At the time, I had two dogs — a rescue mutt named Dougal and an elderly basset hound named Stumpy. As I shopped for the ideal vehicle, I realized that their needs mattered just as much as mine, my husband’s and our daughter’s.
I’m certainly not alone in my pet-focused approach to buying a new car. I reached out to some acquaintances on Facebook and discovered they were thinking along the same lines.
What Dog Owners Want in Their Cars
Jennifer Hess, fellow wife, mother and runner living in Dayton, Ohio, talked to me about her vehicle-buying choices.
“We bought a Ford Escape several years ago so that we would have room for two dogs, two kids and [me and my husband] to travel,” she said. “We wanted enough space in the back so that we could transport everyone safely.
“It was important that the dogs had some room, and that we could securely put up a barrier between the cargo area with the dogs and the backseat.”
She also noted her dogs’ requirements evolved over time. “As our dogs got older, they struggled to get into the Escape, so we looked at a minivan,” Hess told me.
They ultimately selected a 2012 Kia Sedona. “It gave them more space, allowed us to have the gate up for safety, and when the dogs were younger we were even able to have a crate fully set up for them to ride in. It was also lower so they could get in easier. Or, if we had to assist them, it wasn’t as high.”
Minivans are excellent family vehicles, and that holds true for furry family members as much as for people. “With the minivan, it also allowed us to put harnesses on the dogs and have them secured in a seat,” explained Hess.
In general, what Hess and I were both seeking was roominess, a rear liftgate and some method to contain our dogs while driving — whether that was a barrier or a safety harness system.
Although you can purchase many of these accessories from parts retailers, the vehicle itself is not something you can easily alter after purchase. It’s vital to begin with a car large and adaptable enough to accommodate your four-legged companions.
Best Cars for Dog Owners
Whether you’re shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly choices in a range of sizes and price points. The prices cited below are for new models, though in many instances you can pay less for used versions that still offer the same dog-friendly features.
Hatchbacks
For the single-dog household or budget-conscious family, a hatchback gives adequate room for all members.
The 2018 Honda Fit (MSRP $16,190) may appear compact from the outside, but with a flexible seating setup it’s well-suited for small to medium dogs. Honda calls its rear seating the “Magic Seat.” This 60/40 split row offers four positions: “long,” “tall,” “utility” and “refresh.” Those labels essentially mean you can carry your dog, groceries and an IKEA flat-pack simultaneously.
For a slightly bigger hatchback, think about the 2018 Kia Forte5 (MSRP $18,300). The Forte5 delivers 23.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which can handle one or two small- to medium-sized dogs. You can also add all-weather floor liners, which make removing dog hair from your car much easier (no vacuum required).
Crossovers
Crossovers blend the roominess of SUVs with the fuel efficiency of mid-size cars. They’re great for small families with a couple of pets, or solo drivers who own larger dogs.
Subaru positions itself as pet-friendly, so it’s unsurprising the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek (MSRP $21,795) provides ample room for your canine companions — up to 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A friend of mine, Tim, owns a Crosstrek that, with the seats down, easily fits his greyhound-weimaraner mix and great dane.
Subaru even offers dog accessories such as leashes and collars, so your pup can flaunt his fondness for your Subie as well.
Another solid crossover pick for dog owners is the 2018 Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $24,510). You can choose an all-weather liner package, including rubber floor mats and a rubber cargo cover to help shield the crossover from dog hair (and slobber).
SUVs
SUVs are often labeled gas guzzlers, but they’re more efficient these days. Plus, they offer generous interior space for you, your family and your pets.
The 2018 Ford Flex (MSRP $30,285) has a somewhat boxy appearance but delivers roomy accommodations for nearly any need. It seats up to seven, making the Flex a good match for medium-sized families with a dog or two. When the second- and third-row seats fold flat, the vehicle provides 83.2 cubic feet of cargo room. Additionally, its distinctive styling will help you stand out on the road, if you’re into that.
One of the most familiar SUVs is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The two-door model (MSRP $27,495) is the least expensive option, while the four-door model (MSRP $30,995) offers simpler access to the rear for both people and pooches.
Because the Wrangler has been produced for so long, you’ll likely find used examples at more affordable prices that still offer pet-friendly features.
Minivans
Minivans are the premier vehicles for dog-centric families, as Hess discovered during her search. They’re spacious and low to the ground, making it easier for senior or less agile dogs to step inside.
The 2019 Honda Odyssey (MSRP $30,090) includes automatic climate control to keep your dogs comfortable on outings. The van also features “Magic Slide” second-row seats, which make it simpler to place your dogs in the third row.
If you upgrade to the Touring trim (MSRP $44,660), you’ll also get an integrated vacuum that’s perfect for tackling dog hair and mud. Honda introduced this feature on the Odyssey in 2014, so consider a used model to save money while retaining the same conveniences.
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (MSRP $26,995) debuted in 2017 as the successor to the Town & Country.It offers up to 243 seating configurations, letting you experiment with layouts that meet your needs. The third-row seats fold into the floor, creating a flat lounging area for your furry passengers.
Like the Odyssey, the Pacifica has an optional built-in vacuum on the Pacifica Limited (MSRP $43,795). However, since the Pacifica is a newer model, you’re less likely to find a used one equipped with that feature.
So dog owners — before you buy your next car, list the features you need and then investigate options within your price range. Whether you choose new or used, there are plenty of models designed to accommodate your two- and four-legged family members.
Caroline Marks is a vehicle owner, parent and pet caregiver who values her Subaru’s all-weather mats for managing dog hair. She resides in Dayton, Ohio.
