Small station wagons and crossovers compared: all 14 current models

The EPA's small station wagon class is set by interior volume, so it collects hatchbacks, wagons and small crossovers that a shopper might file under different names. On Kelley Blue Book's base prices the Kia Soul starts at $21,885, the Chevrolet Trax at $23,495, the Toyota Crown Signia at $45,940 and the Volvo V60 at $53,495. The low end competes with subcompact SUVs, and the top end is a small luxury wagon.

Electric models lead the class on the EPA's scale: the Nissan Leaf is rated 121 MPGe, the Chevrolet Bolt 120 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 119, with annual electricity costs around $650. Gas versions sit in the high 20s, and the Honda HR-V and Volvo V60 rate lowest at 28 and 26 mpg. If you can charge at home, the Leaf and Bolt are the low-running-cost choices; the Kia Soul and Chevrolet Trax are the low-price ones.

Small hatchbacks and wagons trade cargo for footprint, so measure your load area and check the seat-folding arrangement. Open each model's page to read its recall and complaint record, and check a used car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.