Size/Segment: Wagons come in three sizes: compact, midsize and large. Market segments include economy, crossover, luxury and sport. Some models don't fit neatly into any one group.

Price: Compacts range from economy models that start in the low teens and top off in the low $20Ks, to luxury models that run from the mid-$20Ks to around $40,000. Midsize wagons start in the low-$20Ks and can reach the $60,000 vicinity (in rare cases, more than that). Large wagons are less common, but expect to pay between $25,000 and $35,000 for family-oriented models, and anywhere from $40K to $60K for luxury models.

Engines/Fuel Economy: This group includes four-, five-, six- and eight-cylinder engines, and turbocharged versions are common. Gas mileage is in the 20s for most wagons, but V8 wagons often dip below that.

Safety: Family shoppers should look at crash test scores and check the availability of features like ABS, side airbags and stability control. Most luxury wagons will have you covered in these areas.

Luxury and Convenience Features: Budget compact wagons typically come with a bit more equipment than the sedans they're based on. Items like air conditioning, a CD player, a cargo cover and power windows and locks are readily available. Luxuries like automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, and navigation and rear entertainment systems can often be found in non-luxury midsize and large wagons. Look for them as you shop.

Passenger Capacity/Interior Space: Most wagons can seat four adults in comfort; five are possible if children are involved. A few midsize models offer a rear-facing third-row seat, but these seats are suitable for children only. Large wagons often offer flexible seating options, including a choice of a bench seat or buckets in the second row, and split-folding third-row seats that fold into the floor.

Do You Need All-Wheel Drive? General consumers should only pay extra for all-wheel drive if they regularly drive in snow. AWD may provide handling benefits in sport wagons, but it lowers fuel economy.

Cargo Capacity: Most wagons have almost as much cargo space as comparable SUVs (sometimes more). Shoppers should look for adjustable roof racks, flip-up rear glass, grocery hooks and nets, in-floor storage compartments and cargo tie-downs and mats.

Wagon vs. SUV vs. Minivan: Wagons are typically cheaper to own and easier to drive than SUVs. They're also more agile than minivans and tend to be more stylish than minivans. Unless you need to go off-road, tow a trailer or seat more than five people, go with a wagon.

Operating Costs: Wagons under $30,000 are a good bet for budget-minded consumers; they typically cost less to buy than SUVs (and some minivans), while offering comparable cargo space for a family of four or five and much better gas mileage. Maintenance and insurance costs are generally modest for non-luxury nameplates. Luxury and sport wagons may cost a bit more to maintain and insure.