There is no substitute for cargo space. Well, unless it’s even more cargo space. Families, commercial travelers, couples, and singles with elaborate hobbies need a large trunk volume. But it doesn’t have to be a van or a bus.

Nor does it have to be an SUV. They are heavy and tall, which affects fuel consumption and agility. That leaves the station wagon. The only drawback is that station wagons need more length than vans to offer the same amount of space. An important factor when looking for a parking space.

Benefits of large station wagons

In the following, we will take a quick look at some of the advantages of the station wagons:

Large trunk volume, often low loading edge
Good rear-seat space
Lower profile, improved aerodynamics compared to vans or SUVs
Comparatively low weight, lower center of gravity
More agile than vans or SUVs of similar size
More economical than SUVs or vans of similar size

Because it is not a special achievement to get a lot of trunk volume over the length of the vehicle, we do not simply crown the one with the largest trunk volume as the “largest station wagon” in our top 7 largest station wagons. Instead, we’ve chosen the one with the best liter-per-meter ratio.

4. Skoda Octavia Combi

Our first compact station wagon comes into play in fourth place of our largest station wagons list. As Skoda focuses on space across all classes, it’s the Skoda Octavia. Based on the VW Golf 7, the Combi loads up to 1,740 liters. Admittedly, its length of 4.67 meters exceeds the usual compact class dimensions.

However, this also applies to other models, such as the Ford Focus Turnier. The ratio of length to trunk volume, at 2.682, is hardly worse than that of the Passat. The ADAC even measured 525 liters behind the rear seat up to the bottom edge of the window. That’s a top value.

Overall, the Octavia Combi is pleasant to drive and offers solid workmanship and decent materials. The large station wagon also has many clever details that make everyday life easier. As the new generation has just been launched (with an even larger luggage compartment), the prices for young used cars are also likely to slide.

New vehicles currently cost from 21,470 euros; prices in the real world are almost 30 percent below the list price for many engine options. So the biggest station wagon in the compact class is well worth it.