Pet Owners Love Subaru – Here’s Why

October 16th, 2025 by

man and dog outside at campsite with blue subaru suv in background

Orlando drivers with pets need crossovers that are spacious, safe, and easy to clean. Subaru models like the compact Crosstrek and the larger Forester deliver these features and more to Central Florida pet owners. At Sport Subaru South, we can help you find the right mix of cargo space, pet-friendly accessories, and safety features to accommodate your furry companions.

Why Pet Owners Love Subaru

Pet owners in Florida appreciate Subaru vehicles for their large cargo areas, easy access, and safety tech. These vehicles offer pet-friendly accessories such as seat covers and cargo organizers that make trips simpler to plan. The company also shows its commitment to animal welfare by supporting the ASPCA and running the Subaru Loves Pets program.

Which Subaru Fits Your Pack?

The Subaru Forester‘s tall interior and broad rear door make it ideal for large dogs to travel in. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly car that’s easy to park in busy Orlando malls, the compact Crosstrek offers up to 54 cubic feet of pet-friendly space behind the front row seats.

Alternatively, the Ascent is a wise choice for large families. Thanks to its three rows of seating and substantial cargo area, you won’t have any problem hauling your kids and pet carriers. The wagon-style Outback is another popular choice, giving you two rows of spacious seating and a long, low-loading cargo area for your dog to settle into.

Safety Tech That Protects What You Love

Finding the best car for big dogs isn’t just about its cargo dimensions. You also want to know that the vehicle you choose has the safety features to protect you and your pet while you’re on the go. Subaru vehicles do just that, thanks to:

  • A standard rear-seat reminder in the 2025 Forester and Ascent that reminds you to check the back of your SUV before getting out.
  • Lane-keep assist and forward collision warning that keep all passengers safe during highway driving and busy Orlando commutes.
  • The EyeSight safety package, which includes a broad range of driver assistance tech like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Real World Pet Hauling in Orlando

Your daily pet hauling needs depend most of all on convenience and utility. Drivers near Orlando want to know that they have enough cargo room for their pets and other gear. It’s important that the materials in your vehicle can stand up to wear and tear and that the interior is easy to clean after a trip with your pets. Here’s how Subaru’s vehicle lineup can help:

  • Forester: Offers 29.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.4 cubic feet behind the front row, perfect for multiple dogs to ride with you through Central Florida.
  • Outback: Provides 32 cubic feet of cargo area with all seats in use, ideal for one-dog families.
  • Crosstrek: Offers 19.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 54 cubic feet behind the first row seats.

Beyond their dimensions, Subaru vehicles are appealing choices for pet owners because they’re durable. If your car gets dirty or wet during Florida’s heavy rains, StarTex upholstery covers available on Wilderness trims are waterproof and easy to wipe clean.

FAQs: Subaru and Pet Travel

We’ve put together straightforward answers to some of the most common questions we get asked by Florida pet owners.

Which Subaru Is Best for Large Dogs?

That depends on how many pets you have and the size of your family. The Ascent is perfect for large families because you can carry up to seven passengers and still have enough room for a dog crate at the rear.

If you have a large dog, you can even fold down the rear row and still carry five passengers in the first two rows. For smaller families, a Forester or Outback could be just right. There’s plenty of space at the rear for your dog, but you’ll only be able to ride with two passengers if you need to fold the rear row down.

What OEM Pet Accessories Does Subaru Offer?

Subaru pet accessories can make all the difference to your next vehicle purchase. Our professional Subaru service team can help you install them safely. Here are some of the most popular Florida pet accessories:

  • Pet-friendly padded cargo liner for added protection, including a fold-out bumper protector.
  • Rear-door protector to safeguard against scratches and drooling.
  • Waterproof padded seat protector to ensure your upholstery stays clean and free from hair when your pet rides with you.
  • A pet ramp for the rear to help your dog get into your SUV. This is a great accessory if you have a senior dog.
  • A sleeping pod with a harness, ideal for smaller pets that you want to secure safely on the rear seat using a seatbelt.

Is StarTex Good for Pets?

Yes, this tough, waterproof upholstery is ideal for pets. You can scrub it clean if your pet brings dirt or water into your car during a Central Florida rainstorm.

Test Drive Your Pet-Friendly SUV at Sport Subaru South

Subaru vehicles make life easier for pet owners with spacious cabins, durable materials, and safety features you can trust. Whether you choose a compact Crosstrek or a larger SUV, you can shop with the confidence that Subaru cares about passenger safety, both for kids and pets. Visit Sport Subaru South in Orlando to explore our pet-friendly inventory, browse accessories, or schedule a test drive today.

Posted in Subaru