What’s Wrong With Wagons?
By Calvin Lewis
Let’s face it: Americans love their trucks and SUVs. Most drivers like the tall driving position as well as the feeling of safety in case of an accident. But the “Bigger Is Better” mentality doesn’t apply in the category of fuel efficiency — leviathans like F-150s, Rams, and Suburbans get no more than 25 mpg. Which makes me wonder, what’s wrong with wagons?
Besides their superior fuel efficiency, wagons drive better than crossover SUVs, and they offer about as much cargo space as big, thirsty SUVs — only about 3-5 cubic feet less. On the road, where most drivers spend their time, wagons such as the Passat, Taurus X, and the BMW 3 or 5 series work better than SUVs.
You can get all-wheel drive on many wagon models, some of which — Outback, Forester, and XC70– have greater ground clearance for off-road use. And if performance is what you want, high-powered wagons like the Magnum SRT8, C63 AMG, E63 AMG, and the STI blow trucks out the water, with room for luggage. The BMW 5 Touring and Audi RS6, though not sold in the states, also belong in this class of super-fast wagons.
In light of CAFE regulations and rising fuel costs, wagons are an attractive alternative to SUVs and big trucks — they’re faster, smoother, and more economical. Besides, bigger isn’t always better.
