Top 10 best cars for dog owners to buy 2024 | Auto Express (2024)

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Our dogs deserve the best, so here are the cars that’ll keep their tails wagging.

by: Antony Ingram

1 Jan 2024

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Just like a human passenger, your dog’s safety and comfort are of great importance whenever travelling in the car. Fortunately, there are a number of dog-friendly cars on the market, ranging from estates and SUVs with roomy boots to small hatchbacks that use clever engineering to maximise interior space.

Of course, it’s important to pick a car that you personally like, since you’ll be the one driving it, so it’s a good job there are plenty of models that can cater to the needs of both drivers and dogs, and with this in mind, we’ve selected the best cars for dog owners.

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All the cars below are good buys in their own right, models that we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone with or without a dog, due to their practicality, driving characteristics, and value. Their advantage, however, is that they offer a range of qualities that make life with a dog that little bit more pleasant for owner and pet alike.

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We looked for cars with large and easily accessible boot areas, particularly those that offer useful accessories and are easy to clean. Any models with overly firm rides were discounted and the same goes for cars without low cabin noise levels. Eventually, we arrived at the models below, our best cars for dog owners in decending order...

10. SsangYong Rexton

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As well as sounding like something Scooby-Doo might say, the SsangYong Rexton is a massive step up from its predecessor, but while it still drives like an upmarket pick-up, it remains a rugged SUV for dog owners to transport their four-legged friends.

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What’s more, the Rexton won’t cost you the earth either, especially considering its size. It’s available with five or seven seats, and it’s the five-seat version that makes more sense for dog owners as it has a huge 820-litre boot, which rises to 1,977 litres when you fold the seats. The seven-seat model offers third-row air conditioning – a nice option to have if you don’t fancy motorway-speed buffeting from an open window but want to keep your furry friend cool in the back. Both the seven-seat and five-seat versions have a dog guard option and rubber floor mat, as you’d expect.

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The 2.2-litre diesel is SsangYong’s own design and can sound a little ruff (geddit?) under hard acceleration, while the gearbox remains Mercedes-sourced. There’s a strong suggestion the Rexton is a well-built and tough SUV, so it shouldn't leave you and your dog stranded.

9. Suzuki Swace

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While the Suzuki Swace shares a great deal with the almost identical Toyota Corolla, certain areas of the Swace are slightly less upmarket. So while both cars make a solid case for themselves in regards to space, the Suzuki should leave you feeling less guilty about the inevitable mess and chaos that a certain tail-wagging passenger can bestow.

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Swace variants are very simple to understand, too, with a 1.8-litre hybrid being the only engine, and the car is offered in just two trim levels. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a rear camera and an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone connectivity are all fitted as standard, while the Toyota-sourced full-hybrid drivetrain should return fuel economy of over 60mpg and encourage a smooth, dog-friendly driving style.

8. Tesla Model Y

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While every Tesla model features ‘Dog Mode’, we feel that the Model Y is the best all rounder for both canine and owner. The Model Y shares a lot of its underpinnings with the impressive Model 3, but has an SUV body and all the practicality that comes with it.

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With up to 854 litres of boot space in the rear, plus another 117 litres in the ‘frunk’, you should be able to fit your dog and all its accessories you will probably ever need with ease. Once you arrive at your destination, if you need to leave your faithful friend in the car for a short while, then ‘Dog Mode’ will keep them safe and comfortable. This setting uses the climate control system to maintain the temperature while informing any concerned passers-by that the system is in use.

7. Honda Jazz

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The Honda Jazz is the smallest car on this list by some way, but don’t let that fool you as this car has a dog-friendly party piece known as ‘Magic Seats’. These cleverly-engineered rear seats make the Honda Jazz one of the most practical superminis on the market. They can be folded flat conventionally or can have their bases folded up entirely. This means that taller items – or dogs – can fit in the gap between the front and rear seats with surprising ease, so your dog need not be confined to the boot alone.

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The latest Jazz is only available as a hybrid, so running costs should prove reasonable thanks to a claimed fuel economy of over 60mpg, leaving more money to spend on snacks. And trust us, they’ll be judging you if you don’t.

6. Skoda Superb Estate

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There are lots of cars from Skoda that we’d rate as dog-friendly, but the Superb is the pick of the bunch. The Superb focuses on comfort, rather than performance, and being an airy estate there’s a huge 660 litres of cargo room for your single or multiple dogs to sprawl out in.

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The interior quality should be up to the standards of even pedigree pooches and there’s loads of equipment in the cabin. There’s even a range of load space accessories to make the boot area just a bit more practical. You can get your dog to leap in and out easily thanks to a low load bay and if your hands are full of chihuahuas or pugs, then the optional power-assisted tailgate will come in handy.

5. Mercedes E-Class Estate

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If you’re a dog owner who wants to transport their beloved pet in luxury, there are few better options than the Mercedes E-Class Estate. Long a favourite of the country set, the E-Class Estate is particularly adept on long journeys, cosseting all inhabitants with excellent interior quality, a refined ride and quietness.

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To protect your E-Class from dog claws, there’s an optional folding sill protective mat and once the dogs are out, the boot can close automatically.

At 670 litres, the boot is actually bigger than the one you’ll find in the Skoda Superb and one of the largest you’ll find anywhere. With a range of punchy yet smooth engines, the E-Class Estate will get you and your dog to your destination composed and on time.

4. Citroen E-Berlingo

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The Citroen Berlingo comes in two forms, a van or a van-based MPV. Naturally, this means that space is plentiful, and both humans and larger dogs will have room to spare. Another key benefit for your canine companion is that they won’t have to jump as high as they would with an SUV in order to enter and exit the boot, and the van-style rear doors make access far easier, meaning that the risk of injury or mishap is reduced.

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Opt for the E-Berlingo and you will then reap the added benefits of driving an electric car. Reduced running costs, tax savings and exemption from emissions-based charges will all help towards the all important treat fund. Battery range isn’t exactly class-leading at a claimed 170 miles from a full charge, but this should still prove more than enough for most day-to-day tasks and the occasional longer trip.

3. Land Rover Defender

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It was often said that you could literally hose out the interior of the original Land Rover Defender if you were brave enough. However, we definitely don’t recommend doing that with the new model, as while the Defender’s cabin is still relatively washable compared to that of a new Range Rover, pointing a hose at the dashboard will probably result in poorly electronics and an awkward call to your local dealer.

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That said, the new Defender retains all of the off-road capability and toughness that made its predecessor nothing short of legendary among 4x4 fans. There’s plenty of room in the back, too, and not only can you take your dog walking in some of the most remote and rough terrain – should you wish to – but you can even choose from a selection of bespoke Land Rover pet accessories. The Defender options list includes everything from a ramp to help your four-legged friend scale the fairly tall gap between the ground and the boot floor, to several different cabin dividers, a foldable pet carrier (the carrier folds, not the pet), and a portable rinse system that should be as useful for clearing the mud from Fido as it is for spraying off muddy boots.

2. Dacia Duster

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Large, straightforward, robust, and affordable, the Dacia Duster is appealing whether you have a dog or not, particularly when prices start at a little over £17,000 – lower than dozens of far less practical vehicles. In fact, the Duster is one of the cheapest new cars in the UK, and with 445-litres of boot space – increasing to 1,623 litres with the rear seats folded – there’s plenty of room for your canine companion, too.

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While, admittedly, this low price does come at a cost in terms of luxury, this can actually prove an advantage for a dog owner – you won’t be spending your time worrying about plush materials being ruined by claws and mud. Instead, the materials in the Duster should prove to be more hard-wearing.

Dacia has updated the Duster a couple of times over the last few years, improving everything from the styling, to the interior materials, to the car’s equipment. The price has crept up accordingly but that hardly matters when it was so low to start with, and your dog will thank you for it.

1. Skoda Octavia Estate

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Estate cars don’t come much more sensible nor suited to almost every use, which is why we awarded the Skoda Octavia Estate our Estate Car of the Year title at the 2022 Auto Express New Car Awards - in fact, it was the third year in a row that it took the honour. We reckon it’s ideal dog transport too, as while the cabin’s quality is good enough for humans - we’d say it rivals that of more expensive cars from premium brands like the BMW 3 Series Touring and Audi A4 Avant - it also has a tough, robust Germanic feel to it that should be able to easily cope with the worst your dog can throw at it.

Our dog’s safety is of utmost importance so Skoda’s ‘dog seat belt’ will be an appealing optional extra for many, but it can only be used on the rear seat so it would be a good idea to couple it with the back seat protection cover option, too.

With 610 litres of boot space, the Octavia Estate will easily swallow up a couple of dogs and their accessories. Thanks to a solid reputation, the Octavia is a popular buy on the used market so if you decide to trade it in for a larger car (in case of puppies), you shouldn’t get bitten by hefty depreciation.

Top 10 best cars for dog owners to buy 2023

  1. Skoda Octavia estate
  2. Dacia Duster
  3. Land Rover Defender
  4. Citroen E-Berlingo
  5. Merc E-Class estate
  6. Skoda Superb Estate
  7. Honda Jazz
  8. Tesla Model Y
  9. Suzuki Swace
  10. SsangYong Rexton

Driving with your dog...

  • The best cars for dog owners
  • Carrying dogs in cars: UK laws and expert advice
  • In-car dog safety products
  • Best dog smell removers
  • Best in-car dog guards and harnesses
  • How to choose the best car dog ramp

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  • Family hatchbacks
  • Estates
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Top 10 best cars for dog owners to buy 2024 | Auto Express (2024)

FAQs

What is the best car for a dog owner? ›

5 Most Dog-Friendly Cars
  • Toyota RAV4. With plenty of cargo space and a comfortable interior for humans, this vehicle is perfect for the inter-species family. ...
  • Honda CR-V. With a new design for 2023, this vehicle is even more dog-friendly than it once was. ...
  • Subaru Outback. ...
  • Tesla Model 3. ...
  • Jeep Wrangler.
Oct 19, 2023

Which car has the biggest boot for dogs? ›

The Skoda Superb Estate tops this list thanks to its class-leading practicality, handy accessories and value for money. Our reigning Estate Car of the Year has a vast 660-litre boot, with a wide opening which means you should have no trouble piling in all manner of pet paraphernalia.

What SUV is good for dogs? ›

Look for an SUV with ample cargo space, like the Subaru Outback Honda CR-V, which offer ample room for crates, beds, and luggage. Rear Seat Comfort: If your dog prefers to ride shotgun or enjoys spacious accommodations, prioritize an SUV with comfortable and spacious rear seats.

What do dog owners buy the most? ›

40.5% of all pet product spending goes towards pet food and treats (APPA) Any pet owner will confess that feeding and rewarding their companions are the most expensive aspects of pet ownership.

Which vehicles have dog mode? ›

Tesla, Rivian, Lucid and VinFast are leveraging battery power to keep their vehicles at a comfortable interior temperature while pets wait for their owners.

What brand is the big dog car? ›

The Haval Big Dog (Chinese: 哈弗大狗; pinyin: Hāfú Dàgǒu) is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor under the Haval brand since 2020.

What is the best option for a dog in a car? ›

The safest way for a dog to ride in a car is in the back seat or cargo area with a crash-tested harness, carrier, or crate.

What cars have dog box transmission? ›

Examples of cars that have used this pattern for performance reasons include Alfa Romeo Montreal and Alfa 6 (all models 1979/1987), BMW M535, early 635CSi (non-US) and (non-US) M3 E30, BMW 2002 Tii and Turbo, Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 and 2.5-16, Mercedes-Benz 300 CE-24, Mercedes-Benz CW311, most Ferraris from 60s to ...

What makes a good dog car? ›

Not only does the cargo area need to be sized to accommodate a pet's crate (and include tie-down hooks to keep it from sliding around), but it also needs to have a relatively low load floor so that you don't have to lift up and over a high tailgate or hatch lip when transporting a canine companion.

What is the safest seat in a car for a dog? ›

Where should I place the pet car seat for the safest travel and road trip? For a stress-free ride with your furry friend, the back seat is always the safest place for pet travel.

Which Lexus is best for dogs? ›

All four Lexus luxury sedans provide spacious cabins with plenty of interior volume. If you need increased capacity for the kids and pets, consider one of the coveted Lexus luxury SUVs, such as the new NX, RX, RX L, GX, and LX. View the following tables for precise cargo measurements for each Lexus luxury vehicle.

Which car is best for dogs? ›

List of Best Car For Dog Lover
  • Hyundai Exter. ...
  • Maruti Grand Vitara. ...
  • Tata Nexon. ...
  • Hyundai Creta. ...
  • Mahindra Scorpio N. ...
  • Kia Carens. ...
  • Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. ...
  • Mahindra XUV700. The Mahindra XUV700 showcases a robust and commanding presence with its sleek design and prominent stance.
Apr 28, 2024

What is the best vehicle to travel with dogs? ›

Best Vehicles for Dog Owners
  • 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. Compare Model. Positives. Stylish new exterior. ...
  • 2025 Subaru Forester. Compare Model. Positives. Fresh styling. ...
  • 2025 Mazda CX‑70. Compare Model. Positives. Well-crafted interior. ...
  • 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser. Compare Model. Positives. ...
  • 2024 Honda Prologue. Compare Model. Positives.

What is the best Ford car for dogs? ›

Ford Kuga. The Ford Kuga is a superb compact SUV with convenient boot access also makes it one of the best dog friendly cars, as it allows their furry friends to easily hop in and out of the boot with its low load lip.

What is the best vehicle to haul a large dog in? ›

If you plan to transport multiple large breeds of dog, there is no better option than a minivan. They offer relatively good fuel economy, loads of cargo room, and a comfortable, quiet ride. One of the most popular minivans on the market is the Honda Odyssey.

What is the best companion for a dog? ›

Other Pets that Get On With Dogs
  • Cats - Cats are one of the most common pets to keep alongside dogs. ...
  • Other dogs - Another dog can be a great companion for your furry friend. ...
  • Birds - Birds can also make great companions for dogs. ...
  • Fish - Fish are another great option for dog owners.
Apr 17, 2023

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