Top 10 Cars for Dog Owners

Last updated Jul 20th, 2026

For many families, a dog isn't just a pet.

They're part of the family.

Whether you're heading to the dog park, taking a weekend camping trip, or visiting the veterinarian, having the right vehicle can make every trip more comfortable for both you and your furry companion.

The best dog-friendly vehicles offer more than just cargo space.

They provide easy access for older dogs, comfortable rear climate control, flexible seating, durable interiors, and enough room for crates, toys, food, and everything else that comes along for the ride.

For this guide, we selected vehicles that combine practicality, comfort, safety, and everyday usability for dog owners of all kinds.

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How We Chose These Vehicles

Every dog owner has different needs.

Someone with a Chihuahua may prioritize comfort and fuel economy, while someone with two Great Danes needs maximum cargo space.

To build this list, we considered:

• Cargo space
• Rear hatch opening
• Low cargo floor
• Rear climate vents
• Comfortable ride quality
• Easy-to-clean interior materials
• Reliability
• Safety features
• Available All Wheel Drive
• Everyday practicality

These vehicles make traveling with dogs easier without sacrificing comfort for the rest of the family.

What Makes a Vehicle Dog Friendly?

A surprisingly long list of features can improve your dog's travel experience.

Some of the most important include:

• Flat cargo areas for crates.
• Wide rear hatch openings.
• Low lift-over height for easier entry.
• Rear air conditioning vents.
• Comfortable suspension.
• Fold flat rear seats.
• Durable seating materials.
• Plenty of cargo room for supplies.

These features don't just improve comfort for your dog.

They also make loading, unloading, and cleaning the vehicle much easier.

Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Dog

Before choosing a vehicle, it's worth remembering that how your dog rides matters just as much as where they ride.

Veterinarians and safety experts generally recommend securing pets using an approved travel harness or crate rather than allowing them to roam freely throughout the cabin.

Keeping your dog properly restrained can help reduce distractions and improve safety for everyone inside the vehicle.

Rear climate control, regular breaks during long trips, and easy access to water also help keep pets comfortable while traveling.

1. Subaru Outback

Best For: Outdoor adventures with your dog.

The Subaru Outback feels like it was designed with active dog owners in mind.

Its large cargo area provides plenty of space for medium and large dogs, while the wide rear hatch makes loading and unloading much easier than taller SUVs.

Standard Symmetrical All Wheel Drive gives owners confidence when traveling to hiking trails, campgrounds, or snowy destinations.

Inside, durable materials hold up well to muddy paws, shedding, and everyday adventures.

The comfortable ride also helps reduce movement during long trips, making it easier for many dogs to relax.

For owners who spend weekends exploring the outdoors, it's difficult to find a better all-around companion.

Things to Consider

The raised ride height may still require a ramp for older or smaller dogs.

2. Honda CR-V

Best For: Everyday family life.

The Honda CR-V continues to be one of the most practical compact SUVs available.

Its flat cargo floor makes it easy to fit dog crates, while generous rear passenger space gives dogs room to stretch out when appropriate restraints are used.

Rear air vents help keep the back of the cabin comfortable, and Honda's reputation for reliability makes it an excellent choice for families planning years of road trips.

The CR-V is equally comfortable running errands around town or heading out on longer adventures.

It's an SUV that simply makes life easier.

Things to Consider

Very large breeds may benefit from a midsize SUV with additional cargo space.

3. Kia Telluride

Best For: Families with multiple dogs.

The Kia Telluride offers exceptional passenger space while still leaving plenty of room for furry family members.

With the third row folded, the cargo area easily accommodates large crates, pet beds, luggage, and other travel gear.

Rear climate controls help keep every passenger comfortable, while the smooth ride makes longer drives more enjoyable.

The Telluride also offers excellent safety technology and thoughtful storage throughout the cabin.

For growing families that travel with multiple dogs, it's one of the best all-around choices available.

Things to Consider

Its larger size may feel less maneuverable in crowded city parking lots.

4. Toyota RAV4

Best For: Reliable everyday adventures.

The Toyota RAV4 combines practicality, dependability, and flexibility into one well-rounded package.

The spacious cargo area comfortably accommodates many dogs while leaving room for travel gear.

Available All Wheel Drive makes weekend getaways easier regardless of weather conditions, while Toyota Safety Sense adds confidence during every drive.

Owners also appreciate the RAV4's reputation for low ownership costs and excellent resale value.

It's an SUV that's just as comfortable making a quick trip to the park as it is heading across the state.

Things to Consider

The cargo floor sits slightly higher than some competitors.

5. Volvo XC60

Best For: Safety-conscious pet owners.

Volvo has built its reputation around protecting families, and that extends naturally to four-legged passengers.

The XC60 combines a refined interior with one of the industry's strongest collections of driver assistance and safety technologies.

Its spacious rear cargo area, comfortable ride, and wide hatch opening make traveling with dogs simple and enjoyable.

Premium interior materials are easy to maintain, and available air quality features help create a pleasant cabin environment during longer trips.

For buyers who prioritize safety above everything else, the XC60 is an outstanding choice.

Things to Consider

Luxury pricing places it above many mainstream competitors.

6. Hyundai Santa Fe

Best For: Families who need flexibility.

The Hyundai Santa Fe offers a spacious interior that's well suited for families who frequently travel with their dogs. Its wide rear hatch and generous cargo area make it easy to load everything from pet crates to camping gear, while the available hands-free liftgate is especially helpful when your hands are full with leashes, treats, and other essentials.

Inside, rear climate vents help keep pets comfortable, and the smooth ride reduces the bumps and jolts that can make some dogs anxious during longer trips.

With an excellent warranty, impressive technology, and available All Wheel Drive, the Santa Fe delivers plenty of value for pet owners looking for an everyday SUV.

Things to Consider

The sloping rear roofline may slightly reduce vertical space for very large dog crates.

7. Chevrolet Traverse

Best For: Owners of large breeds.

If your dog takes up as much room as another passenger, the Chevrolet Traverse deserves a close look.

One of the largest midsize SUVs available, the Traverse provides exceptional cargo space behind the second row, making it easy to fit oversized crates, multiple dogs, or all the gear that comes with a family road trip.

The low cargo floor also makes climbing into the vehicle easier for older dogs or breeds with shorter legs.

Combined with comfortable seating, generous rear air vents, and excellent passenger room, the Traverse is an outstanding travel companion for larger families and larger dogs alike.

Things to Consider

Its size provides incredible interior space but may require a little more confidence when parking in tight areas.

8. Mazda CX-50

Best For: Active owners who enjoy weekend adventures.

The Mazda CX-50 blends sporty styling with practical features that work well for dog owners.

Its cargo area offers enough room for most medium and large breeds, while the rugged design encourages weekend trips to hiking trails, lakes, and campsites.

Available all wheel drive provides added confidence in changing weather or on unpaved roads, and Mazda's comfortable seats help make longer road trips enjoyable for both drivers and passengers.

The interior also uses durable materials that are relatively easy to clean after muddy paws and outdoor adventures.

It's an SUV that's just as happy exploring nature as it is handling the daily commute.

Things to Consider

Cargo capacity is slightly smaller than some larger competitors in this class.

9. Ford Bronco Sport

Best For: Dogs that love the outdoors.

The Ford Bronco Sport was built with adventure in mind.

Its upright design creates a practical cargo area with plenty of room for dogs and outdoor gear, while the durable interior is designed to handle dirt, mud, and active lifestyles.

Available All Wheel Drive and selectable terrain modes make it easy to reach campsites, hiking trails, and other destinations where adventurous dogs thrive.

The rear hatch also opens wide, making loading and unloading easier than many compact SUVs.

For pet owners who spend more time outdoors than indoors on the weekends, the Bronco Sport is an excellent fit.

Things to Consider

Ride quality is slightly firmer than more road-focused crossovers.

10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Best For: Comfortable road trips with larger dogs.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee rounds out our list thanks to its balance of comfort, capability, and interior space.

The roomy cargo area provides plenty of room for larger breeds, while available Four Wheel Drive gives owners confidence when traveling in changing weather or exploring off the beaten path.

The suspension delivers a smooth ride that's especially appreciated during longer drives, and rear passengers benefit from comfortable seating and available climate controls.

Whether you're heading to the mountains, visiting family, or simply making your weekly trip to the dog park, the Grand Cherokee is prepared for the journey.

Things to Consider

Higher trim levels can become significantly more expensive than mainstream competitors.

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Dog

Every dog has different travel needs.

Before choosing your next vehicle, consider how your dog will actually use the space.

Ask yourself:

• Will your dog ride in a crate?
• Do you have one dog or several?
• Will you frequently travel long distances?
• Does your dog need a low cargo floor because of age or mobility?
• Will you be carrying camping gear, luggage, or sports equipment at the same time?

Thinking through these questions can help narrow your search and ensure your next vehicle works well for your entire family.

Dog Travel Accessories Worth Considering

The right accessories can make every trip safer and more enjoyable.

Many pet owners find these items especially useful:

• Crash-tested travel harnesses
• Secure travel crates
• Waterproof cargo liners
• Seat protectors
• Foldable loading ramps
• Portable water bowls
• Cargo barriers
• Pet first aid kits

These accessories help protect both your vehicle and your pet while making cleanup much easier after each adventure.

Final Thoughts

The best vehicle for a dog owner is one that makes every trip easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone inside.

From the adventure-ready Subaru Outback to the spacious Chevrolet Traverse and the family-friendly Honda CR-V, each vehicle on this list offers practical features that help pets travel comfortably while giving owners the versatility they need every day.

When you're ready to compare trims, browse local inventory, and connect with trusted dealerships, AutoFinder makes it easy to find a vehicle that's ready for every trip, whether it's across town or across the country.