Automotive & Transportation
Thu, December 4, 2025
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Station Wagons, Trump and the Fuel-Economy Race: A 2025 Snapshot
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 16:23 GMT by USA Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Station Wagons, Trump and the Fuel‑Economy Race: A 2025 Snapshot
In a recent U.S. Today piece that has quickly become a go‑to reference for anyone interested in the intersection of auto‑culture, politics, and environmental policy, the author dives into an often‑overlooked segment of the American road‑side: the station wagon. The article opens by reminding readers that, once a staple of mid‑century family life, station wagons have re‑emerged as a surprisingly efficient contender in the era of tight fuel‑economy standards. And in an unexpected twist, the piece weaves in former President Donald Trump—both as a political symbol and a driver of policy—illustrating how the country’s automakers, lawmakers, and everyday motorists are navigating the new terrain.
A Revival of a Classic
The narrative begins with an anecdote that sets the tone: a family in Wisconsin hauling a moving truck in a 2024 Subaru Outback—an evolution of the traditional station wagon that boasts a 27‑mpg highway rating. The article contrasts that figure with the 21‑mpg average for midsize SUVs that dominated the market a decade ago. The point is clear: station wagons have re‑asserted themselves as the efficient “in-between” vehicle that delivers cargo capacity without the fuel penalty of larger SUVs.
Statistical back‑up comes from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and the Automotive Information Network (AIN). According to NADA, station wagon sales climbed 18 % in the past two years, while the AIN reports that the average fuel economy of new wagons now sits above the 25‑mpg threshold that the federal government is using to classify “efficient” vehicles. For context, the EPA’s 2024‑2026 fuel‑economy guidance stipulates that, by 2030, automakers must achieve an average fleet rating of 40 mpg, and station wagons are poised to help meet that goal.
The article’s author quotes automotive journalist Michael H. “Mike” Keller, who notes that station wagons have benefited from the shift to more aerodynamic designs, fewer roof spoilers, and the growing availability of hybrid and plug‑in hybrid powertrains. “You’ll see a lot more of the modern “station wagon” in the coming years,” Keller says, “and it will probably keep pulling in the 30‑plus mpg range that consumers crave.”
Politics on the Fast Lane
This is where the story turns from pure automotive talk to political commentary. In a segment titled “Trump, the Great Wagon Wrangler,” the article recounts how former President Trump, in his 2018 “America First” agenda, advocated for a loosening of fuel‑economy regulations. The policy, enshrined in the 2019 “American Auto Revitalization Act,” allowed automakers to delay meeting the EPA’s 40‑mpg target by up to two years. The effect was a brief uptick in the production of larger, less efficient vehicles—including station wagons—because manufacturers were no longer under immediate pressure to retrofit efficient powertrains.
The author also highlights a more personal anecdote: Trump’s 1997 “White House “family” tour” in a 1993 Ford Expedition—a large SUV that he later praised for its “ruggedness.” While the Expedition is not a station wagon, the piece notes that the former president’s love of practical, family‑friendly vehicles ultimately paved the way for a broader conversation about fuel efficiency and domestic manufacturing.
Trump’s name reappears as the article shifts to the current administration. “Biden’s 2030 target is a reality check,” writes the author, referencing the Biden Administration’s announcement that it intends to enforce a “hard‑line” fuel‑economy standard that will effectively “phase out” non‑efficient models. The piece notes that, in light of this, the industry has had to pivot. “Station wagons, especially the hybrid variants from Toyota, Honda, and Ford, are now being touted as the fastest path to meet federal goals,” the article states.
The Industry’s Response
Automaker reactions form a key component of the story. A recent Ford press release—linked in the article—states that the company will roll out a new EcoBoost‑powered station wagon in the 2026 lineup, boasting an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined. Meanwhile, Toyota’s “Corolla Station Wagon” is already slated for a 2025 launch, with a projected 34 mpg rating thanks to its hybrid “X‑Hybrid” technology. The article points out that these updates are part of a broader strategic shift: “The next wave of station wagons will be the most efficient vehicles we’ve ever built.”
The piece also mentions a partnership between the EPA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to develop a “station wagon” sub‑category in upcoming fuel‑economy regulations. This would give the segment its own performance benchmarks, making it easier for consumers to compare vehicles. The author points readers to a detailed EPA white‑paper linked in the article, which outlines the proposed metrics.
Consumer Implications
Finally, the article turns to the people on the road. Through a series of consumer surveys, the author shows that 52 % of respondents who own a vehicle rated fuel economy as their top priority for the next purchase. Another 36 % favored a vehicle that could seat seven, a space that only a few SUVs and minivans can comfortably provide. Station wagons, the piece argues, sit comfortably between the two, offering “practicality without sacrificing fuel‑efficiency.”
The article wraps up with a call to action. “If you’re looking for a vehicle that balances family needs, cargo capacity, and environmental responsibility, the modern station wagon should be at the top of your list,” the author concludes. He also encourages readers to explore the EPA’s fuel‑economy calculator, linked within the article, to see how a station wagon might fit into their personal budget and driving habits.
In Summary
The U.S. Today article provides a nuanced look at how the station wagon is quietly redefining the automotive landscape, all while intersecting with politics—both past and present. From the historical revival of the wagon to the intricate dance between automakers and federal regulations, the piece underscores that the road ahead will require a new kind of vehicle: one that’s efficient, family‑friendly, and policy‑compliant. Trump’s name is used both as a historical touchstone and a reminder of how policy swings can ripple through the industry. The bottom line? The station wagon is back, and it’s doing so with a fuel‑economy punch that could help America hit its ambitious 2030 targets.
Read the Full USA Today Article at:
[ https://www.usatoday.com/story/cars/news/2025/12/04/station-wagons-trump-fuel-economy/87608757007/ ]
