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
We love the roomy rear seat in the Kia Sorento, and also, that the center row seats are on a rail so you can adjust them forward and back as needed. With doors that open wide, it’ll be easy to wrangle a crate, carrier or doggy harness and install it in the rear seat. And, with pricing options and trims that range from affordable to luxurious, there’s a Kia Sorento to fit most every budget.
Split Rear Seats If a Crate is the Way to Go: Hyundai Tucson
Some dogs, Eli included, don’t love to be too far from their owners and don’t love riding in the cargo area. And when the cargo area needs to hold actual cargo, stowing a dog crate there may not be feasible. So, look for a car or SUV with a 60/40 folding split rear seat that folds flat, like the seats in the Hyundai Tucson. Not all rear seats fold flat, and the last thing you want is the crate sliding backward into things.
This extra cargo space is great for a crate that’s too big for or won’t fit well on the rear seat. Just be sure to secure it; a seatbelt, seatbelt extender or tie-downs in the cargo area can be used to ensure it doesn’t fly around the cabin in the event of a sudden stop.
Pet-Friendly Upholstery Make The Best Cars for Dogs: Toyota RAV4
The best cars for dogs often have leatherette, which we love for its resiliency and easy to clean properties. You won’t feel as guilty cleaning up pet fur and *whatever that is* on leatherette as you will on leather, either. Toyota, as found in the Toyota RAV4, has long used leatherette, branded as SofTex, as a mid-grade upholstery that’s more premium than cloth but not as luxurious as leather. And in addition to being resilient, it’s lighter weight, contributing to the car’s fuel efficiency.
Rear Air Vents: BMW X2
Rear air vents are key any time there are passengers in the rear seat, and that includes your dog. Not only will the air flow make your dog more comfortable, it’ll prevent his panting breath from reaching the front seat (you’re welcome).
Rear air vents are something to pay attention to, especially if you’re shopping for an entry-level model; not all include rear air vents. Thankfully, the very affordable and chic BMW X2 includes rear air vents, making for the perfect passenger seat for an equally chic dog.
Vehicle Height For Easy In and Out: Subaru Outback
Those with short legs can attest: Getting in an out of a car can be a challenge if it’s too high off the ground. And for dogs that are particularly short, who can’t jump or are older and move more slowly, this can be an even greater challenge. We love the SUV-acceptable but not towering ground clearance of the Subaru Outback for just that reason: it’s easy for everyone, even your pup, to climb in.
And if ground clearance is still an issue, consider carrying a ramp for your dog to reach his seat with dignity.
Rear Window Shades: Ford Explorer
We love these for all passengers: The mother-in-law who insists on sitting next to the baby, the baby and of course the dog. But we’re betting your mom-in-law won’t put the shade up and the window down so she can stick her nose into the wind the way your dog will.
But rear window shades are great for this: put the shade up and then, when your dog needs a distraction, put the window down. He’ll get all the wind and none of the temptation to stick his head out the window. The 2025 Ford Explorer can be bought with rear shades built in, but you can install them yourself too, they just won’t tuck neatly into the window frame.
A Well-Fitting Seat Cover Limits Fur and Slobber: Cadillac XT4
If you’ve invested in a luxury car and your dog is a constant companion, a seat cover should be, too. We love the Cadillac XT4 for bringing a pet along; the rear seat is comfortable but leg room is on the small side. Perfect for a doggy car seat or a seat-belt installed restraint. A seat cover that attaches headrest-to-headrest covering the floor is ideal; that way when you have people instead of canines, they won’t be covered in dog fur.
The Best Cars for Dogs Have Space for a Travel Kit: Nissan Pathfinder
Keep the must-haves handy in your car: water bowl, wipes, treats, poop bags, the vet’s phone number. While a doggy travel kit is great to have, having it fly around the trunk while you drive is less than ideal. We love the under-floor storage compartments in the Nissan Pathfinder that allow all the pet essentials to ride along but stow out of site.
Travel smart and safely with your pup; don’t let them roam around the cabin and never let them ride on your lap. If you’re tempted to not restrain your dog, consider this: the most common injury to a dog in a car crash is escaping the car and being hit by oncoming traffic. If your dog is restrained, this isn’t a risk. Keeping your companion safe and happy is the first step in a successful journey with your best friend.
