Dogs adore car rides—it’s their chance to feel the wind in their fur as they stick their heads out the window! However, not every car is ideal for accommodating our four-legged friends. You need a vehicle with ample space for your pup and features that ensure convenient travel for both of you.
This year, we’ve meticulously curated a list of the top cars and trucks tailored for dog owners. From innovative cleaning solutions to top-notch safety features, we’ve compiled the best rides to ensure a comfortable journey for you and your furry companion. This list provides everything you need to select the perfect set of wheels for your canine companion.
SUVs
When it comes to transporting your beloved furry companions, SUVs stand out as an excellent choice for dog owners. With their spacious cargo areas and elevated ride height, SUVs make it easy to accommodate crates, bags, and even multiple pets. Here are our top SUV picks for dog-friendly rides in 2024:
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has long been a favorite among dog owners due to its affordability and reliability. The 2024 RAV4 boasts generous cabin and cargo space, ensuring that large dogs can travel comfortably. The rear seats conveniently fold flat to accommodate larger crates, and Toyota’s durable SofTex synthetic leather upholstery is a breeze to clean. Additionally, the RAV4 has earned top safety accolades from the IIHS, offering dog parents peace of mind during their travels.
Plan Ahead
Planning your trip is akin to painting a masterpiece, where every detail matters. Familiarizing yourself with your route helps determine necessary tools like GPS or toll passes. Why pay for extras when you’ve already mapped out your journey? By planning ahead, you take control of your road trip savings.
2024 Ford Explorer
For those requiring even more space, the 2024 Ford Explorer offers exceptional interior room for both human and canine passengers. The second and third-row seats can be easily folded down to create a spacious cargo area suitable for even the largest dog breeds. The rear liftgate simplifies the loading and unloading process, reducing strain on your back. Ford’s Active Drive Assist feature allows for hands-free highway driving, making it an ideal choice for solo drivers with pets. While it may come with a higher price tag, the Explorer’s abundance of features and spaciousness caters to dog owners with extensive transportation needs.
Wagons
Modern wagons serve as excellent vehicles for pet owners seeking a blend of cargo space and fuel efficiency. With ample room for your furry companion and car-like drivability, wagons offer the perfect solution for dog owners. Here are two top-rated wagons for dog duty in 2024:
Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback continues to reign as a premier dog-friendly wagon. With up to 75 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down, it comfortably accommodates dogs of all sizes. Its wide rear gate ensures hassle-free loading, while the roof rails are perfect for attaching cages or storage bins during travel. Subaru’s commitment to pet-friendly features is evident in details such as scratch-resistant upholstery, and the standard all-wheel drive ensures dependable performance in various weather conditions.
Utilize Rental Websites and Apps
Comparison websites and apps offer a virtual marketplace with offers from various car rental companies. Be a savvy shopper and watch out for hidden fees. It’s like a treasure hunt, with the perfect deal waiting to be discovered.
BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon
The BMW 3-Series Sports Wagon impresses with its driving dynamics and cargo versatility, making it a premium choice for wagon enthusiasts. The rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split, allowing you to utilize only a portion of the space for your dog while maintaining passenger room.
A power liftgate enhances convenience during loading. BMW offers a range of pet accessories, including rear seat covers to protect the leather interior. While not as spacious as SUVs, the 3 Series Sports Wagon strikes a balance between dog-toting capability and luxury driving experience.
Sedans
While sedans may not immediately come to mind for pet transportation, some models offer innovative designs and adaptable cargo space, allowing you to bring your pup along while enjoying a sedan-like ride. Here are two sedans that cater to dog owners’ needs in 2024:
2024 Honda Accord
The 2024 Honda Accord stands out for its spacious trunk and split-folding rear seats. With the seats folded down, the Accord offers ample length for larger dogs to lie down comfortably. The low trunk floor simplifies the process of lifting heavy pets, while optional rear seat covers protect the cloth upholstery from muddy paws and dog hair. Honda’s driver assist technology further reduces driving stress for solo drivers with pets.
Tesla Model 3
Surprisingly, the Tesla Model 3 proves to be a viable option for pet owners seeking an efficient and tech-savvy sedan. The Model 3’s minimalist interior is easy to clean, and the large center touchscreen allows you to monitor your pet in the backseat using Tesla’s pet mode feature.
This feature maintains a comfortable cabin temperature and displays the in-car camera feed on the screen, enabling you to check on your dog while away. While cargo space may be more limited compared to SUVs, the Model 3’s deep trunk can accommodate crates, and the fold-flat rear seats allow for transporting larger dogs. With ample range and Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network, the Model 3 is well-equipped for road trips with your furry companion.
Trucks
While trucks may not offer the most spacious accommodations for pets, they remain noteworthy contenders for dog owners due to their open beds and towing capabilities. Trucks provide the flexibility to transport large crates, toys, and active pups, making them suitable for outdoor adventures. Here are two truck options for dog owners in 2024:
2024 Ford F-150
The 2024 Ford F-150 stands out with its expansive bed and optional integrated kennel. The sturdy, weatherproof kennel installs effortlessly into the truck bed, providing a secure ride for medium and large dogs.
RAM 1500
The RAM 1500 earns praise for its optional rear seat monitoring camera, allowing drivers to keep an eye on dogs or other cargo in the bed while driving.
Key Considerations for Dog Owners:
When selecting the perfect vehicle for you and your furry friend, there are four essential factors that dog owners should prioritize:
1. Ample Interior Cabin and Cargo Space:
Ensure that the vehicle offers sufficient rear legroom, cargo area length, and height to accommodate large crates. Fold-flat seats are advantageous for maximizing cargo capacity.
2. Easy-to-Clean Interiors:
Opt for interiors that are easy to clean, such as water-resistant upholstery or removable floor liners and seat covers. Smooth, non-porous surfaces minimize trapped dirt and hair, while cargo areas with plastic linings facilitate quick clean-ups.
3. Top Safety Ratings:
Prioritize vehicles with high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, along with collision avoidance technology like automatic emergency braking. Surround-view cameras enhance visibility and allow drivers to monitor their pets while on the road.
4. Excellent Fuel Efficiency:
Choose vehicles with efficient engines, such as 4-cylinder options or hybrid models, to maximize fuel economy. Aim for a range of 350+ miles to ensure comfortable road trips with your furry companion.
Conclusion
With a diverse range of dog-friendly vehicles available across SUVs, wagons, sedans, and trucks, there are numerous options to cater to every dog owner’s preferences and lifestyle. By focusing on interior space, ease of cleaning, safety features, and fuel efficiency, you can find the perfect vehicle for you and your furry friend. Upgrade to a new set of dog-friendly wheels in 2024, and embark on unforgettable adventures with your loyal canine companion by your side.