Best cars for dogs
If your dog loves going on adventures, you’ll need a vehicle that makes transporting them a walk in the park! The best cars for dogs are spacious, with plenty of room in the boot to stretch out or fit their crate.
While a big boot is essential, easy-to-clean surfaces are just as crucial for dealing with all that fur and mud after a trip to the park. Fuel efficiency is another factor, especially if you plan long drives to dog-friendly beaches or countryside trails. Of course, comfort for both you and your dog is crucial.
Plus, if you’re looking to sell your car for something that can cater to your and your dog’s needs, come to Motorway! You’re bound to get a price from our extensive network of trusted dealers that’ll put a smile on your face.
Top 10 cars for dog owners
Skoda Superb Estate
The one with the big boot
Price
RRP £36,175 – £48,540
Pros
👍 Extremely practical
👍 Great for motorway cruising
👍 Solidly built interior
Cons
👎 Suspension is firm at lower speeds
👎 Digital display is confusing, to say the least
Summary
The Superb Estate by Skoda is a fantastic choice for dog owners thanks to its spacious 660-litre boot, especially perfect for big dogs and all their bits. The flat load area and low lip make it easy for your four-legged friend to jump in and out, while its easy-to-clean materials help with those muddy paw prints.
This estate car also has excellent fuel efficiency, so you can enjoy long drives to the park without worrying about frequent stops. While it’s on the larger side, making parking a bit trickier, the overall practicality and comfort make the Superb Estate a top pick for dog lovers!
Land Rover Discovery
The off-road legend
Price
RRP £60,625 – £78,020
Pros
👍 Beautifully comfortable
👍 Plenty of room for seven people
👍 Awesome off-road
Cons
👎 Some other options are better on-road
👎 On the expensive side
Summary
The Land Rover Discovery is a top pick for dog owners who love adventure. Its massive boot space and flat load area make it perfect for larger dogs or multiple pets.
The Discovery’s legendary off-road capabilities make it ideal for trips to remote trails or dog-friendly beaches. While it’s a bit expensive, its luxurious interior and practicality, with seven seats, more than make up for it. The elevated ride height gives your dog a comfortable view, and the rear air suspension ensures a smooth journey. It’s a fantastic vehicle for those who want comfort and the ability to explore with their dogs!
Mercedes E Class Estate
When looking for luxury
Price
RRP £57,780 – £88,945
Pros
👍 Oozes comfort
👍 Huge boot
👍 Great engine selection
Cons
👎 Tech’s a bit disappointing
👎 Big price tag
Summary
The Mercedes E-Class Estate is undoubtedly a dog-friendly car and a brilliant choice for pet owners who want both luxury and practicality. The plug-in hybrid’s spacious boot and flat load area make it easy for dogs of all sizes to jump in and out.
The smooth, quiet ride ensures a comfortable journey, and the easy-to-clean interior helps when your dog’s fur or mud makes its way inside. As estate cars go, they’re on the pricier side, but the combination of comfort, space, and style makes them a fantastic option for those who want to travel in comfort with their four-legged friends.
A true winner for dog lovers.
Dacia Jogger
The budget choice
Price
RRP £18,295 – £23,995
Pros
👍 Oodles of interior space
👍 Easy to drive, nice to park
👍 Very comfortable
Cons
👎 Quality of the material is disappointing
👎 Floor isn’t flat, with the seats removed
Summary
The Dacia Jogger is one of the best cars for dogs, offering a spacious and practical solution at an affordable price. With its seven-seat configuration, you can easily fold down the rear seats to create a large area for your furry friend to relax.
The flat boot floor and low-loading lip make it simple for your pup to jump in and out. While it doesn’t offer the luxury features of some pricier options, the Jogger’s easy-to-clean interior and roomy boot make it perfect for doggie owners who want practicality without breaking the bank.
A solid, budget-friendly choice.
Ford Tourneo Connect
Perfect for bigger dogs
Price
RRP £33,820 – £38,840
Pros
👍 More than enough space
👍 Scores high on comfort
👍 Sturdy and strong
Cons
👎 Boring to drive
👎 Unexciting to look out
Summary
The Ford Tourneo Connect stands out in the top dog-friendly car category. It offers plenty of room for your furry friend to stretch out. Its spacious interior, large boot, and flat load area make it perfect for larger canines or multiple dogs.
The wide sliding doors make it easy for your dog, especially an older dog, to hop in and out, while the practical, easy-to-clean interior handles all the fur and mud. While it’s not the most stylish option, its practicality, especially with the option for a high roof, makes it a fantastic choice for dog owners who need a reliable and spacious vehicle.
A top pick for adventure-loving pups.
Honda Jazz
For giving your dog some comfort
Price
RRP £26,885 – £29,285
Pros
👍 Nice and comfortable
👍 Hybrid drive is efficient
👍 Plenty of cabin space
Cons
👎 Interior design isn’t engaging
👎 Bit pricy compared to its rivals
Summary
The Jazz is an excellent option for most dog owners seeking a compact yet dog-friendly vehicle. Its versatile Magic Seats allow for a spacious and flat load area, perfect for canine companions who need room to relax.
The interior is easy to clean and ideal for dealing with muddy paws or shedding fur. While it may not have the ample boot space of bigger vehicles, it offers excellent fuel efficiency and a smooth ride for you and your dog.
Small yet practical, it’s an affordable, space-efficient choice for fans of dogs on the go.
Land Rover Defender 110
The adventurous, dog-loving option
Price
RRP £60,470 – £117,260
Pros
👍 Practical, seven seats
👍 Excellent engine
👍 Handles off-road and on-road with ease
Cons
👎 Costs a lot to run
👎 Not the most reliable at times
Summary
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a rugged and spacious option for dog owners who love adventure. With its third-row seating, it offers ample interior space for both humans and canine companions. The flat boot area and available dog guards make it easy to transport your pets safely while keeping the car clean.
Its off-road capabilities make it perfect for those who like taking their dogs outdoors. While it’s a larger vehicle and can be more expensive to run, its practicality, durability, and space make the Defender 110 a fantastic choice for canine lovers seeking adventure.
Vauxhall Combo Life
The practical choice
Price
RRP £21,405 – £26,085
Pros
👍 Big on interior space
👍 Design is practical
👍 Nice fuel efficiency
Cons
👎 Handling isn’t agile
👎 Limited features
Summary
The Combo Life is the right car for dog owners who need space and practicality. With up to 850 litres of boot space, it’s perfect for most dogs, whether you’ve got a small pup or a larger breed that needs room to stretch out.
The sliding rear doors and flat load area make it easy for dogs to jump in and out, while the spacious interior offers plenty of room for humans and their canines. While it may lack some of the premium features of other models and can be less agile, its overall practicality makes it one of the best dog cars.
Nissan X Trail
The big on options choice
Price
RRP £32,925 – £44,480
Pros
👍 Quiet engine at low and high speed
👍 Lots of quality features
👍 Oceans of space
Cons
👎 Less boot space than some competitors
👎 Cramped rear seats
Summary
The X-Trail is a fantastic choice for dog owners, offering plenty of space for your furry friends. Its wide rear door makes it easy for large dogs to jump in and out without hassle, while the roomy boot gives them ample space to relax during long journeys.
With the seats down, there’s up to 1,000 litres, so there is plenty of room for pets and gear. Though it’s not the most compact SUV, and the rear seats are a bit tight, its off-road capability and comfort make it ideal for adventurous trips with your four-legged companions.
A solid, practical vehicle for dog-loving families.
Skoda Octavia Estate
The ‘cheap-to-run’ option
Price
RRP £27,570 – £37,800
Pros
👍 Great boot
👍 Inexpensive to buy and run
👍 Solid interior build
Cons
👎 Not that smooth at low speeds
👎 Interior won’t excite you
Summary
The Octavia Estate is an excellent choice for dog owners seeking a spacious and practical vehicle. With plenty of boot space and easy access, it’s perfect for you and your furry friend.
The flat boot area comfortably fits pets, and with a boot liner, cleaning up after muddy paws is a breeze. While it may not have the high-tech features of pricier cars, its practicality, low running costs, and reliability make it the right car for those who need a versatile vehicle for their four-legged friends.
A solid, budget-friendly option for dogs and other pets.
FAQs
What cars are not ideal for dogs?
Cars with limited boot space or low interiors aren’t great for dogs, especially older dogs who need more space to move comfortably. Sports and compact cars may lack the room and comfort your canine companion needs for longer trips. Opt for more space and a flat load area instead!
What can I do to make my car dog-friendly?
To make your car dog-friendly, add a dog guard to keep your pet safe. Invest in pet accessories like seat covers, boot liners, and harnesses to protect your interior from fur and mud. Don’t forget to keep your dog comfy with a travel bed or blanket.
Time to sell your car?
Keen to learn more? Then check out our other ‘Best of’ guides and car-related articles here. And if you want to sell your car for something more dog-safe, Motorway is here for you!
Get a free, instant valuation, and with 7,500 certified dealers ready to bid for your car, you’re sure to get their best price. 84% of our customers make more money selling their vehicle with us.