Best Midsize Wagons for the Value

We sifted through the data to select the best cars and trucks in every category.

2021 Volvo V60

Overview

Swedish carmaker Volvo is known for building comfortable cars with a focus on safety. This approach has made it a favorite among families, and the Volvo V60 wagon is the brand’s bread-and-butter. Its sleek body styling feels more upscale than your average people-hauler, with a gorgeous interior that emphasizes Scandinavian design. A practical liftback makes cargo access a breeze, and there is Apple CarPlay and WiFi access for keeping kids happy. The Volvo V60 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 4 trim levels. The most popular style is the T5 Inscription FWD, which starts at $47,495 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and Front Wheel Drive. This V60 is estimated to deliver 23 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Looks and feels like a luxury car
Practical enough for daily life
Impressive safety technology
Great fuel economy

Cons

Some rivals are sportier to drive
All-wheel drive unavailable on most trims
Limited in-cabin storage

Overall Assessment

A premium wagon that is refined to drive and incredibly comfortable, the Volvo V60 makes a tempting alternative to an SUV. A spacious interior and high-quality materials give it the feel of a true luxury car, with excellent fuel economy and a liftgate for handling whatever life throws its way. Some competitors are larger and more luxurious. Still, for the V60’s reasonable price, you get a sleek, composed family wagon that can carry everyone in style and comfort.

Starting MSRP

$42,045

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $719
off MSRP

$41,326

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Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection

Start/Stop System

Curve Adaptive Headlamps

Panoramic Moonroof

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

In-Car WiFi

Forward Collision Warning

Android Auto

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for Volvo V60. All reviews

Pros

Looks and feels like a luxury car
Practical enough for daily life
Impressive safety technology
Great fuel economy

Cons

Some rivals are sportier to drive
All-wheel drive unavailable on most trims
Limited in-cabin storage

Overall Assessment

2021 Audi A4 allroad

Overview

The Audi A4 allroad wagon offers similar luxury and sportiness to the Audi A4 sedan in a more rugged package. Its high ground clearance and rubberized body accents help it manage challenging roads and weather. Yet, it's still fast and fun to drive when conditions are clear. Its power liftgate opens to nearly twice the cargo capacity of its sedan sibling. Passengers get Audi's impressive style, soft leather upholstery, and wireless Apple CarPlay. The Audi A4 allroad is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the Premium Plus, which starts at $45,645 and comes with a 2.0L I4 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This A4 allroad is estimated to deliver 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Attractive styling inside and out
Engaging powertrain and handling
Genuine all-weather abilities
Cutting-edge technology features

Cons

Rivals have more interior space
Lacks an SUV's towing capacity

Overall Assessment

A premium wagon with all-weather capabilities, the Audi A4 allroad can tackle rougher roads and deeper snow than a luxury sedan without having to live with an SUV's bulky driving dynamics. Its cabin is elegant and understated, with careful attention to detail that's rare at its price. Few automakers can integrate technology so seamlessly. The A4 allroad's driver safety technology provides extra peace of mind while out on the road, with a potent engine and sporty handling to make every drive memorable.

Starting MSRP

$45,645

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $859
off MSRP

$44,786

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Feature Highlights

Start/Stop System

Around View Camera

Front Cooled Seats

Curve Adaptive Headlamps

Panoramic Moonroof

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

In-Car WiFi

Forward Collision Warning

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for Audi A4 allroad. All reviews

Pros

Attractive styling inside and out
Engaging powertrain and handling
Genuine all-weather abilities
Cutting-edge technology features

Cons

Rivals have more interior space
Lacks an SUV's towing capacity

Overall Assessment

2021 Volvo V90

Overview

Volvo station wagons have long been a favorite among active families, with their safety features and available all-wheel-drive. The Volvo V90 is the brand's flagship wagon, delivering luxury and practicality in equal amounts. Its sleek body and minimalist cabin showcase Scandinavian design, coddling passengers in Nappa leather and other high-quality materials. Excellent fuel economy and agile handling make the V90 a tempting SUV alternative. The Volvo V90 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the T6 R-Design AWD, which starts at $58,895 and comes with a 2.0L I4 S/C and Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This V90 is estimated to deliver 21 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

Pros

Fuel-efficient powertrains
Excellent standard safety technology
Beautiful interior styling
Practical for active families

Cons

Missing some high-end features
Lacks rivals' rear-seat legroom
Could use more power

Overall Assessment

Sleek and sophisticated, the Volvo V90 is one of the most stylish wagons on the market. Its low roof and agile chassis make it an attractive alternative to an SUV. Buyers get two potent yet efficient engine options under the striking sheet metal, with up to 33 mpg on the highway. Volvo builds the V90 in elegant Inscription and race-themed R-Design trims. A separate model called the V90 Cross Country is also available for a more rugged appeal. While some competitors have more rear-seat space and quicker acceleration, few can touch the V90's stunning appeal and cutting-edge safety tech.

Starting MSRP

$52,895

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $904
off MSRP

$51,991

Build & Price

Feature Highlights

Pedestrian Detection

Wireless Charging

Start/Stop System

Front Cooled Seats

Curve Adaptive Headlamps

Panoramic Moonroof

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

Adaptive Cruise Control

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for Volvo V90. All reviews

Pros

Fuel-efficient powertrains
Excellent standard safety technology
Beautiful interior styling
Practical for active families

Cons

Missing some high-end features
Lacks rivals' rear-seat legroom
Could use more power

Overall Assessment

2021 Audi A6 allroad

Overview

Unlike luxury SUVs that are commonplace on today's roads, the Audi A6 Allroad stands out. A more rugged version of the A6 Avant station wagon not sold in the United States, adding durable fender flares and a height-adjustable air suspension for navigating rough roads. Its sophisticated cabin seamlessly integrates technology and comfort. Though it lacks an SUV's ride height, the A6 Allroad is sleek and highly capable, no matter the weather. The Audi A6 allroad is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the Prestige, which starts at $66,945 and comes with a 3.0L V6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This A6 allroad is estimated to deliver 20 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.

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Pros

Upscale interior with impressive amenities
Sportier and more agile than most SUVs
High-tech drivetrain can handle tough weather
Available driver-assistance technologies

Cons

High starting price expands with options
Lacks an SUV's commanding view of the road
Some wagons offer more horsepower and speed

Overall Assessment

The Audi A6 Allroad isn't an SUV, but it has many things people love in a more car-like package. That may sound counterintuitive, but it's an excellent solution for those needing a little of everything in one vehicle. It has the plush cabin of a luxury sedan, a wagon's cargo space, and an SUV's light off-roading abilities. Audi generously equips it with standard features. Though it's more expensive than a comparable SUV and lacks the regal ride height, many drivers will appreciate this Audi's mix of elegant style and all-weather technology.

Starting MSRP

$66,945

Starting MktMarket Avg.

Avg. savings of $1,067
off MSRP

$65,878

Build & Price View New Inventory

Feature Highlights

Hill Descent Assist

Wireless Charging

Start/Stop System

Around View Camera

Front Cooled Seats

Heads-up Display (HUD)

Panoramic Moonroof

Hands-free Trunk/Liftgate

Power Trunk/Liftgate

4 yr / 50k mi Basic Warranty

See full specs

See owner reviews for Audi A6 allroad. All reviews

Pros

Upscale interior with impressive amenities
Sportier and more agile than most SUVs
High-tech drivetrain can handle tough weather
Available driver-assistance technologies

Cons

High starting price expands with options
Lacks an SUV's commanding view of the road
Some wagons offer more horsepower and speed

Overall Assessment

2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Overview

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a 7-seater vehicle that comes in 3 trim levels. The most popular style is the E 450 All-Terrain Wagon 4MATIC, which starts at $69,450 and comes with a Hybrid 3.0L I6 Turbo engine and All Wheel Drive. This E-Class is estimated to deliver 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.