We have three dogs (40, 80, and 80 pounds), and we looked at the Forrester, the RAV4, and the Honda CRV. We settled on the RAV4 partly because it got the best gas mileage of the three, and partly because it was the best choice for our dogs. We take the two rear seats out (or fold them up) and there is plenty of space for all three dogs in the back. One of our dogs has hip dysplasia, and the RAV4 has a low entry point at the rear that is really easy for him to use.

We have also put bikes in the back many times, although we usually use a rack that attaches to the spare tire. (We got a roof rack when we bought the car, but the drag gives us terrible gas mileage so we don't use it much ... plus we have to remove it in order to haul our canoe.)

Ours is the 2002 model, and I know the current model is pretty different. But we love ours. The rear seats are out of it most of the time, though, because we use it more for cargo/dogs than for hauling extra passengers.