From its background on the racetracks, and a strong following among enthusiasts, Subaru is now making a name for itself in one unlikely field: comfort. Indeed, modern Subarus don’t just offer commendable performance, but they tick off the requirements of every family looking for an attainable car upgrade.

One of the areas where Subaru is hard to beat is in their flexibility. Whether it’s the Forester, Outback, or the Subaru XV, each vehicle is generous space-wise, giving it the ability to transport a family of five and their cargo. Moreover, Subaru’s excellence goes beyond transporting family members of the two-legged variety—pets or “fur babies,” as they’re called nowadays are given equal importance as well.

Here are four reasons why a Subaru could be the best choice when it comes to transporting your beloved fur baby.


#1. Lots of Space

This fact cannot be stressed enough. With the Subaru XV, Outback, or Forester, you’re provided with enough seating in the back for three adults. This means that the width of the rear bench is wide enough for a medium or even large-sized dog to sit or even lie down comfortably.


#2. Designed for Pets

In relation to the space, the rear seats in a Subaru is great in accommodating all sorts of transport accessories. This includes a bench cover (to keep your leather safe from scratches and to catch any shedding hair), seat protectors, and baskets. Of course, it’s best to keep your dog strapped in with a safety harness, and Subaru’s actually done research on this matter.

In the US, Subaru gone so far to team up with the Center for Pet Safety in determining the safest and most ideal places for dogs to travel. In the upcoming three-row Evoltis (US-market Ascent), their extensive study has determined the following:

• Pets 20 lb. or less can be harnessed or secured in carriers in the 2nd row Captain’s Chair.
• Larger pets, more than 20 lb., should be properly secured and travel in the 3rd row bench directly behind one of the Captain’s Chairs.
• Never place your pet on the floor between the Captain’s Chairs in 3-row SUV models, as this could result in the pet becoming a projectile and cause serious injury to both the pet and vehicle passengers.
• When traveling with both children and pets in a 3-row vehicle with Captain’s Chairs, secure the child in the 2nd row and secure the pet in the 3rd row, on the opposite side of the vehicle as the child.

Aside from the seat, any Subaru SUV’s trunk has the capacity to accommodate a standard pet bed, basket, or carrier, with enough space leftover for luggage or accessories.


#3. The Right Height

Ideally, you want your pet to be able to get in and out of the vehicle on its own, especially if it’ll be riding with you inside the cabin. One of the factors that make Subaru easy for almost anyone is the seating height. It’s optimized in a way that makes it easy for humans to simply slide their legs in and out while still allowing even small dogs to safely step or jump in easily. Oh, and even the ground clearance is just right, making it easy for dogs to safely climb in or jump out.


#4. Unbeatable Comfort

Thanks to the award-winning Subaru Global Platform, Subarus now have great comfort and stability. Meant to give it an edge in flexibility, it can traverse uneven roads smoothly, adapting easily to any condition.

Of course, human comfort takes precedence, but surprisingly, this comfort extends to our four-legged friends. Take it from our 7-month old hyperactive beagle. Once he settles in the seat and the Forester begins to move, he is out like a light. And that is what you want, as opposed to being restless all the time.

Putting all of this together, it’s no surprise that Subaru’s taken pet comfort as part of their car’s development process. They’ve even collaborated with renowned animal behavior expert Cesar Millan, too. Whether it’s a sedan, crossover, or SUV, Subarus are safe and reliable choice when it comes to transporting anyone you love. It’s all part of “Heart”—a Subaru promise that they’re more than just a car company. They’re committed to foster a lasting, genuine relationship for every member of the family, including those of the four-legged variety.

Words and photos by Gen Tiu.