Best Vehicle to Travel Cross Country With Dogs

You’ll love the Volvo V60 Cross Country for cross-country trips with your dog-it has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a low rear bench height for easy access, and a quiet, well-insulated cabin that reduces stress. Its deep rear bucket seats keep dogs secure, while multi-zone climate control and rear A/C vents maintain comfort. Crash-tested harnesses and tether anchors add safety, and the durable interior handles messes with ease. You’re covered for long miles, rough roads, and every dog-friendly detail that matters. More top picks reveal smart alternatives based on your dog’s size and needs.

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Notable Insights

• Volvo V60 Cross Country offers low rear bench height and high ground clearance for easy dog access and rough-road capability.
• Spacious, fold-flat seating in the Honda Pilot accommodates multiple dogs and gear with built-in tether anchors for safety.
• Subaru Outback features waterproof upholstery and durable StarTex materials ideal for handling mud, spills, and active dogs.
• Rivian R1S includes Pet Mode and plaid carpets to maintain safe temperatures and provide comfort during long EV trips.
• Multi-zone climate control with rear vents and tinted windows helps regulate temperature and protect dogs from overheating.

Best Cars for Long Trips With Dogs

If you’re planning cross-country drives with your dog, choosing the right car makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and convenience. The Chrysler Pacifica stands out with its sliding doors, spacious cargo area, and captain’s chairs that keep dogs securely in place. You’ll appreciate the ease of loading gear and pets into the large cargo space, especially on long road trips. Models like the Honda Pilot offer flexible rear seats and tether anchors, making it easier to keep multiple dogs comfortable and safe. The Subaru Outback’s waterproof upholstery handles mud and spills, while the Volvo V60 Cross Country’s low rear bench height and high ground clearance help older dogs load effortlessly. For EV lovers, the Rivian R1S includes Pet Mode and plaid carpets, ensuring climate control and comfort. These features make every journey more manageable, predictable, and enjoyable for both you and your pet.

Key Traits of a Dog-Friendly Road Trip Vehicle

Comfort and safety start with smart design - and when you’re hitting the road with your dog, the right vehicle traits make all the difference. Look for a type of car with a high hip point and low rear bench height, like the Jeep Wrangler 4-Door, so your dog can hop in easily and stay connected to you. You’ll want plenty of room in the back seat for movement, plus fold-flat seating like in the Honda Pilot for flexible cargo and passenger space. Multi-zone climate control with rear air vents, such as in the Volvo XC60, keeps your dog safe and comfortable on long stretches. Durable, water-resistant upholstery, like Subaru’s StarTex, handles messes without stress. Choose a vehicle that supports both your dog’s physical needs and your travel style.

Must-Have Safety and Comfort Features for Dogs

You’ve picked a vehicle that makes getting in and out easy for your dog, with room to stretch and materials that can handle a little chaos-now let’s make sure every ride is as safe and comfortable as possible. Dog owners know it’s important to keep pups secure: use crash-tested car seats, harnesses, or crates, especially if your dog is relatively small. These fit well when the vehicle sits lower or has a tight cargo area. Multi-zone climate control with rear A/C vents keeps temperatures stable, while tinted windows or sunshades block solar heat gain. The best cars include rearview or interior cameras so you can keep an eye on your pet without turning around. Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) reduces collision risk, protecting everyone inside.

Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Dog and Lifestyle

While plenty of vehicles claim to be dog-friendly, the Volvo V60 Cross Country stands out as The Drive’s Top Dog Car for 2023, thanks to its SUV-like ground clearance of 8.3 inches-high enough to handle rough roads, yet low enough for older or smaller dogs to hop in without a struggle. Even though it’s a wagon, its elevated ride height and sturdy build make traveling smoother on broken pavement, while the low lift-over height eases loading and unloading every time. The rear bucket seats are deep, keeping dogs secure during turns, and the bench’s low height lets you check on them without turning around. The heavily insulated cabin and comfort-biased suspension reduce road noise and vibrations, making the first year of adventures less stressful. Other models like the Subaru Outback or Honda CR-V offer one better on cargo space, but few match the V60’s balance of access, comfort, and control.

On a final note

You want space, safety, and comfort, so a midsize SUV like the Subaru Outback or Honda Pilot makes sense, with all-wheel drive, rear climate controls, and at least 37 inches of legroom. Use a crash-tested harness, like the Sleepypod ClickIt, and keep water in a spill-proof dispenser, such as the PetLuv Travel Bowl. Monitor your dog’s behavior-rest stops every 2–3 hours prevent anxiety and aid digestion.