Pet-Friendly Subaru Models & Dog-Friendly Montrose Trails
Standard AWD, real ground clearance, and easy-load cargo — here's which Subaru fits your dog best, plus the top leashed-dog trails near Montrose.
Subaru models are built for adventures with your dog — standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, solid ground clearance, and spacious, easy-load cargo areas. The Outback and Ascent lead on cargo (up to 75.6 cu ft); the Ascent seats up to 8 for multiple pets; the Solterra EV is quietest for noise-sensitive dogs; and the Crosstrek is easiest to park. See them all at Flower Subaru in Montrose, CO.
Montrose is one of the best places to get outside with your furry family members. The trails, the wildflowers blooming across the Uncompahgre Plateau, and the mild days make it perfect for hikes, picnics, and adventures with your dogs. Whether you have one energetic pup or a couple of adventure buddies, Subaru vehicles are designed to make pet-friendly outings easy and comfortable.
At Flower Subaru, we're big fans of the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, which supports animal shelters and promotes adoption through partnerships with the ASPCA and other organizations. We love helping local pet parents find the right vehicle for their four-legged companions. Here's how popular Subaru models shine for pet outings near Montrose, plus some great pet-friendly trails to explore together.
01Why are Subaru models great for pets?
Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, solid ground clearance, and spacious cargo areas make them ideal for dirt roads, trailhead parking, and carrying pet gear. Many models offer available options like a padded cargo liner to protect interiors and keep things clean after muddy paws.
02Which Subaru is best for your pet?
The right fit depends on how many dogs you bring, how much gear you haul, and how you like to drive. Here's the lineup at a glance:
| Model | Max cargo | Ground clearance | Seating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester | Up to 74.4 cu ft | 8.7 in. (9.3 Wild.) | 5 | Wide opening, easy access |
| Outback | Up to 75.6 cu ft | 8.7–9.5 in. | 5 | Flat load floor, hands-free gate |
| Crosstrek | Up to 54.7 cu ft | 8.7 in. (9.3 Wild.) | 5 | Compact, easy parking |
| Ascent | Up to 75.6 cu ft | — | Up to 8 | Multiple pets & family, 5,000-lb tow |
| Solterra (EV) | Up to 63.5 cu ft | 8.3 in. | 5 | Quiet ride for sensitive dogs |
2026 Subaru Forester
A favorite for pet owners thanks to its boxy shape and wide cargo opening, with up to 74.4 cu ft of space for crates, beds, bowls, and packs. Ground clearance of 8.7 in. (9.3 in. on Wilderness) reaches trailheads on light gravel, and the low load floor plus available padded cargo liner make loading your dog easy on your back.
2026 Subaru Outback
Up to 75.6 cu ft of cargo — one of the largest in its class. The wagon-like design gives a flat load floor that's easy for dogs to hop into, and the available power rear gate with Hands-Free Assist helps when your hands are full of leashes and treats. With 8.7–9.5 in. of clearance, it handles mud or gravel while keeping the ride smooth for your pet.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Compact yet capable, with up to 54.7 cu ft when seats are folded. Its smaller size makes parking at busy trailheads easier, and the available Wilderness trim adds 9.3 in. of clearance and all-terrain tires. A great match for solo pet parents or anyone who prefers an agile vehicle for quick outings.
2026 Subaru Ascent
For a bigger crew, human or furry: the Ascent seats up to 8 and offers up to 75.6 cu ft of cargo. Flexible third-row seating lets you configure space for multiple crates or a large pet area while keeping room for kids. A strong 2.4L turbo and 5,000-lb towing can even pull a small pet-friendly trailer.
Subaru Solterra EV
For pet parents who prefer electric, the Solterra's silent ride is less stressful for noise-sensitive dogs. It offers up to 63.5 cu ft of cargo and standard All-Wheel Drive with 8.3 in. of clearance — plenty for most Montrose-area dirt roads — while the emission-free drive keeps the cabin cooler and quieter.
03What are the best pet-friendly trails near Montrose?
Western Colorado offers excellent leashed-dog-friendly options, with quieter trails and wildflowers adding extra beauty.
- Uncompahgre RiverWay Trail / Connect Trail: a paved and gravel path along the Uncompahgre River right in Montrose — an easy, scenic walk for daily outings, with green banks and seasonal blooms.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: one of the most dog-friendly national parks. Pets on a 6-foot leash are welcome on roads, overlooks, campgrounds, picnic areas, and specific trails like the Rim Rock Trail, Chasm View Nature Trail, and Cedar Point Nature Trail, with beautiful canyon views and wildflowers along the rims.
- Cerise Park & Montrose Dog Park: right in town, with open space connecting to the river trail and an adjacent off-leash dog park to let your pup burn energy safely.
- Uncompahgre Plateau & Gunnison Gorge: many lower-elevation dry routes suit leashed dogs. Gentle paths like sections of East Spring Creek or river-area trails offer wildflower viewing and fresh air without extreme elevation.
Always check current trail conditions, keep dogs leashed where required, and pack waste bags, water, and paw protection for rocky or hot ground.
04What is Subaru Loves Pets?
We proudly support the Subaru Loves Pets program, which has donated millions to help shelter animals find forever homes through partnerships with the ASPCA and other organizations. Visit us during pet-friendly events or simply bring your dog along when you shop — we're happy to see wagging tails in the showroom.
05Why choose Flower Subaru in Montrose?
We're your local Subaru experts in Montrose, CO, with a great selection of 2026 models featuring spacious cargo areas and available pet-friendly accessories like cargo liners and roof racks for carriers. Come test drive a Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, or Solterra and see how easy it is to load up for a trail day with your pet. Our team will show you cargo features, demonstrate All-Wheel Drive, and help you choose the best fit for your four-legged adventures.
Key Takeaways
- Outback and Ascent lead on cargo (up to 75.6 cu ft); Ascent seats up to 8 and tows 5,000 lb for multiple pets.
- Solterra EV is the quietest option for noise-sensitive dogs; Crosstrek is the easiest to park.
- All offer standard AWD plus available pet accessories like padded cargo liners and carrier roof racks.
- Top leashed-dog trails: Uncompahgre RiverWay, Black Canyon NP (6-ft leash), Cerise Park dog park.
- See them at Flower Subaru, 1760 N Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401 — call 970-249-9690.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Subaru has the most cargo space for pets?
The Subaru Outback and Ascent both offer up to 75.6 cubic feet, the most among Subaru's pet-friendly models. The Forester follows at up to 74.4 cu ft, then the Solterra (63.5) and Crosstrek (54.7).
What's the best Subaru for multiple dogs or a bigger family?
The Subaru Ascent seats up to 8 passengers with up to 75.6 cubic feet of cargo and flexible third-row seating, so you can configure space for multiple dog crates plus kids. Its 2.4L turbo and 5,000-pound towing can even pull a small pet-friendly trailer.
Which Subaru is best for noise-sensitive dogs?
The all-electric Subaru Solterra delivers a silent, smooth ride that's less stressful for noise-sensitive dogs. It offers up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo, standard All-Wheel Drive, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance for most Montrose-area dirt roads.
What are the best dog-friendly trails near Montrose, Colorado?
Top leashed-dog options include the Uncompahgre RiverWay Trail in town, the dog-friendly Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (pets welcome on a 6-foot leash on roads, overlooks, and trails like Rim Rock and Cedar Point), Cerise Park with its off-leash dog park, and lower-elevation routes on the Uncompahgre Plateau and Gunnison Gorge.
What is the Subaru Loves Pets program?
Subaru Loves Pets is a Subaru initiative that supports animal shelters and promotes adoption through partnerships with the ASPCA and other organizations. The program has donated millions to help shelter animals find forever homes.
Where can I test drive a pet-friendly Subaru near Montrose?
Flower Subaru, at 1760 N Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401, carries the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, and Solterra, plus pet-friendly accessories like cargo liners and roof racks. Call 970-249-9690 or visit flowermotorsubaru.com.
Bring your dog along to Flower Subaru
A Subaru makes every outing with your pet safer and more enjoyable. Stop by today — wagging tails are always welcome in our showroom.
