Car brands and models beginning with W

Several major automakers produce vehicles with names starting with W. The most recognizable is Volkswagen, a German manufacturer that has made the Beetle, Golf, Jetta, and Passat for decades. Volvo, a Swedish brand owned by Geely, builds the S60, S90, XC60, and XC90. Wagoneer, revived by Jeep in 2022, produces full-size SUVs. Wuling, a Chinese joint venture, sells affordable compact cars and vans primarily in Asia. Wey, another Chinese brand under Great Wall Motors, focuses on SUVs and crossovers for the Chinese market.

In the United States, Volkswagen and Volvo are the most widely available W-brand vehicles. Jeep's Wagoneer line is sold through Jeep dealerships. Wuling and Wey vehicles are not currently sold in North America, though Wuling has announced plans to enter the U.S. market in coming years.

Key Takeaways

  • Volkswagen is the largest W-brand automaker globally, with models ranging from the compact Golf to the three-row Atlas SUV.
  • Volvo specializes in sedans and SUVs known for safety features and Scandinavian design, with models like the XC90 and S90.
  • Jeep's Wagoneer is a full-size SUV that competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition.
  • Wuling and Wey are Chinese brands with limited or no availability outside Asia, though Wuling has announced U.S. expansion plans.

Volkswagen models and what they're built for

Volkswagen produces compact cars, sedans, and SUVs across multiple size classes. The Golf is a compact hatchback available as a standard model or the high-performance GTI version. The Jetta is a compact sedan that shares the Golf's platform but offers a traditional trunk. The Passat is a midsize sedan positioned between the Jetta and luxury brands. The Beetle, though production ended in 2019 for most markets, remains iconic and is still available in some regions.

Volkswagen's SUV lineup includes the Tiguan, a compact crossover; the Atlas, a three-row midsize SUV; and the ID.4, an all-electric compact SUV. The ID. Buzz, an electric revival of the classic VW van, launched in the U.S. in 2024. The Taos, introduced in 2021, fills the gap between the Tiguan and Atlas as a subcompact SUV.

Volvo sedans and SUVs: safety and design focus

Volvo's lineup emphasizes safety technology and Scandinavian minimalist design. The S60 is a compact luxury sedan with available all-wheel drive. The S90 is Volvo's flagship sedan, larger and more upscale than the S60. Both offer turbocharged and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Volvo's SUV range includes the XC40, a compact luxury crossover; the XC60, a midsize luxury SUV; and the XC90, a three-row luxury SUV. The XC90 is Volvo's largest vehicle and competes with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. All current Volvo models are available with hybrid or plug-in hybrid engines, and the brand has committed to going fully electric by 2030.

Jeep Wagoneer: full-size SUV revival

The Wagoneer nameplate, dormant since 1991, returned in 2022 as a full-size three-row SUV built on the same platform as the Dodge Durango. It competes directly with the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Ford Expedition. The Wagoneer is available with a 5.7-liter V8 engine or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. A longer variant called the Grand Wagoneer offers more luxury appointments and a more powerful V8 option.

The Wagoneer is sold exclusively through Jeep dealerships and is positioned as a premium alternative to other full-size SUVs. It seats up to eight passengers depending on configuration and offers available four-wheel drive with multiple terrain modes.

Chinese W-brand vehicles: Wuling and Wey

Wuling is a joint venture between General Motors, SAIC, and Liuzhou Wuling Motors. It produces affordable compact cars, minivans, and small SUVs primarily sold in China. The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV is one of the world's best-selling electric vehicles by volume, though it is not sold in North America. Wuling has announced plans to launch vehicles in the U.S. market, with the first models expected in the mid-2020s.

Wey is a sub-brand of Great Wall Motors focused on SUVs and crossovers. Models include the VV5, VV6, and VV7 compact and midsize SUVs. Wey vehicles are sold only in China and some other Asian markets. Great Wall Motors has explored North American expansion but has not yet brought Wey-branded vehicles to the U.S.

Engine options and powertrains across W-brand vehicles

Volkswagen offers gasoline engines ranging from 1.5-liter three-cylinders in the Taos to 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinders in the Golf GTI. The Atlas uses a 2.0-liter turbo or 3.6-liter V6. Volkswagen's electric models, the ID.4 and ID. Buzz, use battery-electric powertrains with no combustion engine.

Volvo uses turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engines across its lineup, with plug-in hybrid options available on most models. The S90 and XC90 can be ordered with a T8 plug-in hybrid that combines a 2.0-liter turbo engine with an electric motor. Volvo does not currently offer a fully electric vehicle in the U.S., though the all-electric EX90 SUV is coming to North America.

The Jeep Wagoneer uses either a 5.7-liter V8 gasoline engine or a 3.0-liter turbodiesel six-cylinder. Both are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Wuling and Wey vehicles in China use small-displacement gasoline engines and increasingly electric powertrains, but specifications vary by market and model year.

Reliability and ownership considerations for W-brand cars

Volkswagen vehicles have mixed reliability records depending on model and year. The Golf and Jetta are generally considered reliable, though some model years have experienced transmission or electrical issues. The newer ID.4 electric vehicle has received positive reviews for build quality. Volkswagen's warranty is three years or 36,000 miles for basic coverage, with powertrain coverage extending to five years or 60,000 miles.

Volvo vehicles are known for durability and safety but can be expensive to repair outside of dealerships due to proprietary parts and software. Volvo offers a four-year or 50,000-mile basic warranty and five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The brand ranks well in long-term reliability studies, though maintenance costs are higher than mainstream brands.

The Jeep Wagoneer is too new to have extensive long-term reliability data, but Jeep's track record with the Durango platform is solid. Wuling and Wey vehicles have limited reliability information available in North America since they are not sold here. Chinese automotive quality has improved significantly in recent years, but warranty and service infrastructure outside China remains limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest car that starts with W?

In the U.S. market, the Volkswagen Taos subcompact SUV typically has the lowest starting price among W-brand vehicles, usually under $25,000 before options. The Volkswagen Jetta compact sedan is also competitively priced. Globally, Wuling vehicles are significantly cheaper, but they are not sold in North America.

Is Volkswagen the same company as Volvo?

No. Volkswagen is a German automaker owned by the Volkswagen Group, which also owns Audi, Porsche, and Skoda. Volvo is a Swedish brand currently owned by Geely, a Chinese automaker. The two companies are separate and compete in different market segments.

Can I buy a Wuling or Wey vehicle in the United States?

Currently, no. Wuling and Wey vehicles are sold only in China and select Asian markets. Wuling has announced plans to enter the U.S. market, but no models are available yet. When they do arrive, they will likely be sold through dedicated dealerships rather than existing networks.

What is the difference between the Volvo S90 and XC90?

The S90 is a four-door sedan with seating for five passengers, while the XC90 is a three-row SUV that seats up to seven. The XC90 offers more cargo space and higher ground clearance, while the S90 provides better fuel efficiency and a lower center of gravity for handling. Both use similar engines and share Volvo's safety technology.

Does Jeep still make the original Wagoneer?

No. The original Wagoneer was discontinued in 1991. The new Wagoneer, introduced in 2022, is a different vehicle built on a modern platform, though it carries the same name and design heritage. It is not a continuation of the original model but a new interpretation of the brand.