Buying a new car means considering the features you, and even your furriest passengers, need most.
Before I had dogs, I could have never imagined a pet impacting the car-buying process. (To be fair, I didn’t always think about the logistics of children when shopping for a new vehicle either… but becoming a parent quickly changed that.)
Now that I have two “fur babies,” I find myself thinking about how my vehicle could be better suited to them, whether we’re headed cross-country or simply taking a drive to the dog park.
Of course, I wouldn’t buy a new car just for my dog. However, there are certain things I will look for when it’s time for my family to start car shopping again. These features not only make traveling with pets easier, but also ensure that our four-legged family members are as comfortable in the car as they are at home.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular vehicle must-haves for dog owners, as well as unique features that car manufacturers are adding for pets these days. Then, we’ll give you a list of the cars we consider to be our “best in show” for 2021.
Today’s Dog-Friendly Features
When shopping for a new car as a dog owner, the keyword to keep in mind is balance. You obviously want a vehicle that is comfortable, safe, and meets your needs (including your budget!). However, you want to find one that also makes traveling with your furry friends easier and safer.
There are a few things you’ll want to look for in your search. Whether your dog is a Great Dane or a Maltipoo, and whether they’re six months- or 16 years-old, many of these features will be helpful for your many adventures together.
Leather Interior
The first recommendation is to opt for a vehicle with leather interior. Some dog owners shy away from leather because they’re afraid of scratches; however, the stains and smells that your pet could leave on a cloth interior are often much worse. Plus, vacuuming pet hair from cloth seats is a chore that gets old very quickly.
Roomy Backseats and/or Cargo
You will also want a vehicle that has flat-folding seats and/or a large cargo area. Even if your pet typically rides in the backseat, there could be times where a full car relegates them to the back. If you don’t have ample space in a safe cargo area, or if your seats fold down in an uneven way, you won’t have a suitable place for them to lie.
Plus, this space comes in handy if you need to travel with your pet’s carrier or kennel.
Ground Clearance
You may want to choose a vehicle that sits lower to the ground. This is especially helpful if you have larger or older dogs; trying to hoist a 60lb pup into a tall car can be an awkward — and back-straining — task.
This is also where a rear liftgate or even a hatchback comes in handy. Allowing your pup to climb into the vehicle from the back is usually much easier (and cleaner) than letting them climb all over your seats.
Rear Climate Control
Lastly, if your pup is going to be riding in a third row or cargo area, make sure that you choose a vehicle with rear air controls. You’ll want to ensure that they can receive adequate and temperature-controlled air flow, even if they’re in the very back of the vehicle.
Dog-friendly Accessories
Some manufacturers go above and beyond in terms of offering pet-friendly options for their vehicles, which you can usually purchase separately. These include:
- Retractable pet barriers
- Tether anchors for travel harnesses
- Removable/washable seat covers
- Rubber floor mats (many with deep treads or high sides)
- Washable cargo area mats
- Pet tech features
The longer your model has been on the market, the more pet-friendly accessories you’ll likely be able to find. Plus, keep in mind that there are plenty of accessories that can help ease your pet’s travels no matter which car you drive, including removable ramps and padded seat covers.
The Best Cars for Dogs in 2021
Here are our six favorite vehicles, if traveling with your furry friend is in the cards for 2021.
🏆Honda Odyssey: Best for the Whole Family
- Flat-folding seats: ✅
- Large cargo area: ✅
- Low vehicle loading height: ✅
- Rear lift gate: ✅
- Pet-friendly seat material: ✅ Cloth or leather available
- MSRP: Starts at $32,090
There’s no denying that minivans were built to combine tons of space with the ultimate convenience features. If you have multiple dogs, one large pup, or a combination of kids and fur-babies, the Honda Odyssey might check all the right boxes.
The Odyssey offers up to 144.9 cubic feet of cargo room, if you fold down both of the rows in the back seat. Only fold down the third row, and you’re still looking at an impressive 88.8 cubic feet. (Don’t fold anything down, and you can still pack quite a bit into the 32.8 cubic feet of space back there.)
Whether you need to load up an older pup or your massive Anatolian Shepherd, Honda’s Magic Seat feature allows you to slide second-row seats to the middle of the vehicle. This makes plenty of room in the doorway for loading dogs, kids, and bags alike.
Add in the optional CabinWatch rear seat monitor, or the CabinTalk two-way PA system, and it’s never been easier to talk to your dogs or watch what they’re up to, even if they’re in the back of the vehicle.
Plus, if you snag a 2021 model, you can still take advantage of HondaVac, the built-in vehicle vacuum system that would make it easy to clean up dog hair and spilled kibble. (This feature is being discontinued for the 2022 models and beyond.)
The Honda Odyssey comes in five different trim configurations, with a starting MSRP of $32,090.
🏆Volvo V60: Best for Convenience
- Flat-folding seats: 🚫
- Large cargo area: ✅
- Low vehicle loading height: ✅
- Rear lift gate: ✅ Foot-activated open and close
- Pet-friendly seat material: ✅ Leather is standard
- MSRP: Starts at $40,950
Low ground clearance. Foot-activated, hands-free liftgate. Optional pet harnesses that attach to a seat belt and integrated cargo area dog gates. Whether you’re hitting the local dog park or trekking to your favorite state park, the Volvo V60 is one of the most dog-friendly vehicles around.
This wagon comes standard with 50.9 cubic feet of cargo space, so you have plenty of space for your canine companion, their gear, and anything else you may want to bring along. If you are interested in a protective steel grille divider or kennel-style compartment for the cargo area, Volvo’s partnership with Petfinder can help build the perfect setup for your new vehicle. They also offer four sizes of rear-seat harnesses, to keep your dog(s) secured while on the road.
Volvo has integrated an advanced air filtration system into the V60, so you’re always enjoying fresh air (even if Fido really needs a bath). Plus, you can preheat or pre-cool your car before you even reach the parking lot, thanks to the Volvo On Call app.
If you’re interested in leasing or buying the Volvo V60, its MSRP starts at $40,950.
🏆 Honda Fit: Best for Versatility
- Flat-folding seats: ✅
- Large cargo area: ✅
- Low vehicle loading height: ✅
- Rear lift gate: ✅ Not powered
- Pet-friendly seat material: 🚫 Cloth is standard, but leather is optional
- MSRP: Started at $16,190 (2020 model)
If you’re alright with buying an older model year — or would prefer a deal on a used vehicle — the Honda Fit might be the perfect, well, fit for you.
Honda has officially discontinued the Fit with the 2020 model year, but don’t expect this vehicle to disappear off the roads anytime soon. In fact, the Honda Fit has somewhat of a cult following among pet owners, offering a variety of awesome features that make it a great car for both human passengers and their furry companions.
The Honda Fit boasts 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is more than enough for your pup, a carrier or kennel, accessories, and even snacks for the day. It’s a hatchback with a low ground clearance, easy for loading small and large dogs alike.
Perhaps one of the coolest features of the Honda Fit, though, is the magic seat. This rear seat feature allows drivers to choose between four versatile seat configurations (including totally fold-flat rear seats), no matter how you prefer to transport your pup.
As mentioned, the Honda Fit is no longer in production and stopped with the 2020 model year. However, this just means that you may be able to find an excellent deal on a gently used vehicle that’s only a year or two old.
🏆 Subaru Crosstrek: Best for Off-the-Path Adventures
- Flat-folding seats: ✅
- Large cargo area: ✅ Cargo area is only 20.8 cubic feet unless you fold the rear seats down (then, it’s 55.3 cubic feet)
- Low vehicle loading height: ✅
- Rear lift gate: ✅ Not powered
- Pet-friendly seat material: 🚫 Cloth is standard on most models, but leather is optional
- MSRP: Starts at $22,245
If ever there were a manufacturer with dogs on the mind, it’s probably Subaru — in fact, you’ll find man’s best friend in many of their commercials! It’s no wonder then that the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent choice for pet owners, with a ton of space and features that make traveling easier for two- and four-legged travelers alike.
The cargo area offers a whopping 55.3 cu. ft. of space when the 60/40-split rear seats are folded down. Those seats also fold flat, making it easy to load a kennel or crate. Subaru also has an easy-to-use mobile app, which allows you to prep your vehicle’s climate before you reach the car… so no more loading your pup (and yourself) into a sweltering car after your hike.
Optional cargo mats, covers, cargo mats/mattresses, and dividers are easy to purchase, too, to completely personalize your Subaru. Plus, Subaru is so committed to their pets’ safety, they frequently sponsor crate/pet carrier crash testing initiatives.
The 2021 Crosstrek starts at only $22,245, but this vehicle has also been around for a few years. You’ll probably have good luck finding a great used option in your area if you’d prefer to save a bit on the price.
🏆 Tesla Model Y: Best for Tech Features
- Flat-folding seats: ✅
- Large cargo area: ✅
- Low vehicle loading height: ✅
- Rear lift gate: ✅ Powered
- Pet-friendly seat material: ✅ Durable, faux (vegan) leather comes standard
- MSRP: Starts at $39,990
Tesla has developed quite the reputation within the electric-vehicle community as well as with the techies. So it might be surprising to see one of these cutting-edge vehicles on our list of the best cars for dogs…
But believe us, the Model Y belongs here.
With 68 cubic feet of cargo space, a fold-flat third row, independent-fold second row seats, a low trunk floor, and a power liftgate, this all-electric midsize SUV is a great choice for dog owners. Oh, and did I mention the pet tech features?
While we don’t recommend leaving your pooches in the car unattended, there are times you may need to run into a shop and can’t bring pets inside. Tesla makes this easy: simply turn on Pet Mode, which keeps the vehicle climate-controlled while still allowing you to secure the doors. It also displays a message on the vehicle’s 15” screen, letting passersby know that your dogs are safe, secure, and enjoying heat or A/C until you return.
The 2021 Tesla Model Y starts at $39,990 MSRP.
🏆 Hyundai Kona: Best for Budget
- Flat-folding seats: ✅
- Large cargo area: 🚫 Cargo area is ample, but the smallest listed here at 45.8 cubic feet
- Low vehicle loading height: ✅
- Rear lift gate: ✅
- Pet-friendly seat material: 🚫 Cloth is standard on most models, but leather is optional
- MSRP: Starts at $20,500
It’s said that big things come in small packages. And with 14.3% of American car-buyers choosing small SUVs in 2020 — the second-most-often purchased vehicle type — it would seem that the average driver agrees.
This is exactly the case with the Hyundai Kona. This subcompact SUV has a surprising amount of cargo room and a slew of standard features, without taking up the whole driveway. We aren’t alone in loving the Hyundai Kona, either: It was even named one of Autotrader’s 10 best cars for dog lovers.
The Kona has fold-flat rear seats that allow for up to 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. This is more than enough for most kennels or dog beds, plus extra room for toys, an overnight bag, your tent, or whatever else you need to bring along. Plus, it has a wide-opening rear hatch, making it easy to load your pup and gear inside.
The Kona has a starting MSRP of $20,500, with optional packages for all-weather mats, cargo area accessories, and more. This makes it the most budget-friendly 2021 vehicle on this list.
Not Ready to Buy?
No matter how enticing some of these pet-friendly vehicles may be, it just might not be the right time for you to buy a new car. If that’s the case, there are some ways that you can make the best of your existing vehicle.
Look online — both through the manufacturer’s website and on after-market sites — to find dog-friendly accessories for your vehicle. These could include easy-clean seat covers, travel bowls, and crash-rated dog crates. You can also purchase things like removable ramps, if your vehicle has a high clearance, and even harnesses that work with your existing seats.
If you are still paying off your current vehicle, or if your dog is perfectly content with what you have now, just make sure that your auto loan is the best you can get.
This might mean considering refinancing your auto loan, which would allow you to lower your interest rate (paying less over the course of the loan), pay off your vehicle early, or lower your monthly payment (think of how many extra dog treats you could buy each month).
Top Cars for Dogs, Refinanced
Whether you’re in the market for a new dog-friendly vehicle or just looking for more ways to save money, car loan refinancing might be a good option — especially if interest rates have dropped since you got your loan. But even if it hasn’t been long since you got your auto loan, you may be able to refinance as soon as one month after signing on the dotted line. That means you don’t have to wait to save.
Here are the average monthly savings and lifetime savings for some of our best cars for dogs.
Our vehicles are some of the biggest purchases we make. If our furry best friends are going to be along for the ride, we might as well make sure that we are driving the best vehicle for their needs, too.
Check out our 2019 vehicle picks below.
The Best Cars for Dogs in 2019
Here are our five favorite vehicles, if traveling with your furry friend is in the cards for 2019.
1. Chevrolet Equinox
This crossover SUV packs a serious punch in its sleek, affordable package. It also has some great features for dog-owners.
The new Equinox offers a ton of cargo space — 63.9 cubic feet worth, in fact. Its 60/40-split rear seats fold flat, giving you the perfect place for your pup or their crate. Choose to let them sit in the backseat? The quilted leather or optional sport cloth make cleaning up dog hair and dirt easy.
Need to load Fido up? The Equinox rides low, making it easy for your pup to jump in or for you to load in their carrier. Plus, the foot-powered liftgate means you can open the rear door it even if your hands are full.
The 2019 Chevy Equinox starts at an MSRP of only $23,800.
2. Nissan Rogue
See that neat, pup-centered concept car above? It’s an expanded version of the manufacturer’s previous concept crossover, the Rogue Dogue. While the standard Nissan Rogue won’t come with a pet washing station or built-in dog ramp, it is still a great option for pet owners everywhere.
This compact SUV offers 40 cu. ft. of space behind the third row; you’ll almost double that (to 70 cu. ft.) if you fold down the rear seats. That’s plenty of space for your pet, a carrier, toys, and bags, no matter where your travels take you.
Your pet (and you) will enjoy a hands-free liftgate, under-the-floor cargo storage, and built-in cargo dividers. The Rogue comes with a starting MSRP of only $24,920, though this vehicle has been on the road for years. If you don’t want to pay the new price for one, look for certified pre-owned vehicles in your area.
3. Subaru Crosstrek
If ever there were a manufacturer with dogs on the mind, it’s probably Subaru — in fact, you’ll find man’s best friend in most of their commercials! It’s no wonder then that the Subaru Crosstrek is an excellent choice for pet owners, with a ton of space and features that make traveling easier for two- and four-legged travelers alike.
The cargo area offers 55.3 cu. ft. of space when the 60/40-split rear seats are folded down. Optional cargo mats, covers, and dividers are easy to purchase, too, to completely personalize your Subaru. Plus, Subaru is so committed to their pets’ safety, they frequently sponsor crate/pet carrier crash testing initiatives.
The 2019 Crosstrek starts at only $21,895.
4. Ford Flex
Want even more space, along with the flexibility of a third row? Then consider the 2019 Ford Flex. This versatile SUV is well-suited to pet owners and parents alike, making it easy to take everyone (and everything) on your next adventure.
With the Ford Flex, you’ll enjoy a low ground clearance, which makes it easy to load pups into the vehicle. Fold down the third row (leaving the second row for available seating) and you’ll enjoy 43.2 cu. ft. of cargo space. Fold down both rear rows, and this jumps to a whopping 83.2 cu. Ft.
The rear area also has cargo tie-downs, allowing you to safely secure bags, a crate, and anything else you’re bringing along. Need to load up? The intelligent liftgate entry system helps you do it hands-free.
The 2019 Ford Flex has a starting MSRP of $30,575.
5. Chrysler Pacifica
Not only is the Pacifica great for your pups, it’s great for the whole family. In fact, it has been the most awarded minivan two years in a row, as well as being named the 2019 Family Car of the Year — and all with good reason.
With the Pacifica, you’ll enjoy pet- (and kid-) friendly features such as stow-and-go seating, which allow you to completely tuck the seats away for a flat cargo area. In fact, there are over 200 possible seat configurations!
Get pet hair everywhere? There’s a built-in vacuum in the vehicle. You heard me: a vacuum. At your fingertips. At any time. Talk about easy cleanup!
There’s 32.3 cu. ft. available without moving a single seat. Eliminate the third row to get 87.5 cu. ft., and fold down the second row to get a total of 140.5 cu. ft. Do you know how many dogs you can fit in 140.5 cu. ft.? It’s a lot.
All of this, in addition to power sliding doors and a low ground clearance, can be had for $26,985 and up.
Our Top 5 Cars for Dogs Refinanced and The Savings
Dogs like savings too, it means more chew toys and bones.
Vehicle |
Avg. Annual Savings After Refinancing |
These savings could buy your pup… |
Equinox |
$910.51* |
182 rawhide dog bones |
Pacifica |
$1,186.12* |
131 chew toys |
Flex-V6 |
$992.23* |
33 bags of dog food |
Rogue |
$892.05* |
30 months of flea and tick medicine |
Crosstrek |
$618.34* |
12 visits to the vet |
* This value was calculated by using the average monthly payment savings for all RateGenius customers from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
About The Author
RateGenius
A better way to refinance your auto loan. RateGenius works with 150+ lenders nationwide to help you save money on your car payments. Since 1999, we've helped customers find the most competitive interest rate to refinance their loans on cars, trucks, and SUVs. www.rategenius.com