Best Dog Friendly Cars – According to research from Skoda, there are around 9.6 million dog owners in the UK and seven million of them travel with their dog in the car at least once a week. It’s natural that people need help finding the best car for dog owners.
Before we get to car tips, we have a warning for all dog owners. According to the National Highways Act, dogs must be properly restrained so as not to distract the driver and avoid injuries in the event of a sudden stop. Failure to secure your dog can result in a fine of up to £5,000, so you may want to consider getting a car seat.
Best Dog Friendly Cars
Interestingly, only 51% of respondents said they always properly secure their dog while driving, 14% only do so occasionally, and 9% admitted they have never properly secured their dog in a car. Below, we’ve rounded up our selection of the best cars of 2024 for dogs and their owners, showcasing the best vehicles currently on sale in a range of sizes and prices to suit every need and budget.
Dog Car Safety
Dog-friendly racks are often found in station wagons. These family workhorses have the advantage of being lower than SUVs, making it easier for our canine friends to get in and out. Smaller breeds in particular may have trouble jumping from the ground to a tall boot. Any openings in the luggage compartment that are 60-70 cm above the ground must provide access for the dog.
Station wagons generally have a squarer, more upright rear end, which makes for a bulkier boot. We think dogs can easily sit comfortably in most station wagons. For this reason, we often recommend that the best car for large dogs is a station wagon. You can usually install a partition so you can transport your pet and your belongings without risking eating your groceries on the way back from the supermarket. .
The Skoda Superb has long been an excellent choice for people with dogs, and the latest version of the company’s flagship is even better than ever. The boot, which is getting bigger, now measures 690 liters with the rear seats up, making it the biggest boot of any station wagon on sale. Equipped with a pull lip it is perfect for easy access for dogs and the boot is large enough to accommodate several large dogs. A number of useful storage items in the boot are also ideal for pet owners, and the Superb’s ride comfort is another big plus. The new Superb is still available in a plug-in hybrid version, although the trunk of this version is not as spacious. To find out more, read our full Skoda Superb Estate review
Provided your dog is not the size of a small pony, the Series 3 Touring will be an excellent choice. For one thing, it’s not the size of an aircraft carrier, and for a few seconds it’s one of the most agile station wagons around. For those in a real hurry, there’s even the ridiculously powerful M3 Touring. Clever features such as load rails and an opening tailgate window enhance everyday functionality, and up front there’s a standard 3 Series that means a high-quality, easy-to-use interior with enough space for four adults and a range of more sensible engine options petrol, diesel and hybrid. To find out more, read our full BMW 3 Series Touring review
Best Cars For Dogs 2023
For years, the Volkswagen Golf Estate was the compact station wagon par excellence. Unfortunately for VW, its sister brands have caught up and overtaken the Golf. The Leon Estate is a good example, offering similar space, but at a lower price and with the same number of engines to choose from. Those looking for something completely affordable will be best served by the regular SEAT Leon Estate, while those who want something fast (or fast-looking) should look to the Cupra Leon Estate. Both are generally available on exceptional financial terms. To find out more, read our full Seat Leona Estate review
The best cars for large dogs are often SUVs (short for sports utility vehicles). They are raised 4×4-style cars with inflated proportions both inside and out, making them a popular choice for families looking for extra space.
Note that the raised driving position, which provides a favorable view, also means that the cargo area of an SUV is usually higher above the ground (in these types of cars, the trunk can be 80 cm above the ground). Can your dog jump without help? Or do you have to constantly move your pride and joy inwards and outwards? This can get dirty after winter walks in Mudfordshire…
Available with five or seven seats, the Kodiaq’s gigantic boot dwarfs even the Superb Estate. As an SUV, the trunk is higher, which will not suit some older dogs, although solutions such as dog ramps are available. The new Kodiaq is fast approaching, so Skoda should offer good sales offers in its warehouse. Petrol and diesel engines of varying power are available, and it’s even possible to have four-wheel drive – which isn’t always a guarantee when it comes to SUVs. A warmed-up version of the vRS using the Volkswagen Golf GTI engine might sound interesting, but it’s not very comfortable or fast. To find out more, read our full Skoda Kodiaq review
Pet-friendly Car Rental
If the premium brand is important, the GLB offers enormous space and practical functionality in a luxurious yet compact SUV. It is close to the Kodiaq in terms of luggage space and matches it in terms of seating capacity, although it is much smaller on the outside. Petrol, diesel and electric versions are available, as well as the all-electric Mercedes EQB. You can also have front or four-wheel drive, but don’t expect to go that far off the beaten track. An updated version of the GLB has been announced, so expect discounts on the outgoing model. To find out more, read our full Mercedes GLB review
Essentially an extended Dacia Sandero with more seats, the Jogger is an excellent choice on a budget. Even with the third row still in the car, the boot holds almost 600 liters and the boot lip is also lower than in most other SUVs. Although it is more of a minivan than an SUV, its tight styling will appeal to lovers of a more austere style. Don’t expect a luxury car, but it’s not bad to drive and has most of the amenities you really need. Since it’s based on a regular limousine, four-wheel drive is out of the question (you’ll need a Dacia Duster for that), as is a diesel engine. Instead, there’s a 1.0-litre turbocharger with manual override, which fits quite well, but feels a bit underpowered at full throttle. Alternatively, there is an automatic hybrid that is slightly more powerful and efficient. To find out more, read our full Dacia Jogger review
Your typical sedan can usually carry most dogs in reasonable comfort, but the cargo space is inevitably smaller than in an SUV or similar station wagon. More compact dog breeds should be fine here, but larger dogs can be a bit claustrophobic. Before making a decision, be sure to measure yourself.
Hatchbacks have the advantage of being cheaper and more common, so they can be a smart buy, especially if you don’t need acres of space. The best dog options on our shortlist are:
10 Best Cars For Dog Owners
Since the late 1990s, the Skoda Octavia has been one of the most practical hatchbacks on the market, and this version is no exception. The huge 600-litre boot is bigger than some station wagons, and the rear seat space isn’t bad either. Petrol, diesel and hybrid engines are available, and some versions can even be equipped with four-wheel drive. It’s not the sportiest to drive, including the Octavia vRS, but it’s comfortable, especially if you stick to small wheels. To find out more, read our full Skoda Octavia review
Even considering the Vauxhall Corsa starts at almost £20,000, maybe even more, reading this you’d think it would be impossible to find an affordable yet dog-friendly hatchback. Fortunately, Dacia once again offers a back-to-basics solution that not only costs thousands of dollars less, but is also bigger than you might expect. The Sandero is based on the Renault Clio and offers surprising interior space, especially with the rear seats folded down. There may be some scuff marks on the unprotected painted boot lip, especially since they are not the smallest, but it is still better than most small super minis. To find out more, read our full Dacia Sandero review
Where the Civic was once an entire family of cars, including three- and five-door sedans, wagons and coupes, it is now just a five-door sedan. But over the years it has grown and is now something that will happily accommodate a dog or two along with the passengers. A rolling shelf is a nicer alternative to removable shelves, and a plastic boot mat should make cleaning easier. A high-quality, user-friendly front interior, fuel-efficient but powerful hybrid system and precise handling make this the car for you and your followers.
