SUV or Station Wagon: A Comparison

You’re looking for a new car with plenty of space and comfort, but which should it be: a station wagon or an SUV? Both are spacious vehicles, but there are some differences. At CARIFY, we’ll show you these differences and also tell you the advantages of station wagons and SUVs, as well as who they are best suited for.

SUV or Station Wagon – The Differences

Although SUVs and station wagons now look quite similar, they are very different vehicle types. They differ not only in their bodywork but also in driving behavior, fuel consumption, and space.

Definition and Features

SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) were originally intended as off-road vehicles for use on unpaved roads, for hunting or fishing. However, the raised seating position in an SUV made the vehicles interesting for urban traffic as well. As the driver of an SUV, you have a better view of the traffic and enjoy a greater sense of safety. With the so-called crossovers, a hybrid form of SUV and car was developed. These vehicles also score with comfort and advanced safety features. In recent years, the number of new registrations for large and heavy SUVs has been steadily increasing. SUV features include:

• Often all-wheel drive

• Increased ground clearance

• Raised seating position

• Headroom

• Plenty of space for passengers and luggage

• Self-supporting body

• High fuel consumption

Station wagons (also known as estate cars or station wagons) are car models with a large load capacity. Since the 1970s, they have been among the most popular family cars because the rear section, easily accessible via a door or tailgate, can store strollers, lots of luggage, and bulky goods. With the back seat folded down, a station wagon can even serve as an overnight option.
Some car models have an additional station wagon version, while others are only designed as station wagons from the start. Their features include:

• Longer roof

• Additional D-pillars

• Almost vertical tailgate

• Foldable rear seat, often even split-folding

• Less headroom

• Sportier driving behavior

• Driving stability at higher speeds

• More fuel-efficient

Target Groups and Areas of Application

The decision between an SUV and a station wagon is usually based on the predominant area of use, and the target groups can overlap.

• Families: They need a car with spacious seating for all occupants that offers comfort and space for holiday luggage, the family dog, or the stroller. Both SUVs and station wagons are suitable, although only SUVs offer models with up to 7 seats.

• Commuters: As frequent drivers, commuters value comfort, which includes the better driving dynamics of a station wagon. In addition, station wagons consume less fuel than SUVs. Work materials and tools fit into the spacious cargo area.

• Adventurers and Outdoor Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy off-road driving rely on features like all-wheel drive and ground clearance. SUVs can accommodate bulky sports or camping equipment. Station wagons also offer plenty of storage space for sports and leisure activities.

• City Drivers: In stressful city traffic, many people appreciate the better visibility that SUVs offer. However, parking can be tight for these large vehicles. Station wagons are usually smaller and easier to park. They also consume less fuel.

• Commercial Use: An SUV can best accommodate multiple people and equipment, and its off-road capability is an advantage on construction sites.

• Business People: SUVs are status symbols and therefore guarantee a classy appearance. In addition to the status aspect, the latest technology and most comfortable equipment can be found in high-end SUVs.

• Environmentally Conscious Drivers: Both station wagons and SUVs are now available in environmentally friendly electric or hybrid variants. In addition to a good environmental balance, the cheaper running costs are also noticeable.

Advantages of SUVs

Some of the advantages of SUVs have already been mentioned. Most drivers appreciate their versatility, making them ideal solutions for use in nature, the city, or on trips. Another aspect is the comfort. SUVs offer plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers.

Safety and Overview

Most SUVs are equipped with the latest safety and assistance systems. On longer journeys, when there is a risk of fatigue, you are particularly safe on the road. For example, the car warns you of unintended lane changes. Additional protection is provided by the robust body. The raised seating position makes it easier for you to keep an overview in city traffic and allows you to spot obstacles more easily off-road.

Off-Road and All-Weather Capability

In difficult weather and visibility conditions, off-road vehicles play to their strengths. SUVs with all-wheel drive master every bumpy road and do not get stuck in the mud as quickly.

Advantages of Station Wagons

In addition to the better driving behavior, which is pleasantly noticeable on long distances, station wagons offer legroom and comfort. However, the top arguments for station wagons are the following:

Cost Efficiency and Maintenance

Better Aerodynamics: This leads to more fuel efficiency in a station wagon, making them cheaper to maintain than SUVs. Station wagons are also usually cheaper than SUVs when it comes to other running costs, such as vehicle taxes or insurance.

Practicality and Storage Space

In terms of versatility, the station wagon does not have to hide behind the SUV. What it lacks in off-road capability, it makes up for with its variably expandable and usable cargo space.

Cost Comparison: SUV vs. Station Wagon

For a serious cost comparison between an SUV and a station wagon, we compare all cost-relevant aspects of both vehicle types.

Purchase and Operating Costs

Most SUVs are considered premium vehicles, so their new car price is high. This means that station wagons are usually cheaper. The depreciation, which is significantly higher for SUVs, also plays a role here.
The heavy SUVs with their powerful engines consume more fuel than a station wagon and are therefore more expensive to maintain.

Insurance and Repairs

With an SUV, you have to reckon with higher insurance premiums than with a station wagon. In addition to the higher new car price, an assumed riskier driving style is also factored into the insurers’ calculations.
In terms of repair and maintenance costs, the station wagon also has the edge, as SUVs have a complex structure and spare parts are expensive. In addition, the high vehicle weight of an SUV causes greater damage.

Safety: SUV or Station Wagon?

Looking at accident statistics, SUVs perform slightly better in collisions with other vehicles than station wagons. However, station wagon drivers can avoid many crashes due to their road handling, maneuverability, and better handling. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

Accident Risk and Protection

The high seat in an SUV gives you a sense of safety while driving. Although you have a better overview, you pay for it with a higher center of gravity, which can be disadvantageous in some situations. Station wagons, with their lower center of gravity, are more stable on the road.
On the other hand, the SUV offers a more robust body and larger crumple zones that better protect passengers in a crash. Both station wagons and SUVs offer comparable safety features for passengers, such as airbags and safety assistance systems (adaptive headlights, active lane-keeping assistants, distance control cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking systems).

Child Seats and Family Friendliness

With small children, safety is a major factor in the purchase decision. Check Euro NCAP for safety ratings of the models you’re considering in terms of child seats. These aspects make a car family-friendly:

• Does the car have Isofix? These are secure and easy-to-use attachments for child seats in cars, which are standard in newer vehicles.

• Important for families with more than three small children: Do three child seats fit on the back seat, and is there enough space for everyone?

• How easy is it to install child seats and place children in the car? Generally, the high seat in an SUV makes handling easier. Sliding doors, as found on some high-roof station wagons, are also an advantage.

• Are family-friendly extras included? A rear air conditioning system, USB ports, or an entertainment system make long journeys more pleasant for everyone.

Environmental Aspects: SUV or Station Wagon?

Environmental zones and driving bans bring the climate-friendliness of a vehicle into focus. How sustainable are station wagons and SUVs?

Consumption and Emissions

SUVs are rightly considered gas guzzlers. The large and heavy vehicles consume a lot and emit corresponding amounts of CO2. The lighter station wagons are more fuel-efficient, which they owe to their better aerodynamics. So, with a station wagon, you’re more environmentally friendly on the road.

Sustainable Alternatives

More and more electric SUVs and electric station wagons make it easier to balance space, safety, consumption, and environmental friendliness. You’ll also be cheaper on the road with electricity than with fossil fuels and can use your home solar power system more efficiently.

Subscribe to Affordable SUVs or Station Wagons with CARIFY

If you simply can’t decide, why not do a practical test with different models? With a car subscription from CARIFY, you can do that for just 1 month. Choose your desired car from our station wagons and SUVs and test it thoroughly. Thanks to our all-inclusive rates, you benefit from favorable conditions for ongoing vehicle costs and always have your expenses under control. Or how about our Try & Buy program? Drive for 1, 3, or 6 months and then decide whether to return the car or buy it. If you choose to purchase, we will even refund your previously paid subscription fees.

Conclusion

Choosing between a station wagon and an SUV depends on your taste and budget. Both vehicle types have their pros and cons and are optimal for specific uses. With a CARIFY car subscription, you can test various vehicles without commitment.

FAQ

Why SUV instead of Station Wagon?

Their versatility and off-road capability make SUVs popular, and many people prefer their style over that of a station wagon.

Which is cheaper, SUV or Station Wagon?

A station wagon is cheaper in every respect: purchase price, depreciation, taxes, insurance, and fuel consumption.

Who is an SUV suitable for?

Off-road SUVs are popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Families appreciate the space with up to 7 seats. In the city, the high seating position is advantageous.

Are SUVs still up-to-date?

Looking at the consistently high registration numbers, SUVs are still very trendy. Unfortunately, these fuel-hungry vehicles are far from environmentally friendly. However, modern electric SUVs are available.