Best AWD Wagons | 2026 Wagons With All-Wheel-Drive Rated | CarBuzz

The SUV craze of recent years has had us longing for the days when the station wagon ruled. The two-box shape means you have lots of space for the family, the dog, and everyone's stuff. Adding AWD to the mix only makes them more versatile — now, they're ready to take on harsh weather, get dirty on trails, or have breakneck performance figures that put supercars to shame.

Leading brands in this segment include Volvo and Audi, but others still offer wagons for a premium. They're also split into two camps: AWD for trails or AWD for performance. Even though the segment has diminished in recent years, we've collated our favorite wagons still on sale in 2026 on this list to help you narrow down which one is best for you.

Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available.

1 BMW M5 Touring

The BMW M5 Touring is one of the most complete fast wagons around, with a powerful V8 mated to a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Combined, the system produces a ridiculous 717 horsepower to launch this family mover to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, all while being able to drive silently on electric power for 34 miles. Yes, it's the heaviest car on this list, but trick suspension tuning and weight distribution make this supercar killer a hoot through the corners. If there's a one-car solution needed, the M5 Touring is one of the best AWD wagons for it.

"Despite its heft, the M5 wagon moves with remarkable precision, sticking to the ground as if it were glued and delivering rapid changes of direction on-demand. The steering feels sharper than the outgoing base M5, closer to the feel of the sportier CS model. Even on imperfect back roads, the M5's Adaptive M suspension system straddles a fine line between enthusiastic handling and executive comfort."

- Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz

2 Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain

If you prefer a 4x4 station wagon that can tackle some light trails and then massage you on the way home, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon is your best bet. This luxury bruiser has a powerful inline-six up front, plastic reinforcements around the wheelarches and inside, you'll feel like a king. As standard, there are heated seats, lots of ambient lighting, and a Burmester surround sound system, but the only drawback of this sports wagon is the amount of optional features. While it starts at $78k, you'll be pushing closer to $90k with options ticked.

3 Volvo V60 Cross Country

If anyone knows how to make an all-terrain wagon, it's the Swedes. The Volvo V60 Cross Country is a strong choice for the segment, building on years of experience in snowy climates. It's pretty understated with a slight increase to ride height (up to 8.1 inches), plastic trim around the body, and nothing inside that screams trail-ready. That extra off-road pedigree also makes it better over bumps on badly paved roads, while its mild hybrid powertrain can reach up to 26 mpg. This is one of the best AWD wagons if you don't want others to know you've got a super-capable car.

"It's a lovely way to get around during the week, whether that means school runs or commuting, and for getting away at the weekend and going on adventures - whether that's some light camping or exploring antique stores. It's comfortable and roomy, has great cargo space for its footprint, looks good on the road, and is injected with Volvo's passion for safety. There's nothing to put us off recommending the V60."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

4 Audi A6 allroad

Audi pioneered all-wheel-drive in passenger cars with their quattro system in the 80s, and the A6 allroad puts it in a versatile and spacious package. Starting at $73,100, it targets luxury buyers, but for that money you get a potent V6 engine and adaptive air suspension, which means that it's capable on any terrain. Oh, and the quattro system has been built for efficiency when you don't need the extra grip, meaning 30 mpg on the highway is available.

5 Audi RS6 Avant

The Audi RS6 is the brute of all-wheel-drive station wagons on this list, featuring super wide wheelarches, a 621-horsepower V8, and a 3.3-second 0-60 time courtesy of the quattro system. The adaptive air suspension has been tuned for a compliant ride through corners, keeping it planted, and when you step on the gas, the sporty rear differential can distribute torque to propel you to the next corner. There's no hybrid to be found here — only raw performance from an engine that's featured in the Lamborghini Urus.

6 Volvo V90 Cross Country

The Volvo V90 Cross Country may be reaching the end of its production cycle, but that doesn't make this off-road station wagon any less capable. Under the hood, it features the famously complicated twincharged engine produces 300 horsepower, giving it a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, and enough torque to get it over rough terrain at 309 lb-ft. Like other models at this price point, we'd have to tick out a few options before we're satisfied.

"The Volvo V90 Cross Country is one of those cars that drives how you expect based on how it looks. There's no pretension to being sporty, so no aggressive scowl on its face or fake vents or harsh angles on the bodywork. It's sleek and happy cruising at speed, but the comfort level and interior aesthetic reminds you there's no hurry."

- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz

7 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

The only electric entry on our list comes in the form of the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo. This silent missile has standard AWD and up to 938 horsepower in its most powerful trim. That also makes it the fastest wagon on here, but it comes at a cost. The Turbo S Cross Turismo has a base price of over $224k, so while other off-road wagons are slower, they cost less than half of this car's most loaded trim. Luckily, the base car isn't a slouch either, as there's 429 instant horsepower under your right foot.

Characteristics Of Station Wagons With AWD

An AWD station wagon has the following commonalities, other than the standard wagon features that include the classic elongated body type, large cargo area, and low center of gravity:

• Drivetrain: The all-wheel-drive system is the defining trait that sets these types of wagons apart from the regular derivative. This vehicle is equipped for better traction on wet, muddy, or snowy roads, and while it cannot do true off-roading, it will allow you to take the path less traveled a fair bit easier. Many AWD wagons also offer an increased ride height.
• Powertrain: Equipped with strong engines that provide ample power and torque, AWD wagons make hauling people, cargo, and even towing a breeze. Many are now available with hybrid setups, too, and there's even an electric option on our list.
• Technology: These wagons are generally loaded with tech, not just in terms of mechanical components, but when it comes to safety, driver assists, and even infotainment across the various trim levels.

What To Consider Before Buying An All-Wheel-Drive Station Wagon

Wagons have a lot to offer, not just loads of space and longer dimensions. If you’re shopping for an AWD station wagon, here are all the positives and negatives you need to know:

Pros

• Versatile and family-friendly
• Pleasant and engaging drive dynamics
• Mild off-roading and all-weather advantages
• Typically suave and modern aesthetics
• Often more frugal than many SUVs

Cons

• Designs may be polarizing for some
• Rearward visibility can be quite limited
• Price can be a little hard to swallow

Are station wagons with AWD heavy on gas?

Station wagons often cost less at the pumps than many midsize and large SUVs because their elongated and sleek designs are actually a lot more aerodynamic. There are also hybridized wagons that return exceptional gas mileage figures and even EVs that eliminate the need for gas completely.

Why are station wagons not very popular?

Most American motorists enjoy the commanding drive height and assertive presence of a pickup truck or SUV, as well as the versatility benefits. The rise of the crossover and SUV in the USA has led to decreased sales of sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons. While hatchbacks and many sedan lineups have been discontinued, wagons still cling to their position in the market, despite the negative stigma surrounding them.

What automakers still offer AWD station wagons?

Premium European automakers still produce wagons and brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche have AWD offerings. Volvo also makes its wagons available with all-wheel drive, not just rear-wheel drive.

What’s the best AWD wagon in terms of value?

The Subaru Outback is similar to a wagon-like shape, and that costs $35k. Many AWD wagons offer great value on the used market, too, often with discounts on two or three-year-old cars.

Can an AWD wagon go off-road?

Unlike SUVs, wagons don’t necessarily have the ground clearance and proper off-roading mechanics to truly rough it. But with AWD, a raised ride height, and some body cladding, cars like the Volvo’s Cross Country lineup can do fairly well in mild off-roading scenarios.

Sources: BMW, Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz