There are numerous ways owning a dog can alter your daily routine, one of which is definitely the car you drive. Whether you’re going on a random fun drive or a monthly visit to the vet, your car needs to be safe and convenient for you and your best bud. It is not easy to choose the right kind of car considering the many choices available. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We’ve compiled a list of the best cars for dog owners.
There are a lot of things you need to consider while driving with dogs. Cargo tie-down hooks, automatic climate control, and a flat cargo area are features that you should look for if you want a dog-friendly car. Older dogs may have a difficult time getting into SUVs because of their large interiors. If your dog is sensitive to wind or extreme noise, then you may want to consider a quiet cabin. For a giant breed dog, space is definitely on the list. If you own more than one, your list is going to be pretty similar. Also, brownie points if your car can stay hygienic and can be maintained easily.
2021 Subaru Outback
There’s plenty of room in the Subaru Outback’s cargo area for a dog crate, thanks to its cargo hooks and flat load floor. Subaru’s fold-flat rear seats make it easy for you to transport your dog’s gear. It is easier for dogs to jump into the Outback, even if it’s a little on the higher side. Even the most basic Outback has an all-wheel drive and Subaru’s EyeSight active safety features, which make it safe. The Onyx Edition has water-resistant synthetic leather upholstery. This means you won’t have to be concerned if your dog gets muddy or wet.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica has a low floor, power sliding doors, and numerous configuration options. With the standard three-zone automatic climate control system, your dogs will be able to stay cool or warm once they’re inside. The Pacifica has Stow ‘n Go seats, a super convenient underfloor storage for snacks and toys. The cargo area has a carpeted mat, and a collapsible, lightweight pet kennel is available from Chrysler. A built-in vacuum cleaner makes cleaning the van after a trip much easier when you upgrade to the Limited trim. Drivers can keep an eye on their dog in the backseat using the Famcam camera, which is an optional add-on.
2021 Volvo V60
The Volvo V60’s serene and quiet interior is ideal for dogs who are afraid to ride in cars. The V60 has a comfortable cabin, a quiet interior, and a smooth ride, making it a great vehicle for dogs to relax in. In the back of the Volvo V60, there is a lot of space for your dog’s gear. The hands-free liftgate and low cargo floor make loading easy, offering up to 50.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Volvo provides great pet-friendly accessories, including a dog carrier, a dog gate, a dog harness, and a protective grille to separate the cargo area from the back seats. They even offer pet insurance.
2021 Honda CR-V SUV
The 2021 CR-V has lower loading heights than most pickup trucks, which helps protect your carpet. The 2021 model has larger rear windows and offers 2.1 inches more legroom in the back seat, making it easier to fit a large dog kennel. It also provides nearly 10 inches more storage space than the previous model. It is fully adjustable and has large storage pockets for treats and Frisbees. With the rear stow space, you can lower it to get more vertical room or raise it to get a completely flat cargo area, giving you 9.8 inches of additional depth and 1.4 inches of extra height for the best possible interior space. If you have a giant breed dog, this SUV is your best bet.
2021 Land Rover Discovery SUV
The Discovery’s split tailgate and roomy rear cargo hold have long been appreciated by humans and dogs alike. The new fifth-generation SUV has a strong ledge that folds down electronically, similar to a truck tailgate. This replaces the old two-piece hatch design. Yes, it has a spacious rear cargo area with a total load capacity of 82.7 cubic feet and a space behind the second row of seats of 45 cubic feet. Plenty of room for your furry friends! The all-new Discovery’s Intelligent Seat Fold technology is another feature that makes it an obvious choice. You can rearrange the second and third-row seats by using switches in the cargo hold, the center touchscreen, or a smartphone app. For off-roading, it has an air suspension system that allows dogs to easily access the rear hatch when it is lowered.
2021 Tesla Model Y
The electric Tesla Model Y has enough room for a dog or two, as well as a clever Dog Mode, making it ideal for transporting pets. When you use Dog Mode, the car keeps a comfortable temperature for your dog, even when it’s parked. This keeps your pet safe while you are away. You can also check the car’s interior temperature on the infotainment screen, which displays the message, “My owner will be back soon.” The car has vegan leather seats, which are durable and easy to care for.
2021 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the best vehicle for people who enjoy taking their pets along for the ride. The Wrangler’s off-roading prowess is nearly unmatched, despite the vehicle’s elevated position. If your dog wants to enjoy some fresh air, you can remove the top, windshield, and doors. Water-resistant and easy-to-clean materials are found inside the Wrangler. Collapsible pet kennels and rear-seat partitions are just two of the many Wrangler-compatible dog accessories. A good harness is recommended, as your dog may try to jump out of the car when the doors are open.
2021 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco has always been one of the top choices for off-road SUVs. But is it your dog’s best friend? Well, it comes standard with four-wheel drive and many features that enhance off-road performance. This makes it a great vehicle for anyone who wants to go off-road with their dog. Also, you can take off the roof, but make sure your dog is securely restrained before doing so.
2021 Kia Telluride
Amid the fierce competition in the midsize 3-row SUV market, Kia’s Telluride has emerged as a clear winner. The Telluride is a great choice for large families and those with dogs. It has plenty of seats and a spacious cargo area that can be adjusted to fit your needs with its 50/50 split third-row seats. To make the interior more durable and pet-friendly, you can easily find accessories like cargo seatback protectors and a folding cargo tray.
2021 Toyota Sienna
The 2021 Sienna has a hybrid powertrain, which makes its interior very quiet, which means no noise to upset your furry friend. The Sienna has power-sliding side doors and a power liftgate, making it easy for your dog to get in and out of the vehicle. The Sienna’s cargo capacity is 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row of seats. However, only the third row of seats can be folded flat for additional storage. The Sienna is a great vehicle for your pet. It has useful features like a vacuum cleaner to keep it clean, rear sunshades for shade, and an icebox for treats and water to keep your pet cool. If your dog is a movie buff (yes, it’s been known to happen), the Sienna offers an optional 11.6-inch rear-seat display.
You are never fully prepared for a trip without car insurance. If you feel like it’s another bump in your driveway, fret not! Way.com has got your back. We adore pets and would LOVE to assist you in getting the best and cheapest car insurance.

Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.