For many American families, dogs especially large breeds travel everywhere with them.
Whether you own a Labrador, German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Golden Retriever, Husky, or an even bigger breed, the right vehicle can make the difference between a comfortable trip and a stressful ride.
Big dogs need space to lie down, a low entry height to avoid joint strain, good airflow, and ideally, a flat cargo area for stability.
While SUVs often get credit for being pet-friendly, minivans are actually some of the best vehicles for big dogs thanks to their sliding doors, wide openings, flexible seating, and immense cargo space.
Meanwhile, certain vehicles especially sedans, coupes, and sports cars can make traveling with a big dog uncomfortable, inconvenient, or even unsafe.
This article compares 5 minivans that excel at transporting large dogs versus 5 rides that fall short, helping U.S. dog owners make a smart, pet-conscious vehicle choice.
Minivans That Are Great for Big Dogs
Traveling with a large-breed dog presents a unique set of challenges for any pet owner. From muddy paws to the need for ample space, not every vehicle is up to the task. While SUVs are a common choice, the humble minivan is often the unsung hero for canine transportation.
With their low-load floors, sliding doors, and cavernous, configurable interiors, certain models are simply in a league of their own. We’ve evaluated the field to bring you the minivans that are truly great for big dogs, taking the guesswork out of finding a vehicle that works for every member of your family, including the four-legged ones.
1. Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is one of the most accommodating minivans for big dogs because its Stow ’n Go system creates a completely flat load floor when both seating rows are folded into the floor.
This gives large dogs a wide, open area to sprawl out or makes it easier to secure a crate without awkward bumps or uneven surfaces.
Sliding doors and a low step-in height help older dogs enter without discomfort, and optional all-weather cargo mats help owners manage fur, dirt, and drool. The Pacifica’s spaciousness alone puts it well ahead of most SUVs for dog transport.
Despite the impressive capabilities of many three-row SUVs, minivans remain the undisputed champions when it comes to transporting a large family and all their accompanying cargo.
A standout model is the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, which earns its place as a favorite through its robust overall performance, an extensive catalog of standard and available features, the recent introduction of all-wheel drive, and its aesthetically pleasing design both in the cabin and on the exterior.
A key advantage for the Pacifica is its class-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating system, which allows the second and third rows to fold flat into the floor with remarkable ease. This innovative feature enables you to instantly reconfigure the interior cabin to suit your specific passenger or cargo requirements.
As expected, the vehicle also offers a wealth of advanced safety and entertainment technologies designed to keep every member of the family both secure and pleasantly occupied on the road.
Within the competitive minivan segment, the Pacifica is surpassed only by the top-ranked Honda Odyssey, which manages to outdo the Chrysler by a narrow margin in the areas of overall cargo capacity, ingenious interior storage solutions, and passenger comfort.
By the standards set for minivans, the Pacifica delivers strong performance capabilities. Its 287-horsepower V6 engine can accelerate the vehicle to 60 mph in a brisk 7.7 seconds, while the braking system can bring it to a halt from that speed in a mere 119 feet.
The handling is also commendable, characterized by well-controlled body roll and stability when encountering bumps in the middle of a corner.
That said, we are not fond of the nine-speed automatic transmission, which exhibits a degree of indecisiveness and sluggish reactions, and the steering feel is somewhat vague, though this is not an uncommon trait in this vehicle class.
A significant amount of comfort is available within the Pacifica, though it can vary based on the size of the passenger and the specific seats chosen.
From the perspective of the front seats, the Pacifica feels spacious, offering ample headroom and hip room for occupants. However, the legroom available in the second and third rows is merely average. Competing models, including the Honda Odyssey and the Kia Sedona, surpass it by a few inches in this regard.
The very large windows, big side mirrors, and excellent sightlines result in virtually no blind spots around the vehicle. A rearview camera is included as standard equipment, and a more comprehensive 360-degree surround-view camera system is available as an option.
The EPA-estimated fuel mileage for the Pacifica is 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city/28 mpg highway), which is considered average for a vehicle in the minivan category. During our own 116-mile evaluation loop, the Pacifica achieved 25 mpg, a figure that is approximately what we would anticipate for real-world driving conditions.
In its standard trim levels, the Pacifica represents a decent value proposition, coming with a generous amount of standard equipment. In the higher, more luxurious trims, a plentiful array of optional features is offered, but you will end up paying a premium for a well-equipped Pacifica compared to capable rivals such as the Odyssey and the Sedona.
At first glance, the Pacifica presents an upscale atmosphere with pleasing soft-touch surfaces for your elbows. Upon closer inspection, however, the fit and finish are less than perfect, with observations such as crooked stitching on the steering wheel and door panels.
There is nothing exceptionally dynamic or outwardly impressive about the Pacifica, yet it remains a genuinely good vehicle to drive. It feels solid and planted when navigating corners, demonstrates commendable manners during highway cruising, and, for a minivan, it boasts a fairly sleek and attractive exterior design.
2. Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is another excellent option thanks to its highly flexible interior layout. Its rear seats fold flat, and depending on the trim, the second-row seats can be removed or repositioned to create a long, unobstructed space.
Large dogs benefit from the low floor and wide door openings, while the Odyssey’s durable interior materials stand up to claws and shedding. This model is particularly good for families who need both people space and dog space without sacrificing convenience.
The 2020 Honda Odyssey commemorates a significant anniversary: twenty-five years since this popular minivan first entered production. It is worth taking a moment to consider that impressive milestone.
The Odyssey, alongside a select group of other popular minivans, has successfully endured the SUV Era of the late 1990s and mid-2000s, the ongoing Crossover Era, and today’s widely discussed Decline of the Sedan Era.
While many potential buyers often claim they cannot stomach the idea of driving a minivan, the sustained sales figures prove that someone is certainly purchasing them.
The reasons for its enduring appeal are not difficult to understand. Minivans provide unparalleled passenger comfort and cargo versatility that remains unmatched.
No SUV can truly compete with them when it comes to ease of use or interior flexibility. From their conveniently low step-in heights and walkable center aisles to their vast floor space, near-luxury amenities, and modern technology, the minivan of today represents an almost no-compromise solution for families of all sizes.
The Odyssey firmly sits at the top of this vehicle class, offering a slew of thoughtful features designed to make life easier. These include highly configurable second-row seats and a unique, zoomable cabin camera equipped with a night-vision mode, which makes checking on rear-seat passengers an absolute cinch.
While any manufacturer can cram a vehicle with a load of features, what truly sets the Odyssey apart is its refined mechanical operation.
It is powered by a smooth-operating V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and it offers alert, stable handling that makes the driving experience feel more akin to a sedan than a truck or a conventional SUV.
3. Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna combines pet-friendly design with the quiet, efficient ride of a hybrid powertrain. Its spacious interior and sliding second-row seats create plenty of room for big breeds, and climate controls that extend to the rear ensure dogs stay comfortable in all seasons.
The Sienna’s stain-resistant materials and easy-clean surfaces make it practical for dogs who come along after hikes, beach runs, or muddy adventures.
4. Kia Carnival
The Kia Carnival stands out for its enormous cargo capacity, providing over 140 cubic feet of space when the seats are folded or removed. This is ideal for oversized crates or multiple large dogs.
The Carnival’s interior has a very flat load floor, and its low entry height makes it one of the easiest vans for dogs to climb into. This is a top-tier choice for pet owners who want maximum room without moving up to a full-size truck or van.
The 2022 Carnival draws its power from a 3.5-liter V-6 that generates a robust 290 horsepower; an eight-speed automatic transmission is a standard feature. All-wheel drive, unfortunately, is not available as an option, since the Carnival will be offered exclusively as a front-wheel-drive model.
It is worth noting that the Pacifica has an optional plug-in-hybrid powertrain and the new-for-2021 Sienna comes only as a hybrid, but we do not anticipate that Kia will offer such a setup on the Carnival, at least not in the immediate future.
Kia states that the Carnival possesses a towing capacity of up to 3500 pounds. Throughout our initial test drive, we came away impressed with the Carnival’s well-balanced ride and handling characteristics.
It delivered a smooth and comfortable ride during highway cruising and felt composed and stable when navigating corners. The refined V-6 engine provides sprightly acceleration and successfully powered the Carnival to reach 60 mph in a brisk 7.0 seconds during our test track evaluation.
5. Chrysler Voyager
The Chrysler Voyager is the budget-friendly sibling of the Pacifica but still offers many of the same dog-friendly advantages. Select trims also include Stow ’n Go seating, allowing dog owners to create a wide, flat cargo area.
The Voyager’s simple interior is extremely easy to clean, making it a strong option for owners who value practicality over luxury while still giving their big dog plenty of room.
Pet-Unfriendly Rides for Big Dogs
Finding the right vehicle for a large-breed dog involves more than just space; it’s about safety, comfort, and practicality. While many models advertise cargo room and pet-friendly features, some popular rides fall critically short for our biggest four-legged friends.
From cramped entryways and insufficient cargo areas to fragile interiors and poor ventilation, these vehicles can turn a simple trip to the vet into a stressful ordeal. This guide highlights the pet-unfriendly rides for big dogs, examining the specific design failures that make them a poor choice for your gentle giant.
1. 2025 Chevrolet Spark
Small sedans remain one of the least comfortable vehicle types for big dogs. The trunks are too small for large crates, and even folding the seats creates a cramped space with uneven surfaces and narrow pass-through openings.
Dogs forced to sit in the back seat often end up cramped, upright, and stressed. The higher trunk lip also makes loading heavy or elderly dogs difficult.
The automotive industry is in a state of constant evolution, with every passing year introducing a host of new innovations and technological advancements. As we move closer to 2025, enthusiasts of the Chevrolet brand are looking forward with great anticipation to the arrival of the next-generation Chevrolet Spark.
This well-regarded compact car has successfully cultivated a dedicated following over many years, largely due to its agile handling characteristics, impressive fuel economy, and accessible price point.
Chevrolet fully understands the critical importance of staying ahead of its competitors and satisfying the constantly shifting demands of modern consumers. The 2025 Chevrolet Spark has been the subject of a thorough and comprehensive redesign, a process which aims to elevate its overall appeal and bring its styling firmly in line with contemporary design trends.
The new Spark is expected to feature a more streamlined and aerodynamic overall profile, incorporating sleek character lines and sculpted body contours that work together to project a distinct sense of sophistication.
When moving to the interior cabin, Chevrolet has reportedly gone the extra mile to create a more refined and comfortable environment for occupants. The 2025 Spark will offer ample headroom and legroom for both the driver and all passengers.
High-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces are planned to be used throughout the cabin, enhancing the overall feeling of luxury and quality. The central infotainment system will be upgraded to a larger and more responsive touchscreen display, which will feature the latest connectivity options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2025 Chevrolet Spark Specs is expected to continue its tradition of delivering excellent fuel efficiency without making any compromises on performance.
Although specific information pertaining to the powertrain possibilities has not yet been officially disclosed, it is widely anticipated that the forthcoming Spark will possess an updated engine lineup that provides increased horsepower and torque. The transmission system is also expected to be refined in order to provide smoother gear shifts and enhance the overall driving dynamics.
Chevrolet’s well-known commitment to sustainability is expected to be evident in the 2025 Spark as well. The brand is considered likely to introduce a fully electric or hybrid variant of the Spark, a move designed to cater specifically to eco-conscious drivers.
This strategic direction aligns perfectly with the global shift towards cleaner and greener transportation options, thereby ensuring that the Spark remains a relevant and competitive choice within the evolving automotive landscape.
Chevrolet has always positioned itself at the forefront of equipping its vehicles with advanced features, and the 2025 Chevrolet Spark Specs is anticipated to be no exception to this rule. Depending on the selected trim level, prospective buyers can reasonably expect an array of cutting-edge technologies.
From the most basic base trim to the range-topping luxury variants, the Spark will offer features such as keyless entry, a push-button start system, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system.
Chevrolet also understands the growing importance of personalization for today’s buyers. The 2025 Spark will offer a wide range of optional extras and packages, thereby allowing buyers to customize their vehicles precisely according to their individual preferences and specific needs.
These available options may include upgraded alloy wheels, a power sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and advanced driver-assistance systems, among several others.
The planned availability of various trim levels and numerous optional packages will allow potential buyers to tailor their Spark to their exact desired specifications and personal budget.
2. Coupes
Two-door coupes are incredibly inconvenient for large dogs due to their tight rear access and small cabins. Without rear doors, guiding a dog inside becomes a struggle, especially for owners with senior or anxious dogs.
The sloping rooflines and narrow seats offer barely any space, and the trunk is typically too small for anything larger than a carrier designed for a medium-size breed. Big dogs simply don’t fit comfortably or safely in coupes.
3. Sports Cars
Sports cars present multiple issues for pet owners: very low ground clearance, stiff suspensions, cramped interiors, and high-end materials that are easily scratched by paws.
The low seating position requires dogs to jump down farther than they should, which is risky for breeds prone to hip or joint conditions. Engines and cabin noise can also increase anxiety, making sports cars one of the worst choices for canine passengers.
4. Luxury Convertibles
Luxury convertibles are stylish but highly impractical for dogs. With limited trunk space much of which is taken up by roof mechanisms there’s barely room for a dog bed, let alone a crate.
With the top down, dogs are exposed to wind, debris, and distractions, creating safety hazards. With the top up, the tight interior becomes even more constraining. The fragile high-end upholstery also makes convertibles poor choices for any large dog.
5. 2018 Hyundai Kona
While SUVs are generally seen as pet-friendly, subcompact SUVs and some hatchbacks disappoint when it comes to big dogs. Their cargo areas are surprisingly tight, with wheel-well intrusions, sloping rear doors, and shallow load floors that make it hard for dogs to stretch out or fit comfortably.
Crates may need to be forced in at odd angles, and the tall bumper height on many small crossovers forces dogs to jump higher than expected.
The subcompact crossover SUV segment is increasingly popular, and the newest model to join this competitive field, the 2018 Hyundai Kona, possesses significant potential to claim a leading position.
Its exterior styling might be considered somewhat divisive, but its on-road dynamics are superior to those of its rivals. Furthermore, it delivers exceptional value for the money and successfully fulfills all the key criteria that shoppers typically seek in this category of vehicle.
The Kona effectively distinguishes itself from the remainder of the class with a potent turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that Hyundai provides on the top two trim levels.
The Kona also earns high marks for the extensive features you receive relative to its price point, as well as for Hyundai’s strong and comprehensive warranty coverage. For these compelling reasons, you should be sure to place it high on your must-drive list if you are currently in the market for a crossover within this segment.
The 2018 Hyundai Kona is a five-passenger subcompact crossover SUV that is available in four distinct trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate. The SE and SEL models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.
In the comparison of 5 minivans great for big dogs vs. 5 pet-unfriendly rides, the difference comes down to space, access, and comfort.
Minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Voyager offer large, flat cargo floors, sliding doors, and low entry heights that make life easier for both dogs and owners.
On the other hand, compact sedans, coupes, sports cars, convertibles, and subcompact SUVs frequently lack the room and accessibility required for big dogs to travel safely and comfortably.
For U.S. dog owners who want to prioritize their pet’s comfort without sacrificing practicality, minivans remain one of the smartest and most dog-friendly categories on the road.
