For dog lovers, choosing the right car involves more than just looking for style, performance, and fuel efficiency. It also means considering the comfort, safety, and needs of your four-legged companion. Whether you're taking your dog to the park, the vet, or on a long road trip, having a vehicle that's designed with pet-friendly features can make all the difference. At Get Drivers Ed, we understand the importance of finding a car that suits both you and your dog. In this blog, we'll explore the top five cars for dog lovers, highlighting the features that make these vehicles stand out as the perfect choice for pet owners.
1. Subaru Outback
Why It’s Great for Dog Owners
The Subaru Outback is often at the top of the list when it comes to pet-friendly vehicles. Known for its ruggedness and versatility, the Outback offers ample space and comfort for both you and your dog. With a spacious cargo area, your dog will have plenty of room to stretch out, while the low ride height makes it easy for dogs to jump in and out.
Pet-Friendly Features
Cargo Area: The Outback offers a large and flat cargo area, perfect for a dog crate or for letting your dog relax on a comfortable mat.
All-Wheel Drive: This feature ensures a smooth ride, even on rough terrain, which is great for taking your dog on outdoor adventures.
Durable Upholstery: Subaru offers water-resistant and easy-to-clean upholstery options, which are ideal for dealing with muddy paws or shedding fur.
Dog Accessories: Subaru offers a range of dog-friendly accessories, including seat covers, pet ramps, and even a dog harness that integrates with the car’s seatbelt system.
Cargo Area: The Outback offers a large and flat cargo area, perfect for a dog crate or for letting your dog relax on a comfortable mat.
All-Wheel Drive: This feature ensures a smooth ride, even on rough terrain, which is great for taking your dog on outdoor adventures.
Durable Upholstery: Subaru offers water-resistant and easy-to-clean upholstery options, which are ideal for dealing with muddy paws or shedding fur.
Dog Accessories: Subaru offers a range of dog-friendly accessories, including seat covers, pet ramps, and even a dog harness that integrates with the car’s seatbelt system.
At Get Drivers Ed, we often recommend the Subaru Outback to pet owners for its combination of safety, space, and comfort, making it one of the best cars for those who love to bring their dogs along for the ride.
2. Honda CR-V
Why It’s Great for Dog Owners
The Honda CR-V is another fantastic option for dog lovers, thanks to its roomy interior and excellent safety features. The CR-V offers plenty of rear-seat space and a large cargo area, making it easy to travel with dogs of all sizes. Its smooth ride and reliable performance make it a favorite among families and pet owners alike.
Pet-Friendly Features
Flat Rear Seats: The CR-V’s rear seats fold completely flat, providing a large and stable area for your dog to rest or for securing a dog crate.
Rear Air Vents: The rear air vents ensure your dog stays cool and comfortable during the ride, which is especially important on hot days.
Wide Rear Doors: The CR-V's wide rear doors make it easy for dogs to enter and exit the vehicle, and the low cargo floor makes loading and unloading simple.
Advanced Safety Features: The Honda CR-V comes with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. These features help keep you and your pet safe on the road.
Flat Rear Seats: The CR-V’s rear seats fold completely flat, providing a large and stable area for your dog to rest or for securing a dog crate.
Rear Air Vents: The rear air vents ensure your dog stays cool and comfortable during the ride, which is especially important on hot days.
Wide Rear Doors: The CR-V's wide rear doors make it easy for dogs to enter and exit the vehicle, and the low cargo floor makes loading and unloading simple.
Advanced Safety Features: The Honda CR-V comes with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. These features help keep you and your pet safe on the road.
At Get Drivers Ed, we highlight the Honda CR-V for its versatility and family-friendly design, making it a top choice for pet owners who want a reliable and spacious vehicle.
3. Volvo XC60
Why It’s Great for Dog Owners
Volvo has a long-standing reputation for safety, and the XC60 is no exception. This luxury SUV combines high-end features with practical pet-friendly options, making it an excellent choice for dog owners who want both style and substance. The XC60 offers a smooth ride and a spacious cabin, ensuring that both you and your dog travel in comfort.
Pet-Friendly Features
Spacious Cargo Area: The XC60 offers ample space in the cargo area, with a low floor that makes it easier for your dog to get in and out.
Pet Safety Belt: Volvo offers a range of pet accessories, including a pet safety belt that can be easily attached to your dog’s harness, keeping them secure during the drive.
Temperature-Controlled Cabin: The XC60 features a highly adjustable climate control system that allows you to keep the cabin at the perfect temperature for your dog, no matter the weather.
Luxury Upholstery Options: Volvo’s high-quality, durable leather seats are easy to clean, which is great for dog owners who want a touch of luxury without sacrificing practicality.
Spacious Cargo Area: The XC60 offers ample space in the cargo area, with a low floor that makes it easier for your dog to get in and out.
Pet Safety Belt: Volvo offers a range of pet accessories, including a pet safety belt that can be easily attached to your dog’s harness, keeping them secure during the drive.
Temperature-Controlled Cabin: The XC60 features a highly adjustable climate control system that allows you to keep the cabin at the perfect temperature for your dog, no matter the weather.
Luxury Upholstery Options: Volvo’s high-quality, durable leather seats are easy to clean, which is great for dog owners who want a touch of luxury without sacrificing practicality.
For dog lovers who want to combine luxury with practicality, the Volvo XC60 is a top recommendation from Get Drivers Ed, offering both safety and comfort for you and your pet.
4. Jeep Wrangler
Why It’s Great for Dog Owners
For dog owners who love adventure, the Jeep Wrangler is an iconic choice. Known for its off-road capabilities and rugged design, the Wrangler is perfect for those who enjoy taking their dogs on outdoor escapades. The Wrangler’s removable top and doors provide a unique driving experience that dogs who love fresh air will enjoy.
Pet-Friendly Features
Removable Top and Doors: The Wrangler’s removable top and doors allow for an open-air experience, which many dogs love. Just be sure to secure your dog properly to prevent any safety risks.
Durable Interior: The Wrangler’s interior is designed to withstand the elements, making it easy to clean up after muddy adventures with your dog.
Ample Cargo Space: While the Wrangler might not have the largest cargo area, it offers enough space for small to medium-sized dogs, especially with the rear seats folded down.
Off-Road Capability: For those who enjoy hiking, camping, or just exploring rough terrain, the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities mean you can bring your dog along for all your adventures.
Removable Top and Doors: The Wrangler’s removable top and doors allow for an open-air experience, which many dogs love. Just be sure to secure your dog properly to prevent any safety risks.
Durable Interior: The Wrangler’s interior is designed to withstand the elements, making it easy to clean up after muddy adventures with your dog.
Ample Cargo Space: While the Wrangler might not have the largest cargo area, it offers enough space for small to medium-sized dogs, especially with the rear seats folded down.
Off-Road Capability: For those who enjoy hiking, camping, or just exploring rough terrain, the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities mean you can bring your dog along for all your adventures.
At Get Drivers Ed, we recommend the Jeep Wrangler for adventurous dog owners who need a vehicle that can handle rough terrain while still providing a safe and enjoyable ride for their pets.
5. Ford Escape
Why It’s Great for Dog Owners
The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a great balance between size, performance, and pet-friendly features. Its spacious interior, user-friendly technology, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for dog owners who need a versatile and reliable vehicle.
Pet-Friendly Features
Spacious Interior: The Escape offers plenty of space for your dog to move around, with a large cargo area that can accommodate a dog crate or bed.
Fold-Flat Rear Seats: The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a large and level area for your dog to relax during longer trips.
Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: The Escape features durable, easy-to-clean surfaces that can handle the occasional spill or pet hair.
Advanced Safety Features: Like many of the other vehicles on this list, the Ford Escape comes equipped with advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, ensuring a safe ride for you and your pet.
Spacious Interior: The Escape offers plenty of space for your dog to move around, with a large cargo area that can accommodate a dog crate or bed.
Fold-Flat Rear Seats: The rear seats fold completely flat, creating a large and level area for your dog to relax during longer trips.
Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: The Escape features durable, easy-to-clean surfaces that can handle the occasional spill or pet hair.
Advanced Safety Features: Like many of the other vehicles on this list, the Ford Escape comes equipped with advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, ensuring a safe ride for you and your pet.
At Get Drivers Ed, we frequently recommend the Ford Escape for pet owners looking for a compact SUV that doesn’t skimp on space or safety, making it a perfect vehicle for dog lovers.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Car for You and Your Dog
When it comes to choosing a car as a dog owner, it's essential to consider the comfort, safety, and convenience features that will make traveling with your pet a pleasant experience. The Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V, Volvo XC60, Jeep Wrangler, and Ford Escape are all excellent choices, offering a range of pet-friendly features that cater to different needs and lifestyles.
At Get Drivers Ed, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about safe and responsible driving, whether it’s choosing the right car or learning how to drive with your pet. Our online driver-ed courses provide valuable insights into safe driving practices, vehicle maintenance, and more. No matter which car you choose, remember that the safety and comfort of your dog are paramount. Drive safely, and enjoy the journey with your furry friend by your side!
