Best Cars for Dogs and Dog Owners

Got a loveable pup in your life? Do you do everything you can to put its well-being first? Concerned your furry friend might not be comfortable in your cramped little car and want to upgrade? Well your dog’s dream car awaits.

It's no secret many dog owners put their pup first when making decisions like buying a new car. The good news is automakers are aware of this, and there are plenty of cars that give your pet the backseat space it needs, as well as a great view and plenty of safety. And you don’t have to sacrifice a fun and sporty ride to do it. Dog-friendly cars usually meet the following criteria:

• A large, boxy cargo area or seats that fold flat or be removed to create space.
• Attachment hooks in the cargo space to use a dog harness if the dog isn’t in a seat.
• Low step-in to make it easier for small and old dogs to enter and exit.
• Removable, non-carpeted floor and easy-to-clean walls.
• Rear power windows or other ventilation you can control from the driver’s seat.
• Child-proof window and door locks to keep your dog safe.

Based on those criteria and a few perks for the drivers, here are some of the best cars for dog owners for your money.

Subaru Forester

The American Automobile Association (AAA) named the Subaru Forester one of its top picks for its spaciousness, flexibility and comfort afforded to active pets and their owners.

The Forester has enough space in the back for even large dogs and comes standard with an easier-to-clean interior. You can literally hose out the inside of the Forester with a garden hose. Doesn't matter. The Forester is available with a number of upgrade packages that support aggressive, off-road driving without compromising the comfort of your furry companion.

The Subaru Forester also gets decent mileage even when loaded with human and dog passengers, and has an affordable $21,000 price tag on the base model. So you can keep more money in your pocket for kibbles and bits. The Forester's only downside is it might be difficult for smaller and elderly dogs to step in and out of the back.

Subaru Outback

If you're serious about finding the best car for your dog, you're probably already well aware of the Subaru Outback. Just like the Forester, the Outback is practically built with your dog in mind. There's no easier option for loading, unloading and cleaning up after your dog than the back of the Outback.

It's an absolute star of a wagon, for which all other wagons will forever be compared. Subaru has even gone as far as to market the Outback as "Dog Tested, Dog Approved." Certain design features in the new Outbacks are specifically catered to the canines, like the air vents in the rear seat. There's practically an entire industry that builds pet barriers for Subaru Outback models. Definitely a buyer's market.

The Subaru Outback has 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 71.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, which is elite for the wagon class and better than most compact SUVs. There's plenty of room for even the biggest canines. If you have bigger dogs, the Outback is about nine inches longer than the Forester. Compare the Forester and the Outback to ensure you get the right Subaru for your dog. 

MINI Cooper Clubman

The Clubman has the heart and engine of a MINI, but with the space of a mid-sized vehicle. The barn-door rear hatch makes loading and unloading your dog that much more comfortable. 

The MINI Cooper Clubman has tons of interior space and is loaded with creature comforts to keep you and your dog riding in style. Its huge back windows give your dog a great view from the back as you're whipping through the countryside.

This is a sporty ride with a turbocharged four-cylinder that pushes out 181 horsepower to send it flying. So keep your dog secure. And starting at $22,000, you'll have more money for the dog groomers to keep puppy looking lovely.

Toyota Venza

The Toyota Venza, more than any other vehicle, is set for the dogs. Toyota has been pushing the Venza as a vehicle for dog owners to help differentiate it from other Toyota models. The Venza has a low entry and ample space in the rear, with dog-specific options like a pet ramp to easily load and unload your dog and harnesses that strap your dog in like a seatbelt.

Really, the whole vehicle is thoughtfully designed for pets. This is by no accident. As sales for the Venza struggled behind popular models like the RAV4 and the Camry, Toyota remarketed it as a pet-friendly vehicle on par with the Subaru Outback.

It is loaded with dog safety features, including a rear pet barrier, pet tents for smaller dogs and the aforementioned dog harness. These features keep your dog safe, of course, but they also keep human passengers safe as well. In the event of a high speed collision, a flying dog can be fatal to both the pup and the humans inside. The dog safety harness will prevent such a catastrophe. 

The base Toyota Venza starts at under $28,000 and includes a long list of standard features to keep humans comfortable as well. These cool features include fog lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone cliate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 8-way power driver seat, hill-start assist control, and steering-wheel mounted audio controls. Now both you and your dog can roll in comfort for an affordable price. And it's a great car if you have kids, too. 

Jeep Wrangler

If your dog loves to wag his tongue in the wind, the Jeep Wranger is the ultimate vehicle for your four-legged friend. Grab the doggles, because the Wrangler lets your dog put its entire body into the wind with its leash tied to the roll bar. The Jeep Wrangler interior is sparse and equipped with a lot of hard plastic. Traditionally, this might be viewed as a bad thing. But if you have a big slobbery dog, it's ideal. If you love off-roading, it's especially ideal.

The Wranger performs exceptionally well off-road, but is a little bit rough and ragged on paved streets and highways, meaning your dog might be a little uncomfortable in the back. The two-door Wrangler has 12.8 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 55 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded, so space for your dog won't be an issue. 

Volvo XC70

Like a more luxurious European Subaru Outback, the Volvo XC70 is the perfect all-wheel-drive wagon for people and dogs who love the outdoors. It transitions seemlessly from driving through rough off-road terrain on the weekend to running to the pet supply store during the week. All without waking your sleepy dog. 

The Volvo XC70 interior is equipped with split-folding rear seats to increase the already robust rear cargo capacity, and an optional power-operated tailgate lets you load your dog up with the push of a button. You can also add an optional cargo divider that uses a steel safety grille to divide the back into two sections. This way, you can carry your dog and your luggage at the same time without the risk of everything getting chewed to pieces. 

The Volvo XC70 comes standard with a 3.2L V6 that pumps out 240 horsepower and gets a decent 26 mpg on the hgihway. With all its performance and features, the Volvo XC70 still starts at a reasonable $34,500.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape has a base price of under $23,000 and delivers tons of room for pets with multi-position seats. A cargo capacity that expands to over 65 cubic feet, accessible by a kick-operated lifting gate in pack make loading and unloading your dog easy and comfortable. Outstanding fuel efficiency and a host of high-tech features make the Ford Escape Hybrid a steal at the price. 

The clearance may be a little high for some dogs, but the Ford Escape has a few available pet-specific kits that can make entrance and exit easier.

The GMC Acadia

Most of these vehicles can accommodate a wide range of dogs. But if you have a huge dog or just one who gets a little uncomfortable when it’s too hot or too cool or too bumpy, the Acadia is the perfect choice. At under $35,000 for a versatile SUV with tons of creature comforts, and the driving experience of a contemporary crossover with a 3.6L V6 engine, the Acadia has a lot going for it for both drivers and their pony-sized dogs. The Yukon is also a solid option from General Motors.

Get the lowest local quotes on the best cars for dogs and dog owners now!

Taking your dog with you on the go is fun for everyone, provided you have a vehicle that can accommodate your. These vehicles make loading and unloading process very comfortable, with interiors that make clean-up simple. Don’t leave your family’s best friend at home. Consider one of these for your next vehicle. Use Buyerlink to connect with local dealers to find the lowest prices on the best cars for dogs and dog owners now!