For pet owners who frequently travel, transporting their furry companions safely and comfortably is a top priority. One of the most convenient ways to do this is with a pet crate or kennel, which offers protection during transit and prevents distractions for the driver.
However, not all vehicles accommodate pet crates easily—especially if the rear seats must be folded down just to make room. This limitation can be frustrating for owners who also need to carry passengers or simply want the ease of using the trunk without extra adjustments.
Fortunately, some vehicles are designed with trunk spaces large and accessible enough to fit a standard pet crate without having to fold down any seats. These cars provide both cargo capacity and smart layout, making them ideal choices for pet lovers.
Whether it’s a tall wagon, a roomy SUV, or a thoughtfully-designed crossover, some manufacturers prioritize rear trunk utility in ways that make life simpler for pet owners.
This article explores ten vehicles across a variety of segments that meet this very requirement: they offer trunk spaces spacious enough for a pet crate to fit without folding down the rear seats.
These selections are based on actual measurements, design practicality, and user reviews from pet owners who have used these cars specifically for this purpose.
Each vehicle profile will focus on trunk capacity, cargo floor dimensions, accessibility, and pet-friendly features such as low liftover heights or optional pet barriers.
We’ll also consider secondary features that make them even more desirable for pet owners, like rear climate vents or power liftgates.
Whether you’re hauling a Labrador in a wire crate or a pair of small dogs in a soft kennel, these ten vehicles prove you don’t have to compromise between convenience and your pet’s safety. Let’s take a look.
Also Read: 10 Cars With Seat Material That Holds Up Against Pet Hair
1. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a perennial favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, but it’s also one of the best choices for pet owners needing to transport crates without rearranging the cabin.
The Outback’s design is essentially a fusion between a wagon and a crossover, which gives it a generous rear cargo area and a low liftover height—perfect for sliding a crate in and out with minimal hassle.
With the rear seats in the upright position, the Outback offers approximately 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space. More importantly, its flat and wide cargo floor measures over 40 inches deep and 43 inches wide at the narrowest point between the wheel wells.
This is sufficient to fit most medium-to-large pet crates with room to spare. Even large wire crates for dogs like Golden Retrievers or Boxers can fit in the trunk space without needing to fold the back seats, assuming the crate is sized for travel use.
The rear liftgate opening is wide and tall, offering unobstructed access that’s ideal when maneuvering bulky crates.
Subaru even offers a power liftgate and cargo-area lighting as standard or optional features on most trims, further enhancing usability during early morning or late-night trips to the vet, dog park, or vacation destination.
Another pet-friendly feature is the low load floor, which reduces the effort required to lift a crate into the cargo area.
For older pets or those with mobility issues, this is a major benefit. Owners can also install OEM or aftermarket pet barriers, and Subaru even offers a factory dog accessory line that includes protective cargo liners and harnesses.
In short, the Subaru Outback is one of the most versatile vehicles on the market for those transporting pet crates. Its cargo capacity, smart layout, and rugged features make it a top-tier pick for pet owners who need utility without compromise.
2. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V has long been praised for its practicality and family-friendly design, but it also deserves special recognition as a pet owner’s dream when it comes to trunk usability.
Its spacious rear cargo area is capable of fitting a standard dog crate without having to fold down the back seats—a critical feature for pet owners who travel with both passengers and animals.
With the rear seats upright, the CR-V provides around 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is on the high end for compact SUVs. More critically, the flat cargo floor is approximately 41 inches deep and 42 inches wide at its most constrained points.
This allows pet owners to fit a medium or large dog crate—such as those sized for Labradors or Border Collies—without needing to adjust the second row of seats.
The CR-V’s rear liftgate is designed for ease of access. It opens wide and high, providing a generous opening for crate insertion or removal.
On higher trims, it’s powered and height-adjustable, making it more convenient for users of different statures or those loading pets in tight garages. The bumper height is also relatively low, which makes lifting heavier crates easier and safer.
In addition to its physical dimensions, the CR-V excels in creature comforts that benefit both people and pets. Rear air vents help maintain a comfortable temperature in the back for crated animals.
The trunk area is carpeted, reducing crate slippage during driving, and Honda offers optional cargo mats and protective liners to prevent scratches or hair buildup.
For pet safety, aftermarket and dealer-installed pet barriers are available, allowing a crate to be securely positioned in the trunk area without risk of sliding forward in case of sudden stops.
All things considered, the Honda CR-V strikes a perfect balance between family utility and pet transport. It delivers the type of accessible and accommodating trunk space that makes traveling with a crated animal both safe and simple—no folding seats required.
3. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 continues to be one of the best-selling compact SUVs in America, and it’s easy to see why. It blends reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality into a sleek package that appeals to a broad audience.
Among its lesser-known strengths is its pet-friendliness—especially when it comes to transporting animals in crates. For those who prefer not to fold down their rear seats, the RAV4’s trunk area offers ample space to accommodate most pet crates with ease.
With the rear seats up, the RAV4 provides approximately 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space in most trims. The cargo floor is wide and flat, measuring about 40 inches deep and 42 inches across between the wheel wells.
This means that medium and some large pet crates can sit squarely in the trunk area without interference from the back seats. The squared-off tailgate opening further enhances accessibility, allowing crates to slide in smoothly with minimal tilting.
Toyota’s thoughtful design touches enhance this functionality. The cargo area comes standard with tie-down hooks and optional cargo nets, which are useful for securing crates during transit.
The trunk also includes a reversible cargo mat—carpeted on one side and rubberized on the other—ideal for managing dirt, fur, or water from muddy paws.
On higher trims, like the XLE Premium and Limited, the RAV4 offers a hands-free power liftgate, which is a welcome feature when your hands are full with leashes, pets, or gear.
The bumper height is moderate, making loading manageable for most people and reducing the strain of lifting a crate with a large dog inside.
Rear climate vents and quiet cabin insulation further make the RAV4 a great pet travel vehicle. Your pet will remain cool and calm during longer drives.
Overall, the Toyota RAV4 offers the kind of utility and design intelligence that makes pet crate transportation not only possible but convenient—all without sacrificing rear passenger space.
4. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is another compact SUV that earns high marks for its usability, especially for pet owners who prefer to keep the back seats upright while still utilizing the trunk for transporting crates.
The Escape blends a compact exterior with a surprisingly roomy and flexible cargo area, making it ideal for pet crates of various sizes.
When the rear seats are in place, the Escape offers approximately 37.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. The trunk’s dimensions, particularly in models with the adjustable cargo floor, accommodate a variety of pet crates without forcing the seats to fold.
The floor depth is roughly 40 inches, and the width between the wheel arches is about 41.5 inches, which is adequate for most medium to large dog crates, especially those built for portability and vehicle travel.
Ford has outfitted the Escape with several cargo-enhancing features that appeal to pet owners.
The adjustable load floor allows users to either lower the floor for maximum crate height clearance or raise it for a flatter transition from bumper to cargo floor. This can be particularly useful for sliding a crate in without catching it on an incline.
A power liftgate is standard on higher trims and available on others, offering convenience when loading pets or equipment. The liftover height is comfortably low, and the tailgate opens high enough to prevent head bumps during loading and unloading.
Optional rubberized cargo mats and pet-friendly accessories from Ford’s accessory line make it easy to protect your interior while transporting crates or loose pets.
Another great feature for pet owners is the Escape’s rear-seat recline functionality. While the seats remain upright for cargo transport, their ability to slide and recline slightly can help optimize the angle and space for larger crates.
Interior comfort is also key: the Escape comes with rear air vents, quiet cabin acoustics, and good visibility, all of which contribute to a calmer travel environment for pets.
If you need a versatile, reasonably sized SUV that accommodates pet crates without any extra hassle, the Ford Escape offers a smart balance of function and form.
5. Volvo V60 Cross Country
For pet owners who want European luxury without sacrificing utility, the Volvo V60 Cross Country stands out as a rare and refined option.
It blends the style and comfort of a premium station wagon with the ground clearance and ruggedness of a crossover, making it ideal for pet owners who frequently transport crates—but don’t want the bulk of a full-size SUV. Best of all, its rear cargo space allows you to carry a pet crate without folding the rear seats.
With the seats upright, the V60 Cross Country offers about 23.2 cubic feet of cargo space. While that number may sound modest, the area is smartly configured.
The floor measures over 41 inches deep and around 40 inches wide at its narrowest point, allowing many medium-size crates to fit flatly.
This is particularly helpful for breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies. The high roof and flat floor also enable taller soft-sided crates to stand without bending or collapsing.
Volvo includes an impressive set of features that enhance its pet-friendly appeal. The V60 Cross Country comes with a power tailgate and a low liftover height, simplifying crate loading. The tailgate opening is wide and tall, offering a square shape that accommodates boxy pet crates without awkward maneuvering.
Safety is also a Volvo hallmark, and it extends to pets. Available accessories include a steel cargo barrier and dog gate, which keeps the crate securely in the rear and prevents movement during sudden stops.
The cargo area also features side storage compartments and an optional rubber cargo mat for easy cleaning.
In terms of ride quality and comfort, the V60 Cross Country offers a serene cabin with dual-zone climate control and rear air vents, ensuring pets remain comfortable on long drives. The suspension absorbs bumps well, keeping your pets’ ride smooth and stable.
For those seeking a blend of premium design and practical utility, the Volvo V60 Cross Country checks every box. It’s an elegant, pet-friendly solution that doesn’t require any seating sacrifices.
6. Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV with a practical soul, making it a strong contender for pet owners who need a roomy trunk but still want to preserve passenger space.
Designed with families in mind, the Equinox also proves to be ideal for pet transportation, especially for those who rely on crates. It offers a good balance of space, convenience, and cost, with a trunk large enough to fit many common pet crates without the need to fold down the second row of seats.
Behind the rear seats, the Equinox delivers around 29.9 cubic feet of usable cargo space. While not the biggest in its class, its layout is what makes it pet-crate-friendly. The trunk measures roughly 39 inches deep and about 41 inches wide at the narrowest point.
Most medium-sized crates—suitable for dogs like Corgis, Spaniels, or even mid-size Retrievers—will fit without much issue. The floor is flat, and there’s little intrusion from the wheel wells, allowing for a consistent footprint across the entire area.
The rear liftgate on most trims is motorized, and the opening is both wide and tall. Chevrolet has done a solid job of designing a cargo entrance that feels more like a midsize SUV than a compact one. The low bumper makes it easy to lift heavier crates, especially for older pet owners or those dealing with heavy breeds.
A cargo shade is available, but easily removable when transporting taller crates. Additional accessories include all-weather liners and custom-fit cargo mats, which help protect the interior from dirt, claws, and fur. Tie-down points are built into the trunk to secure crates, adding peace of mind on bumpy roads.
The cabin also benefits from quiet tuning and rear seat climate vents, both of which are helpful for pets who are sensitive to noise or heat. Rear visibility is excellent, which helps drivers keep an eye on their crated companions if needed.
All in all, the Chevy Equinox is a practical and affordable solution for pet owners who need to carry crates without compromising passenger room. It’s especially well-suited to suburban and family lifestyles.
7. Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV that manages to offer three rows of seating while maintaining impressive trunk space behind the second row. This is particularly useful for pet owners who want the flexibility of carrying passengers in the second row and a crated pet in the trunk without needing to collapse any seats.
Thanks to its spacious and well-shaped cargo area, the Sorento is one of the most crate-friendly vehicles in its class.
With the third row folded and the second row upright, the Sorento provides approximately 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space. More importantly, the usable trunk depth and width make it possible to fit larger pet crates with ease.
The floor measures around 41 inches deep and nearly 44 inches wide between the walls, giving you more than enough space for crates sized for larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, or even two medium-sized crates side by side.
The tailgate opening is broad and high, designed to accommodate large items without awkward angling. Higher trims come with a hands-free power liftgate that opens automatically when it senses the key fob nearby—a feature that proves its worth when your hands are full with crates, leashes, or other pet gear.
The Sorento’s cargo area comes well-equipped for pet owners. Tie-down hooks and optional rubber floor mats allow you to safely secure crates while protecting your vehicle from pet messes. The rear floor is flat, and the lift-over height is low enough that you don’t have to strain when lifting heavy crates.
Rear air conditioning vents ensure your pet gets consistent airflow, and the cabin itself is well insulated for quiet rides. Kia also offers accessories like pet seat covers and cargo dividers that can enhance the pet travel experience.
The Sorento strikes an excellent balance between family-friendly features and pet-carrying capability. Its spacious and accessible trunk, even with the seats in use, makes it one of the most accommodating midsize SUVs for pet crates—no folding required.
8. Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is one of the largest SUVs in its class, and its sheer size translates directly into utility—especially for transporting pets in crates without sacrificing passenger seating.
It’s a three-row SUV with adult-friendly seating and, crucially, a massive cargo area behind the second row that fits crates for large dogs with ease.
With the third row folded and the second row upright, the Atlas delivers an impressive 55.5 cubic feet of cargo space. But it’s not just about volume—the shape and accessibility of that cargo area make a significant difference.
The floor measures over 48 inches wide and around 45 inches deep, which is more than enough room for oversized crates designed for large or giant breeds like Newfoundlands, Dobermans, or even Great Danes in travel-sized kennels.
The liftgate opening is nearly vertical and extremely wide, allowing easy in-and-out loading. A power liftgate is standard on mid and upper trims, and a foot-activated option is available. The bumper height is modest for such a large SUV, which means you won’t struggle to get a loaded crate into the vehicle.
The flat cargo floor and almost nonexistent lip at the bumper make sliding crates in and out smooth and easy. Tie-down anchors come standard and are essential for securing crates to prevent them from shifting while driving.
Volkswagen also offers an array of cargo management options including organizers, protective mats, and barriers that work well for pet owners.
Inside the Atlas, rear air vents run through all three rows, and many trims include tri-zone climate control—helpful for keeping your pets comfortable regardless of where their crate is positioned. The quiet ride and stable handling make for less stressful trips, especially for pets prone to motion anxiety.
If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers maximum crate space while retaining full passenger functionality, the Volkswagen Atlas is difficult to beat. Its expansive dimensions and smart cargo features make it an ideal choice for large families, multiple dogs, or oversized crates.
9. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is one of the most refined and spacious three-row SUVs on the market, and it’s an excellent option for pet owners who want to carry crates without touching the rear seats.
Its combination of luxury-level features, intelligent cargo layout, and a large rear trunk makes it perfect for transporting pets comfortably and securely—even while keeping the second row available for passengers.
With the third row folded flat and the second row upright, the Palisade provides an expansive 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Its floor dimensions are among the most generous in the class: roughly 46 inches deep and more than 47 inches wide.
This configuration easily accommodates large crates, including those for breeds like Huskies, Labradors, or even two smaller crates side-by-side. The Palisade’s squared cargo opening and flat load floor make crate insertion effortless, avoiding any need to tilt or force the crate into position.
Hyundai includes a wide range of pet-friendly touches in the Palisade’s trunk design. The power liftgate comes standard on most trims and features adjustable opening heights, helpful for garages with low ceilings. The bumper height is low for its class, which simplifies lifting or sliding crates into place.
Tie-down points are standard, as are underfloor storage compartments that help you store leashes, collapsible bowls, or grooming supplies without taking up crate space.
Hyundai also offers optional all-weather cargo mats and liners that are easy to clean—an essential feature for pet owners who deal with shedding, mud, or accidents.
Rear-seat climate control is especially robust in the Palisade. The vehicle includes roof-mounted vents for the second and third rows, meaning your crated pet will enjoy consistent airflow and temperature, even on long trips.
The Palisade’s combination of comfort, spaciousness, and thoughtful cargo design makes it an ideal pick for families who travel with their pets frequently. If you need to haul a crate and carry passengers without compromise, this SUV delivers.
10. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon may not be the most common vehicle on the road, but for discerning pet owners who seek premium comfort and practical cargo use, it stands at the top of its class.
Known for its balance of luxury and utility, the E-Class Wagon offers a rear cargo area large enough to hold pet crates without having to fold down the rear seats—something very few premium wagons can claim.
Behind the upright second row, the E-Class Wagon offers around 35 cubic feet of cargo space. Thanks to its wide and deep floor—measuring roughly 42 inches deep and 44 inches wide—it accommodates most medium and even some large dog crates with ease.
The cargo opening is squared and low, with a smooth lip that allows crates to be slid directly into place rather than lifted over a ledge.
Mercedes enhances the pet-friendliness of the E-Class Wagon with a standard power liftgate and optional hands-free access. The bumper height is surprisingly low for a luxury vehicle, making crate loading effortless, especially for older pet owners or those handling heavy crates.
Standard cargo area features include a retractable privacy cover (which can be removed when transporting tall crates), cargo netting, and adjustable tie-down points to help keep your pet crate stable during travel. Mercedes also offers a pet barrier system that mounts behind the second-row seats for added safety.
The E-Class Wagon’s ride quality is exceptionally smooth thanks to its standard air suspension, which absorbs road imperfections and reduces jarring movements that could disturb a crated pet. The interior is also extremely quiet—an added bonus for animals that are sensitive to noise and vibration.
Rear climate vents ensure your pet stays comfortable during longer drives, and the high-grade interior materials are durable enough to stand up to routine use by both people and pets. While it’s a luxury vehicle, the E-Class Wagon is far from delicate—it’s practical, robust, and thoroughly accommodating.
For pet owners who want a vehicle that delivers both refinement and rear cargo usability, the E-Class Wagon is an elite choice. It proves that utility and luxury can, in fact, coexist beautifully.
Transporting pets safely and comfortably is a top priority for many vehicle owners, especially those who rely on crates for travel.
While folding down rear seats is a common solution to expand trunk space, it’s not always feasible—particularly for families needing full passenger capacity or those carrying multiple occupants.
Fortunately, as this article has highlighted, a diverse range of vehicles offers ample cargo room behind the rear seats, allowing pet crates to fit securely without any seat folding involved.
From compact SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape to midsize and full-size models such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Palisade, and Volkswagen Atlas, today’s market presents a wide variety of crate-friendly options.
Each of these vehicles offers a thoughtfully designed cargo area with flat floors, low lift-over heights, and wide tailgate openings that facilitate easy crate loading and unloading.
More importantly, their trunk dimensions—depth, width, and vertical clearance—are optimized to accommodate medium to large pet crates even when the rear passenger area remains fully functional.
Some, like the Volvo V60 Cross Country and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon, bring luxury into the equation, proving that pet accommodations don’t have to come at the expense of premium features.
These wagons maintain generous cargo space behind the second row while providing high-end materials, superior ride comfort, and accessories tailored to animal safety.
Whether you’re heading to a vet appointment or embarking on a road trip, these vehicles offer a stable, smooth, and quiet environment that keeps pets calm throughout the journey.
Not to be overlooked, vehicles like the Subaru Outback and Chevy Equinox strike a balance between affordability and function.
With practical cargo layouts, standard pet-friendly accessories, and strong reputations for reliability, they make excellent choices for everyday pet owners who need dependable performance without breaking the bank.
A common thread across all ten vehicles is their attention to detail in trunk design. Features such as power liftgates, cargo tie-downs, rubberized mats, and rear air vents all contribute to making the crate transport process easier and safer.
These elements might seem minor individually, but together they create a user experience that prioritizes convenience for humans and comfort for animals.
It’s also worth noting that vehicle dimensions aren’t the only consideration. Some pet owners will appreciate features like underfloor storage for leashes and toys, customizable cargo dividers to keep crates from sliding, or integrated rear climate control to maintain proper temperature throughout the cabin.
All these additions enhance the overall value of a vehicle in terms of pet transport.
Ultimately, choosing a vehicle with the right cargo space for your pet crate doesn’t mean compromising on comfort, technology, or seating.
Whether you’re a dog trainer, a frequent traveller with a service animal, or simply someone who treats pets like family, having a vehicle that can accommodate crates in the trunk—without folding seats—adds a level of convenience and peace of mind that’s hard to overstate.
These ten vehicles represent the best in combining practicality with pet-focused design. By choosing any of them, you’ll not only make crate transport easier but also ensure your furry companion travels in comfort, safety, and style.
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