Why the Subaru Forester is the Best SUV for LA Dog Owners

Los Angeles, known for its sunny weather, dog-friendly parks, and scenic hiking trails, is a paradise for pet owners. From weekend trips to the beach to strolls in Griffith Park, LA dog lovers are constantly on the move with their furry companions. For this lifestyle, having a reliable, spacious, and dog-friendly vehicle is essential. Enter the Subaru Forester Wilderness—a compact SUV that offers the perfect blend of rugged capability, comfort, and pet-friendly features.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why the Subaru Forester Wilderness is the ideal SUV for LA dog owners, covering everything from its spacious interior and safety features to its off-road capabilities and dog-centric accessories. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog owner, you’ll soon see why this SUV stands out as the ultimate choice for navigating the city and beyond with your four-legged friends.

1. Spacious Interior for Dogs of All Sizes

One of the key reasons why the Subaru Forester Wilderness is perfect for dog owners is its spacious interior. With plenty of room in both the front and back seats, as well as an expansive cargo area, the Forester Wilderness provides ample space for dogs of all breeds and sizes to ride comfortably.

• Cargo Space: The Subaru Forester Wilderness boasts an impressive 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. This is more than enough room to accommodate a large dog crate, pet bed, or any gear you might need for a day trip to the park or beach. Even with the seats up, the 26.9 cubic feet of cargo space ensures that your dog has plenty of room to stretch out and relax.
• Low Cargo Load Height: Loading and unloading your dog into the vehicle is made easy thanks to the Forester Wilderness’s low cargo load height. This feature is especially helpful for older dogs or breeds that may have difficulty jumping into taller vehicles. You won’t have to strain yourself lifting your pup into the car—simply open the wide rear hatch, and they can hop right in.
• Rear Seat Comfort: If your dog prefers to sit in the back seat, the Subaru Forester Wilderness offers ample legroom and comfortable seating. With over 39 inches of rear legroom, even larger dogs can sit or lie down comfortably during long drives.

2. Dog-Friendly Accessories and Features

Subaru has long been known for its dedication to pet owners, and the Subaru Forester Wilderness comes with a variety of accessories and features designed with dogs in mind. Whether you’re looking to keep your vehicle clean or ensure your pet’s safety, these dog-friendly features make the Forester Wilderness the perfect SUV for LA pet parents.

• Subaru Pet-Friendly Accessories: Subaru offers a range of accessories specifically for pet owners, including:
  • Pet Barriers: These barriers keep your dog safely contained in the cargo area, preventing them from climbing into the front seat while driving.
  • Water-Resistant Seat Covers: Ideal for protecting your seats from muddy paws, shedding fur, or unexpected messes, these covers are easy to clean and keep your vehicle looking fresh.
  • Cargo Trays and Liners: These trays and liners protect the rear cargo area from dirt, hair, and spills. They’re easy to remove and clean, making post-adventure clean-ups a breeze.
• Rear A/C Vents: The Subaru Forester Wilderness comes equipped with rear air conditioning vents, ensuring that your dog stays cool and comfortable on those hot LA summer days. This is especially important in a city where temperatures can often soar, and keeping your dog at a safe and comfortable temperature is essential.
• All-Weather Mats: For dog owners who love outdoor adventures, all-weather mats are a must. These mats protect your vehicle’s interior from dirt, sand, mud, and anything else your dog might track in from a day at the dog park or beach.

3. Safety First: EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology

When you’re driving with your dog in the car, safety is a top priority. The Subaru Forester Wilderness comes equipped with Subaru’s signature EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, which includes a suite of safety features designed to keep you, your passengers, and your pet safe on the road.

• Pre-Collision Braking: This feature helps to reduce the risk of collisions by applying the brakes automatically if it detects an imminent front-end collision. This is particularly useful in LA’s busy streets, where sudden stops can happen frequently.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. If traffic slows down, the system will reduce your speed accordingly, making it easier to drive with your dog in the car without having to constantly adjust your speed.
• Lane Departure and Sway Warning: If you start to drift out of your lane, this system alerts you and can even assist in steering you back into your lane. This can be particularly helpful on long road trips or during busy freeway driving when distractions, like a restless dog, could cause you to lose focus.
• Rear Vision Camera: The rear vision camera makes parking and backing out of tight spots in LA’s crowded neighborhoods much easier. It also helps you avoid accidents when reversing out of parking spaces at dog parks, where excited dogs and their owners might be passing by.

4. Off-Road Capabilities for Outdoor Adventures

Los Angeles is home to some of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in California, from the nearby beaches to the rugged hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. For dog owners who love exploring nature, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is built to handle off-road adventures with ease.

• Increased Ground Clearance: With 9.2 inches of ground clearance, the Forester Wilderness can easily navigate uneven terrain, whether you’re driving through a sandy beach or rocky mountain paths. This makes it perfect for those who want to take their dogs on outdoor excursions without worrying about getting stuck.
• X-MODE® for Off-Road Driving: The Subaru Forester Wilderness features X-MODE®, a system that optimizes the vehicle’s performance in challenging driving conditions like mud, snow, or dirt. If you’re heading out on a weekend camping trip with your dog, X-MODE® will help you maintain traction and control, no matter the terrain.
• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system comes standard on the Forester Wilderness, providing superior stability and traction in all conditions. Whether you’re navigating LA’s city streets or heading off the beaten path for a weekend hike, the AWD system ensures you and your dog get there safely.

5. Perfect for Long Drives and Road Trips

Living in Los Angeles means easy access to a wide range of dog-friendly destinations just outside the city. From road trips up the Pacific Coast Highway to weekend getaways in Joshua Tree National Park, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is built for long drives with your furry companion.

• Fuel Efficiency: Despite its rugged capabilities, the Subaru Forester Wilderness offers excellent fuel efficiency for an SUV of its size. With an estimated 28 MPG on the highway, you’ll be able to explore LA’s scenic drives without constantly stopping for gas.
• Comfortable Ride: Thanks to its advanced suspension system and comfortable seating, the Forester Wilderness provides a smooth ride even on longer trips. Your dog will appreciate the smooth journey, and you’ll enjoy the relaxed driving experience, whether you’re navigating LA’s freeways or cruising along a scenic coastal road.
• Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™: The Forester Wilderness comes equipped with an advanced infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. This allows you to easily stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks during your drive. Plus, you can use GPS navigation to find the best dog-friendly parks, trails, and restaurants in Los Angeles.

6. Subaru’s Dedication to Pets: The Subaru Loves Pets Initiative

Subaru is a brand known for its commitment to pets and animal welfare. Through its Subaru Loves Pets initiative, the automaker partners with animal shelters and organizations across the country to help find homes for pets in need. This commitment to pets extends beyond just creating pet-friendly vehicles; it’s a core part of Subaru’s identity.

• Subaru Loves Pets Month: Every October, Subaru dealerships across the country celebrate Subaru Loves Pets Month by supporting adoption events and donating to local animal shelters. Subaru owners and dog lovers in Los Angeles can participate in these events to help give back to the pet community.
• Partnership with ASPCA®: Subaru has a longstanding partnership with the ASPCA®, donating millions of dollars to support animal welfare and hosting adoption events at dealerships. As a Subaru owner, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting a brand that shares your love for animals.

Conclusion

For LA dog owners, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is the ultimate SUV, offering the perfect combination of space, safety, off-road capability, and pet-friendly features. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend hike in the mountains, driving to the beach for a playdate, or simply cruising around town, the Forester Wilderness ensures that both you and your dog have a comfortable, enjoyable ride.

With its spacious interior, dog-friendly accessories, and rugged off-road performance, the Subaru Forester Wilderness is the best choice for LA’s pet-loving adventurers. If you’re in the market for a vehicle that suits your active lifestyle and keeps your furry friend safe and comfortable, visit your nearest Subaru dealership and test drive the Forester Wilderness today.