The Best Cars for Dog Owners

Dog owners know the joys and challenges of taking their pets on car trips. Whether it’s a family adventure or merely a visit to the vet, finding a vehicle that offers dog-friendly features is an important consideration.

The experts at AxleGeeks, a motors research site that’s part of the Graphiq network, came up with a list of the best cars for dog owners. We targeted 2017 models that offered dog-friendly features such as cargo tie-downs, rear air conditioning, under-seat storage, vinyl flooring, and a rubber cargo area.

We ranked each model based on its Dog-Friendliness Score, or a raw count of dog-friendly features out of five options, and sorted them from worst to best.

Note: In the event of a tie, the cheaper vehicle was ranked higher.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Rear A/C

The Chevrolet Traverse comes with a class-leading 116.3 cubic feet of cargo space, making it the perfect vehicle for dog owners with larger breeds. However, its drawbacks include its high price and lack of vinyl floor coverings.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Rear A/C

This SUV features rear air conditioning to keep your dog cool. However, its cargo space of 81.7 cubic feet results in significantly less space than comparable models like the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse, which provides nearly double the storage.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Rear A/C

The 2017 GMC Acadia SL has excellent features like cargo tie-downs and rear air conditioning. Still, it lacks other amenities such as under-seat storage, and its starting price of $30,975 leaves it out of reach for those on a budget.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Underseat Storage

With 67.6 cubic feet of cargo room and under-seat storage, this SUV has plenty of room to store your dog’s items. Its only disadvantage is its leather-trimmed seating, which could be susceptible to damage inflicted by claws and paws without proper seat protectors.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Underseat Storage

This limited-edition model features durable seating surfaces, smooth handling, and the Jeep Brand Cargo Management System, making it the perfect adventure vehicle for families with dogs.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Underseat Storage

Its cargo capacity of 48.4 cubic feet makes it the least generous in storage relative to other models on the list. IThisdeficiency in its low price and dog-friendly offerings like cargo tie-downs and under-seat storage. make up for this deficiency

Dog-Friendliness Score: 2
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Underseat Storage

The 2017 Honda Fit EX is the total package: It’s fuel-efficient, has 52.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and its $17,800 starting price is suitable for most budgets.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 3
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Rear A/C, Underseat Storage

This minivan offers the most storage of all dog-friendly models, with 148.5 cubic feet of cargo room. Its main detriment is its high price, as other vans like the 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE are more reasonably priced.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 3
Dog-Friendly Features: Cargo Tie-Downs, Rear A/C, Vinyl Floor Coverings

While this minivan isn’t as spacious as the 2017 Honda Odyssey LX, it is more affordable. Also, the 2017 Ford Transit Connect Wagon features Rear Liftgate, giving your dog easier access to the vehicle.

Dog-Friendliness Score: 3
Dog-Friendly Features: Vinyl/Rubber Cargo Area, Rear A/C, Underseat Storage

The 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SE is the best model for dog owners due to its affordability, spacious interior and dog-friendly equipment such as rear air conditioning, under-seat storage and a durable, pet-resistant cargo area.