NEW YORK (MONEY Magazine) - The old suburban standby is back in earnest -- faster, sexier, safer and priced to sell. SUVs, get ready for some real competition.

Until recently, if you wanted a wagon with a trace of style or sport, your choices were limited to a few pricey models from the elite German makers Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Otherwise, you could opt for anything from a Volvo (safe but square, with the exception of the rugged XC70 Cross Country) to a Subaru (practical but as exciting as wheat germ).

Well, the game has changed, and automakers are trying to lure SUV-crazed Americans back to their wagon roots. Wood-paneled Ward-and-June mobiles have morphed into sleek, do-it-all wagons.

The best of them even match some SUVs for roominess while delivering the precise handling, fuel economy and reduced rollover risk of a sedan. And they look pretty hot too.

For this comparison test, I assembled three new wagons that are handsome and fun to drive yet still family-friendly: the Volvo V50, a safe Swede that showcases Volvo's new emphasis on pleasing design; the Mazda6 Sport Wagon, a tailgate version of MONEY's top-rated mid-size sedan; and the Dodge Magnum, a broad-shouldered Yank that backs up its aggressive looks with serious game. How well did this wagon train perform? Hop in!