Make Every Drive Fun!
Not every car handles paws and unannounced pit stops like a pro. A few do, and they’re rarely the ones pushed by flashy ads. Pet comfort often hides behind features people overlook, like quiet cabins, wide door frames, and flat-load floors. If you need the right car for your dog, here are 20 models that make it easy.
1. Subaru Outback
This wagon earns constant praise not just for safety but for its dog-friendly build. The low-load floor makes it easy for aging pets to step in, while rear vents keep air moving. Subaru’s optional pet travel accessories and 75.6 cubic feet of cargo space seal its top-tier spot.
2. Honda CR-V
Many owners discover the CR-V’s pet practicality by accident. Its rear seats fold perfectly flat to create a seamless cargo bed. Air vents extend to the second row, and the cargo height is manageable. With nearly 40 inches of rear headroom, large dogs can sit upright without scraping the ceiling.
3. Volvo V60 Cross Country
Safety is Volvo’s calling card, and that includes pets. The V60 Cross Country offers standard dual-zone climate control with rear vents and a wide cargo area. Volvo even offers an integrated dog gate and protective load floor cover as factory options.
4. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid combines fuel savings with a dog-ready rear. What makes it stand out? The rear cargo area has 69.8 cubic feet with seats down and no sharp slopes. Hybrid trims include dual-zone climate with rear ducts. Finally, quiet cabin acoustics work for anxious dogs, too.
5. Volkswagen Atlas
Originally designed for American families, the Atlas happens to be ideal for large dogs as well. The rear doors open wide, and it features a low lift-over height. With 96.8 cubic feet of cargo volume and rear-seat air vents even on base trims, it’s built to handle motion and paws alike.
6. Ford Escape
Crate setup takes seconds in the Escape. You can fold the rear seats to create a level space for your dog to rest or ride. Ford also includes rear vents as a standard feature. Additionally, the liftgate opens wide, making it easier for dogs to hop in.
7. Kia Telluride
Awarded multiple times for its comfort-first approach, the Telluride provides three rows of space and consistently strong airflow to the rear. Dogs benefit from the expansive cargo hold and triple-zone climate control. The car’s interior layout minimizes obstacles, too, which is better for tethering or placing a crate securely.
8. Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 doesn’t advertise itself as pet-friendly, yet owners often praise its quiet ride and generous rear climate. Rear-seat vents are standard, and the cabin is well-insulated against road noise. The cargo space is modest but well-shaped, with no awkward angles or intrusive hardware.
9. Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s standout feature for dog owners is built-in Dog Mode. It keeps cabin temperatures safe when parked and alerts passerbys that pets are fine. The Model Y also has a completely flat rear load area and minimal cabin noise. It’s best for dogs that can get stressed on long drives.
10. Hyundai Tucson
Sometimes overlooked in the compact SUV market, the Tucson excels with rear comfort. Rear air vents come standard, and its cargo area offers a level surface and 74.8 cubic feet with seats down. Hyundai’s rear seat reminder system also ensures no pet gets forgotten post-ride.
11. Hyundai Santa Fe
Three words describe Santa Fe’s appeal to pet owners: quiet, balanced, and breathable. Rear passengers enjoy standard vents and generous headroom. The car’s tailgate opens wide, and Hyundai’s Smart Liftgate system allows hands-free access while carrying leashes, crates, or wriggly dogs.
12. BMW X3
Luxury doesn’t always translate to practicality, but the X3 finds that middle ground. Rear climate vents are standard, and the cargo area is surprisingly dog-friendly, measuring 62.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Moreover, higher trims come with leatherette seats. Did you know leatherette options are easier to clean?
13. Honda Element
Discontinued in 2011 but still celebrated, the Element was designed with pets in mind. It featured a washable urethane floor and rear seats that folded up or were removable. Honda even released a Dog-Friendly package with a crate, ramp, fan, and spill-proof bowl system.
14. Toyota Sienna
Minivans may lack flash, but they’re hard to beat for dog logistics. The Sienna offers a low step-in height and massive interior volume. Tri-zone climate control ensures airflow to all rows, and the sliding doors mean stress-free loading even in tight parking spots or rainy weather.
15. Mercedes-Benz GLE
Behind its refined appearance lies utility. The GLE’s rear has a wide cargo gate and low noise levels. Next, the car’s climate control extends to the back, and cabin tech allows drivers to check the interior temperature remotely. You also get rear-seat entertainment as a plus!
16. Chrysler Pacifica
Among minivans, the Pacifica leads in flexibility. Its Stow 'n Go seating allows fast reconfiguration, and the floor stays flat when seats fold in. There are standard rear vents, and the cabin is rated well for low noise levels. Sliding doors and a powered tailgate round out its appeal.
17. Ford Edge
Strong ventilation and a tall cargo hold define this car’s dog-friendly features. Unlike some SUVs, the Edge places cargo usability above gimmicks. The cabin height allows larger breeds to sit comfortably without curling up awkwardly. Finally, climate control covers rear passengers, too.
18. Audi Allroad
As a wagon built on the A4 platform, the Allroad mixes low-profile access with spacious utility. Its adaptive suspension smooths bumpy roads, which helps reduce stress for older pets. Standard rear vents and a rubberized cargo liner option also improve the overall experience.
19. Buick Enclave
Often chosen for quietness, the Enclave is a solid choice for families with pets. It features tri-zone climate control and over 97 cubic feet of cargo space. Dogs benefit from the flat loading area, while drivers gain cabin tech like rear seat alerts and camera views.
20. Chevrolet Tahoe
With up to 122.9 cubic feet of space and an available power-folding second and third row, this SUV easily accommodates multiple dogs or crates. The car’s tri-zone climate system and low cargo floor make it easier for dogs to hop in. This Chevy is more dog-friendly than many of its rivals.
