2010 Ford Edge SEL

The Ford Edge seems like a pretty nifty looking crossover – is it as equally nifty when looked at through dog vehicle glasses?

[not my image – found via Google image search]

A typical small crossover, the Edge does not have a 3rd row seating option, but it does offer more interior space than other vehicles in the same category.

Width between wheel wells (narrowest part of the vehicle): 42″

Cargo depth with all rows up: 34.5″ on the floor, 27″ deep at the narrowest point (seat back 20.5″ above floor level)

Cargo depth with the second row down: 60″

Hatch dimensions: 31″ tall, 32″ to 48″ wide

MPG city: 18 mpg (this was a 2WD model)

MPG highway: 25 mpg (this was a 2WD model)

The Edge has extra lights in the cargo area and rear facing air vents on the console between the front two seats; both features appreciated when using a vehicle for dog toting!

Unlike the Equinox, which is very similarly sized inside but is larger outside and has several features that make the interior harder to use for crated animals, the Edge provides a wider space between wheel wells and slightly longer interior cargo space with the second row folded. The second row is slightly angled when folded, but less angled than many other vehicles we’ve looked at.  The hatch opening *is* smaller than other similarly sized vehicles in some dimensions, but should still be functional given its size at the widest point. Folded crates are likely much easier to fit through the hatch than pre-assembled crates.

The wider space between the wheel wells does open up the possibility of larger crates sitting side-by-side, but you will need SUV-style crates if you hope to fit 36″ or 42″ long crates into the space.

Overall, the Edge is a decent option in this class, but I highly recommend trying your crates in the vehicle before jumping to conclusions as it does have some drawbacks that may make certain crating setups more difficult.

2012 Mazda Mazda5 Sport

The Mazda5 really does look just like a small minivan, though technically it’s a crossover. I saw it on the lot at CarMax and had to give it a look – would it be a good smaller option with the flexibility of a van’s cargo space?!

Not exactly. The interior is quite small, and the second row appears to only slide forward, vs. folding or being removable as in most actual minivans.  It is a nifty crossover, however, and it might be a good option for smaller or fewer dogs.

Width between wheel wells (narrowest part of the vehicle): 40.25″

Cargo depth with all rows up: negligible

Cargo depth with the third row down: 37″ on the floor, 28.5″ deep at the narrowest point (seat back, 18″ above floor level)

It started to sprinkle, so I did miss a few dimensions unfortunately. Visually, it would appear that the hatch is about 38-40″ wide at the widest point.

MPG city: 21 mpg

MPG highway: 28 mpg

The captain’s chairs for the second row seems to be unique – I haven’t seen this layout in other third row vehicles, *except* for minivans – and while it does cut down seating when the third row is folded, it may provide a better riding experience for passengers in the second row. The downside to this layout is that items can slide from the cargo area, between the second row of seats, and into the driver’s row, so you may need to do some creative packing to prevent that.

There is an additional outlet in the cargo area and extra vents for AC/heat on the back of the console, providing better airflow to the back. There’s also an extra cargo light next to the fuse panel at the rear of the vehicle, which is handy for finding things in the way back at night.

The Mazda5 does lack flexibility in cargo arrangement due to the absence of removable or foldable second row seating.  Gas mileage is nice, and there are some nice add ons to make working in the cargo area easier, but it’s certainly not the best option in this category.

2012 Kia Soul

The Soul is most recognized as a dancing hamster-mobile, but can it also transport dogs? The answer is “yes, but only loose or belted, not crated” from my perspective. With the rear seats up there is next to no cargo space behind them and the seats, as in the other Kias Four Paw Drive had reviewed, do NOT fold flat. The interior space is great for a vehicle of this size thanks to the boxy design, but will not accommodate crating without some form of platform to level the floor surface.

If you’re handy with tools or ride with your dogs out of crates, the Soul does still have some possibilities, so here are its dimensions:

Width between wheel wells (narrowest part of the vehicle): 43.75″

Width at widest point: 51.25″ at the edge of the passenger doors

Tallest point: 33.5″

Lowest point: 30″ for 6″ starting at the hatch

Cargo depth with all rows up: At the floor, 24.25″, but at the narrowest point, only 16″ which is too narrow for any crate but those small enough to stop before reaching the back of the seat.

Cargo depth with the second (and only) row down: 47.75″ – the second row does NOT fold flat, so crates would need to have something to rest on other than the seat backs to remain level.

Hatch measurements: 32-37″ wide, with the narrowest point at the top, 29″ tall

MPG city: base model 4 cylinder, fuel injected engine: 27 mpg; engine in other packages: 26 mpg.

MPG highway: base model 4 cylinder, fuel injected engine: 36 mpg; engine in other packages: 34 mpg.

The Soul does offer several helpful features for those transporting dogs regularly, though:

• Optional power outlets in the rear cargo area
• Optional sunroof that opens completely

The optional sunroof and the shallow cargo area does mean that air circulation in the rear of the vehicle is quite generous, even without extra vents in the rear passenger or cargo areas. Unfortunately, there is no included spare tire, but space under the flooring of the rear cargo area holds either the included inflation kit or a spare tire you provide, so if you need to replace a tire, all items in the cargo area must be removed!

The Soul is a unique small passenger vehicle, but if you’re looking to travel with crated dogs, there are many better options out there. If Kia does offer fold flat seats at some point, it will greatly enhance the Soul’s function as a dog vehicle, so it’s always wise to look at the enhancements made between model years.