8 Of the Best Cars for Dogs and the Features That Make Them Pup-Friendly

Adeina'S Dogs Love To Go For A Ride
Adeina's dogs love to go for a rideCredit: Adeina Anderson

The great thing about having your dog along on a journey is that they like to go most anywhere, tend to be good travelers and most are happy companions. I learned a lot from our dog Eli, who, always a good road-tripper, taught us a lot about the best cars for dogs and what makes them easy for him on the road.

There were things he loved and things he didn’t; he was happy to curl up on his bed in the car, but he hated most pet restraints. He loved having the window down—what dog doesn’t?—and didn’t mind if there was a shade over the window, which made me feel better.

And, any new car would have to pass the Eli test: could he hop up into the car on his own? This one is different for every dog, but one that should be considered. So we looked at the best cars for dogs and the features that make them good for those times when your pup is along for the ride.

Proper Restraints That are Easy to Install: Kia Sorento

Kia Sorento X Pro Featured Image Best Cars For Dogs
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Split Rear Seats If a Crate is the Way to Go: Hyundai Tucson

2022 Hyundai Tucson Is Among The Best Cars For Dogs
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Pet-Friendly Upholstery Make The Best Cars for Dogs: Toyota RAV4

Best Road Trip Cars Toyota Rav4
Credit: Erica Mueller

Rear Air Vents: BMW X2

2024-Bmw-X2 Best Luxury Cars Lgbtq Friendly Cars
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Vehicle Height For Easy In and Out: Subaru Outback

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness
Credit: Kim Croisant

Rear Window Shades: Ford Explorer

The 2025 Ford Explorer
Credit: Scotty Reiss

A Well-Fitting Seat Cover Limits Fur and Slobber: Cadillac XT4

Cadillac Xt4 Awd Sport
Credit: Paul Strauss

The Best Cars for Dogs Have Space for a Travel Kit: Nissan Pathfinder

Front View Of The 2024 Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek Edition
Credit: Chastity Velasquez

Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers... More about Scotty Reiss

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