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What car is considered a station wagon?

A station wagon, also known as an estate car or family car, is a type of automobile that features a rear cargo area with a liftgate or tailgate for easy access. Station wagons are characterized by their extended roofline and increased cargo space compared to traditional sedans.


Key Features of a Station Wagon



  • Increased Cargo Space: Station wagons have a larger cargo area behind the rear seats, allowing for more storage and the ability to transport bulky items. This makes them popular for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who need to haul larger items.

  • Rear Liftgate or Tailgate: Station wagons typically feature a rear liftgate or tailgate, which provides easy access to the cargo area. This design allows for convenient loading and unloading of items.

  • Extended Roofline: The roofline of a station wagon is extended compared to a traditional sedan, creating a more boxy and spacious silhouette. This design feature contributes to the increased cargo capacity.

  • Seating Capacity: Station wagons often have seating for up to seven or eight passengers, making them a popular choice for larger families or those who need to transport multiple people.


Station wagons have been a staple in the automotive industry for decades, offering a practical and versatile alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs. They have evolved over time, with modern designs incorporating features like all-wheel drive, advanced safety technologies, and fuel-efficient engines.


Examples of Popular Station Wagons


Some of the most well-known and popular station wagon models include the Ford Taurus Wagon, Subaru Outback, Volvo V90, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon. These vehicles have gained a loyal following among consumers who value the combination of cargo space, passenger capacity, and driving performance.


In recent years, the station wagon segment has faced competition from the rise of crossover SUVs, which offer similar cargo and passenger capabilities. However, many automakers continue to offer station wagon models, catering to those who prefer the traditional design and driving dynamics of these versatile vehicles.

What car company makes a station wagon?


Audi, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche, and Subaru all still make new station wagons and sell them in the U.S.



Is the Honda HRV a wagon?


The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV (B-segment) manufactured and marketed by Honda over three generations.



Is a Suburban considered a station wagon?


The Suburban as of today is a full-size SUV (upgraded to extended-length from 1967 onward to make room for the then-new K5 Blazer that debuted in 1969) with three rows of seating, a full pickup truck frame, and V8 engine. It is one of the few station wagons available with all bench seating rows.



What classifies a car as a station wagon?


: an automobile that has a passenger compartment which extends to the back of the vehicle, that has no trunk, that has one or more rear seats which can be folded down to make space for light cargo, and that has a tailgate or liftgate.



Is a Jeep Wrangler a station wagon or SUV?


Jeep® Wrangler and Jeep Cherokee are the Jeep Brand's midsize SUV models. Their size sits between compact and full-size SUVs, and both offer comfort, style and performance. But each vehicle has a unique take on the midsize sport utility vehicle concept.



Are Subaru Outbacks station wagons?


Overview. For 30 years, the Subaru Outback has remained a popular and capable station wagon that evoked off-road capability with its rugged looks and raised ride height. But it appears as if it's about to stray from that heritage in its next generation, which is expected to arrive for the 2026 model year.



Is a Jeep Cherokee a station wagon?


The Cherokee was first revealed in late 1973 and it was marketed as the "sporty" two-door variant of Jeep's station wagon that went beyond the CJ-5 in interior space with off-road ability. The term "sport(s) utility vehicle" appears for the first time in the 1974 Cherokee sales brochure.



What constitutes a station wagon?


A station wagon (US, also wagon) or estate car (UK, also estate) is an automotive body-style variant of a sedan with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door (the liftgate, or tailgate), instead of a trunk/boot lid.



Is an SUV considered a station wagon?


They combine the features of a passenger car with higher ground clearance, often offering two- or four-wheel drive for tackling rough terrain. Unlike station wagons, SUVs boast a high seating position, giving drivers a commanding view of the road.



Why is Jeep discontinuing Cherokee?


The decision to discontinue the Jeep Cherokee is a strategic move driven by market trends, declining sales, and the brand's future direction towards electrification and premium SUVs.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.