post-Volvo future?

If you don't like the Subaru Outback, which has blossumed into a full SUV, and don't want to go SUV then the VW Sportwagen or AWD Alltrack is probably your best option. Remember they are also making an AWD, non Alltrack version of the Sportwagen. They give up a bit of space to the V70, but otherwise are solid vehicles and have good back seat space. They feel high quality and have good handling on the solid VW/Audi MBQ platform. A roof cargo carrier adds a ton of utility. Other European wagons offered in the U.S. aren't nearly as large (Allroad, V60, 328ix, etc...). Engine has decent power and economy is good.

The Sportwagen unfortunately only comes in a manual in base "S" trim, but this trim is well optioned. The Alltrack has VW's excellent dual clutch automated manual, which is a brilliant transmission. My TDI had it, and my GTI has it. Shifts are lighting quick and the manual mode is quite good. It just costs $450 or so to have it serviced every 40,000 miles.

I had a TDI version of the previous Jetta Sportwagen and loved it. I went with a GTI when VW bought my wagon back, only because my wife drives an Odyssey so it isn't our only car. If it was, I would be driving a Golf Sportwagen or an Alltrack again.

Keep in mind that the Alltrack only has a "lift" of .6", so the additional height of the cargo area is not really an issue. It is essentially an appearance package compared to the AWD sportwagen. They do come more nicely equipped than the Sportwagen version so you are paying for some added value. That said, the Golf Sportwagen is the more economical choice and is a great platform for upgrades.

If you could consider used an Acura TSX wagon would work for you, howevery they've been out of production ofr a few years now.

Buick are due to release a wagon of the Regal later this year, if you can wait that long. Other than the VW there really aren't many choices.

So I'd suggest trying a few of the compact SUV's - Mazda CX-5 would be my choice or even CX-9 if you want a little more space.

Finally consider a Ford Flex - again might not be to your likling but it's close to a large wagon. MPG is on the low side but certianly easy to eat the miles

Forgot about the TSX. Nice handling car and space is similar to the Sportwagen, which is to say much larger than the other German compact wagons. You can still find them with relatively low miles if you look carefully and with the naturally aspirated engine they will run forever with cheap maintenance. One of the downsides is the 5 speed auto.

Volvo is offering the new, non-lifted V90 as a special order model. Stunning wagon. But too expensive? No manual transmission, alas.

At the other end of the price scale Hyundai will be offering the new 2018 Elantra GT with a 1.6 turbo + manual transmission. It will be at dealers this summer. Might have to wait a few more months after they arrive to get an especially good deal on one. Could really hit the price + space + handling combo.

For under $30,000 I'd wait for the Buick Regal TourX. It has torque vectoring AWD with Twinster twin clutches that allow power to any one wheel when the other three are slipping (unlike VW All track that only sends 50% of power to rear wheels). Plus it has 70 or so more horsepower or same as a base Volvo V90 wagon is almost double the price of the Buick.

Best deal going for car-like driving, 30+ mpg highway, and state of the art all wheel drive system for under $30,000. The interior cargo is the same size as my old Saab 9-5 Arc wagon.