Extended family: wagons and car-based SUVs: a wider range of choices provides something for everyone.

Only a few years ago wagons were an endangered species. As SUVs and minivans evolved into the new family haulers, the number of wagons on the market dwindled from 34 models in 1980 to only 13 in 1997. But the fide has turned again.

In contrast to the stodgy, mainstream station wagons of the past, automakers have been making newer wagon models more versatile and/or sportier, which has helped the wagon segment make a dramatic comeback. With more than 30 wagon models available for 2005, families can now choose from a wider selection than ever, ranging from fun-to-drive "sport wagons" to all-wheel-drive "crossovers" that are similar to car-based SUVs.

In fact, as SUVs become increasingly catlike, the difference between a wagon and a car-based SUV is often little more than the vehicle's height.

Wagons typically combine the cargo-carrying versatility of an SUV with the better fide, handling, and fuel economy of a sedan. Car-based SUVs provide a similar blend, but typically compromise ride and handling for a little more cargo room and higher driving position. All car-based SUV models can be bought with all-wheel drive, as can many wagon models.

The vehicles we tested for this issue show the wide range in this segment. The group includes three conventional wagons, including the Dodge Magnum, Mazda6, and Volvo V50; the Subaru Outback crossover-type wagon, which has extra ground clearance for moderate off-roading; and two car-based SUVs--the BMW X3 and Toyota Highlander. Our Magnum and Mazda6 use rear- and front-wheel drive, respectively, while our other four vehicles use all-wheel drive As-tested prices for this group ranged from $27,740 for the Mazda to $39,970 for the BMW

The Toyota Highlander scored the highest overall in this group and is below only two Volkswagen Passat wagons and the Honda Pilot among all midsized wagons and SUVs we've tested in this price range (see the Ratings chart, on facing page). For 2004, the Highlander received a larger V6 engine, an improved electronic stability control (ESC) system, and a small, foldable third-row seat that increases passenger capacity to seven; all of the other vehicles in this group are limited to five.

The Highlander and Outback are the only vehicles in this group that meet our criteria for being recommended (see CR Quick). The Mazda6's reliability has dropped below average and we don't have reliability information on the X3, V50, and Magnum.