Question Crossover recommendations-- Carseat and Dog

Audra

New member
Hello,

We're looking for any car recommendations. Here's our backstory.

We have a 55 lb dog and are expecting our first child. We've quickly realized that our Honda Civic isn't going to be the safest option to transport both baby and dog. So, we're looking at getting a crossover vehicle, where the dog can be secured safely in the back (at this point we're planning on getting a barrier to contain the dog in the back).

The cars we are currently looking at are: Honda CR-V, Subaru Forrester & Hyundai Santa Fe. Right now we're considering the CR-V as our top contender, but we're concerned that the middle seatbelt comes from the ceiling. We're unsure if that will conflict with the barrier or if Honda recommends that child seats are secured there.

My question for the forum: Are there any particular crossovers that you recommend? Additionally-- any barriers that you recommend as well, or any particular harnesses to secure our dog?

Thank you in advance!
 
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amyd

New member
The CR-V has a center LATCH/UAS position so don't let the seatbelt be a deterrent (although you'll need to switch to the seatbelt at 40lbs, but you may have a second child by then or have yours in a booster anyway). Subaru typically suggests not installing in the center, not because it's unsafe, but because it's generally difficult with the way the seats are designed. The Santa Fe, I am not familiar with but I thought the center belt in that was a pull down as well.
 

Audra

New member
Sorry-- for clarification, what do you mean by LATCH/UAS on the CR-V? I saw the seatbelt come from the ceiling, which was my concern.

First time mom here, so I'm learning the lingo of car seats and cars!
 

amyd

New member
I mean there are LATCH anchors (or UAS if you're in Canada) in the center position in the CR-V. These are anchors you can use to install a car seat. You don't need to use the seatbelt until your child has outgrown the LATCH limit of either the vehicle or restraint. In the case of a Honda, that limit is 40lbs.
 

SavsMom

New member
I had a 2010 Forester and loved it! I never had a problem installing any seat in that vehicle in the outboard seats, however center installs never worked, plus the owners manual did not recommend it. I would say that for just a little more $ you can get an Outback, my parents have one and it has a much better ride and more passenger room.
 

SafeDad

CPSDarren - Admin
Staff member
Do you need AWD? If not, throw the Toyota Prius V on the list if fuel economy is important. It has similar passenger and cargo space to a number of compact SUVs and gets significantly better gas mileage. The CR-V and Forester are great choices overall, though.
 

thtr4me

New member
What about station wagons? I love love love my wagon (VW Passat). Gas mileage is not its strong point, but I like that it is car height, but with the benefit of more cargo room than my DH's SUV. We got it specifically because of the space in the back for our dog (dogs at the time of purchase). We were able to fit 2 full size dalmatians back there, with room to carry a few items with them as well.
 

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