Best Crossovers for Dog Owners in 2027 (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Crossovers for Dog Owners in 2027 (Ranked)
Dog owners need a crossover that swallows a crate, wipes clean after a muddy hike, and keeps a panting retriever cool on a July road trip. We weighted cargo volume, a low load floor for senior or arthritic dogs, easy-clean materials, rear climate control, and safety and reliability so you are not paying for repairs instead of vet bills.
The field here runs from compact urban runabouts to three-row haulers, but each one earns its spot for a real canine reason: a flat folding floor, durable surfaces, generous airflow, or a tailgate height a dog can hop. Prices below are approximate 2027 figures and shift by trim, region, and incentives.
Direct Answer
The best overall crossover for dog owners in 2027 is the 2027 Subaru Outback at roughly $31,000, thanks to its low load floor, standard all-wheel drive, water-resistant trim options, and dog-friendly accessories. The best value is the 2027 Honda CR-V at about $30,500, which pairs a huge flat cargo bay with class-leading reliability.
Choose based on your dog's size and mobility, not just total cargo liters.
How We Ranked
- Cargo volume and shape — a square, flat hold fits crates and folded seats matter more than headline liters.
- Load-floor height — a lower liftover lets older or smaller dogs jump in without injury or a ramp.
- Easy-clean interior — wipeable cargo liners, rubberized mats, and stain-resistant upholstery save your weekends.
- Rear airflow and climate — second-row vents and quick cooling protect dogs in heat.
- Safety and reliability — strong IIHS and NHTSA scores plus low repair costs keep your co-pilot safe and your budget intact.
1. 2027 Subaru Outback 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Outback has become a default dog-hauler for good reason. Its low cargo floor and wagon-like shape mean a Labrador can step in rather than leap, and the 75.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats with seats folded swallows a large crate plus gear. Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance get you to the trailhead and back through mud and snow.
Subaru sells a deep catalog of dog-friendly accessories — a rear seat protector, a cargo hammock, and a bumper guard — and the available water-repellent StarTex upholstery wipes clean. Reliability is strong, though watch early CVT behavior and budget for tires. Pricing starts near $30,000 and a loaded Wilderness runs about $42,000.
- Price: ~$31,000
- Pros: Low load floor, standard AWD, wipeable trim, dog accessories
- Cons: CVT not for spirited driving, base infotainment lag
Verdict: The most dog-considered crossover you can buy.
2. 2027 Honda CR-V 💎 BEST VALUE
The CR-V delivers a near-flat 39.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 76.5 cubic feet folded, in a usefully square shape that crates love. The liftover height is moderate and the rear opening is wide, so loading two medium dogs is painless. Honda's reputation for long-term reliability means fewer surprise bills over a decade of dog hair and dirt.
A hybrid version returns around 40 mpg combined for long shelter-run commutes, and rear vents keep the back bench cool. Materials in the EX and EX-L resist staining better than you would expect at this price. Expect a base around $30,000 with the hybrid in the mid-$30,000s.
- Price: ~$30,500
- Pros: Square cargo bay, excellent reliability, efficient hybrid
- Cons: Firm base seats, road noise on coarse pavement
Verdict: The smart-money pick that rarely lets you down.
3. 2027 Subaru Forester
The Forester trades a little length for a tall, boxy cargo area and one of the largest rear door openings in the class, which makes loading a wire crate effortless. Standard AWD and 8.7 inches of clearance match the Outback's go-anywhere ability in a tidier footprint that parks easily.
Visibility is excellent thanks to a greenhouse full of glass, and the flat folding floor measures 74.2 cubic feet. Subaru's optional all-weather package adds rubber mats worth having. Watch for occasional oil consumption on older boxer engines; the current unit is improved.
- Price: ~$30,000
- Pros: Tall boxy hold, wide doors, great visibility, AWD
- Cons: Modest power, plain styling
Verdict: A right-sized box that dogs and crates adore.
4. 2027 Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 brings legendary Toyota durability to the dog-owner equation, with 69.8 cubic feet of folded cargo space and a rugged cabin that shrugs off paws and grit. The available hybrid and plug-in Prime trims add efficiency, and TRD Off-Road versions get you to remote dog beaches.
A slightly higher liftover than the Honda means very small or senior dogs may want a ramp, but the square bay and standard Toyota Safety Sense suite are excellent. Resale value is among the best in the segment, softening the cost of ownership.
- Price: ~$31,000
- Pros: Bulletproof reliability, hybrid options, strong resale
- Cons: Higher load floor, busy ride on rough roads
Verdict: Buy-it-for-life toughness for active dog families.
5. 2027 Kia Telluride
For multi-dog households or big breeds, the three-row Telluride is a revelation. Fold both rear rows and you get 87 cubic feet of nearly flat space — enough for a giant crate plus a second dog loose. Available second-row captain's chairs create an aisle, and the rear climate zone keeps everyone comfortable.
The cabin feels premium for the mid-$40,000s, with available synthetic leather that wipes down. It is large to park, and fuel economy is ordinary, but few crossovers haul this much fur with this much polish.
- Price: ~$43,000
- Pros: Massive cargo, rear climate, upscale cabin
- Cons: Thirsty V6, big footprint
Verdict: The family-and-pack hauler with room to spare.
6. 2027 Honda Pilot
The Pilot is another three-row standout with a clever removable middle seat and 87 cubic feet of maximum cargo. Its TrailSport trim adds skid plates and all-terrain tires for off-grid adventures, and Honda's wide, low-ish tailgate suits big dogs better than most three-rows.
The cabin is durable and sensibly laid out, with available rubberized cargo liner and rear vents. Reliability is solid, though some owners note the ten-speed transmission can hunt at low speeds. Pricing opens around $40,000.
- Price: ~$41,000
- Pros: Removable seat, huge hold, durable cabin
- Cons: Transmission hesitation, average economy
Verdict: Flexible space that adapts to dogs and people alike.
7. 2027 Subaru Crosstrek
The compact Crosstrek proves you do not need a big rig for one or two medium dogs. Standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance, and a low liftover make it ideal for city dwellers who hike on weekends. Folded cargo is 54.7 cubic feet — modest, but the shape is usable and the price is friendly.
Fuel economy near 30 mpg and a small footprint shine in tight urban garages. The StarTex water-resistant upholstery option is a dog-owner essential. Power is leisurely, so the available 2.5-liter engine is worth the upgrade.
- Price: ~$27,000
- Pros: Low floor, AWD, efficient, easy to park
- Cons: Small cargo, modest power
Verdict: The right-sized adventure buddy for one or two dogs.
8. 2027 Hyundai Santa Fe
The boxy redesigned Santa Fe offers a flat, tall cargo area and one of the widest tailgate openings in the midsize class — a genuine boon for loading a large crate or a big dog. Folded space lands near 79.6 cubic feet, and the available third row flexes for occasional extra passengers.
Hyundai's dual rear climate and wipeable surfaces suit pets, and the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty eases reliability worries. The hybrid returns strong economy. Styling is polarizing but supremely practical.
- Price: ~$35,000
- Pros: Square tall hold, wide tailgate, long warranty
- Cons: Divisive looks, firm ride on big wheels
Verdict: A boxy, dog-smart hauler with peace-of-mind coverage.
9. 2027 Mazda CX-50
Built for the outdoors, the CX-50 combines a lower, wider stance than the CX-5 with available rugged trims and standard AWD. Cargo is 56.3 cubic feet folded in a flat, easy-load shape, and the available towing handles a small trailer. It is the choice for owners who want a premium feel with trail capability.
Interior materials are a cut above, and the optional all-weather floor mats protect the cabin from muddy paws. The turbocharged engine is genuinely quick. Rear seat room is a touch tight for tall passengers.
- Price: ~$31,000
- Pros: Premium cabin, AWD, outdoorsy trims
- Cons: Snug rear seat, smaller hold than rivals
Verdict: The upscale adventurer for one or two dogs.
10. 2027 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport packs clever dog-friendly touches into a tough little package, including an available rubberized rear cargo floor, MOLLE webbing for gear, and even a built-in rear flip-up glass for ventilation on some trims. Folded cargo is about 65.2 cubic feet, and standard AWD plus genuine off-road hardware reach the wildest dog beaches.
The Badlands trim adds a twin-clutch rear differential and all-terrain tires. Reliability has improved but check recall history and early electronics. The boxy roof gives tall dogs head room rare in this size.
- Price: ~$33,000
- Pros: Wipeable floor, off-road grit, tall roof
- Cons: Spotty early reliability, firm ride
Verdict: The rugged little box for trail-loving dogs.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Liftover height first — measure your dog's hip mobility; a lower floor beats raw cargo liters for seniors.
- Square cargo shape — a flat, boxy hold fits crates far better than a sloped, stylish roofline.
- Wipeable surfaces and a cargo liner — rubber mats, StarTex or synthetic leather, and a bumper guard pay for themselves.
- Rear airflow — confirm second-row vents and quick cooling before a summer of road trips.
FAQ
What is the best crossover for a large dog in 2027? For a large breed, the Hyundai Santa Fe and three-row Kia Telluride lead on raw space and tailgate width, while the Subaru Outback wins on a low load floor that big senior dogs can manage without a ramp.
Which crossover has the lowest load floor for older dogs? The Subaru Outback and Subaru Crosstrek have notably low liftover heights, making them the friendliest to arthritic or small dogs. A telescoping ramp is still worth keeping for very large or aging pets.
Are hybrids good for dog owners? Yes. The Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid return around 40 mpg for long shelter or trailhead runs and run quiet, which many dogs prefer, without sacrificing cargo space.
Do I need all-wheel drive for a dog crossover? Not strictly, but if you visit muddy trails or snowy parks, standard AWD on the Subaru lineup, CX-50, and Bronco Sport adds real traction and confidence.
Bottom Line
The 2027 Subaru Outback is our overall winner for dog owners thanks to its low floor, standard all-wheel drive, and pet-ready accessories, while the 2027 Honda CR-V is the value champion with a square cargo bay and stellar reliability. Match the pick to your dog's size and mobility, add a wipeable liner, and you will have a co-pilot's chariot built to last.
Sources
- Edmunds — crossover cargo and reliability reviews
- Kelley Blue Book — 2027 pricing and resale data
- IIHS — crash safety ratings
- NHTSA — recall and safety records
- Consumer Reports — owner reliability surveys
- EPA — fuel economy ratings
- Manufacturer specifications (Subaru, Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Mazda, Ford)
*Keywords: Best Crossovers for Dog Owners in 2027 (Ranked) — review, reviews, rating, comparison, best of 2027.*