Built for Subaru

Category: Dog & Pet Setup

  • Most Useful Subaru Accessories for Dog Owners

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Between the dog setup guides and the barrier/crate comparisons already on this site, there’s a lot to sort through. This pulls the highest-value picks into one starting point for dog owners specifically, with the reasoning for why each matters.

    A Cargo Liner Is the First Real Investment

    Muddy paws, shed fur, and general wear add up faster with a dog than almost any other regular cargo use — a heavy-duty waterproof cargo liner takes that wear instead of the factory carpet. For most dog owners, this is the single highest-value first purchase.

    Barrier or Crate Depends on the Dog

    A barrier keeps a dog contained to the cargo area without the fuller enclosure of a crate; a crate offers more security for anxious or larger dogs but takes up more space. Neither is universally right — see our Dog Barrier vs Dog Crate for Subaru guide to decide based on your specific dog.

    Seat Covers for Dogs Who Ride in the Back Seat

    For dogs riding in the back seat rather than the cargo area, a hammock-style seat cover protects the upholstery and prevents a dog from ending up on the floor during hard braking. See our Best Dog Seat Covers for Subaru guide for the full comparison.

    Don’t Forget Water and Cleanup Basics

    A collapsible travel water bowl and a stash of cleanup bags in the door pocket or console organizer solve the two most common “wish I’d brought that” moments on a dog-inclusive trip — cheap, small, and easy to forget until you need them.

    Common Mistakes

    • Skipping the cargo liner and cleaning fur out of factory carpet instead. The liner is cheaper than the long-term cleaning effort and wear it prevents.
    • Choosing a crate before checking whether a barrier would work. A crate takes real cargo space a barrier doesn’t — worth confirming your dog actually needs the extra containment.
    • Forgetting water and cleanup basics until you’re already at a stop. Keep them stocked in the vehicle rather than packing them fresh each trip.

    FAQs

    What’s the first accessory to buy for a dog-owning Subaru?
    A cargo liner — it protects against the most common and cumulative wear from regular dog transport.

    Should I get a barrier or a crate?
    Depends on the dog’s size and temperament — see our full Dog Barrier vs Dog Crate breakdown.

    Final Thoughts

    A cargo liner protects the vehicle, a barrier or crate keeps the dog contained safely, and a seat cover handles dogs riding up front — between those three plus basic water and cleanup supplies, most dog-owner needs are covered.

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  • Subaru Forester Dog Setup

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    The Forester’s dog-friendliness comes from height, not length. It’s one of the few vehicles in this class where a 60-70 pound dog can stand up fully and turn around without ducking, something the longer, lower Outback doesn’t match as well.

    This guide covers what’s actually specific to the Forester: the tall, upright cargo shape, what it trades away compared to the Outback’s length, and where it fits honestly next to the Crosstrek.

    Dog sitting on the back seat of a car, looking out the window
    Photo: Jernej Furman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Why the Forester’s Height Actually Matters

    The Forester’s boxy shape and tall roofline give it more vertical cargo room than most vehicles its size. A dog can stand and turn around without stooping, which matters most for dogs that get restless lying in one position for a whole trip.

    The tall side glass and upright greenhouse also mean a dog riding in back can actually see out, rather than staring at a low door line. Anecdotally this seems to keep dogs calmer on longer drives, though that varies by dog.

    The tradeoff is floor length. The cargo floor itself is shorter than the Outback’s, so a large dog can stand comfortably but won’t get quite the same fully-stretched-out lying position on a long haul.

    Cargo Area vs. Back Seat in a Forester

    For anything bigger than a small dog, the cargo area is the better call. The Forester’s height and easy access make loading simple even for a dog that’s hesitant to jump.

    The back seat still makes sense for a small dog riding alongside a passenger, or when the cargo area is already full of trip gear.

    What Actually Changes By Dog Size

    • Small dogs: either location works fine.
    • Medium dogs: the cargo area handles it easily, with plenty of headroom to spare.
    • Large and giant breeds: better standing and turning room than the Crosstrek, but the shorter floor length than the Outback means it’s worth test-fitting before assuming it’ll work for multi-hour trips.
    • Two dogs: workable, similar to the Outback, though expect to carry less other cargo alongside them.

    Crate or Barrier?

    A tall wire crate actually fits the Forester’s shape well, since the boxy roofline gives it headroom a lower vehicle wouldn’t. If your dog does better contained, this is one of the better Subarus for a crate specifically for that reason.

    A barrier still works and is the lighter, faster option, with the same tradeoffs as any Subaru: it contains movement but doesn’t reduce anxiety the way an enclosed crate can.

    One thing worth planning for on the Forester specifically: the larger glass area heats the cargo space faster in direct sun than a car with smaller windows. A cargo shade is a more useful buy here than it is on the Outback.

    Forester vs. Outback vs. Crosstrek, Honestly

    Choose the Forester if your dog needs to stand and turn around comfortably, or you want the easiest loading height of the three. Choose the Outback if your dog needs to fully stretch out on long trips. The Crosstrek only makes sense with one small-to-medium dog.

    FAQ

    Is a wire crate a good fit for the Forester specifically?
    Yes, more so than in the Outback or Crosstrek. The tall, boxy shape gives a crate headroom to spare, which is one of the Forester’s real advantages.

    Does the glass area actually make a difference for dogs?
    It seems to for visibility and calmness, though that’s more anecdotal than measurable. What is measurable is that more glass means more heat load in direct sun, so plan for a shade if your dog rides back there in warm weather.

    Forester or Outback for a large dog?
    Depends on what matters more: standing and turning room (Forester) or lying fully stretched out on long trips (Outback). Neither is objectively better, they trade off differently.

    Can two dogs fit in a Forester?
    Yes, similar to the Outback, though expect to carry less other cargo alongside them.

    What We’d Actually Buy

    A wire crate is a stronger pick here than in the other two models, specifically because of the headroom. A cargo shade is worth adding given the glass area. A liner is still worth it regardless of whether you go with a crate or a barrier.

    • MidWest Wire Dog Crate
    • Cargo Area Sunshade
    • WeatherTech Cargo Liner

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  • Subaru Crosstrek Dog Setup

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    The Crosstrek is the smallest of the three Subarus covered on this site, and it’s worth saying plainly: it’s a good fit for one small-to-medium dog and daily driving, and a compromised fit if you also need real cargo room alongside that dog.

    This guide is written from that honest starting point rather than pretending the Crosstrek competes evenly with the Outback or Forester on space. Where it actually wins is everyday practicality: parking, fuel economy, and maneuverability that the bigger two give up.

    Is the Crosstrek Actually Good for Dogs?

    For one small or medium dog, yes, without much caveat. The cargo floor is small compared to the Outback or Forester, but it’s genuinely enough for a dog plus a normal day’s gear, and the low liftover height makes entry and exit easy.

    For a large dog, it’s workable but tight, the dog will use most of the available cargo space on its own. For multiple dogs or a large dog plus a full week of luggage, this is genuinely the wrong Subaru, and the Forester or Outback will make the trip easier.

    Cargo Area vs. Back Seat in a Crosstrek

    The cargo area still makes sense for a medium dog when you want the back seat free for passengers, but the margin for extra gear alongside the dog is much smaller than in the Outback or Forester.

    The back seat is a genuinely good option here, more so than in the bigger two models, since the Crosstrek’s cargo area is the one most worth freeing up when you don’t strictly need it for the dog.

    What Actually Changes By Dog Size

    • Small dogs: this is the Crosstrek’s sweet spot. Either the back seat or cargo area works with no real downside.
    • Medium dogs: fine for daily use; road trips require packing lighter than you would in a Forester or Outback.
    • Large breeds: workable for a single dog, but the dog will occupy most of the cargo floor on its own. If this is your regular situation, the Forester or Outback genuinely fits better.
    • Multiple dogs: two small dogs can work. Two medium or large dogs is the scenario where the Crosstrek’s size limits show up the most.

    Crate or Barrier?

    A soft-sided or collapsible crate is the better call here over a rigid wire crate. Space is tight enough that a crate you can fold flat when not in use matters more in a Crosstrek than in the other two models.

    A cargo net or a compact barrier works better than a full metal divider, which can eat cargo space you don’t have to spare. If your dog is calm, an open cargo area with a liner is often the simplest setup that actually works.

    Crosstrek vs. Outback vs. Forester, Honestly

    Choose the Crosstrek if you have one small-to-medium dog and prioritize easy parking and daily driving over cargo room. Choose the Outback if your dog needs to stretch out fully on long trips, or the Forester if standing and turning room matters more than length. If cargo capacity is a real, recurring need, the Crosstrek is honestly not the model to force it into.

    FAQ

    Is the Crosstrek too small for a Labrador?
    Not too small to work, but a Labrador will use most of the cargo area alone. Fine for daily use, tight for road trips with much other gear.

    What actually doesn’t fit?
    A large dog plus a full week of luggage, or two medium-to-large dogs at once. Those are the scenarios where the Forester or Outback are the better pick.

    Should I get a crate or just a barrier?
    A collapsible soft crate or a simple cargo net, over a rigid crate or full metal barrier. Space is tight enough that flexibility matters more here than in the bigger models.

    Is the Crosstrek’s small size actually a downside day to day?
    Not for most owners. The tighter cargo area is the tradeoff for genuinely easier parking and maneuvering, which matters more than extra cargo room for a lot of daily driving.

    What We’d Actually Buy

    A collapsible soft-sided crate is the better pick here over a rigid one, since it folds away when you need the cargo space for something else. A compact cargo net beats a full barrier for the same reason. A liner is still worth it regardless.

    • Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
    • Compact Cargo Net
    • WeatherTech Cargo Liner

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  • Subaru Outback Dog Setup

    Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    The Outback is usually the first Subaru people recommend for dogs, and the reason isn’t marketing, it’s wagon geometry. A long rear cargo floor and a low liftover height do more for a dog’s comfort than any accessory you can buy.

    This guide skips the generic “works great for every dog” framing and focuses on what’s actually different about the Outback specifically: where its cargo shape helps, where it doesn’t, and how that compares honestly to the Forester and Crosstrek.

    Shih Tzu and Labrador Retriever riding together in a Subaru Outback cargo area
    Photo: user-submitted, from the author’s own Subaru Outback

    Why the Outback’s Shape Actually Matters

    Cargo volume numbers get thrown around a lot, but the number that actually affects a dog’s comfort is floor length, not cubic feet. The Outback’s long rear overhang means a medium or large dog can lie fully stretched out rather than curled up, which starts to matter once a drive passes the one-hour mark.

    The low liftover height is the other real advantage, and it’s not just a nice-to-have for a healthy adult dog. It makes a genuine difference for older dogs, puppies, or a dog recovering from surgery who shouldn’t be jumping to get in.

    The wide rear hatch opening matters more than it sounds too. Loading a crate, or coaxing a nervous dog in, is noticeably easier with more clearance than a narrower hatch gives you.

    Cargo Area vs. Back Seat in an Outback

    For anything bigger than a small dog, the cargo area is the better call, and specifically because the Outback’s floor is long enough that a barrier doesn’t turn into a cramped box the way it can in a smaller vehicle.

    The back seat still makes sense for a small dog riding alongside a passenger, or on a day when the cargo area is already full of trip gear.

    What Actually Changes By Dog Size

    • Small dogs: either location works fine, and you won’t notice much benefit from the Outback’s extra length.
    • Medium dogs: the cargo area handles it easily, with enough floor space left for a duffel bag or two.
    • Large and giant breeds: this is where the Outback separates itself from the Crosstrek and edges out the Forester. The extra floor length is the difference between a large dog resettling comfortably on a three-hour drive and one stuck in the same position the whole way.
    • Two dogs: doable, but expect to leave most other cargo behind unless you’re supplementing with a hitch carrier or roof box.

    Barrier or Crate?

    A barrier is the better default for most Outback owners. It’s lighter, faster to pull out for an unrelated grocery run, and the Outback’s wide opening means a full-width barrier doesn’t box the dog in the way it might elsewhere.

    A crate makes more sense specifically if your dog is already crate-trained or gets anxious in open space. A barrier doesn’t reduce anxiety, it just contains movement. If you go this route, measure the crate against your actual cargo floor length before buying. A large crate and a large dog together can use the entire floor, leaving nowhere for anything else.

    Outback vs. Forester vs. Crosstrek, Honestly

    If you need a dog to stretch out fully on long drives, or you’re regularly carrying a large dog plus gear, the Outback’s length wins. The Forester counters with more headroom and an easier stand-and-turn-around motion. The Crosstrek is the right call only if you have one small-to-medium dog and don’t need much cargo room alongside it.

    FAQ

    Does the low cargo floor actually matter, or is it a spec-sheet thing?
    It matters most for dogs that shouldn’t jump: older dogs, puppies, post-surgery recovery. For a healthy adult dog it’s a comfort improvement, not a necessity.

    Barrier or crate for a nervous dog?
    Crate, if your dog is already used to one. A barrier keeps a dog contained but doesn’t do anything to reduce anxiety the way an enclosed space can.

    Can I fit a large dog and a week’s worth of luggage?
    It’s tight but workable if you switch from hard coolers and bins to soft duffel bags, which compress around the dog’s space instead of taking up a fixed rectangular footprint.

    Is the Outback overkill if I only have a small dog?
    Not overkill, but you won’t see much benefit over a Forester or Crosstrek. The Outback’s advantages show up specifically with larger dogs and longer drives.

    What We’d Actually Buy

    A cargo liner sized to the Outback’s full floor length protects the interior without bunching up. A barrier is the better first purchase over a crate for most owners, for the reasons above. If your dog is already crate-trained, size the crate to your specific model year’s cargo floor length before ordering. That’s the one measurement that actually determines whether it’ll work here.

    • WeatherTech Cargo Liner
    • PetSafe Happy Ride Metal Dog Barrier
    • SLSON Collapsible Dog Bowl

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