Which Family Car Should You Buy: SUV or Wagon?

Which Family Car Should You Buy: SUV or Wagon?

The SUV is currently the most popular car category in the world, besting the sales of sedans, compacts, and everything else in almost every automotive market across the globe. For car-buying families, it's easy to see why: SUVs are spacious, possess the most advanced safety technologies, and have versatile seating arrangements and boot spaces to accommodate different types of cargo.

But there’s actually another type of car that has all these qualities: the station wagon.

Before you settle with the default option, it may help for you to consider buying a station wagon instead. There are many great wagon options out there, some with advantages that make them the better choice over SUVs.

Boot space

Wagons are generally longer than SUVs, which means longer wheelbases and larger boot spaces. Ultimately, this means more comfortable legroom for rear passengers and more storage space for cargo. Some wagons even have 50 liters of additional storage over their SUV counterparts.

Better driving

The taller stance of the SUV is also one of its biggest disadvantages, as it diminishes their handling capabilities to a point. Wagons, on the other hand, have bodies that sit closer to the road, and this lower center of gravity makes them more agile and stable to drive, especially when turning or making emergency evasive maneuvers.

Comfort

Some SUVs forgo installing rear air-conditioning vents to save space. For parents with kids prone to car sickness and irritability, these cars just won't do. The rear AC is practically standard in station wagons, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a model without one.

Getting a flat tire is practically part-and-parcel of vehicle ownership. SUVs tend to come with bulky wheels and tires, so replacing them often involves a lot of work and effort. Meanwhile, wagons tend to have more reasonably-sized tires and wheels, making their replacement less of a chore.

Fuel economy

Station wagons are typically lighter than an SUV of similar size. This means better fuel efficiency and reduced costs for maintaining and servicing tires.

Whether you go with a station wagon or SUV, the good news is that there are plenty of great choices either way. As long as know what your priorities are, and are aware of how the vehicle's specific features can benefit you, you may find the right type of car for your family.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • ACMobility guarantees worry-free electrified mobility EV models, charging hubs
    ACMobility guarantees worry-free electrified mobility EV models, charging hubs
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • LTO announces DL renewal schedule, to commence after Holy Week
    LTO announces DL renewal schedule, to commence after Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid
    GAC Motor PH to reveal Emkoo Hybrid
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 27, 2024
  • Toyota PH offers emergency roadside assistance for Lenten season anew
    Toyota PH offers emergency roadside assistance for Lenten season anew
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Honda Cars PH reactivates HEAT for Holy Week
    Honda Cars PH reactivates HEAT for Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Brembo: an ideal choice for discerning Filipino car owners
    Brembo: an ideal choice for discerning Filipino car owners
    Paulo Papa . Mar 26, 2024
  • Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Flyweight feud: Suzuki S-Presso AGS vs. Honda Brio V CVT
    Paulo Papa . Mar 20, 2024
  • Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Cabin check: What’s inside the BYD Atto 3
    Paulo Papa . Mar 19, 2024
  • Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Midsize SUV battle: Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Ford Everest
    Paulo Papa . Mar 14, 2024
  • Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Hyundai Santa Fe: 6 seductive colors
    Paulo Papa . Mar 12, 2024
  • Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Here are some ideal destinations and safety tips for the upcoming Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Mar 08, 2024
  • Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Here are some New Year’s resolutions for car owners
    Paulo Papa . Jan 03, 2024
  • PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    PH auto market: 2023 in retrospect
    Paulo Papa . Dec 15, 2023
  • Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Here’s a holiday gift guide for car enthusiasts
    Hazel Nicole Carreon . Dec 15, 2023
  • Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Oil players cut pump prices anew
    Paulo Papa . Nov 14, 2023
  • First look: JMC Grand Avenue
    First look: JMC Grand Avenue
    Paulo Papa . Mar 27, 2024
  • Above average: Toyota Raize G
    Above average: Toyota Raize G
    Paulo Papa . Mar 22, 2024
  • BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    BYD Atto 3: from the metro to the mountains
    Paulo Papa . Mar 18, 2024
  • Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Late bloomer: Hyundai Stargazer GLS Premium
    Ruben Manahan IV . Mar 08, 2024
  • Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Adventure-ready: Subaru Crosstrek
    Paulo Papa . Mar 01, 2024