Finding the perfect SUV isn’t just about spaciousness and performance; for dog owners, it’s also about ensuring comfort and safety for their furry friends. Whether it’s a trip to the vet, a weekend getaway, or a cross-country adventure, the right SUV can make a world of difference in your dog’s travel experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top SUVs that cater to canine companions, offering features like ample cargo space, pet-friendly interiors, and innovative safety options. Get ready to discover vehicles that will keep your dog wagging their tail with joy on every journey!
#1 Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a fantastic choice for dog owners, offering ample cargo space and features designed with pets in mind. Subaru’s Share the Love campaign also reflects their commitment to pet safety, donating to pet safety organizations. The Crosstrek’s standard all-wheel drive ensures a smooth ride, even on bumpy terrains, making it perfect for trips to the park or countryside adventures with your furry friend. The low cargo floor means your dog can easily hop in and out without much assistance, which is especially handy for older dogs or those with mobility issues.
Inside, the Crosstrek is spacious enough to accommodate dog crates or pet barriers, ensuring your pet stays safe and secure while driving. The seats are made from easy-to-clean materials, so any mess your dog makes can be quickly taken care of. Additionally, the rear air vents help keep the cabin at a comfortable temperature, so your pet won’t overheat on hot days. Overall, the Crosstrek combines practicality with pet-friendly features, making it an excellent vehicle for dog owners.
#2 Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue stands out with its thoughtful design and dog-specific features, making it an ideal choice for pet owners. One of the highlights is the dog-friendly trim, which includes a ramp to help your dog get in and out of the car with ease, reducing the strain on their joints. The spacious cargo area is perfect for large dog crates or simply giving your dog plenty of room to move around and get comfortable during longer trips.
The Rogue also offers easy-to-clean upholstery, which is a blessing for those inevitable messes dogs can make. Plus, the car’s design includes a low load floor, making it more accessible for dogs of all sizes and ages. The large windows provide excellent ventilation and natural light, keeping your pet happy and relaxed on the road. With these thoughtful features, the Nissan Rogue ensures both you and your dog enjoy every journey together.
#3 Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is another top pick for dog owners, balancing space, comfort, and functionality. Its large cargo area provides plenty of room for your dog to stretch out, and the optional pet barriers keep your pet safely confined to the rear area, preventing distractions while driving. The RAV4’s interior features easy-to-clean materials, which are essential for dealing with fur, mud, and any other messes your pet might bring along.
One of the standout features of the RAV4 is its hybrid variant, offering great fuel efficiency without sacrificing space or comfort. This makes it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious dog owners who still need a practical and spacious vehicle. Additionally, the optional all-wheel drive ensures you can handle various terrains, whether it’s a trip to the mountains or a drive through the city. The RAV4’s versatility and pet-friendly features make it a reliable and convenient option for any dog owner.
#4 Tesla Model Y
For tech-savvy dog owners, the Tesla Model Y stands out as one of the best SUVs for dogs thanks to its unique blend of technology and pet-friendly features. One of the most impressive is the Dog Mode, which uses the vehicle’s climate control system to maintain a preset temperature inside the car, even when the engine is off. This feature ensures your pet stays cool and comfortable, and a message on the infotainment screen informs passersby that your dog is safe and the temperature is being controlled.
The Model Y also boasts a spacious cargo area with standard leatherette seats that are easy to clean, making it ideal for dogs who love to shed or get dirty. The rear vents are designed to keep all occupants comfortable, including your furry friends, ensuring a pleasant ride for everyone. With its advanced features and ample space, the Tesla Model Y is perfect for dog owners looking for a high-tech, pet-friendly vehicle.
#5 Volvo XC60
The Volvo XC60 is a luxurious option for dog owners who want both style and functionality. This SUV offers a roomy interior, making it comfortable for both humans and pets. The XC60 features leather seats that are easy to clean, which is a great advantage for managing pet hair and other messes. Additionally, the car comes with pet barriers and other accessories that can be purchased directly from Volvo, enhancing safety and convenience during travel.
One of the XC60’s best features is its standard all-wheel drive, which ensures a smooth and safe journey on various terrains. This is especially useful for dog owners who enjoy outdoor adventures and need a reliable vehicle that can handle different road conditions. The Volvo XC60 combines luxury with practicality, providing a comfortable and safe environment for your pets while maintaining a stylish and elegant appearance.
#6 Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a reliable and practical choice for dog owners, offering a spacious cargo area and several pet-friendly features. As one of the best SUVs for large dogs, the fold-flat rear seats create a large, flat space that is perfect for dogs to lie down comfortably during trips. The CR-V’s design ensures that your pet has plenty of room to move around, making long journeys more enjoyable for them.
Honda also offers various pet accessories, such as ramps and seat covers, which can be very useful for maintaining the car’s interior and ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety. The CR-V’s easy-to-clean materials are a great advantage for dealing with fur and dirt, and the rear air vents help keep the cabin cool and comfortable for your pet. With its combination of space, comfort, and practical features, the Honda CR-V is a great vehicle for any dog owner.
#7 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport is perfect for dog owners who love outdoor adventures. As one of the best SUVs for big dogs, its rugged design and spacious cargo area make it ideal for trips to the park, beach, or mountains. The Bronco Sport features easy-to-clean materials, which are essential for dealing with the dirt and mud that come with outdoor activities. Additionally, the SUV’s high ground clearance and off-road capabilities ensure you can tackle various terrains without any issues.
Inside, the Bronco Sport provides ample space for your dog to move around and get comfortable. The rear seats fold flat, creating a large, flat cargo area that is perfect for dogs. The vehicle also includes several pet-friendly accessories, such as a ramp and pet barriers, to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort. With its rugged design and practical features, the Ford Bronco Sport is an excellent choice for dog owners who enjoy exploring the great outdoors with their pets.
#8 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is another large SUV that is great for dog owners, providing a spacious and comfortable interior. As the best SUV for large dogs, the Highlander’s three rows of seating can be reconfigured to create a large cargo space, perfect for accommodating dog crates or allowing your dog to move around freely. The low load floor ensures easy access for dogs, reducing the need for lifting them in and out of the vehicle.
This SUV also features easy-to-clean upholstery, which is ideal for dealing with fur and other pet-related messes. The Highlander’s rear climate control ensures that your dog remains comfortable in any weather, while the large windows provide plenty of natural light and ventilation. Toyota also offers a variety of pet-friendly accessories, such as dog ramps and pet barriers, making the Highlander a practical and convenient option for dog owners.
#9 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is one of the best SUVs for dogs, offering versatility and spaciousness that cater to the needs of pet owners. Its three rows of seating and ample cargo space provide plenty of room for dogs of all sizes. The Explorer’s easy-to-clean materials help manage pet hair and other messes, making it a practical choice for pet owners. The rear seats can be folded down to create a large, flat cargo area, perfect for dog crates or for your dog to stretch out comfortably.
One of the key features of the Explorer is its advanced climate control system, which ensures that the interior remains at a comfortable temperature for your pet, regardless of the weather outside. The large windows and rear ventilation keep the cabin airy and well-ventilated, which is important for your dog’s comfort during long drives. Ford also offers a range of pet accessories, including dog ramps and seat covers, enhancing the Explorer’s appeal for dog owners.
#10 Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a large SUV that offers plenty of space and comfort for dog owners. Its three rows of seating and expansive cargo area provide ample room for dogs and their gear. The Traverse’s low cargo floor makes it easy for dogs to hop in and out, while the fold-flat rear seats create a large, flat cargo space that is perfect for dog crates or for dogs to stretch out comfortably.
The Traverse also features easy-to-clean upholstery, which is essential for dealing with pet hair and other messes. The SUV’s rear air conditioning vents help keep the cabin cool and comfortable, ensuring your pet stays happy during long drives. Chevrolet offers a range of pet-friendly accessories, such as pet barriers and seat covers, enhancing the Traverse’s appeal for dog owners. With its spacious interior and practical features, the Chevrolet Traverse is a great choice for those who want a comfortable and pet-friendly vehicle.
