As a dog owner, finding the right vehicle isn’t just about your preferences it’s about creating a comfortable, safe environment for your four-legged companion too.
The ideal car for dog owners balances ample space for your furry friend, durability against inevitable scratches and hair, easy-to-clean surfaces, and features that make traveling with pets more convenient.
Whether you’re taking short trips to the dog park or embarking on cross-country adventures, the right vehicle can make all the difference in your shared experiences.
From SUVs with spacious cargo areas to wagons with built-in pet barriers, today’s auto market offers numerous options designed with canine companions in mind.
Beyond just space, considerations like low entry height for older dogs, climate control for the rear compartments, and specialized accessories can significantly enhance your dog’s travel experience.
This guide explores ten vehicles that stand out for their dog-friendly features, helping you make an informed decision that benefits both you and your loyal companion.
1. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has earned its reputation as the quintessential dog owner’s vehicle for good reason. This versatile wagon-SUV crossover offers an impressive blend of practicality, reliability, and pet-friendly features that make it a standout choice for canine companions and their humans alike.
Starting with space, the Outback delivers a generous cargo area with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats—more than enough room for large breeds to comfortably settle in.
Fold those seats down, and you’re looking at a cavernous 75.7 cubic feet of space, perfect for multiple dogs or longer journeys requiring pet beds and supplies.
The relatively low load floor height is particularly beneficial for senior dogs or smaller breeds that might struggle with jumping into taller vehicles.
Subaru clearly designed this vehicle with outdoor enthusiasts and their pets in mind. The standard all-wheel drive provides confident handling in various weather conditions, ensuring safe travels to remote hiking trails or snowy cabin getaways.
The durable, water-resistant upholstery options (particularly in the Wilderness or Onyx editions) stand up admirably to wet paws, mud, and inevitable dog hair.
What truly sets the Outback apart is Subaru’s dedication to pet safety. The company offers a comprehensive line of pet-specific accessories through their Subaru Pets program, including seat protectors, cargo area dividers, and harness attachments.
The Outback’s built-in roof rails make it easy to mount a rooftop carrier for additional gear when the cargo area is occupied by your furry friends.
Practical touches like rear climate vents ensure your dog stays comfortable regardless of outside temperatures, while the panoramic moonroof (available on higher trims) allows for additional light and ventilation.
The EyeSight driver assistance technology provides an extra layer of safety for precious cargo of all species. For the tech-savvy dog owner, the Starlink infotainment system can help locate pet-friendly destinations along your route.
2. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V stands as a brilliant option for dog owners seeking reliability, practicality, and smart design in a compact SUV package. This perennially popular crossover combines thoughtful engineering with dog-friendly features that make daily life with your canine companion significantly more convenient.
The CR-V’s cargo space is particularly impressive given its modest exterior dimensions. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 39.2 cubic feet of well-designed storage space a figure that expands to a generous 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
This spaciousness is complemented by a low load floor height that makes it easy for dogs of all sizes and ages to hop in and out without strain. The wide-opening rear hatch and nearly square cargo area maximize usability, with minimal wheel well intrusion creating a flat surface that’s ideal for dog beds or crates.
Honda’s commitment to build quality shines through in the CR-V’s interior materials, which strike an excellent balance between comfort and durability.
The standard cloth upholstery is surprisingly resistant to dog hair, while the available leather options can be wiped clean with ease. Both choices stand up well to the daily wear and tear that comes with canine passengers.
Thoughtful design elements abound throughout the vehicle. The rear climate control vents help maintain comfortable temperatures for your dog, even on extreme weather days.
The available hands-free power tailgate proves invaluable when your arms are full of dog supplies, leashes, or a muddy pup that needs lifting.
Safety features in the CR-V provide peace of mind for all passengers. The Honda Sensing suite includes collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist all working together to protect your precious cargo.
The excellent visibility from the driver’s seat means you can keep an eye on both the road ahead and your dog in the back.
The CR-V’s reputation for reliability cannot be overstated. Its proven track record for longevity means fewer unexpected breakdowns or maintenance issues particularly important when traveling with pets.
The excellent fuel economy (up to 34 mpg highway on most trims) makes it economical for frequent trips to dog parks, training classes, or weekend adventures.
3. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has evolved into an exceptional vehicle for dog owners, combining versatility, ruggedness, and thoughtful design elements that accommodate both human and canine needs.
This compact SUV strikes an ideal balance between everyday practicality and adventure-ready capability that dog owners consistently appreciate.
With 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded flat, the RAV4 provides ample room for dogs of various sizes.
The spaciousness is enhanced by a thoughtfully designed cargo area featuring a low load floor with minimal lip, making it particularly accessible for older dogs or smaller breeds that might struggle with jumping.
The reversible cargo floor carpet on one side, easy-clean plastic on the other is an especially clever touch for dog owners who frequently transition between clean and muddy adventures.
The RAV4’s interior materials deserve special mention for their pet-friendliness. Toyota’s SofTex upholstery option, available on several trims, provides leather-like comfort that resists stains, scratches, and dog hair far better than traditional materials.
This attention to durability extends throughout the cabin, with hard-wearing plastics and rubberized surfaces in key areas likely to encounter muddy paws.
For the adventure-oriented dog owner, the RAV4 Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims offer increased ground clearance, enhanced all-wheel drive systems, and additional rugged features perfect for reaching remote hiking trails or camping spots.
These models include roof rails and aggressive styling that complement an active lifestyle with your four-legged companion.
The RAV4’s climate system includes rear vents on most trims, ensuring your dog stays comfortable regardless of outside temperatures. Power outlets in the cargo area can support fans or other pet comfort accessories on longer journeys.
The available panoramic glass roof floods the interior with natural light, creating a more pleasant environment for dogs who might otherwise feel confined during travel.
Safety features abound in the RAV4, with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 providing comprehensive driver assistance technologies that help protect all occupants.
The available digital rearview mirror improves visibility even when the cargo area is filled with pet gear or when a large dog crate occupies the rear space.
4. Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 stands as perhaps the most thoughtfully designed luxury SUV for discerning dog owners who refuse to compromise on either safety or sophistication.
This Scandinavian masterpiece seamlessly blends premium amenities with practical pet-friendly features, creating an exceptional environment for both human and canine travelers.
The XC60’s cargo area offers a respectable 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with seats folded dimensions that accommodate most dog sizes comfortably.
What truly distinguishes this space, however, is its thoughtful engineering. The perfectly flat load floor eliminates awkward slopes that might unsettle dogs during transit, while the available air suspension system can lower the rear end by several inches for easier entry a particularly valuable feature for senior dogs or those with mobility issues.
Volvo’s legendary commitment to safety extends to four-legged passengers as well. The company offers an impressive array of genuine pet accessories, including specially designed harness attachments that integrate with the vehicle’s safety systems, spill-proof water bowls that fit securely in cup holders, and custom-fit protective liners that preserve the luxurious interior while containing hair and dirt.
The available four-zone climate control ensures dogs remain comfortable regardless of exterior conditions.
The XC60’s interior materials represent a perfect marriage of luxury and practicality. The standard leather upholstery incorporates treatments that enhance resistance to paw scratches and stains while remaining easy to clean.
For the most dedicated dog owners, Volvo offers an optional “Pet Pack” that includes a tailored protective cover for the entire cargo area, a steel safety grille that separates the passenger and cargo compartments, and even a foldable ramp for easier access.
Technology in the XC60 serves both driver and dog admirably. The CleanZone air quality system filters out allergens and pollutants beneficial for breeds with respiratory sensitivities.
The Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving features reduce driver fatigue on longer journeys to dog-friendly destinations. Even the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system can be leveraged to play calming music for anxious canine travelers.
The plug-in hybrid option offers a compelling advantage for environmentally conscious dog owners the ability to operate in pure electric mode means trips to local dog parks or quick veterinary visits can occur without emissions, while the combined power reserves ensure you’ll never lack performance when heading to more distant adventure spots.
Also Read: 12 Compact SUVs With the Most Spacious Interiors Compared
5. Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 offers dog owners an appealing blend of driving enjoyment, upscale design, and practical canine-friendly features that many competitors in its class simply can’t match.
This compact crossover manages to challenge luxury brands with its refined character while still meeting the practical demands of life with four-legged companions.
Behind its rear seats, the CX-5 provides 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space a figure that expands to 59.6 cubic feet with seats folded. While these numbers might seem modest compared to some rivals, the brilliance lies in how Mazda has engineered this space.
The nearly flat load floor creates a stable platform for dogs during transit, while the low lift-over height makes entry and exit comfortable even for smaller or aging pets.
The wide-opening rear hatch and thoughtfully shaped cargo area maximize usability for pet carriers, crates, or simply allowing your dog to ride freely in a properly secured manner.
Interior materials in the CX-5 deserve special recognition for their dog-compatibility. Even in lower trims, the upholstery quality exceeds expectations, with tight-weave fabrics that resist collecting dog hair a small but significant detail appreciated during cleaning.
In higher trims, the available leather surfaces strike an excellent balance between luxury and practicality, proving surprisingly resistant to paw scratches while remaining easy to wipe clean after muddy adventures.
The CX-5’s climate control system includes rear vents on most trims, ensuring consistent temperature throughout the cabin—crucial for maintaining your dog’s comfort in extreme weather conditions.
The dual-zone automatic climate control allows precise adjustment to compensate for a dog’s different temperature needs compared to human passengers.
Mazda’s focus on driving dynamics actually benefits canine passengers as well. The CX-5’s poised handling and superior suspension tuning translate to a smoother, more stable ride that reduces motion sickness a common issue for dogs during car travel. The precise steering and confident braking inspire driver confidence when precious cargo is aboard.
Safety features abound in the CX-5, with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims.
The available traffic sign recognition system proves particularly useful when going through unfamiliar areas en route to new dog-friendly destinations. The power liftgate with programmable height adjustment helps prevent head bumps for both humans and enthusiastic dogs waiting to exit.
6. Volkswagen Golf Wagon/Alltrack
The Volkswagen Golf Wagon (known as the SportWagen in some markets) and its slightly more rugged sibling, the Alltrack, represent perhaps the perfect compromise for dog owners seeking the driving dynamics of a car with the practicality of an SUV.
These European wagons offer a compelling blend of efficiency, handling precision, and thoughtfully designed cargo spaces that accommodate canine companions beautifully.
The cargo area stands as the Golf Wagon’s crowning achievement for dog owners. With 30.4 cubic feet available behind the rear seats and an impressive 66.5 cubic feet with seats folded, these figures rival many small SUVs despite the vehicle’s lower profile.
The brilliance lies in how this space is configured perfectly rectangular with minimal intrusions, creating an ideal environment for dog beds, crates, or simply allowing your pet to stretch out comfortably.
The low load height proves particularly beneficial for smaller breeds or aging dogs with mobility challenges.
Volkswagen’s meticulous German engineering extends to the interior materials, which balance refinement with practicality.
The standard cloth upholstery features a tight weave that resists collecting dog hair, while the available V-Tex leatherette provides an even more pet-friendly surface waterproof, scratch-resistant, and remarkably easy to clean after muddy adventures.
The Alltrack’s standard roof rails accommodate various pet-specific cargo carriers, freeing up interior space when traveling with both dogs and luggage.
The driving experience sets these wagons apart from typical dog-friendly vehicles. The Golf’s legendary handling precision translates to smoother cornering and more stable emergency maneuvers critical considerations when transporting precious canine cargo.
The turbocharged engines deliver respectable acceleration while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, with the Alltrack’s all-wheel drive providing additional confidence in adverse weather conditions or on unpaved roads leading to remote hiking trails.
Thoughtful features abound throughout these vehicles. The panoramic sunroof floods the interior with natural light, creating a more pleasant environment for dogs who might otherwise feel confined during long journeys.
The available driver assistance package includes adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, adding layers of protection for all occupants. The Fender premium audio system can be leveraged to play calming music for anxious canine travelers.
The Golf Wagon/Alltrack’s European-inspired design philosophy emphasizes function alongside form. The rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40 split, allowing you to accommodate both a passenger and your dog when necessary. The available cargo management system includes adjustable tie-down points perfect for securing pet barriers or crates.
7. Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica minivan emerges as perhaps the ultimate solution for serious dog owners, particularly those with multiple canine companions or large breeds.
While minivans sometimes suffer from image issues among certain buyers, the Pacifica’s exceptional blend of cavernous space, innovative features, and surprising refinement makes it worthy of consideration for any dedicated dog enthusiast.
The Pacifica’s cargo capabilities are simply unmatched in the automotive world. Behind the third row, you’ll find 32.3 cubic feet already sufficient for most dogs.
Fold the third row into the floor, and that expands to an impressive 87.5 cubic feet. With both second and third rows stowed in Chrysler’s brilliant Stow ‘n Go system, you’ll access a cavernous 140.5 cubic feet of perfectly flat cargo space dimensions that can accommodate multiple large crates, several dogs, and all their associated gear simultaneously.
The low load floor height proves particularly beneficial for senior dogs or breeds prone to joint issues.
The sliding side doors represent a game-changing feature for dog owners. With power operation available, these wide openings provide far easier access than conventional doors, allowing dogs to enter without awkward contortions.
The available hands-free operation proves invaluable when your arms are full of leashes, treats, or a muddy dog that needs assistance.
Interior durability clearly factored into Chrysler’s design process. The standard cloth upholstery resists pet hair admirably, while the optional leather surfaces can be wiped clean with minimal effort.
The available built-in vacuum cleaner an industry first offers immediate cleanup of shed hair or muddy paw prints without requiring separate equipment.
The Stow ‘n Go seating system eliminates the need to remove and store heavy seats, a significant advantage when transitioning between human and canine passengers.
Climate comfort receives particular attention in the Pacifica. The tri-zone automatic climate control allows precise temperature management throughout the cabin, while the available rear climate controls ensure your dogs remain comfortable regardless of exterior conditions.
The deep-tinted privacy glass reduces solar heating a crucial consideration when briefly leaving pets in parked vehicles (though never in truly hot weather).
Technology in the Pacifica enhances the dog ownership experience in subtle ways. The available 360-degree camera system provides complete visibility around the vehicle helpful when going through the tight spaces with precious cargo.
The UConnect infotainment system can help locate pet-friendly destinations, while the optional rear entertainment system might even distract anxious canine travelers during longer journeys.
8. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler stands as the ultimate choice for adventure-seeking dog owners who refuse to let rugged terrain limit their explorations with their four-legged companions.
This iconic off-roader combines legendary capability with a surprising array of dog-friendly features that make it uniquely suited for canine adventurers who value experiences over creature comforts.
The Wrangler’s cargo area offers a respectable 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats in four-door models (12.9 in two-door versions) dimensions that expand considerably with seats folded.
What truly distinguishes this space, however, is its rugged construction. The entire rear cargo area features durable materials designed for abuse, with drain plugs in the floor allowing you to literally hose out mud, sand, and debris after particularly adventurous outings with your dog.
This washable interior represents the ultimate practical feature for owners of water-loving or mud-seeking breeds. The removable top and doors transform the Wrangler into an open-air experience that many dogs absolutely adore, providing unfiltered sensory stimulation that enclosed vehicles simply cannot match.
The feeling of wind, scents, and expansive visibility creates a uniquely enriching environment for canine passengers. For safety, Jeep offers various pet restraint systems designed specifically for open-air driving configurations.
The Wrangler’s raised ride height provides excellent visibility for dogs, allowing them to see outside rather than being confined to staring at seat backs.
The available grab handles and step rails make entry easier for smaller or older dogs who might otherwise struggle with the vehicle’s height. For maximum accessibility, the fold-down tailgate creates a natural ramp-like platform that many dogs find easier to go through than jumping directly into a cargo area.
Aftermarket support for the Wrangler is unparalleled, with numerous companies offering dog-specific accessories perfectly tailored to fit this vehicle.
Options include custom-fit cargo barriers, reinforced seat covers designed specifically for wet or muddy dogs, and specialized restraint systems that integrate with the Wrangler’s unique roll bar structure. The standard tie-down points throughout the cargo area secure pet carriers or create anchor points for safety harnesses.
The Wrangler’s legendary 4×4 capabilities mean you can access remote trails, beaches, and wilderness areas that remain inaccessible to conventional vehicles opening a world of new sensory experiences for your dog.
The available Off-Road+ mode optimizes vehicle systems for specific terrain types, ensuring smooth operation even on challenging surfaces.
9. Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has cultivated a distinctive personality in the automotive world that resonates surprisingly well with dog owners seeking practicality without sacrificing character.
This unique compact crossover combines a quirky design aesthetic with thoughtfully engineered features that make it an unexpectedly excellent choice for canine companions and their humans alike.
Despite its modest exterior dimensions, the Soul delivers remarkable interior space efficiency. The cargo area offers 24.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats a figure that expands to an impressive 62.1 cubic feet with seats folded.
The brilliance lies in the Soul’s boxy shape, which creates a perfectly vertical cargo space that maximizes usable volume for dog crates or allows taller breeds to sit upright comfortably. The low load floor height proves particularly beneficial for smaller dogs or those with mobility issues, allowing easy entry and exit without straining.
The Soul’s interior materials strike an ideal balance between expression and practicality. The standard cloth upholstery incorporates tight weave patterns that resist collecting dog hair, while the available premium cloth and leatherette options clean up remarkably well after encounters with muddy paws.
The color-coordinated interior trim pieces a Soul trademark actually serve a practical purpose by concealing minor scratches and wear that inevitably come with canine passengers.
Kia’s attention to climate control benefits dog owners significantly. The available dual-zone automatic climate system maintains consistent temperatures throughout the cabin, while the efficiently designed air circulation keeps the entire vehicle comfortable regardless of outside conditions.
The deep-tinted rear windows reduce solar heating a crucial consideration when briefly leaving pets in parked vehicles (though never in truly hot weather).
The Soul’s suspension tuning deserves special mention for dog owners. The balanced approach prioritizes ride comfort without excessive body roll, creating a stable platform that reduces motion sickness a common issue for dogs during car travel. The precise steering and responsive brakes inspire driver confidence when precious cargo is aboard.
Technology in the Soul enhances the dog ownership experience in subtle ways. The available Harman Kardon premium audio system includes a center speaker and subwoofer that can be leveraged to play calming music for anxious canine travelers.
The UVO infotainment system helps locate pet-friendly destinations along your route, while the available wireless charging pad keeps your phone powered for emergency veterinary searches or dog park location apps.
10. Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y represents the cutting edge for environmentally conscious dog owners who refuse to compromise on either sustainability or their pet’s comfort.
This all-electric crossover combines future-forward technology with surprisingly thoughtful canine-friendly features that establish new standards for what dog owners should expect from modern vehicles.
The Model Y’s cargo capabilities impress even before considering its unique advantages. Behind the rear seats, you’ll find 30.2 cubic feet of space expanding to a generous 72.1 cubic feet with seats folded.
The brilliance lies in additional storage areas unavailable in conventional vehicles: the front trunk (“frunk”) provides an additional 4.1 cubic feet perfect for separating wet or muddy dog gear from clean cargo.
The perfectly flat load floor creates a stable platform for dogs during transit, while the wide-opening hatch and minimal lift-over height ensure comfortable entry and exit.
Tesla’s revolutionary “Dog Mode” stands as perhaps the most innovative pet-friendly feature in any production vehicle.
This climate control function maintains a comfortable cabin temperature while the owner is away, displaying a large message on the central screen informing concerned passersby that “My owner will be back soon. Don’t worry! The AC is on and it’s XX°F.”
This system leverages the massive battery capacity to run climate control for extended periods without engine noise or emissions a game-changer for dog owners who occasionally need to leave pets briefly in parked vehicles.
The interior materials in the Model Y balance premium feel with practical durability. The standard vegan leather upholstery resists dog hair and cleans up remarkably well after adventures, while the minimalist design reduces crevices where hair and dirt might accumulate.
The massive glass roof floods the interior with natural light, creating a more pleasant environment for dogs who might otherwise feel confined during travel.
The Model Y’s all-electric powertrain offers unique advantages for canine passengers. The near-silent operation reduces noise stress for sensitive dogs, while the smooth, linear acceleration eliminates the unsettling engine surges that can contribute to motion sickness.
The regenerative braking system provides more predictable deceleration that many dogs find less disorienting than conventional braking. Tesla’s comprehensive technology integration extends to pet-friendly applications.
The Sentry Mode security system monitors the vehicle’s surroundings when parked, providing additional peace of mind when dogs are inside.
The oversized central display can stream dog-friendly content through various apps to entertain or calm anxious pets. The built-in air filtration system includes a HEPA filter that removes allergens and pollutants beneficial for breeds with respiratory sensitivities.
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