10 High-Performance Sport Wagons for Real-Life Adventurers

If today's hugely popular crop of SUVs and Crossovers don't float your boat—and you're hungry for something roomy and practical with real kick—consider one of these Sport Wagons. Long favored by Europeans as the perfect brew of utility, performance, and economy, these rides are tailor-made to hold camping equipment, bikes, surfboards, coolers, or several of your closest buddies—without sacrificing driving thrills! And if you're looking for something more ostentatious, don't worry. Here are plenty of not-so-subtle cars.

New for 2017, VW trained its guns on category-leader Subaru Outback with an all-wheel-drive, high-riding version of its milder Sportwagen. Everything that makes the Golf a world-class driver's car is all here, and then some, with refinement worthy of Audi. Base price: $26,670 Powertrain and performance: 1.8L, 170 horsepower, turbo four-banger with 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD; zero-to-60 in 7.7 seconds.

Why you want one: Cents and sensibility. Car lovers, you should also check out this list of the best luxury sedans. 

With form-meets-function in its DNA, the biggest Mini is more versatile than ever and entertaining to drive. Available in five models, soon to be joined by a plug-in hybrid. Endlessly re-configurable to make yours like no other. Price range: $26,950–$31,950 Powertrain and performance: 1.5L, 130 horsepower, inline 3-cylinder turbo/189hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder; 6-speed manual or automatic/8-speed automatic, front-drive or AWD; zero-to-60 from 7.2-9.4 seconds.

Why you want one: Interior space rivals German crossovers, in a smaller, cooler package. But if you believe bigger is better, here is a list of the best SUVs on the market right now.

Cleverly avoiding wagon nomenclature, the 5-door version of the terrific Mazda3 certainly qualifies as one. But drives like a Japanese BMW. Ignore other trim levels, this one is it. Base price: $24,730 Powertrain and performance: 2.5L, 184 horsepower, inline-4; 6-speed manual or automatic, FWD; zero-to-60 in 7.3 seconds.

Why you want one: Sharp styling punches above its weight class. Quick, precise performance in a practical package.

The original outdoorsy wagon telegraphs what you're about. Its core mission benefits from years of refinement, resulting in a devoted customer base. Price range: $25,645 to $39,070 Powertrain and performance: 2.5L, 175 horsepower, flat-four-cylinder/3.6L six-cylinder, 256hp; continuously-variable transmission with manual mode, AWD; zero-to-60, 7.1 seconds (3.6 engine).

Why you want one: Fit and fearless, a top safety pick with standout resale value. And to make sure you're staying safe on the road, check out these smart driving tips.

Handsome and sporty with its seamless on-demand all-wheel drive system that grips under challenging conditions while maximizing driving dynamics and fuel economy on dry roads. Base price: $44,950 Powertrain and performance: 2.0L, 252 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder; AMG Speedshift 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, on-demand AWD; zero-to-60 in 5.2 seconds.

Why you want one: The perfect balance of off-road capability (you will actually use) and on-road driving dynamics, swathed in the gold-standard of interior opulence. Now, if speed is your preferred quality in a car, check out this list of insanely fast cars that celebrities own. 

If you live in a temperate climate, look past Volvo's stout Cross Country to opt for the sleek, elegant V90, the gentlemen's choice. Available only by special order, it is one of the most beautiful new wagons you can buy. Base price: TBA, (Cross Country starts at $56,295) Powertrain and performance: 2.0L, 250 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder; 8-speed automatic, FWD; T6 edition adds a supercharger for 316hp.

Why you want one: Pack your gear for long, languid road trips in the European grand touring tradition, with state-of-the-art design inside and out. Volvo has reclaimed its righful place among the automotive elite.

Graceful, sophisticated, and exclusive. Mercedes' impressive new Drive Pilot semi-autonomous system provides extra margin of safety. Base price: $68,800 Powertrain and performance: 3.0L, 329 horsepower twin-turbo V6; 9-speed automatic, AWD; zero-to-60 in 5.2 seconds.

Why you want one: Versatility, power, and refinement decked out in a well-tailored suit. And speaking of Mercedes, we've listed the greatest Benzes of all time here.

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The fact that European drivers favor the wagon iteration of the venerable 3 Series by half is unimpeachable. Trick yours out with the $3,100 M Sport Package that adds Adaptive M Suspension for a thrilling, all-purpose road car. Base price: $42,950 Powertrain and performance: 2.0L, 248 horsepower, turbo inline 4; 8-speed automatic, Intelligent AWD; zero-to-60 in 5.4 seconds.

Why you want one: Legendary BMW qualities in a lithe, multi-function configuration ideal for the outdoorsy-type driving enthusiast. And for you beamer enthusiasts, we have listed the best BMWs of all time here.

In rolling out its updated form factor, Porsche quietly inserted an unexpected four-door shooting brake body style, yet more affirmation of the segment's sudden vitality. And it's a beauty, a word previously never associated with Panameras. Mechanically identical to the coupe-like sports saloon with five engine options, including E-Hybrid, it's likely to own this space until the other premium makers catch on. Available November 2017 Base price: TBA Powertrain and performance: 4.0L, 550 horsepower, twin-turbo V8; Porsche double-clutch (PDK) 8-speed automatic, AWD; zero-to-60 in 3.6 seconds.

Why you want one: If you're already enamored of the new Panamera, there's just more to love. For more gorgeous Porsches, we've put together a list of the ten best of all time.

Wait, what? No joke, arriving later this year the cool, new Regal TourX is going to hit big, trust us. Developed and designed by Germany's Opel where it's been built since 2008 as the highly-regarded Insignia. With this tested platform, Buick is set to recalibrate it's brand position in the U.S. (for real, this time) since this gorgeous, upscale sport wagon is sure to win instant cred with an important, new demographic. Base price: TBA Powertrain: 2.0L, 250 horsepower, turbocharged four-banger, 8-speed AWD.

Why you'll be tempted: With 73.5 cubic feet of cargo space, it spanks the competitive set and offers SUV-like features such as hands-free power liftgate. Available in three flavors, from luxurious to action adventure. All requisite infotainment goodies, including 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, CarPlay and Android? Check. It's time to for Americans to reconsider much-maligned wagons. Not only is it not over, it's a new dawn.

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