SUV or station wagon: Which suits you?

	Advantages	Disadvantages
SUV	Elevated seating position and better all-round visibility often with all-wheel drive & good traction Striking, modern design Comfortable for long distances More ground clearance for light terrain Plenty of headroom and legroom	higher consumption more expensive to purchase and maintain difficult to find a parking space due to the size sluggish handling as station wagons
Station wagon	huge trunk, ideal for families, dogs & Co. agile driving behavior often more fuel-efficient than an SUV usually cheaper than a comparable SUV Flat entry	no off-road options less overview in city traffic not so aesthetic in design for many

By the way

Are you looking for the best station wagon or the cheapest SUV? We have compared our favorites for you!

Is an SUV safer than a station wagon?

Safety always comes first - especially if you are traveling with a family car. For SUVs and station wagons, the following applies in terms of safety: the more assistance systems, the better. Blind spot warning, emergency brake assist or adaptive cruise control (ACC) can be decisive in an emergency. The NCAP crash test rating, which shows the safety performance of various models, also provides a good overview.

And what does the design say about safety?

• SUVs bring advantages in certain collisions due to their higher weight, such as frontal collisions.
• At the same time, their center of gravity is higher, which increases the risk of rollovers.
• Estate cars are lower, offer more stability in corners and a smaller blind spot.
• Suits often offer better protection in the event of side impacts – an advantage, especially in city traffic.

Whether SUV or station wagon: Anyone who is on the road with others bears responsibility. The most important basis for this is, of course, a safe driving style: drive with foresight, keep your distance, stay alert.

 

SUV and station wagon in cost check

Whether purchase, insurance or depreciation - there are sometimes significant differences in costs between SUVs and station wagons. Here you can find out which type of vehicle scores where and what you should pay attention to if you want to calculate the expenses realistically. 

Acquisition costs: SUVs usually more expensive than a station wagon

As a rule, SUVs are more expensive to buy than comparable station wagons. This is mainly due to the more complex technology, the higher body and often also to the positioning within a model series. Even with the same manufacturer and equipment package, an SUV usually costs a few thousand euros more.

The used car market shows a similar picture:

• SUVs are in demand – and that keeps prices at a stable high level.
• You can often get station wagons cheaper in comparison - new and also used.

Consumption: Estate scores in terms of efficiency

In terms of consumption and efficiency, there are clear differences between SUVs and station wagons. If you drive a lot, you should take a close look – because the design and weight make more difference than you think. The direct comparison:

Maintenance: Who is cheaper?

The station wagon can also show its advantages when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

• Due to the technically simpler structure and smaller components, many jobs on the station wagon are cheaper.
• SUVs quickly become expensive because of the more complex technology and heavier components.

In the event of an accident, the higher vehicle weight alone can cause major damage to the SUV, which costs accordingly.

Insurance: SUVs often in higher type classes

There are not only differences in the purchase price – the insurance costs also vary depending on the type of vehicle. This is because insurers look not only at technical data, but also at the image and typical driving behavior of the vehicles. And this is exactly where the paths of SUV and station wagon separate. The most important differences at a glance:

SUV 

• often higher type classes, which makes insurance more expensive
• higher new price, thus more costs for hull
• is often considered dynamic to sporty – this has a negative effect on the risk classification
• Overall: higher insurance premiums compared to the station wagon
  
  

Station wagon

• mostly classified in lower type classes
• Cheaper vehicle value reduces premiums
• is considered reliable and suitable for everyday use – positive image among insurers
• The result: often significantly lower insurance costs

Loss of value: Who loses faster?

The short answer: the station wagon. The high demand for SUVs is having a positive effect on the resale value. Especially in the first few years, many SUV models retain their value comparatively well.

Nevertheless, the following applies: equipment, mileage and condition are decisive - for both vehicle types.

Conclusion: This type of vehicle is cheaper

• Acquisition & depreciation: Advantage of the station wagon – cheaper to buy, tends to be more stable in terms of resale value
• Consumption & Maintenance: Combies consume less, maintenance and repair are often cheaper
• Insurance: SUVs are usually classified higher, station wagons benefit from lower premiums

If you are looking for a total package that is as cost-conscious as possible, a station wagon is a good choice. SUVs often offer more comfort and equipment, but usually at a higher price. However, there are also cheap SUVs that have a lot to offer.

Estate or SUV: Who is better for the environment?

Station wagon or SUV? This is what the environment says about the vehicle types:

• Estate cars are usually lighter, flatter and more aerodynamically built.
• This ensures lower fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions.
• SUVs put more weight on the road, often have larger engines and more air resistance.
• This makes them less efficient and entails more emissions.

Both vehicle types are now also available with electrified drives. When it comes to SUVs, the selection of electric and plug-in hybrid models is currently larger, including popular models such as the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and the KIA EV6. Many manufacturers have started their electrification offensive with this type of vehicle. However, station wagons are increasingly catching up and coming onto the market as powerful electric cars, such as the Audi A6 e-tron.

 

SUV or station wagon as a family car?

Above all, a good family car must be suitable for everyday use. It needs space for child seats, suitcases, shopping and, ideally, a little room for improvement. Safety, comfort and flexibility also play a major role when the car becomes a daily companion. So, is a station wagon or SUV better suited as a family car?

Combi: The practical classic

Station wagons have been popular with families for years – and for good reason. They offer

• Plenty of storage space
• a lowerloading sill
• Stable handling that is particularly convincing on long distances

When it comes to maintenance, station wagons are also often the cheaper choice. If you choose a model with an efficient drive, you are even surprisingly economical on the road, regardless of whether it is diesel, gasoline or hybrid.

It is not without reason that many station wagons are among the best family cars, because they have exactly the mixture of function, driving comfort and everyday usability that matters.

SUV: Comfortable, spacious, popular

The raised seating position in SUVs ensures a safe driving experience and makes it easier to get in, which is an advantage, especially with children. Many models also score with

• flexible interior concepts
• a good equipment
• Off-road capability

More and more SUVs are now also available with electrified drives. Especially those who pay attention to sustainability can now find many options for an electric family car suitable for everyday use for the environmentally conscious transport of children and cones.

SUV, station wagon or van?

Need more space? Then you should also consider a van. Both station wagons, SUVs and vans offer plenty of storage space, but only the van scores with practical sliding doors, often has seven seats and is ahead in terms of cargo volume. However, the size can be a disadvantage in everyday urban life.

A van is out of the question for you, but you're still hesitating between a sedan, station wagon or SUV? A limousine can convince in terms of comfort, but often offers too little space for child seats, buggies and the like. For families, the station wagon or SUV is therefore usually the better choice.

 

For whom is a station wagon worthwhile - and not an SUV?

A station wagon is the right choice if

• you need a lot of space
• a high seating position or off-road look are of secondary importance to you
• you are a frequent traveler, have a family or have to transport a lot

A station wagon scores with a generous trunk, low consumption, stable handling and lower maintenance costs. If you like to be sporty on the road, but don't want to miss out on functionality, the station wagon is a good choice.

 

For whom is an SUV worthwhile - and not a station wagon?

An SUV is ideal for you if

• a high seating position, a comfortable entry and a generous feeling of space are important to you
• a good overview, robust construction and a safe riding experience are important to you
• it's okay for you that the consumption is a little higher
• you value a usually extensive equipment

An SUV convinces with a good overview, robust construction and usually extensive equipment. Anyone who appreciates comfort, flexibility and a safe driving experience – and is willing to accept a little more fuel consumption in return – is in good hands in an SUV.