The Comeback of Station Wagons in 2025 – Are Aussies Over SUVs?

The Comeback of Station Wagons in 2025 – Are Aussies Over SUVs?

Introduction: The Surprising Return of the Wagon

For decades, the humble station wagon was a staple of the Australian road trip, family commute, and cross-country adventure. Then came the SUV boom — high-riding, rugged-looking, and marketing-heavy. But as we settle into 2025, an unexpected trend is surfacing: the resurgence of the station wagon.

Are Aussies falling out of love with SUVs? Are wagons finally shaking off their “daggy dad car” image? This article explores what’s driving the comeback, the best wagon options in 2025, and how they stack up as alternatives to SUVs.

Chapter 1: How We Got Here – The Rise and Stall of SUVs

1.1 The SUV Boom (2000–2020s)

SUVs gained massive popularity in Australia thanks to:

• Elevated driving position
• All-terrain marketing appeal
• Family-friendly space
• Perception of safety and versatility

By 2020, SUVs accounted for over 50% of new car sales in Australia, dwarfing sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.

1.2 The Downsides of SUVs (and the Consumer Wake-up Call)

But SUV ownership hasn’t been without issues:

• Fuel efficiency is typically lower due to size and weight.
• Handling is often less precise than sedans or wagons.
• Urban usability is a challenge — tight car parks and narrow lanes are less SUV-friendly.
• Costs: From purchase price to insurance and ongoing maintenance, SUVs can be expensive to own and run.

As Australian drivers become more budget-conscious and eco-aware in 2025, many are rethinking what they actually need in a car.

Chapter 2: Why Station Wagons Make Sense Again

2.1 Practicality Without Bulk

Wagons offer the best of both worlds:

• Sedan-like ride and handling
• Boot space that rivals or exceeds compact SUVs
• Lower ride height for easier entry and loading

2.2 Better Fuel Efficiency

Most wagons are based on sedan platforms, which means they’re lighter and more aerodynamic than SUVs — translating to:

• Improved fuel economy
• Lower emissions
• Cheaper running costs

2.3 Driving Pleasure and Dynamics

For enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, wagons:

• Handle better than SUVs due to lower center of gravity
• Feel more connected to the road
• Offer better cornering stability

2.4 Aesthetics and Lifestyle Appeal

Modern wagons have shed the clunky looks of the past. Brands like Audi, Volvo, Skoda, and Subaru now offer wagons with:

• Sleek European styling
• Luxurious interiors
• Adventure-ready capabilities

For Aussie drivers who want a standout car that isn’t a dime-a-dozen SUV, wagons provide uniqueness with purpose.

Chapter 3: Best Station Wagons in Australia – 2025 Lineup

3.1 Budget to Mid-Range Wagons

Subaru Outback (from $47,000 drive-away)

• All-wheel drive as standard
• Raised ride height, crossover appeal
• Great for rural or adventure-focused buyers

Skoda Octavia Wagon

• One of the most spacious wagons in the segment
• Clever interior storage, modern tech
• Starting around $42,000

Mazda6 Wagon

• Sleek, premium-looking design
• Excellent ride quality and efficiency
• Around $50,000 for higher trims

3.2 Premium and Performance Wagons

Volvo V60 Cross Country

• Scandinavian luxury with a rugged edge
• Mild-hybrid tech, off-road capability
• Around $70,000+

Audi A4 Avant / A6 Avant

• Superb driving dynamics
• Cutting-edge infotainment
• High safety ratings

BMW 330i Touring

• Rear-wheel-drive balance
• Sporty with just enough space
• Priced from approx. $85,000

Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo

• Pure electric performance wagon
• Unreal acceleration and tech
• Starting at $180,000+ — for niche buyers

Chapter 4: SUV vs Wagon – Which One Suits You?

Bottom Line:

If you need real off-road capability or frequent towing, an SUV may still make sense. But for city drivers, commuters, and families, wagons offer more comfort, efficiency, and refinement.

Chapter 5: The Role of Electric and Hybrid Wagons

5.1 The EV Revolution Isn’t Just About SUVs

In 2025, electric wagons are entering the spotlight:

• MG5 EV Long Range – Affordable, practical, and fully electric
• Volvo V60 Recharge – Plug-in hybrid with luxury features
• Audi A6 e-tron Avant – A flagship electric wagon in the making

5.2 Hybrid Wagons on the Rise

For buyers not ready to go full electric:

• Toyota Corolla Touring Sports (overseas markets)
• Subaru Outback Hybrid (expected in Australia soon)
• Peugeot 308 GT Plug-In Hybrid Wagon

These offer reduced fuel consumption and low emissions — without the need for full charging infrastructure.

Chapter 6: Why Australians Are Embracing Wagons Again

6.1 SUV Fatigue is Real

With nearly every second car on the road being an SUV, consumers are craving difference — and wagons deliver:

• Familiar sedan-like feel
• More grounded design language
• Less show, more go

6.2 Increased Urbanization and Compact Living

Wagons are:

• Easier to manoeuvre in city traffic
• Less obstructive in tight garages
• Friendlier for families in urban environments

6.3 The Return of Road Trip Culture

Australia’s post-pandemic travel trend sees more families hitting the road domestically. Wagons:

• Offer long-distance comfort
• Generous boot space for camping gear, prams, surfboards, etc.
• Handle highways better than most crossovers

Chapter 7: What’s Next for the Wagon Market?

7.1 More Options Coming

Brands are slowly adding wagon variants back into Australian lineups. Look out for:

• Peugeot 508 Sportswagon
• Hyundai i30 Wagon (returning?)
• Toyota's potential Corolla wagon variant for local markets

7.2 Marketing Shift

Manufacturers are repositioning wagons as:

• Adventure vehicles (à la Outback)
• Luxury estate cars (e.g. Audi, Volvo)
• Urban-efficient family movers

7.3 Used Wagon Market Surging

With new wagons limited in supply, demand for:

• Second-hand Skoda Superb Wagons
• Used Subaru Libertys
• Volkswagen Passat Wagons

…is booming. They're seen as undervalued gems.

Chapter 8: Should You Buy a Wagon in 2025?

Here’s who wagons are perfect for:

• Families who want space without the SUV bulk
• Enthusiasts who want driving feel
• Commuters who value fuel efficiency
• Adventure seekers who need long-range comfort
• Drivers who want to stand out in a sea of SUVs

And if you're shopping on a budget, even older wagons from 2018–2022 are holding value thanks to durability and practicality.

Conclusion: A Wagon Renaissance?

Station wagons may not reclaim the dominance they once had, but they are certainly not dead. In fact, they represent a smarter, more refined alternative to SUVs in many cases.

For Australian drivers who are rethinking mobility, fuel costs, and usability in 2025, wagons are suddenly cool again — without even trying. The trend isn't just about nostalgia; it's about value, versatility, and driving enjoyment.

So, are Aussies over SUVs? Maybe not entirely. But wagons are definitely back in the conversation — and that’s a win for anyone who values smart motoring.