Planning a summer excursion with your dog requires the right destination and a vehicle built to handle the journey. The shores of Lake Michigan and the surrounding Cook County forest preserves offer excellent recreational areas designed specifically for four-legged visitors. Having a vehicle equipped with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive ensures you can confidently navigate sandy parking areas, unpaved trailhead lots, and sudden summer downpours without traction worries.
The premier destination for canine swimming is Montrose Dog Beach, situated at the northwest corner of Montrose Beach near 601 W Lawrence Ave. This fully fenced, off-leash area allows dogs to swim legally in Lake Michigan. To access official Chicago off-leash Dog Friendly Areas, including Montrose Beach, Belmont Harbor, and Foster Avenue, owners must obtain a Dog Friendly Area (DFA) permit tag from a participating veterinarian. Utilizing these spots without a visible DFA tag can result in municipal fines, so securing your permit before heading out is essential.
If you prefer shaded woodland paths over sandy shorelines, the Forest Preserves of Cook County offer designated off-leash areas such as Beck Lake near Des Plaines, Bremen Grove near Tinley Park, and Miller Meadow-South. Entry to these county preserves requires an annual membership. Outside of these specific designated zones, park rules dictate that dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Popular on-leash spots for a scenic stroll include Promontory Point at 5491 S Shore Dr, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the lawn areas of Lincoln Park along Lake Shore Drive.
Before loading up your pack for a day of sun and sand, visiting our showroom is a great way to explore vehicles built for outdoor lifestyles. If you want to check out our current inventory in person, you can easily get directions to our dealership on Irving Park Road. For quick answers about vehicle availability or to schedule a product walk-around, feel free to give our sales team a quick call at (708) 943-9726.
Table of Contents
- Which Subaru Models Are Best Suited for Hauling Large Dogs to Beaches
- What Dog-Friendly Accessories Does Subaru Sell for Cargo Protection
- Does the Toyota RAV4 Offer a Water-Resistant Seating Material Comparable to Subaru StarTex
- How to Protect and Clean Your Subaru Cabin from Wet Sand and Dog Hair
- Quick Answers Before You Visit
- Find Your Next Dog-Friendly Subaru at Berman Subaru of Chicago
Which Subaru Models Are Best Suited for Hauling Large Dogs to Beaches
Selecting a vehicle for large-breed dogs involves looking closely at cargo volume, rear liftover height, and cabin ventilation. Large dogs need enough vertical clearance to stand comfortably and sufficient floor space to lie down during transit. A low cargo floor reduces strain on senior dogs entering and exiting the vehicle, while dedicated rear climate vents prevent overheating after a long afternoon running along the shoreline.
The 2026 Subaru Outback is a highly practical choice for dog owners, offering up to about 76 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded flat. It features a low rear liftover height of approximately 28.4 inches, which makes it much easier for older or heavy dogs to climb inside without assistance. For buyers who need maximum passenger space alongside their pets, the three-row 2026 Subaru Ascent provides up to about 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding significantly when the rear rows are folded. The Ascent also features standard tri-zone automatic climate control with dedicated air vents in both the second and third rows to keep passengers and pets cool.
Another excellent option is the 2026 Subaru Forester, which provides about 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Its boxy rear gate opening maximizes vertical clearance for tall breeds. If you are ready to upgrade your ride for summer adventures, you can explore our new-vehicle inventory online to compare these spacious cabins. We also carry a wide selection of high-quality late-model pre-owned SUVs, and you can browse our used-vehicle inventory to find the perfect match for your budget and lifestyle.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | Limited | Limited XT | Premium | Touring | Touring XT | Wilderness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 34.6 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft | 34.6 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,799 lbs | 3,968 lbs | 3,741 lbs | 3,812 lbs | 3,982 lbs | 3,973 lbs |
| Towing | 2,700 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 2,700 lbs | 2,700 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
What Dog-Friendly Accessories Does Subaru Sell for Cargo Protection
Keeping your vehicle's interior clean while securing your pet requires specialized gear designed specifically for your model's cabin dimensions. Standard aftermarket pet covers often slip, bunch up, or fail to cover the side trim panels, leaving carpeted areas exposed to sharp claws and wet fur. Choosing custom-fit accessories ensures complete coverage and keeps safety features like seatbelt anchors fully accessible.
Subaru offers an extensive lineup of official pet-friendly accessories designed to protect your investment. The heavy-duty pet ramp is an excellent addition for owners of senior dogs, providing a gentle incline into the rear cargo area. To safeguard the upholstery, you can equip your vehicle with a custom-fit cargo area cover protector, rear seat covers, and a padded cargo liner that extends up the side walls. For secure travel, crash-tested pet travel crates and mobile pet kennels can be anchored directly to the cargo tie-down points, preventing sliding during sudden stops.
Adding these protective accessories helps maintain your vehicle's long-term cosmetic condition, which directly preserves its future trade-in value. When you are ready to transition into a newer model, you can value your trade online using our straightforward appraisal tool. Additionally, if you are looking for an excellent value on a gently driven vehicle, you can shop our courtesy vehicles, which often feature low mileage and competitive pricing.
Does the Toyota RAV4 Offer a Water-Resistant Seating Material Comparable to Subaru StarTex
When shopping for an adventure-ready SUV, seat material durability is a primary consideration for pet owners. Muddy paws, wet coats, and sharp claws can quickly degrade standard cloth or delicate leather surfaces. Comparing the cabin materials of popular segment rivals helps highlight which vehicles are engineered to withstand rugged outdoor use.
The Toyota RAV4 offers SofTex synthetic leather on its mid-and-higher trims, such as the XLE Premium and Limited. While SofTex is highly water-resistant and easy to wipe down, it is primarily designed as a premium, leather-like alternative for comfort-focused urban driving. In contrast, Subaru's StarTex upholstery is specifically engineered for heavy-duty, off-road, and outdoor use. StarTex is a lightweight, non-chlorinated polyurethane material that contains no animal PVC products. It features a unique water-repellent backing that prevents moisture from seeping deep into the seat foam, making it highly resistant to stains, odors, and mildew.
StarTex is standard on several outdoor-oriented trims, including the Onyx Edition and Wilderness versions of the 2026 Subaru Outback, as well as select Wilderness trims of the Forester and Crosstrek. This material is completely waterproof on the surface, allowing you to wipe away mud and lake water with ease. If you are planning your next vehicle purchase, you can prequalify online for financing through our secure application portal to see how a StarTex-equipped Subaru fits into your monthly budget.
How to Protect and Clean Your Subaru Cabin from Wet Sand and Dog Hair
Taking your dog to the beach is highly rewarding, but the cleanup process can be daunting if you do not have a preventative strategy. Fine sand has a tendency to embed itself deep into carpet fibers, while dog hair clings to standard fabrics due to static electricity. Preparing your cabin beforehand and using the correct cleaning techniques will save you hours of vacuuming.
To prevent sand and hair from reaching your carpets, install a genuine Subaru All-Weather Cargo Tray combined with a rear seatback protector made of water-resistant canvas. For models equipped with StarTex upholstery, cleanup is remarkably simple. You can easily wipe the seats clean using a damp microfiber cloth with a mild solution of warm water and gentle soap, followed by a dry cloth to prevent water spots. If you use fabric seat covers, Subaru's genuine pet-friendly seat covers are fully machine washable. Simply remove them, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and allow them to air dry completely before reinstalling.
For stubborn dog hair on carpeted surfaces, a rubber-bristled squeegee or a specialized pet hair brush works far better than a standard vacuum nozzle alone. Dragging the rubber edge across the carpet pulls the embedded hairs to the surface, grouping them into easily vacuumed clumps. To help keep your vehicle running smoothly and looking its best all season long, be sure to check our current service specials for current service information on cabin air filters, detailing packages, and seasonal inspections.
Quick Answers Before You Visit
Q: Do I need a special permit to bring my dog to Chicago beaches?
Yes, dogs are only allowed on designated off-leash dog beaches, such as Montrose Dog Beach, and they must wear a valid Dog Friendly Area (DFA) permit tag. These tags are issued by local participating veterinarians after verifying that your dog is up to date on all required vaccinations.
Q: Can I wash Subaru's genuine fabric pet seat covers in a washing machine?
Yes, genuine Subaru fabric pet seat covers are designed for easy maintenance and are fully machine washable. To preserve the material and its water-resistant properties, wash the covers in cold water on a gentle cycle and let them air dry rather than placing them in a heated dryer.
Q: Which Subaru models offer the durable StarTex water-repellent upholstery?
The water-repellent StarTex material is standard on the Onyx Edition and Wilderness trims of the 2026 Subaru Outback. It is also featured on the rugged Wilderness trims of the Forester and Crosstrek, providing an exceptionally durable surface that resists water, mud, and claw scratches.
Q: How does the cargo capacity of the Outback compare to the Forester for hauling large pets?
The 2026 Subaru Outback offers up to about 76 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the rear seats folded flat, along with a longer cargo floor that is ideal for very large breeds to stretch out. The 2026 Subaru Forester provides about 30 cubic feet behind the second row and features a taller, boxier rear gate opening that benefits tall dogs who prefer to sit upright.
If you are looking for a a dog-friendly vehicle, you can browse our current new-vehicle specials to find competitive purchase offers on our most popular all-wheel-drive models.
Find Your Next Dog-Friendly Subaru at Berman Subaru of Chicago
Getting ready for summer adventures with your dog starts with finding a vehicle that matches your active lifestyle. At Berman Subaru of Chicago, we carry a diverse lineup of adventure-ready SUVs equipped with standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, class-leading ground clearance, and pet-friendly interior options. Whether you are looking for the spacious three-row Ascent or the rugged Outback Wilderness, our team is here to provide a transparent, pressure-free buying experience.
Our showroom is conveniently located for drivers across the area. If you would like to experience the capability of our lineup firsthand, you can visit our dealership at 4330 W Irving Park Rd. Our knowledgeable sales consultants are happy to demonstrate how our cargo configurations, low liftover heights, and durable StarTex interiors can elevate your weekend trips. To schedule a personalized test drive or to speak with a financing specialist, please give our team a call at (708) 943-9726 today.
Pricing
Pricing by trim
| Feature | Limited | Limited XT | Premium | Touring | Touring XT | Wilderness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $41,715 | $44,365 | $34,995 | $45,395 | $47,995 | $44,995 |
| Destination charge | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,450 | $1,450 |
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