Choosing the right car is a significant decision, and when you have a four-legged family member, the choice involves more than just your own comfort and needs. The best vehicles for dog owners simplify the process of traveling with a pet, whether it's a short trip to the veterinarian or a cross-country road trip. Key features to consider include a spacious and easily accessible cargo area for crates or comfortable resting, durable interior materials that can withstand claws and shed fur, and a smooth ride to keep anxious pets at ease.
This guide highlights a range of vehicles that excel in these areas, from versatile SUVs and rugged wagons to practical minivans and even a budget-friendly sedan. We'll explore models that offer generous cargo dimensions, like the Honda CR-V and Kia Carnival, and others built for adventure, such as the Subaru Outback and Jeep Wrangler, which feature easy-to-clean interiors. By focusing on the practical aspects of pet ownership, this list aims to help you find a car that comfortably and safely accommodates every member of your family, including the furry ones.
The Best Cars for Dogs in 2026
- Tesla Model Y
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Santa Cruz
- Jeep Wrangler
- Kia Carnival
- Subaru Outback
- Honda Odyssey
- Land Rover Defender
- Nissan Versa
- Toyota Corolla Cross
FAQs What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different Shopping Tools Related Topics
1. Tesla Model Y
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.6 out of 5
The Telsa Model Y is another compact crossover that makes our list due in part to many of the attributes we’ve already discussed. These include a spacious area for dogs, standard leatherette seats that are relatively easy to clean, and rear vents designed to keep occupants comfortable.
We’d suggest avoiding the available white upholstery for obvious reasons, but you’ll certainly want to check out the Model Y’s Dog Mode. This technology uses the vehicle’s climate control system to maintain a preset interior temperature even after the driver has turned off and exited the vehicle, an important safety feature if you expect that your dog will sometimes have to wait in the car. A message on the infotainment screen alerts passersby that the owner will be back soon and shows the temperature setting. Users can monitor the system with an app, which also alerts them if there’s a malfunction that requires a quick return to the vehicle.
Read our Tesla Model Y buying guide
2. Honda CR-V
CarGurus expert rating: 7.8 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable | Irritating transmission |
| Plenty of cargo space | Uninspired styling |
| Great ride and handling | Lacks technological innovation |
For dog owners who want an easy-to-live-with compact SUV, the redesigned Honda CR-V nails the basics that matter day to day: a calm, comfortable cabin, excellent visibility, and genuinely useful space. In EX-L form, the cargo area measures 39.3 cubic feet with the rear load floor in its lowest position, and it expands to 76.5 cubic feet with the back seat folded—handy for fitting a crate, a dog bed, or just letting a bigger pup stretch out on longer trips. The rear seat is especially roomy for the class, and the low, carlike seating position up front helps the CR-V feel secure and predictable, which can be a plus for dogs that get uneasy in taller, tippier-feeling SUVs.
On the road, the turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque, and the CR-V’s well-sorted suspension and brakes keep it composed over broken pavement—exactly the kind of ride comfort that helps reduce dog jitters on daily errands or road-trip miles. The main drawback is the CVT: it can drone loudly under hard acceleration, which some dogs may find stressful, even though it helps deliver strong efficiency (the EPA estimate cited for the test vehicle was 29 mpg combined). Honda Sensing driver-assist tech is standard, bringing features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert—useful backup when you’ve got a canine copilot competing for your attention.
The CarGurus Verdict: "A redesigned 2023 Honda CR-V is on sale, improving on the successful formula the automaker has used for more than 25 years. The 2023 CR-V remains one of the roomiest compact crossover SUVs in its class, and it get an overdue infusion of new infotainment systems and safety features that bring it up to par with its many rivals. In addition, with the 2023 CR-V, Honda places greater emphasis on electrification with a next-generation hybrid powertrain that comes standard in half the lineup. However, in this review, we’ll focus on the 2023 Honda CR-V EX and EX-L trims with the standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine instead of the Honda CR-V Hybrid models." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Honda CR-V review
3. Hyundai Santa Cruz
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 30.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | On-pavement handling with all-terrain tires |
| Impressive technology | Cramped back seat |
| Great warranty | Not much cargo space |
For dog owners, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a smart pick if your lifestyle mixes everyday driving with weekend gear runs. It rides and feels more like a compact SUV than a traditional pickup, which can make it an easier, more comfortable place for a dog to settle in on longer trips, and its compact size also helps when you’re maneuvering into tight parking spaces at trailheads or the vet’s office. Just keep in mind the back seat is snug for taller adults, which can also limit how much room a large dog has to stretch out behind the front seats.
The Santa Cruz earns its keep with practical storage for pet life: a 4-foot bed for bulky crates or muddy adventure gear, plus a locking in-floor trunk that’s great for keeping leashes, towels, and treats secure (and out of the cabin). Available features like a surround-view camera system (on XRT and up) can help when backing up with an excited dog onboard, and the standard SmartSense driver-assistance tech adds peace of mind on busy roads. If you want stronger passing power when loaded up with people and pet gear, the turbocharged 2.5-liter available on XRT and Limited makes 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, though it gives up some fuel economy compared to the base engine.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Verdict: We realize the Santa Cruz’s styling isn’t broadly appealing, so if this Hyundai trucklet’s appearance is just too hard to accept, its direct rival, the Ford Maverick, might be more to your liking. If you like the 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz, consider getting a turbocharged version. It’s not as fuel-efficient, but it’s a ton more fun to drive." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Hyundai Santa Cruz review
4. Jeep Wrangler
CarGurus expert rating: 5.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.0%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun to drive | Noisy |
| Impressive off-roading capability | Poor ride quality |
| Removable top and doors | Poor value for money |
For dog owners, the Wrangler’s appeal is simple: it’s built to get dirty. With removable doors and roof panels, it’s easy to air out a wet-dog smell, shake out sand, and keep the cabin feeling more like an adventure rig than a precious living room on wheels. Jeep even includes drain holes in the floor so you can hose it out after a muddy hike. Just keep in mind that day-to-day livability can be a challenge—entry is tall with narrow openings, and the ride is rough and jiggly, which can be tiring for pups on long highway drives.
Space is a mixed bag, but it can work well for a dog-friendly setup. The cargo area is a square 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the back seat folded, which is handy for a crate or a big bed—though access can be awkward because the tailgate swings out with the spare tire mounted to it. Up front, tech is a strong point thanks to the bright 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, useful for finding pet-friendly stops and trailheads. Safety equipment has improved with standard side curtain airbags, but many driver-assist features are optional, and the Wrangler’s three-star NHTSA rollover resistance rating is worth noting if you’re regularly traveling with four-legged passengers aboard.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Rough, raw, and unrefined, the 2025 Wrangler is made for adventure and getting dirty. The top comes off. The doors come off. There are drain holes in the floor so that you can hose it out. This Jeep can be unpleasant to drive daily, yet we love it just the same." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Jeep Wrangler review
5. Kia Carnival
CarGurus expert rating: 8.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 33.4%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Mixed safety ratings |
| Powerful engine | No hybrid or all-wheel drive options |
| Excellent value for money | Kia doesn’t make folding the seats easy |
For dog owners, the 2024 Kia Carnival makes a strong case as a family-and-pet people mover, thanks to its minivan-friendly layout and a big, usable cargo area. With all three rows in place, it provides 40.2 cubic feet of cargo space—handy for crates, a folded ramp, and the inevitable blankets and cleanup gear—while Kia claims 145.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded for larger dogs or multi-pet road trips. Sliding doors and a low step-in height are also practical perks when you’re guiding a leashed dog in and out of the cabin, and the Carnival’s chunky, easy-to-find controls are a welcome touch when you’re driving with distractions.
On the road, a 3.5-liter V6 (290 hp, 262 lb-ft of torque) and a smooth eight-speed automatic make the Carnival refined and relaxed for longer drives to parks, daycare, or the vet, with low interior noise helping keep anxious pups calmer. Tech features like available cabin camera and the built-in intercom can help you keep tabs on the back rows, while standard driver-assistance basics (including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert) add everyday confidence. The tradeoffs for dog families to weigh include the lack of AWD for muddy trailhead lots and the Carnival’s mixed IIHS results (with some updated tests scoring lower), though it does offset ownership stress with standout warranty coverage.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Carnival offers a great driving experience and excellent warranty, but these upsides are tainted by a lack of all-wheel drive and mixed safety ratings." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Kia Carnival review
6. Subaru Outback
CarGurus expert rating: 7.2 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong off-road capabilities | Higher trim levels have diminishing returns |
| Comfortable | |
| Plenty of cargo space |
For dog owners, the redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback makes a strong case as a practical, easy-living adventure vehicle that’s still comfortable on everyday drives. The cargo area is genuinely useful for crates and gear, with 34.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 80.5 cubic feet with the seatbacks folded, plus a standard power liftgate and relatively low liftover height that make loading easier when you’ve got a leash in one hand. Subaru also adds thoughtful cargo-management solutions, including a multifunction cargo cover that can be reconfigured to help contain items (and can function like a pet gate), along with available partitions and accessory storage systems aimed at active lifestyles.
On the road, the Outback’s composed ride and supportive seats are a win for keeping dogs calmer over long distances, while standard AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance help you reach trailheads without feeling like you’re driving a truck. The base 2.5-liter boxer-four makes 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, and XT models upgrade to a turbo 2.4-liter with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque; either way, the Outback is tuned more for smooth, confident progress than hard-edged sportiness. Safety tech is a big part of the family-and-pet appeal, too: every Outback comes with EyeSight features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and a driver condition monitor, helping reduce fatigue and stress when you’re traveling with a four-legged copilot.
The CarGurus Verdict: "In terms of price, performance, and practicality, we found no notable flaws with the redesigned Outback, making it a top choice for adventure-bound shoppers." - Mark Takahashi
Read our most recent Subaru Outback review
7. Honda Odyssey
CarGurus expert rating: 6.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.2%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enjoyable to drive | Hybrid powertrain unavailable |
| Comfortable seats | Outdated technology |
| Plenty of cargo space | Poor value for money |
For dog owners, the Odyssey’s biggest win is simple: space and flexibility. It seats up to eight and offers up to 140.7 cubic feet of cargo room, which makes it easier to dedicate a secure area for a crate while still keeping room for people, bags, and the inevitable pile of leashes, blankets, and cleanup supplies. The Magic Slide second-row seats are useful when you’re balancing passengers and pets, letting you create a pass-through to the third row or shift seating to help keep a dog away from a child seat—but to open up the biggest cargo area, you do have to remove those second-row seats and store them, and they’re described as heavy and awkward.
On the road, the Odyssey’s 280 hp 3.5-liter V6 (262 lb-ft of torque) and natural driving feel can make trips to the park or long highway slogs less tiring, and there’s no shortage of family-focused touches like Cabin Watch and Cabin Talk for keeping tabs on the back rows. Tech updates for 2025 add wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and more USB-C ports, though the infotainment and the new Fire TV-based rear entertainment system can be frustrating in real use. Every Odyssey includes Honda Sensing driver assists, but shoppers who regularly head to snowy trailheads with a dog should note there’s no AWD option, and the model also takes a hit in a newer IIHS crash-test evaluation where it earns a “Poor” rating.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Verdict: The 2025 Odyssey doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain or an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. The updated tech merely meets minimum standards and expectations. And in a new crash-test evaluation, Honda’s minivan earns a rare low rating. Certainly, the Odyssey remains comfortable, exceptionally practical, and enjoyable to drive. But it needs a redesign, and soon." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Honda Odyssey review
8. Land Rover Defender
CarGurus expert rating: 7.5 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 32.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multiple body styles | Poor fuel economy |
| Multiple powertrain options | Poor handling (on pavement) |
| Fun to drive | Poor visibility (to the rear) |
For dog owners who treat weekends like mini-expeditions, the 2025 Land Rover Defender is built for getting “there,” wherever that is, with standard off-road hardware and available Terrain Response 2 drive modes for everything from sand to rock crawl. The Defender 130 is especially appealing if you’re bringing extra humans along with your pup, thanks to its genuinely adult-friendly third row and airy feel from the big windows and available panoramic glass. Just know that the tall ride height can make entry tougher for smaller dogs (or owners lifting a crate), and the side-hinged rear cargo door is heavy and can be awkward in tight parking spots.
Day-to-day, the Defender can be a comfortable dog hauler, with a cushy ride from the available adaptive air suspension and helpful camera tech to offset the not-great rear visibility—nice when you’re backing out with a distracted copilot in the back. Cargo space in the 130 measures 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row for smaller pet loads, 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet max with all rear seats down, which is the sweet spot for big crates and bulky gear. Power is strong with the available turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six mild hybrid (395 hp, 406 lb-ft of torque), but fuel economy can be a real downside, and you’ll want to factor that into the budget alongside the Defender’s premium pricing.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There is a Land Rover Defender for almost anyone, and any of them can take you farther into the wilderness than you expect. They’re rugged but refined, comfortable yet capable, and plenty of fun to drive. But the Defender comes at a cost, both on the window sticker and at the pump." - Christian Wardlaw
Read our most recent Land Rover Defender review
9. Nissan Versa
CarGurus expert rating: 7.3 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 36.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish design | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Fuel-efficient | Outdated technology |
| Excellent value for money |
For dog owners who want a straightforward, affordable new car, the Nissan Versa makes a strong case that “entry-level” doesn’t have to mean “bad.” The cabin feels grown-up for the money, and the ride is impressively comfortable and quiet for an economy sedan—helpful when you’re hauling a nervous pup across town or heading out early for a vet appointment. Every Versa uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque; it won’t feel quick, but it’s sufficiently responsive in traffic, and the available CVT is rated up to 35 mpg combined, which can keep recurring costs down for frequent park runs.
Practicality is where dog parents will want to think through their routine. The Versa is sedan-only, and while its trunk is sizable for the class (15 cubic feet in SV and SR trims), lifting a larger dog into a trunk isn’t ideal; it’s better suited to crates, food bins, folding ramps, and seat covers while your dog rides in the back seat. If you sometimes need longer cargo, look for trims or packages that add the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Safety tech is also a bright spot for the price, with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning standard, and available features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control that can reduce stress when you’re driving with canine distractions onboard.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s getting hard to find a basic subcompact sedan, but Nissan is keeping the faith. But, as is always the case in this market segment, shoppers must also consider whether to buy a new car like the Versa or a potentially better equipped used car for similar money." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Nissan Versa review
10. Toyota Corolla Cross
CarGurus expert rating: 6.7 out of 10
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of Good and Great Deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy-to-use technology | Fairly pedestrian performance |
| Standard advanced safety features | Uncomfortable seats |
For dog owners who want a small SUV that’s easy to live with every day, the Toyota Corolla Cross blends familiar Corolla simplicity with a taller, more practical shape. The upright ride height makes it easier for many dogs to hop in and out compared with a low car, and the cabin brings helpful family-friendly details like standard rear-seat air vents (handy for keeping airflow moving to the back on warm days). Behind the rear seats, Toyota quotes 26.5 cubic feet of cargo space with front-wheel drive (25.2 cubic feet with AWD), which is a useful footprint for a crate, pet hammock, or a couple of duffel bags plus a dog bed.
On longer drives, the Corolla Cross’s quiet interior and solid ride are pluses for anxious pups, even if the 2.0-liter four-cylinder (169 hp, 150 lb-ft of torque) and CVT can drone when you lean on the throttle. It also brings a strong baseline of driver-assistance tech via Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assistance; stepping up to the LE adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Tech is straightforward rather than flashy, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a simple interface, and its competitive pricing makes it a realistic move for shoppers upgrading from a compact car to something better suited to hauling dog gear.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Corolla Cross doesn’t excel in any specific area, but it provides decent utility and is competitively priced. A more spacious interior and available AWD will also likely appeal to new-car buyers looking to trade up from a Corolla hatchback but wanting to stay with Toyota." - Stephen Edelstein
Read our most recent Toyota Corolla Cross review
The Best Cars for Dogs in 2026 FAQs
What features make a car good for dogs?
Look for vehicles with a low and wide cargo opening to make it easy for dogs to get in and out. A spacious cargo area or back seat is crucial for fitting a crate or allowing your dog to lie down comfortably. Durable, easy-to-clean materials like rubberized floor mats and leather or leatherette seats can save a lot of cleanup time. Finally, a smooth, quiet ride can help reduce anxiety for nervous travelers.
What is the best type of car for large dogs?
For large breeds, minivans and large SUVs are often the best choice due to their expansive interior space. The Kia Carnival and Honda Odyssey offer cavernous cargo areas, especially with the rear seats folded or removed. SUVs like the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V also provide ample room for a large crate or for a big dog to stretch out.
Which car is best for adventurous, outdoorsy dogs?
If your adventures often involve mud, sand, and water, the Jeep Wrangler is a top contender. Its removable roof and doors, combined with a washable interior with drain plugs, make it uniquely suited for messy trips. The Subaru Outback is another excellent choice, with standard all-wheel drive and plenty of ground clearance to reach remote trailheads, plus a rugged and spacious cargo area.
Are there any good, affordable cars for dog owners?
Absolutely. You don't need to buy a huge, expensive vehicle to accommodate a pet. The Toyota Corolla Cross offers the practicality of an SUV in a compact, affordable package. For those on a tighter budget, a sedan like the Nissan Versa provides a comfortable ride and a surprisingly spacious back seat for a small-to-medium-sized dog, proving that pet-friendliness can come at a low price point.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car-shopping websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes ours different: In addition to the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts, our best cars guides take into account other factors that we know matter to buyers-real owner experiences and current market value.
Our expert reviewers are among this country's most trusted automotive journalists, also writing for publications including US News and World Report, Edmunds, Digital Trends, J.D. Power, and Car & Driver. They put each car through real-world testing and create detailed reviews of performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners to cost-effectiveness and safety.
We also analyze hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus.com to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in reviews from owners-people who actually live with these cars every day. Our proprietary Best Cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating combining expert scores, user reviews, and the percentage of listings that have earned the Good or Great Deal rating. This multi-pronged approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus market data used in this guide was last updated in March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
