Best Cars for Dogs 2023
You want a dog-friendly car with high ground clearance, tough interiors, and smart safety features. The Subaru Outback offers 8.5 inches of clearance and stain-resistant StarTex upholstery, while the Chrysler Pacifica’s low step-in height and sliding doors help older or small dogs. The Rivian R1T impresses with remote climate control, heated rear seats, and interior cameras. Volvo XC40 and XC60 include rear-seat radar alerts, and the Jeep Wrangler 4-Door’s flat floor and big windows boost comfort. There’s more to match your pup’s needs.
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Notable Insights
- High ground clearance in Subaru Outback and Jeep Wrangler eases entry for dogs of all sizes.
- Spacious cargo areas in Subaru Ascent and Land Rover Discovery accommodate large crates and gear.
- Durable, easy-to-clean StarTex upholstery in Subaru and Chrysler models resists dirt and spills.
- Rivian R1T and Volvo XC40 offer pet safety tech like remote climate control and rear-seat radar alerts.
- Chrysler Pacifica’s sliding doors and flat floors provide secure, comfortable access for small or aging dogs.
What Makes a Car Dog-Friendly? Top Features Ranked
While not every car is built with paws in mind, the best dog-friendly models make life easier by combining smart design with durable materials and thoughtful tech, so you don’t have to stress about muddy paws or anxious whimpers during drop-offs. High ground clearance, like in the Subaru Outback and Jeep Wrangler 4-Door, helps your dog hop in comfortably. Spacious cargo space-such as the 1,411mm-wide boot in the Land Rover Discovery-fits large breeds and gear, while optional pet accessories like ramps and partitions boost safety. Durable StarTex upholstery or Rivian’s plaid carpets resist claws and spills. In some Volvos, rear seats include radar alerts if your pet’s left behind. The Rivian R1T even offers Pet Mode with remote climate control, an interior camera, and a display message, so you know your pup stays safe, calm, and cool.
Best SUVs for Dogs: Safe, Spacious, and Adventure-Ready
You’re already familiar with the features that make a car work well for dogs-things like durable upholstery, ample cargo room, and climate controls that keep your pet comfortable. The 2022 Subaru Ascent Touring seats 7–8 and offers up to 86.5 cubic feet of cargo space, making it perfect for large dogs and all your gear. It’s spacious, easy to clean, and keeps your dog comfortable on long trips. The Honda Pilot includes tether anchors on center row backs and a foldable third row, so crates fit snugly-ideal for safe, flexible transport. The Chrysler Pacifica has sliding doors, captain’s chairs, and a large cargo area, giving your dog easy access and plenty of room. With durable StarTex upholstery and rear air vents, the Subaru Outback’s Onyx and Wilderness trims guarantee a clean, spacious, and comfortable ride every time.
Jeep Wrangler 4-Door: Best for Small Dogs
Small dogs thrive in the Jeep Wrangler 4-Door, where thoughtful design meets real-world convenience. Among Cars built for adventure, this model stands out with plenty of space for small dogs to ride safely and comfortably. The high hip point makes it easy for 3.5- to 6-pound dogs to hop in and out, while the long rear seat fits kennels, cushions, and travel bags. Mesh netting on the doors stores water bottles and essentials, and the back seat allows small dogs to see outside, reducing travel anxiety. You’ll appreciate how securely and calmly your pet rides, whether commuting or road-tripping.
| Feature | Benefit for Small Dogs |
|---|---|
| High hip point | Easier loading for tiny pups |
| Spacious rear | Fits car seats, kennels, and gear |
| Mesh door pockets | Holds bottles and small items |
| Large windows | Great visibility and airflow |
| Flat floor | Plenty of space for comfort |
Chrysler Pacifica: The Ultimate Minivan for Dogs
Because getting your dog in and out safely matters just as much as comfort on the road, the Chrysler Pacifica makes pet travel easier with thoughtful, dog-friendly design. Its sliding doors provide secure access, while the elevated entry point helps older or smaller dogs climb in without strain. The crew cab layout keeps pets separated from the front seats, and captain’s chairs prevent them from moving around or escaping during drives. A spacious cargo area fits large crates, food bins, and travel gear, making long trips stress-free. The Pacifica’s rear HVAC system maintains a steady temperature, so extreme weather won’t impact your dog’s comfort. Whether you’re hauling dog supplies or traveling cross-country, the Pacifica keeps pets safe, calm, and secure throughout the journey. It’s built for real life with real dogs.
Volvo XC40 & XC60: Luxury SUVs Built for Pet Safety
The Volvo XC40 and XC60 combine Swedish engineering with real-world pet care in mind, delivering luxury SUVs that prioritize safety and practicality for dog owners. You’ll love how both models include a rear-seat radar system that alerts you if your dog is still in the back, so you never risk leaving them behind. With rear air conditioning vents, your pet stays comfortable on long drives, while durable, easy-to-clean interiors handle claws, dirt, and spills without wear. These SUVs earned top safety ratings, thanks to crash engineering tested against large animal impacts like moose-giving dogs and their owners serious protection. The accessible trunk and low lift-over height make loading hassle-free, and the extra space fits crates, gear, or active pups. If you’re looking for best cars for dog adventures, the XC40 and XC60 deliver smart, safety-focused design without sacrificing luxury.
Toyota Tundra and Rivian R1T: Top Trucks for Big Dogs
You already know luxury SUVs like the Volvo XC40 and XC60 bring smart safety and comfort for dogs, but when you’re hauling big breeds or gear for outdoor adventures, a full-size truck steps up in ways smaller vehicles can’t. The Toyota Tundra’s crew cab offers 40.9 inches of rear legroom, making it a great option for large dogs, though owners may need to add running boards for easier entry due to its 8.5-inch ground clearance. Compared to mid-size trucks like the Tacoma, the Tundra provides considerably more space for dogs and gear. For tech-savvy owners, the Rivian R1T delivers a luxury EV experience with features like heated rear seats, plush plaid carpets, and remote climate control via app. It’s a great option for owners who want comfort, safety, and peace of mind when traveling with big dogs.
Rivian R1T: The Electric Truck That Pampers Dogs
While other trucks focus on payload and towing, the Rivian R1T goes further by treating your dog like a first-class passenger, thanks to features designed for comfort, safety, and peace of mind. With plenty of room for crates, gear, and sprawling naps, it’s no surprise the R1T ranks high among Cars for Dog Lovers. The recent study showed temperature fluctuations in parked cars can endanger pets, but the R1T’s Pet Mode maintains a safe, climate-controlled cabin. You can pre-cool or pre-heat the interior remotely via app, ensuring comfort before your dog hops in. Heated rear seats and soft plaid carpets add warmth on chilly days, while a built-in interior camera lets you check on behavior in real time. A display message reassures bystanders your pup is safe inside-no panic, just peace of mind.
On a final note
You want space, safety, and easy cleanup, so look for leather seats, at least 38 inches of rear legroom, and strong LATCH points. Real testers praise the XC60’s pet barrier and the R1T’s 11.5-cubic-foot front trunk for gear. Waterproof floors, rear AC vents, and low load heights matter daily. These models nail pet health basics-secure travel, proper ventilation, and stress-free access-so your dog stays calm, clean, and cool on every trip, big or small.
