Choosing the right crate means matching your vehicle’s cargo space with your dog’s size, but standard home crates don’t fit well against sloped tailgates. You’re deciding between narrow metal cages designed to sit side-by-side in cargo bays, molded hard plastic carriers, and lightweight fabric structures that fold down flat.
Best overall: MidWest Solutions SUV Crate fits side-by-side in cargo areas, holding dogs up to 90 pounds with dual-door vehicle access.
Best for a first-time buyer: PetSafe Happy Ride Crate secures quickly with headrest straps and seatbelts while taking up just a single car seat.
Best for heavy, everyday use: MidWest Solutions 37-Inch Crate offers strong rust-resistant metal wire with double slide-bolt latches built for regular cargo-area transit.
The rest of this guide is for SUV owners who want an honest look at exact measurements, build materials, and vehicle fit before making their choice.
Our Top Picks
| # | Product | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
MidWest Solutions SUV Crate
Best Overall
|
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| 2 |  |
Ferplast Atlas SUV Crate
Best for Small Vehicles
|
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| 3 |  |
PetSafe Happy Ride Crate
Best Seat-Mounted Design
|
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| 4 |  |
MidWest Solutions 37-Inch Crate
Best Mid-Size SUV Fit
|
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| 5 |  |
DAISTERN Collapsible Travel Crate
Most Secure Anchoring
|
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| 6 |  |
Lesure Collapsible Travel Crate
Best Soft-Sided Comfort
|
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| 7 |  |
Petprsco Collapsible Travel Crate
Best Large Breed Capacity
|
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7 Best SUV For Dog Crates Of 2026
1. MidWest Solutions SUV Crate
Best for: Owners of large dogs using SUV cargo areas.
This cage stands out because it measures 42.5 x 21 x 30 inches, making it narrower than typical home crates so it fits side-by-side in cargo areas. It supports dogs up to 90 lbs and features doors on both ends. This design allows you to reach your pet from the rear seat or straight through the vehicle’s tailgate. Because it’s quite long at 42.5 inches, you won’t be able to close your rear hatch unless your cargo floor provides that full depth.
The metal is finished with an e-coat to resist rust, and each door uses two slide-bolt latches. It also includes a leak-proof plastic pan and a carrying handle. If you drive a compact vehicle or need a carrier for a single back passenger seat, this wide-depth cargo unit isn’t the right choice for your setup.
Pros:
– Fits side-by-side in SUV cargo spaces
– Doors on both front and rear
– Handles large dogs up to 90 pounds
Cons:
– Requires at least 42.5 inches cargo depth
2. Ferplast Atlas Vehicle SUV Dog Crate
Best for: Small to medium pets in compact hatchbacks.
Molded from plastic with strong metal mesh, this carrier measures 32 length x 20 width x 24 height inches and fits dogs up to 35 pounds. Its standout element is the front door, which slides horizontally instead of swinging outward. That horizontal slide means you can open the crate easily without the door hitting the interior trim or the lip of your vehicle’s cargo door.
Air circulates through the vented side panels and metal mesh on both the front and back. The doorway itself measures 11.25W x 17.32H inches, which won’t accommodate taller dogs or broader medium breeds that exceed those opening limits. Buyers with pets over 35 pounds should avoid this model entirely because the interior space won’t fit them comfortably.
Pros:
– Sliding door saves space when opening
– Molded top handles make moving simple
– Front and rear metal mesh ventilation
Cons:
– Weight capacity stops at 35 pounds
– Narrow doorway measures just over eleven inches wide
3. PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Dog Crate
Best for: Owners who travel with dogs on passenger seats.
Unlike trunk-only carriers, this model is built to occupy just one passenger seat using an integrated headrest strap and built-in seatbelt slits. It measures 27″ L x 19″ W x 28″ H and holds pets weighing up to 60 lbs. You don’t have to sacrifice your entire rear bench, and the two separate side doors let your dog enter from either the driver or passenger side of the car.
The fabric shell is collapsible for storage, and it includes a machine-washable outer shell and fleece pad cover. There are also two drawstring openings that let you reach in with treats without unzipping the main doors.
Pros:
– Secures directly to seats with seatbelts
– Dual doors match either vehicle side
– Drawstring holes allow petting without escape
Cons:
– Limited to pets under 60 pounds
4. MidWest Solutions 37-Inch Crate
Best for: Mid-size SUVs needing side-by-side cargo cages.
This metal crate measures 37 x 20.75 x 26 inches and supports dogs up to 70 lbs, functioning as a slightly shorter version of the larger Solutions series. It retains the narrow footprint that allows two units to sit next to each other in standard trunks. The dual-door system lets you load your pet from the cargo hatch or reach them through the folded back seats.
The heavy-duty wire features a rust-resistant black e-coat and two slide-bolt latches on every entrance to keep pets inside. A plastic floor pan catches spills and slides out for cleaning. Dogs that weigh more than 70 pounds won’t fit this model safely, requiring you to step up to a longer carrier instead.
Pros:
– Narrow frame fits dual-crate cargo setups
– Front and rear vehicle door access
– Sturdy metal wire with rust-resistant coat
Cons:
– Too short for dogs over 70 pounds
5. DAISTERN Collapsible Car Travel Crate
Best for: Nervous dogs that need reassurance during drives.
Measuring 26.77″L x 17.72″W x 21.85″H, this carrier uses a 3-point anchoring system that straps tightly to vehicle headrests to prevent sliding during hard stops. It’s designed for small to medium dogs with a seated width under 17.72 inches and a seated height below 21.85 inches. The crate features a zippered reach-through window, which lets you comfort an anxious pet without opening the main entrance.
When your trip is done, the frame folds down into a 4-inch flat briefcase shape without using tools. The package includes a removable, waterproof-lined bed that goes directly into the washing machine. Larger breeds will quickly outgrow its dimensions.
Pros:
– Three-point headrest straps prevent sliding
– Reach-through window calms nervous pets
– Folds down to four inches flat
Cons:
– Requires minimum 28-inch trunk depth
– Fits only smaller dogs under listed heights
6. Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crates
Best for: Traveling pets needing soft, ventilated comfort.
Built around a sturdy iron frame, this 36-inch soft carrier relies on four-sided zippered mesh panels to maximize airflow on hot days. It assembles in about two minutes and comes with an included storage bag for travel. Inside, your pet gets a plush mat along with an integrated safety leash that keeps them from bolting when you unzip the outer door.
The outer fabric is water-resistant and cleans easily with a damp rag, while the inner mat is fully machine-washable. Reflective strips along the exterior add visibility when you move the crate at night.
Pros:
– Four mesh walls provide maximum airflow
– Includes internal safety leash attachment
– Folds quickly into included storage bag
Cons:
– Requires two minutes of manual frame assembly
7. Petprsco Collapsible Travel Crate
Best for: Large dogs riding in spacious cargo trunks.
This large soft-sided crate measures 40 x 27 x 27 inches and holds pets weighing between 60 and 90 pounds, such as Labradors and German Shepherds. It uses a thick steel frame covered in scratch-resistant Oxford fabric, setting up without tools in about thirty seconds. Three separate mesh doors give you multiple entry angles depending on how your SUV trunk opens.
Safety is enhanced by locking zippers that keep clever pets from nudging the doors open from the inside. The fleece sleeping pad is removable for washing, and two exterior pockets hold leashes or treats. Because it measures 27 inches wide, it takes up most of your cargo bay, so it won’t work for owners wanting to place two crates side-by-side.
Pros:
– Spacious 40-inch size accommodates heavier breeds
– Three zippered doors provide flexible entry
– Sets up in thirty seconds tool-free
Cons:
– Wide footprint prevents side-by-side trunk use
– Large dimensions overwhelm compact car trunks
Where These Overlap
The MidWest Solutions SUV Crate and the MidWest Solutions 37-Inch Crate are nearly identical in construction, materials, and layout. Both use the same side-by-side narrow profile, dual-door design, slide-bolt latches, and rust-resistant wire finish. The only real difference is their exterior length and dog capacity, separating at either 37 inches for 70-pound pets or 42.5 inches for 90-pound pets. Meanwhile, fabric models like the Lesure Collapsible Travel Crate and the Petprsco Collapsible Travel Crate share collapsible frames and mesh windows. You would choose between those two purely based on pet weight, as the Petprsco is scaled specifically to accommodate heavier, fully grown breeds.
Still Not Sure?
How often will I really use it?
If you only travel occasionally for vet visits, a folding fabric model like the DAISTERN Collapsible Travel Crate makes sense because it packs down to four inches. Drivers who transport dogs daily will prefer leaving a rigid steel unit like the MidWest Solutions SUV Crate secured in the cargo bay permanently.
What do I already own that this has to work with?
If your SUV doesn’t have an open cargo trunk or the trunk is filled with luggage, you must use your passenger seating. In that case, choose the PetSafe Happy Ride Crate, because its base and strap points are designed specifically to buckle onto a standard car seat rather than sitting in a flat cargo hold.
What am I most likely to regret choosing?
Buying a crate that blocks your rear view or won’t let your trunk latch shut is the most common mistake. If you buy the 42.5-inch MidWest Solutions SUV Crate without measuring your vehicle depth from seatback to closed door, you’ll likely regret getting a cage that forces your hatch to stay open.
The MidWest Solutions SUV Crate is the top choice for cargo hauling, while the MidWest Solutions 37-Inch Crate delivers heavy-duty durability for mid-size trunks. Measure your vehicle’s cargo floor depth and width before ordering to make sure the crate fits your space cleanly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crates work best in small compact hatchbacks?
The Ferplast Atlas SUV Crate is ideal for small cars due to its 32-inch length and horizontal sliding door. Because the door slides sideways instead of opening outward on a hinge, it won’t bang against the raised sill or sloped glass typical of compact hatchback cargo areas.
How do I clean these crates after muddy trips?
For metal options like the MidWest Solutions 37-Inch Crate, you simply slide out the leak-proof plastic floor pan and rinse it with water. Fabric options like the PetSafe Happy Ride Crate feature removable fleece covers and shells that can be placed straight into a home washing machine.
How do soft-sided crates keep dogs safe inside vehicles?
Soft models like the DAISTERN Collapsible Travel Crate use dedicated headrest straps to prevent the crate from sliding forward under hard braking. Additionally, models such as the Petprsco Collapsible Travel Crate feature locking zippers to keep pets from pushing their way out while the car is moving.
Is the simplest folding crate enough for large dogs?
A soft unit like the Petprsco Collapsible Travel Crate provides plenty of room for full-grown, heavier breeds if they’re calm riders. However, if your large dog is prone to chewing through fabric or clawing at mesh doors, a rigid metal cage remains the more secure long-term option.
Conclusion
Finding the Best SUV For Dog Crates requires matching your vehicle’s cargo depth to your dog’s actual weight. Measure your trunk with the hatch closed before choosing between permanent dual-door steel crates or quick-folding fabric models.