless, this wagon nonetheless offers a wholesome dose of practicality.

These searching for a Volvo station wagon that may deal with some gentle off-roading ought to try the V60 Cross Nation with black cladding and a raised suspension. In response to a Vehicles.com search, costs usually vary from $10,000 to $20,000 for this era of the V60 and V60 Cross Nation. Nonetheless, the sought-after V60 Polestar can surpass the $30,000 mark.

2nd-Gen Volvo V60 and V60 Cross Nation

Launched for the 2019 mannequin yr, the second-generation V60 initially provided two fashions within the U.S: The T5 (turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 hp) and the T6 (turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine with 316 hp). Automobile and Driver reviews the T5 to have a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. In the meantime, the T6 reaches 60 mph in simply 5.3 seconds.

This V60 is considerably extra fashionable than the mannequin it changed and contains a superbly designed inside, full with a big infotainment display screen. A search on Vehicles.com revealed that used 2019 and 2020 V60 fashions are promoting for $25,000 to $30,000. For 2020, Volvo reintroduced the V60 Cross Nation variant with black cladding and three inches of further floor clearance. In contrast to the usual V60, the T6 powertrain will not be provided within the U.S. Automobile and Driver famous that the Cross Nation has softer suspension and fewer sporty dealing with in comparison with the usual V60. Autotrader reveals 2020 and 2021 Volvo V60 Cross Nation fashions out there within the $24,000 to $30,000 value vary.

Volvo XC70 (2008 to 2016)

Whereas some wagons on this checklist have been produced for less than three mannequin years, the Volvo XC70 had a protracted mannequin cycle, with its closing era lasting 9 years from 2008 to 2016. Comparable in dimension to the E-Class, the roomy XC70 delivers over 72 cubic ft of cargo house with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic ft with the seats up.

The mid-size XC70 contains a raised suspension offering 8.3 inches of floor clearance and is on the market in each front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. These extremely sensible wagons are extremely sought-after; Deliver A Trailer gross sales point out they usually vary from $10,000 to $25,000 used.

Buick Regal TourX

For many who lament the shortage of wagons in America, GM introduced over the Opel Insignia Nation Tourer from Europe and slapped a Buick Regal TourX badge on it. At over 196 inches lengthy, it’s one of many largest wagons on this checklist and gives 74 cubic ft of cargo house behind the primary row. The Regal TourX is likely one of the few typical mid-size non-luxury wagons out there within the final decade.

In contrast to some older wagons, the TourX is on the market with adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Powered by a 250-hp, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine, the all-wheel drive TourX can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in simply 6.4 seconds. Produced between 2018 and 2020, a Vehicles.com search revealed checklist costs starting from $14,500 to $22,500, relying on mileage and trim degree.

Dodge Magnum

Produced from 2005 to 2008, the Dodge Magnum is actually the wagon model of the Dodge Charger sedan. Whereas different fashions on this checklist showcase a European aptitude, Motor Pattern says the Magnum embodies the fusion of an American muscle automotive with a station wagon. Accessible in each rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, the Magnum offers 4 powertrain choices: a 2.7-liter 190-hp V-6, a 3.5-liter 250-hp V-6 in SXT trim, a 5.7-liter 340-hp Hemi V-8 within the R/T, and a 6.1-liter 425-hp Hemi V-8 within the high-performance SRT8.

Not solely can the Magnum haul as much as 72 cubic ft of cargo, however in SRT8 type, it may well rocket to 60 mph in simply 5.1 seconds. Deliver a Trailer’s public sale outcomes present the Magnum promoting within the $10,000 to $30,000 vary relying on engine, mileage, situation, and different elements.

Mini Cooper Clubman

Though station wagons and Mini Cooper usually are not usually utilized in the identical sentence, the Mini Cooper Clubman primarily fulfills this function within the Mini lineup. Produced from 2016 to 2024, the Clubman delivers the enjoyable dealing with of the smaller Cooper in a 4-door package deal with a extra usable rear seat and elevated cargo house. Each 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines are provided, with the latter out there within the Clubman S trim, which additionally consists of non-obligatory all-wheel drive.

One distinctive function is that the rear cargo space is accessible by means of barn doorways as a substitute of a standard tailgate. In response to Shopper Stories, the typical retail value for a Clubman ranges from $17,000 to $29,000 for 2020 to 2023 fashions.

Toyota Prius V (2015 to 2017)

The Prius V, a bigger wagon-like model of the Prius, was produced for six mannequin years from 2012 to 2017. In response to Automobile and Driver, a 2015 replace introduced infotainment enhancements and, extra importantly, a redesigned crash construction that improved IIHS security scores from “Poor” to “Good.”

With the usual Prius’s legendary fuel-efficient powertrain, 34 cubic ft of cargo house with the rear seats up, and as much as 67 cubic ft with them folded down, the Prius V’s mixture of house and gasoline financial system is tough to beat. Based mostly on a nationwide search on Vehicles.com for the 2015 to 2017 Toyota Prius V, you’ll be able to look forward to finding fashions priced between roughly $12,000 and $22,000.

Acura TSX Wagon

Acura offered a wagon variant of its TSX sedan for just some years. It represents one of many few fashionable Japanese luxurious wagons offered in the USA. In response to Edmunds, the TSX wagon’s dealing with, construct high quality, and customary gear are highlights. Though it’s only out there with front-wheel drive, the TSX delivers versatility by accommodating as much as 66 cubic ft of cargo with the seats folded.

The Acura TSX wagons out there on Vehicles.com vary from roughly $8,000 to $17,000 for the 2011 and 2012 mannequin years.

Audi A4 Allroad (2013 to 2016)

Audi’s Allroad is the extra “SUV-like” model of the A4 station wagon. Produced from 2013 to 2016, the Allroad combines the A4’s sporty driving dynamics with added versatility.

In response to Shopper Stories, the typical retail value for the primary era of the A4 Allroad ranges from $10,000 to $13,000. Nonetheless, because of the shortage of European wagons available in the market, you would possibly have to pay extra for low-mileage examples.

Mercedes E350 (2011-2016)

With engaging styling, an non-obligatory rear-facing third-row seat, and E-Class sedan driving dynamics, the Mercedes E-Class S212 era stands out as a contemporary traditional. It is usually one of many few modern non-raised-suspension midsize station wagons. Produced from 2011 to 2016, the E350 station wagon is powered by a naturally aspirated V6 engine that initially delivered 268 hp, however as Automobile and Driver reviews, Mercedes later elevated the output to 302 hp.

Because of their desirability, these fashions can command spectacular costs on fanatic public sale websites like Deliver A Trailer. Costs usually vary from $10,000 to $30,000.

Lexus IS300 SportCross

Produced from 2002 to 2005, the Lexus IS300 SportCross is likely one of the oldest fashions right here. Since few Japanese luxurious wagons have reached our shores, the SportCross is especially particular. In response to Automobile and Driver, the SportCross comes with a 215-hp inline 6-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive.

Deliver a Trailer outcomes present the SportCross to promote between $10,000 and $20,000, which simply goes to show how fascinating this mannequin is amongst fanatics.

BMW 3-Collection E91 (2006 to 2012)

Produced between 2006 and 2012, the E91 era is the final 3-series Touring (BMW’s time period for Wagon) to supply rear-wheel drive, a 6-cylinder engine, and a guide transmission. All-wheel drive can be out there.

A Deliver a Trailer search reveals a value vary of $10,000 to $20,000 for 2010 to 2012 examples. Simply be sure to get a clear instance, as many have been modified.

BMW 3-Collection F31 (2014 to 2019)

The ultimate 3-Collection Touring offered in America is the F31. Per Automobile and Driver, its nearly 50/50 weight distribution, agile dealing with, and flexibility are highlights. Each gasoline and diesel 2.0-liter turbocharged engines can be found, and all-wheel drive is customary.

As the newest BMW wagon out there in America, the 328d, 328i, and 330i Tourings stay well-liked on public sale websites like Deliver a Trailer, the place transaction costs usually vary from $15,000 to $25,000.

Subaru Outback (2015 to 2019)

Subaru produced this era of the Outback from 2015 to 2019 and provided two powertrains in the USA: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder. Shopper Stories praised the Outback’s spacious inside, visibility, and security options.

In response to Shopper Stories, costs for this era of the Outback vary from roughly $10,000 to $18,000.

Subaru Outback (2020 to 2024)

The present era of the Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 mannequin yr, contains a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or an non-obligatory turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 260 hp. Shopper Stories counseled the Outback’s journey high quality and flexibility.

Count on to pay round $18,000 to $22,000 for used 2020 fashions. Newer examples of this era can exceed the $30,000 mark.

Cadillac CTS Wagon

When most midsize wagons have been elevated to be extra crossover-like, Cadillac went in opposition to the grain and launched the CTS Wagon to the American marketplace for the 2010 mannequin yr. Though the high-performance CTS-V model is much more of a novelty, it exceeds our price range standards. Thus, for this text, we’re specializing in the CTS wagon, which U.S. Information reviews comes outfitted with both the three.0-liter 270 hp V6 engine or the three.6-liter 304 hp V6. 

MotorTrend counseled its styling, helpful cargo maintain, journey, braking, and dealing with. Each rear-wheel and all-wheel drive have been out there. Edmunds reveals the CTS wagon promoting for about $8,000 to $18,000.

Bonus Rides: Wagons Definitely worth the Stretch

Should you’re keen to bump your price range from $30,000 to $40,000, the station wagon world will get a complete lot extra thrilling. You progress from sensible each day drivers to sophisticated luxurious haulers, uncommon efficiency machines, and modern euro imports that by no means even made it to most showrooms.

These eight wagons supply one thing particular,  whether or not it’s a supercharged V8, Swedish design perfection, or simply the fun of proudly owning a automotive nobody else at your native Vehicles & Espresso has seen in years.

Cadillac CTS-V Wagon (2014)

It’s the unicorn of American efficiency wagons. The CTS-V Wagon mixed a 556-hp supercharged V8, rear-wheel drive, and out there guide transmission in a sleeper physique with actual cargo house. Just a few thousand have been constructed, and costs have steadily climbed. Clear guide examples are close to the highest of our expanded $40K restrict, nevertheless it may be your final probability to snag one earlier than they grow to be full-blown collectibles.

Estimated Worth: $35,000 to $40,000
Why It’s Price It: The one wagon that may combines efficiency with on a regular basis practicality.

Mercedes-Benz E400 Wagon (2017–2019)

Changing the E350, the E400 introduced twin-turbo V6 energy, customary 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and Mercedes’ signature E-Class consolation. It’s faster than it appears to be like, and used examples at the moment are dipping below $40K. It doesn’t scream for consideration, however that’s a part of the enchantment.

Estimated Worth: $30,000 to $40,000
Why It’s Price It: E-Class magnificence and practicality with AMG-adjacent energy.

Volvo V90 / V90 Cross Nation (2017–2021)

The V90 is arguably probably the most lovely fashionable wagon, in and out. The Cross Nation provides off-road functionality with additional journey top and physique cladding, however each variations supply turbocharged engines, security tech, and Volvo’s minimalist design. You’ll want to buy rigorously to remain below $40K, nevertheless it’s attainable.

Estimated Worth: $30,000 to $40,000
Why It’s Price It: The wagon for grown-up design nerds.

Audi A6 Allroad (2020–2022)

The A6 Allroad fills the hole between crossovers and conventional wagons with customary air suspension, all-wheel drive, and a luxurious journey. It’s greater, quieter, and extra luxurious than the A4 Allroad, and early examples are hitting the used market just below $40K.

Estimated Worth: $37,000 to $40,000
Why It’s Price It: Luxurious road-tripping with a roof field by no means appeared so good.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo (2018–2020 base)

Barely a wagon, technically a “taking pictures brake,” however undeniably cool. The bottom Panamera Sport Turismo has V6 energy, rear-biased dealing with, and Porsche’s exact driving dynamics. It’s a stretch to get below $40K, and higher-mileage or older examples are your greatest guess — however if you need the badge, that is your gateway drug.

Estimated Worth: $38,000 to $40,000
Why It’s Price It: As a result of somebody needs to be the good dad or mum at pickup.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2018–2020)

Jaguar’s long-roof XF gives clear design, good efficiency, and surprisingly robust utility. AWD was customary, and it got here with a supercharged 3.0L V6 good for round 380 hp. They’re uncommon, and that retains them cool, with out skyrocketing the worth.

Estimated Worth: $30,000 to $38,000
Why It’s Price It: Modern, uncommon, and British — with out the Aston Martin price ticket.

Volvo V60 Polestar (2015–2018)

Polestar’s first street automotive within the U.S. was this hot-rodded V60, with 345 hp, AWD, and chassis tuning by Öhlins. It’s quick, uncommon, and charmingly bizarre, precisely what you need from a efficiency wagon. Simply don’t count on nice gasoline financial system.

Estimated Worth: $32,000 to $39,000
Why It’s Price It: Since you’ve at all times needed to each day one thing blue and boosted.

Discovering Your Dream Wagon

The scarcity of wagons within the new market, mixed with the demand within the used market, can depart American patrons pissed off, and rightfully so. Fortunately, costs have lately stabilized, and there’s a higher mixture of wagon choices than you would possibly count on.

Whether or not you like front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, American muscle or European sport wagons, or four-, six-, or eight-cylinder engines, there’s a wagon for you.