2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen OVERVIEW

In today's eco-conscious market, many shoppers favor crossovers over traditional SUVs for better fuel economy with similar space. But for those willing to go a step further, the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen may be the best choice of all.

The five-door wagon offers two powertrain options. On the S and SE, a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine delivers 170 horsepower while getting up to 21 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. A TDI model, meanwhile, features 2-liter turbo-diesel engine with over 230 pound-feet of torque and economy ratings of 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.

The SportWagen also has the utility to rival some sport utility vehicles. With its 60/40 rear seat folded, it boasts 66.9 cubic feet of cargo space—more than Chevrolet's Equinox crossover.

Volkswagen continues to base the SportWagen on its previous-generation Jetta, and that's a good thing. The quality of interior materials is good, and handling—a typical Volkswagen virtue—is nimble.