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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.
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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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