The Best SUVs for Dogs

The Best SUVs for Dogs

Traveling with dogs can be challenging due to cramped backseats, messy interiors, overheating cabins, and the difficulty of lifting older pets into tall vehicles. This guide addresses these issues by showcasing the best SUVs that make travel easier for you and your furry friends.

These vehicles offer spacious cargo areas for large crates and gear, and low step-in heights, making them ideal for senior or mobility-challenged dogs. They meet the practical needs of pet owners. 

Whether you're going to the vet, visiting the beach, or taking a long road trip, these SUVs provide an excellent mix of safety, comfort, and convenience for dog enthusiasts.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

In this article, you will learn:

• Which SUVs work best for dog owners.

• Which SUVs have special features for pets.

• Why SUVs are the best choice for people who travel with dogs.

Overview

SUVs for Dogs Mentioned in This Guide

The following are all the cars mentioned in this article.

Spacious cargo area

• Toyota 4Runner

• Toyota RAV4 

Easy accessibility

• Subaru Outback

• Honda Odyssey 

• Honda CR-V

Dog-friendly and easy to clean

• Jeep Wrangler 

Pet-specific features

• Tesla Model Y 

Why are SUVs the Best Cars for Dog Owners?

SUVs are popular among animal lovers because they offer a perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience. Here’s why many choose these cars:

• Dog-friendly accessories: Liners, seat covers, and dog barriers.

• Easy to clean: Include car materials that resist stains, dirt, and fur.

• Easy to jump in and out: The height makes it easier for big or older dogs.

• Spacious interior: This is great for large crates, food, water, and dog toys for camping trips or vet visits.

• Rear A/C vents: Keep your dog calm and comfy, even in hot weather.

• Secure crate spots: Tie-downs help keep large crates and carriers from sliding.

• Window views: Higher windows allow dogs to look outside, which can help alleviate anxiety or car sickness.

• Wide back opening: The rear door opens wide and low, making entry easier for dogs and their owners.

Spacious Cargo Area

Toyota 4Runner

The redesigned Toyota 4Runner boasts improved driving performance and a more spacious, modern interior. It retains its renowned off-road capabilities and offers easy access to a spacious cargo area. The 4Runner offers an optional third row that is cramped for adults but works well for pets. You can roll down all four windows, lower the back window, and open the sunroof for an open-air feel. It allows people to ride safely and enjoy life and nature on the trail.

Key attributes:

• Comes as a five- or seven-passenger four-door wagon with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive options.

• Offers an estimated fuel economy of 21–22 mpg combined (up to 26 mpg on the highway).

• A passenger volume of 56/44/36 ft³ and a cargo space of up to 90 ft³ behind the front row.

• Built for adventure with strong ground clearance and rugged TRD Off-Road trim options.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $42,220-$58,850

Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 offers plenty of room to stretch out and relax for you and your pup. It makes it easy for dogs to sit, lie down, or move around. In higher trims, such as the XLE Premium, the cabin feels soft and comfortable for both humans and pets. You can fold the rear seats flat, creating a large area that's perfect for beds or bags of dog food. There's enough room for all your gear, whether you're visiting parks, beaches, or even picking up supplies from local animal shelters. The RAV4 helps you and your best friend enjoy every trip with its thoughtful design.

Key attributes:

• Designed as a rugged, all-wheel drive, five-passenger four-door wagon ideal for everyday driving.

• Accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, with a top speed limited to 119 mph.

• Achieves excellent fuel economy with EPA estimates of 28 mpg combined and up to 32 mpg on the highway.

• Provides 70 ft³ of cargo space with rear seats folded and 38 ft³ of room.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $30,645–$40,350

Easy Accessibility

Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback features a low step-in height and boasts ample openings, allowing dogs to easily jump in, making it easy for both human passengers and pets to stretch out. It features a station wagon body, offers good head clearance in the front row, and provides more legroom in the second row. You can fold the rear seats flat to make room for beds or dog gear. Higher trims also include safety features such as heated rear seats. The Subaru Outback is a smart pick for drivers who want to travel with their best friend in comfort and style.

Key attributes:

• Offers two engine choices: a 2.5L flat-4 with 182 hp or a 2.4L turbo flat-4 with 260 hp.

• Uses a CVT automatic transmission for smooth driving.

• Reaches 0–60 mph in 5.8 to 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of up to 120 mph.

• Delivers EPA-estimated fuel economy of 23–28 mpg combined, up to 32 mpg on the highway.

• Offers 33 ft³ of cargo space behind the rear seats, and up to 76 ft³ with seats folded flat.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $35,000–$50,000

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a compact crossover known for its reliability, practicality, and fuel efficiency. In 2025, it received top honors in the Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, reinforcing Honda's status as the most awarded brand in the program’s history with 41 wins. The CR-V offers a spacious cabin, providing ample room for multiple dogs to sit or lie down comfortably, especially in the cargo area. With rear seats that fold flat, you can create an even larger, stable area for your furry friend

Key attributes: 

• Goes from zero to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.

• Offers EPA-rated fuel economy of 29 mpg combined, up to 32 mpg on the highway.

• Delivers 39 ft³ of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 77 ft³ with them folded flat.

• Features include accessibility through wide rear doors and a low floor height.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $31,495–$37,895

Dog-friendly and Easy to Clean

Jeep Wrangler 

The Jeep Wrangler is a fun, dog-friendly car built for adventure. You can choose between two- or four-door models, a hardtop, or a soft top. The cargo area in the four-door model accommodates more gear, which is ideal for dog beds or camping equipment. Although the rear seats don’t fold flat, there’s still space for a cozy setup. You can roll down the rear window, pop off the doors, and let your best friend feel the wind. 

The Wrangler's simple interior space features washable floors and durable materials, making it easy to clean after muddy paws and outdoor play. It’s not the roomiest car, but it gives your dog a ride full of fun and fresh air. It’s an excellent choice for active dog owners who love hiking and outdoor adventures.

Key attributes:

• Reaches zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds; top speed 113 mph.

• Offers 13 cu ft of cargo space and 105 cu ft of passenger space.

• Easy to clean inside, thanks to durable materials and open-air design.

• Outdoor-ready with high ground clearance and all-terrain tires.

• Rated 20 mpg combined (EPA), with 22 mpg highway and a 400-mile range.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $34,090–$101,990

Pet-specific Features

Tesla Model Y 

The Tesla Model Y gives dog owners a smooth and quiet ride. Its wide rear seats create extra area when folded, so your pup can stretch out or sit in a large crate. The flat floor and expansive windows make the cabin feel bright and open, helping your pets stay relaxed. A driving-assist system comes standard, and Tesla's optional Full Self-Driving tech can help on long trips. These features reduce stress during highway drives and can be helpful on long rides with pets.

Tesla's Dog Mode is a climate-control feature designed to keep pets safe and comfortable while left briefly unattended. Unlike traditional cars, Tesla’s electric system allows the air conditioning or heater to run without the engine being on.

Key attributes:

• Offers up to 320 miles of range per charge on standard 19-inch wheels.

• Dual-motor powertrain provides quick acceleration and strong traction.

• Updated for 2025 with new front lighting, better sound insulation, ventilated seats, and a back seat display.

• Comes standard with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price: $50,630–$61,630

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Car for a Dog Owner

Selecting the best car for your dogs is a matter of careful research and planning. There are many other options available in the market. Beyond fresh styling, you need to account for your dog's needs to protect and make them feel comfortable.

Use this guide of the top cars of 2025 to find the best vehicle for your pups. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best car for a dog owner?

The Subaru Outback is one of the best cars for dog owners, thanks to its low step-in height, spacious cargo area, and easy-to-clean interior.

What is the best SUV for a big dog?

The Honda CR-V is a top choice for large dogs due to its wide rear doors, fold-flat rear seats, and spacious cargo area.

What SUV has dog mode?

The Tesla Model Y features a built-in Dog Mode, which maintains a comfortable cabin climate and displays a message to inform others that your pet is safe inside.

What is the safest way for a dog to travel in the car?

The safest way for a dog to travel in a car is in a crash-tested crate secured in the cargo area or with a safety-certified harness attached to the seatbelt, keeping your pup protected and minimizing distractions for the driver.