14 Ideal Cars for Dog Owners

Have you ever wondered if your car is as comfortable for your dog as it is for you? For many pet owners, choosing a vehicle is about more than just fuel efficiency or sleek design—it’s about ensuring that our four-legged friends travel safely and comfortably. After all, dogs are more than just pets; they’re family. Here are 15 cars that would have your pup ecstatic for any day-out driving. 

Subaru Outback

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Ever heard the joke, “Why don’t dogs drive? Because they’d rather hang their heads out the window!” With the Subaru Outback, your dog might just be tempted to take the wheel. The Subaru Outback is a versatile crossover SUV designed for its rugged capability and spacious interior. Subaru is famous for its pet-friendly reputation and even hosts pet adoption events at its dealerships. Additionally, Subaru has options for pet-friendly accessories like padded cargo liners and pet barriers.

Honda CR-V

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What if, just what if, the meaning of CR-V is “Canine Recreational Vehicle”? Its large cargo area and low floor make it easy for dogs to go in and exit. The CR-V also comes with rear seat climate control, ensuring a comfortable temperature for your pet. You can also accessorize with a pet hammock and cargo area liner to keep your dog safe and the car clean. This car is one of the best-selling SUVs in America thanks to its reliability and practicality.

Volvo V60

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The Volvo V60 is a luxury wagon that combines style, performance, and practicality. It has advanced safety features, a premium interior, and strong performance with efficient engines. Dubbed the “Volvo V-Dog” because of its exceptional pet-friendly features, the V60’s ample cargo area with a flat load floor is perfect for dogs. Fitted with optional pet barriers, protective steel grilles, and a dog harness for safe travel, this car was designed with dogs in mind.

Toyota RAV4

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A compact SUV known for its reliability, comfort, and versatility, the Toyota RAV4 includes a spacious interior, advanced safety systems, and an optional hybrid powertrain for better fuel efficiency. The RAV4’s roomy cargo area and low loading height make it ideal for pets, with rear seats that can be effortlessly folded flat to create more space for your dog. It also offers an optional cargo area cover, rear air vents, and rubber floor mats to make clean-up easier after outdoor adventures.

Ford Escape

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This compact SUV offers a comfortable ride, ample interior space, and lots of tech features, including the Ford Co-Pilot360 for safety. It features rear air vents for climate control and various pet-friendly accessories, like a pet barrier and all-weather cargo mats. The Ford Escape’s hybrid model provides a quiet ride, which can be less stressful for noise-sensitive or senior pets with auditory sensitivities.

Jeep Wrangler

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First debuting in 1986, the Jeep Wrangler has been a favorite for off-road enthusiasts. With unmatched off-road capability, removable doors and roof, 4×4 capability, and a durable interior to endure harsh conditions, this iconic off-road vehicle is perfect. Its spacious rear cargo area is ideal for dogs, especially when the rear seats are folded down. For bonus points, this vehicle’s easy-to-clean interior materials make it ideal for muddy paws.

Kia Soul

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The Kia Soul is a quirky, compact crossover with a unique design and a surprisingly spacious interior. It features user-friendly technology, a comfortable ride, and excellent safety ratings. The boxy shape provides ample headroom and a roomy cargo area, making it comfortable for dogs.

Ford Flex

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Is it a car or a dog house on wheels? The Ford Flex blurs the line with its incredible space and comfort for both you and your pets. A full-size SUV with a distinctive boxy design, the Ford Flex offers three rows of seating and a spacious, comfortable interior. It includes advanced safety systems, a powerful engine, and ample cargo space. With its flat load floor and expansive cargo area, the Flex is ideal for large dogs or multiple pets.

Mazda CX-5

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The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish compact SUV known for its sporty performance, luxurious interior, and advanced safety features. It blends a practical design with responsive handling, making it a joy to drive with furry cargo onboard. Often praised for its premium feel and rivaling luxury brands to give an affordable price point, the CX-5’s spacious cargo area and reclining rear seats provide plenty of room for pets. 

Subaru Crosstrek

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If you want your dog to “paws” and enjoy every adventure comfortably, then the Subaru Crosstrek is your best bet. This compact crossover combines a hatchback’s practicality with an SUV’s capability. It features standard all-wheel drive, impressive ground clearance, and advanced safety features. The Crosstrek’s spacious cargo area with a low lift-over height, pet ramps, and wide-opening doors is perfect for the everyday dog commute. 

Tesla Model X

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Always the one for disruptive innovation, Tesla has solved the age-long problem of leaving dogs in the car with the Model X. Besides being an all-electric SUV known for its cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and performance, the Tesla Model X actually has a dog mode. The “Dog Mode” feature keeps the cabin at a comfortable temperature while displaying a message on the screen to let passersby know your pet is safe. 

Volkswagen Atlas

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Playing fetch on the go is a luxury you can afford with the Volkswagen Atlas’s three rows of seating, roomy interior, and advanced safety features. The wide rear doors and fold-flat second—and third-row seats create flexible space for various pet needs. Designed with family needs in mind, the Volkswagen Atlas has enough interior space to set up car seats for kids and SNs and crates for dog owners who’d rather have their dogs in a crate.

Chevrolet Equinox

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Considered the “top dog” in the compact SUV class for pet owners, the Equinox stands out for its reliability, comfort, and efficient performance. It consistently ranks top of the line in customer satisfaction surveys, particularly for its comfortable ride and practical features. The Equinox offers a spacious cargo area with a low lift-over height, making it easy for dogs to get in and out. A bonus is its rear seats that fold flat to create additional space for a mini-dog camp.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

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In April 2024, Mercedes showcased their goofy side by teasing the public about a supposed MBUX bark assist, a voice assistant for dogs. Although this was an April Fools’ video, the sheer possibility of this would be life-changing for humans and dogs. Mercedes-Benz GLE is a luxury midsize SUV with a spacious, high-quality interior, advanced safety systems, and smooth, powerful performance. The addition of the imaginary MBUX bark would just be a perfect addition.

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