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.
Skoda Superb Station
The Skoda Superb leads our ranking nevertheless as expected. If you have ever sat in the largest station wagons on the market know that there is plenty of space in these cars. Not just in the trunk but also the back seat. Legroom like in a chauffeur-driven sedan and a cargo area where you can get lost. These are the hallmarks of the Superb Combi.
That Skoda can fit so much space into a comparatively moderate 4.86 meters gives the Czech and technical brother of the VW Passat Estate a secure first place. It is the largest station wagon in absolute terms with 1,950 liters and, with 2.493 liters, takes the lead by a wide margin in the quotient of length and trunk volume.
The Superb also has good suspension and steering, is technically up to date, and has a pleasant ambience that doesn’t cause any problems in terms of design. That makes it a mass-appeal choice for almost everyone. The latest and greatest electronic features from the parent brand Volkswagen are not yet to be found.
However, there is modern assistance and plenty of connectivity. Prices for new cars start at just under 30,000 euros for the 150-hp gasoline engine. The Skoda is basically stable in price on the used car market. However, Skoda launched a facelift in 2019. Thus, pre-facelift models could drop in price. Nevertheless, this is no bargain, but will remain well sellable the large station wagon.
Subaru Outback
Granted: We hadn’t considered the large station wagon in second place. One reason for this is that the Subaru Outback doesn’t really feature in our estate considerations. With a height of a good 1.60 meters, it is more on the SUV level. However, the German Motor Transport Authority lists the Outback in the upper mid-range. Its proportions fit the station wagon segment, after all. So, this car belongs on our list of the largest station wagons.
Height helps. It can fit up to 1,848 liters behind the tailgate, a perfect figure for a length of 4.82 meters. Its width is a moderate 1.84 meters. The Superb Combi outperforms the Outback in terms of length-to-volume ratio. However, at 2.608 liters it is still far ahead of the third-placed station wagon.
Further advantages of the Outback besides its good space: plenty of off-road competence. As Subaru is known as a classic all-wheel-drive brand, the big Outback station wagon, just like most of its siblings, is always driven by all four wheels. This is unfortunately also reflected in the fuel consumption. 7.3 liters according to the NEDC standard for the 2.5i with a 2.5-liter boxer engine and continuously variable automatic transmission is not a particularly economical figure.
However, the real-world consumption should be comparatively close. The prices start at 38,490 euros, relatively young used cars, day registrations and even new cars are available from around 32,000 euros.
VW Passat Estate
With a trunk capacity of 1,780 liters, in absolute terms, the Passat Estate only makes it to 4th place among the largest station wagons. Still, it only needs a good 4.77 meters of length to do so. A coefficient of 2.681 lifts it just into third place. And rightly so, because the Passat loads a lot in practice. ADAC measurements show 475 liters of space up to the window edge with the rear seat upright. A figure that is only exceeded by the Superb (490 liters) and the recently discontinued Octavia (525 liters!).
Everything else is well-known VW merchandise. Plain design, solid workmanship, especially on long journeys a high comfort level with all kinds of technology extras. But be careful: VW has added a lot of infotainment and assistance with the latest facelift. Neither was fully convincing in our latest test. These are problems that other manufacturers are also struggling with. The prices start at 33,035 euros for the new VW Passat variant; the second-hand market is huge and offers even in the latest generation more than 15,000 offers: from cab to top-equipped business station wagon at a premium price.
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.
Peugeot 508 SW
Doesn’t Peugeot focus on looks instead of cargo space with the latest generation 508 SW? Peugeot has apparently succeeded in combining both. With a trunk capacity of up to 1,780 liters, this French mid-size station wagon is on par with the VW Passat. However, the big station wagon looks less like a van. You have to like the extravagant front with its walrus teeth (daytime running lights). However, the 508 station wagon mainly attracted favorable glances in our test.
We also liked it, both inside and out. The estate doesn’t convince us unreservedly regarding handling, comfort and noise level. Especially the premium mid-range offers more. Peugeot also prices the 508 SW quite confidently. The minimum price is just under 33,000 euros, and with the powerful diesel (180 hp), it gets really expensive (just under 48,000 euros), as Peugeot only offers it with the top equipment. However, at least the car comes with a lot of equipment.
Mercedes E-Class Estate
Once upon a time, the E-class estate was the space miracle in the upper-middle class – and the largest estate car of all for a long time. The current generation (S213), on the market since 2016, beats the direct competition as well. With 1,820 liters of trunk space, this car is the third-best figure in absolute terms behind the Superb and Outback. However, the estate stretches to 4.93 meters. That is only enough for a ratio of 2.710 and sixth place in our ranking of the largest station wagons. The ADAC measured 450 liters up to the bottom edge of the window.
That much space costs almost 50,000 euros in the Daimler with a small 1.6-liter diesel that produces 160 hp. The price list for gasoline models starts at 50,300 euros. But then the car still lacks the fine extras that make the large station wagon a real Benz. For instance, it has one of the best assistance systems on the market, pneumatic suspension on both axles and all kinds of comfort and decor extras that make the E-Class luxurious.
As a consolation, the used-car market is full of young used cars that cost considerably less. Between €30,000 and €40,000, you can already find numerous examples that were registered for the first time in 2019. Many of these already show five-digit mileage on the speedometer, but that mostly means: The miles were mostly done on the long haul. For the engine, not the worst thing. Those looking in the next few weeks also have a chance at slightly lower prices since Mercedes has just unveiled the facelift of the E-Class.
Kia Ceed SW
Our second compact station wagon in this top 7 list comes from Korea. Measuring 4.60 meters in length and with a trunk capacity of just under 1,700 liters (1,694 liters), the Kia Ceed SW achieves a ratio of 2.715, beating the E-Class by a narrow margin. At 2.779, its Hyundai sister model achieves a significantly higher value. Although it only measures 4.59 meters, it loads 1,650 liters according to the standard. Similar values are achieved by the Peugeot 308 SW (1,660 liters, 2.762).
The recommendation is, therefore, a bit fuzzy in the end. Accordingly, Peugeot’s 308 SW even comes in at 430 liters, and the VW Golf Variant is still at 420 liters. The norm does not always reflect reality. Still, one of the largest station wagons is the Kia Ceed SW.
And you can still recommend the large station wagon. It has a well-balanced ride, good workmanship, robust materials, up-to-date assistance technology and a modern infotainment system. It is also available as a plug-in hybrid – a rarity in the compact class, especially among large station wagons. At a base price of 17,690 euros, it also costs less than some of its competitors.
