Are you a dog owner who likes to take your pets on road trips with you? To offer the safest experience possible for them, you’ll need a vehicle that has exactly what they need. A few models, like the Subaru Outback, offer useful features that make traveling easier for both you and your doggies. 

The Subaru Outback even appears on U.S. News‘ list of 12 cars that are great for your dog. The Outback has made the list before, but this year it offers new items to make the ride even dog-friendlier. Here’s why this crossover SUV is the perfect choice for you and your pup.

Why the 2021 Subaru Outback is perfect for dogs

Whether you have small, medium, or large dogs, the two-row Subaru Outback has plenty of room in the cargo area for them to roam around. It offers 75.7 cubic feet of space with the rear row folded flat. There are still 32.5 cubic feet if you need the second row in the upright position. 

If you travel with a dog crate, there are places for tie-downs to keep it in place while you’re on the road. You don’t have to worry about it sliding around and potentially harming your pooch. 

Pickup trucks aren’t always the best choice for dogs. The Outback has a flat load floor in the back, so your dog can lie down when you stop for a rest. Also, the Outback’s ride height is in a sweet spot for your pups to jump in through the wide opening even if they find accessing other vehicles difficult. 

Why the Subaru Outback is perfect for you

The base-model Subaru Outback has plenty to offer you and your dog. However, if you worry about your pet getting water or mud in the vehicle, you can upgrade to the Onyx Edition, which comes with water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery that cleans easily. 

This wagon can seat up to five passengers. You’ll also like that every Subaru Outback comes with an all-wheel drivetrain and the EyeSight suite of active safety features no matter the trim level. 

You also have two engine choices. One is the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which generates 182 hp. But if you need more power, you can upgrade to a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing up to 260 hp, U.S. News reports. 

Another plus is the 2021 Outback’s fuel economy. In the city, it gets around 26 mpg. On the highway, it gets about 33. However, EPA estimates for the turbocharged 2.4-liter motor go down 3 mpg city/highway. 

You’ll even be happy with this crossover’s off-roading capabilities. The Outback boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance, hill descent control, and an X-mode feature that allows you to drive on all types of terrain. The price isn’t bad either. It starts at $26,795.

How safe is it for you and your canine friends?

The 2021 Subaru Outback comes with plenty of advanced safety features, but there’s one new perk that stands out. That’s the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, which helps you stay focused while driving and eliminates as many distractions as possible. 

The 2021 model also impressed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, awarding the Outback its highest distinction, Top Safety Pick+. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Outback a perfect 5-star overall safety rating. It aced all crash tests except the front side passenger one, where it earned 4 out of 5 stars. 

To help keep everyone safe while on the drive, the Outback now includes adaptive LED headlights and rear seat belt reminders when your passengers forget to buckle up. 

The Subaru Outback is an outstanding vehicle. With plenty of safety features and pooch-friendly amenities, this midsize crossover is one of the best choices for you and your dogs.