Selecting the right vehicle is essential for dog owners, especially for those with larger breeds. An ideal SUV should offer ample space, durability, and safety features tailored to accommodate large dogs comfortably during travel. With various models available in the market, finding the best fit can be a daunting task, but understanding their features can simplify the decision-making process.
This article explores the 11 best SUVs specifically designed for large dogs, focusing on what makes each vehicle a suitable choice for both the canine and the owner. By considering factors such as cargo capacity, cabin space, and pet-friendly accessories, owners can ensure that their furry friends enjoy a safe and pleasant ride.
1) Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a popular choice for dog owners seeking a spacious and comfortable vehicle. Its recent redesign in 2023 has enhanced its appeal further.
This compact SUV offers ample cargo space, making it easy to accommodate large dogs and their gear. The low cargo floor allows for easy entry and exit, which is particularly beneficial for older or larger breeds.
The interior is designed with practicality in mind. Durable materials are used throughout, ensuring resistance to pet hair and spills.
Safety is also a key feature of the CR-V. It comes equipped with advanced safety technologies, giving pet owners peace of mind during travels.
The vehicle’s smooth ride and good handling contribute to a comfortable experience for both passengers and pets. These attributes make the CR-V an excellent option for those with larger dogs.
2) Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular choice for dog owners due to its spacious interior and cargo capacity. With a starting price around $30,025, it remains accessible for many buyers.
Max cargo volume is impressive, offering up to 70 cubic feet when seats are folded down. This space is crucial for larger breeds and their gear.
The rear liftgate is designed for easy access, allowing dogs to enter and exit without hassle. This feature is particularly beneficial after outdoor adventures.
Another advantage is the RAV4’s strong safety ratings, providing peace of mind for pet owners. It includes advanced safety features that protect both passengers and pets.
The RAV4’s reliability and fuel efficiency further enhance its appeal. Owners appreciate the combination of functionality and comfort.
Overall, the Toyota RAV4 is a solid option for anyone seeking a dog-friendly SUV. It balances practicality with a quality driving experience, making it suitable for everyday use.
3) Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a popular choice for dog owners, particularly those with larger breeds. Its spacious interior and flat cargo area make it easy to transport pets.
This SUV features all-wheel drive, providing stability and control on various terrains. It is well-suited for outdoor activities, accommodating dogs that enjoy adventures.
The Outback offers ample rear cargo space, allowing for crates or other pet essentials. Its durable interior materials are designed to withstand wear and tear from pets.
Safety is a priority with the Outback, as it has received high crash-test ratings. This reliability gives dog owners peace of mind when traveling.
The Subaru Outback’s combination of space, safety, and rugged capability makes it an excellent option for families with large dogs.
4) Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is an excellent choice for owners of large dogs. It features ample cargo space, making it easy to transport pet gear and crates.
With a low load floor, dogs can enter and exit the vehicle with ease. This design helps accommodate dogs of all sizes, including larger breeds.
The Escape also offers a foot-activated liftgate, allowing for convenient access when hands are full. This feature can be helpful when managing a playful dog.
In terms of safety, the Ford Escape includes numerous safety features that provide peace of mind during travels. Its sturdy construction adds an extra layer of protection for all passengers.
Pet-friendly materials enhance the interior, allowing for easy cleanup after trips. The versatile layout ensures that both pets and their owners can enjoy a comfortable ride.
Overall, the Ford Escape combines practicality with comfort, making it a strong option for dog owners. Its thoughtful design elements cater specifically to the needs of both dogs and their owners during every journey.
5) Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is a solid choice for dog owners who need space and comfort. With 63.9 cubic feet of cargo area when the rear seats are folded, it accommodates large breeds easily.
Safety features include multiple hooks and safety straps, ensuring pets are secured during travel. The low loading height makes it convenient for dogs to enter and exit the vehicle.
The interior is designed with durable materials, making it easy to clean after muddy outings. Many dog owners appreciate the thoughtful design that includes ample storage for pet supplies.
The Equinox also offers a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, allowing for flexible configurations based on the needs of both passengers and pets. Its reliability and efficient fuel economy add to its appeal for families.
6) Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue is a popular choice for dog owners looking for a spacious and versatile SUV. Its design offers ample rear cargo space, making it suitable for large dogs and their gear.
The rear seats can fold flat, increasing storage capacity significantly. This feature is especially beneficial when transporting a dog crate or large dog items.
Additionally, the Rogue is equipped with pet-friendly features like durable interior materials that are easy to clean. This ensures that pet hair and spills are manageable.
Safety is another highlight, with good crash test ratings and available driver assistance features. These elements contribute to a secure ride for both the pet and the owner.
For those considering an adventure with their pets, the Nissan Rogue provides a comfortable and accommodating experience. The available dog-specific accessories enhance its appeal, such as a ramp and wash setup in selected trims.
7) Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a versatile SUV that caters well to dog owners, especially those with larger breeds. Its spacious interior offers ample room for pets to stretch out comfortably during road trips.
With a generous cargo area, the Santa Fe makes it easy to load pet supplies, crates, and other gear. The low loading height also benefits larger dogs, allowing them to enter and exit the vehicle with ease.
The interior features durable materials that can withstand scratches and fur, while the rear seats often come equipped with pet-friendly features, such as rear ventilation to keep dogs cool. Safety ratings for the Santa Fe are high, providing peace of mind for pet owners on the road.
Additionally, various trim options allow for customizations that suit personal preferences and needs. The Hyundai Santa Fe stands out as a reliable and practical choice for dog owners looking for an SUV.
8) Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV designed with the needs of dog owners in mind. It offers ample space and versatility, making it a suitable choice for large dogs.
With over 75 cubic feet of cargo space available when the rear seats are folded, it can accommodate multiple pets comfortably. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently with their furry companions.
The Sorento also boasts a smooth, quiet ride, which helps keep pets calm during travel. Its spacious interior ensures that dogs can stretch out and relax on longer trips.
Safety is a highlight as well, with various features designed to enhance passenger protection. These aspects contribute to a dog-friendly environment without sacrificing comfort for humans.
Overall, the Kia Sorento provides a practical and spacious option for dog owners who want to ensure a pleasant journey for their pets.
9) Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 is a popular choice among dog owners due to its combination of comfort and practicality. With a spacious rear area, it can accommodate large dogs comfortably.
The cargo space is versatile and easy to access. The flat load floor and low height make loading pets simple. This is especially beneficial for older or larger dogs.
Its safety features, like the rearview camera and parking sensors, help ensure safe transport. The Mazda CX-5 also offers a variety of protective accessories, such as cargo liners, which can keep it clean.
With a solid reputation for fuel efficiency, owners appreciate the potential savings on gas. This can translate to more resources for dog care, including food and toys.
The vehicle’s handling and ride quality also stand out. Owners often mention how the CX-5 feels stable and easy to drive, contributing to a pleasant experience for both humans and pets.
In terms of seating, it accommodates up to five passengers, providing room for family and pets alike. This blend of features makes the Mazda CX-5 a reliable option for those with large dogs.
10) Volkswagen Tiguan
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact SUV that provides a comfortable space for both passengers and pets. It features a spacious rear seat area, making it suitable for larger dogs.
The Tiguan offers a generous cargo area, with ample room for a dog crate or supplies. Its flat-folding rear seats create a larger space when needed, accommodating larger breeds efficiently.
Many dog owners appreciate the Tiguan’s durable interior materials, designed to withstand wear and tear. This SUV also features a low load floor, easing the process for large dogs to enter and exit the vehicle.
While there have been mixed reviews regarding its overall reliability, the Tiguan remains a popular choice. Its blend of comfort, space, and practicality makes it a contender for dog owners looking for functionality without sacrificing style.
11) Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a strong contender for dog owners needing space and safety. Its roomy interior offers enough room for large dogs, while maintaining comfort for all passengers.
With a maximum cargo volume of up to 68.3 cubic feet, it accommodates dog crates or gear without difficulty. The rear cargo area is designed for easy access, making loading and unloading pets simple.
The Grand Cherokee’s robust design ensures durability on various terrains, ideal for outdoor adventures. High safety ratings contribute to a secure environment for pets during travels.
Additionally, features like a low entry height and optional air suspension enhance accessibility for dogs, especially larger breeds. This SUV combines performance and practicality, making it a suitable choice for dog owners.
Key Features of Dog-Friendly SUVs
Choosing an SUV that accommodates large dogs involves several important features. These include spacious cargo areas, durable interior materials, and advanced climate control systems. Each of these elements contributes to a comfortable and safe environment for pets during travels.
Spacious Cargo Areas
A spacious cargo area is essential for large dog owners. Ideally, this space should provide enough room for dogs to lie down comfortably, stand, and move around safely.
SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester offer generous cargo volumes, often exceeding 70 cubic feet with the seats folded. This ample space allows for easy installation of pet crates, while soft flooring can enhance comfort. Additional features like fold-flat rear seats can create an uninterrupted area, which is beneficial for larger breeds.
Having cargo tie-downs and barriers can also enhance safety, preventing dogs from moving forward during sudden stops. These elements combine to ensure pets have a secure and cozy area during the ride.
Durable Interior Materials
Durability is crucial in SUVs designed for pet owners. High-quality interior materials withstand wear and tear from dogs, including scratches, stains, and fur buildup.
Many dog-friendly SUVs offer leather or synthetic upholstery, which is often easier to clean than cloth. For example, models like the Toyota RAV4 provide water-resistant surfaces, making them suitable for any spills or accidents.
Floor mats made from tough rubber or carpet can protect against dirt and damage. Easy-to-remove mats enhance convenience during cleanup, ensuring that the vehicle remains in good condition.
Advanced Climate Control
Effective climate control is vital for ensuring a comfortable environment for dogs during trips. Quality SUVs often feature advanced climate systems with rear air conditioning vents, providing pets with a pleasant atmosphere.
Models such as the Nissan Rogue are equipped with temperature sensors to maintain comfort in the rear compartment. This is especially important during long drives in variable weather conditions.
Owners might also consider vehicles with panoramic sunroofs or large windows, allowing for better natural air circulation. Adequate ventilation keeps dogs cool and reduces anxiety during travels, contributing to a better experience for both pets and their owners.
Safety Considerations for Travelling with Large Dogs
Travelling with large dogs requires careful planning to ensure their safety and the safety of all vehicle occupants. Key aspects include using proper restraint systems and taking advantage of safety features in the vehicle.
Secure Dog Restraint Systems
Securing dogs during travel is essential to prevent injury during sudden stops or accidents. Various restraint systems are available, including:
- Dog Seat Belts: These attach directly to the vehicle’s seat belt, keeping dogs securely in place.
- Crates: Sturdy, crash-tested crates can provide a safe and comfortable space for dogs. Crates should be well ventilated and large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down.
- Dog Car Harnesses: These harnesses distribute force across the dog’s body, reducing the risk of injury in a collision.
It is crucial to choose a restraint system that fits the specific size and breed of the dog. Proper installation and routine checks for wear and tear are important for maintaining effectiveness.
Child Lock Mechanisms
Child lock mechanisms are an often overlooked safety feature when travelling with dogs. These locks can prevent dogs from accidentally opening doors while the vehicle is in motion. Here’s how they enhance safety:
- Prevents Escapes: Child locks can keep large dogs securely inside the vehicle, which reduces the risk of dogs jumping out during stops.
- Increased Control: Activated locks help maintain control of dog movements within the vehicle, reducing distractions for the driver.
Owners should familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s child lock system to ensure proper usage before embarking on journeys. Regular checks before travel are advisable to ensure that the locks are functioning correctly.
Comfort Enhancements for Pets
When selecting an SUV for large dogs, comfort provisions can significantly enhance a pet’s travel experience. Features that prioritize easy access and adjustable comfort systems can make a ride enjoyable for both pets and their owners.
Easy-Ingress for Dogs
Many SUVs now include features designed to facilitate easy entry and exit for dogs. Low step-in heights are particularly beneficial for larger breeds. Models like the Honda CR-V offer a hands-free liftgate, which allows owners to operate the rear door with a simple kick motion, making access smoother.
Another great addition is built-in ramps, specifically available in dog-friendly trims like the Nissan Rogue. These ramps enable pets to enter and exit without challenging jumps, reducing the risk of injury, especially for older or larger dogs.
Additionally, a spacious cargo area allows ample room for crates or dog beds, enhancing comfort during travel. Fold-flat seats vary between models, further accommodating pet necessities.
Adjustable Suspension Systems
Adjustable suspension systems contribute to a smooth ride by allowing vehicles to adapt to different loads. This feature is invaluable for pet owners concerned about their dog’s comfort during travels.
Cars like the Toyota Highlander offer enhanced suspension options that can be tuned according to vehicle load. This means when carrying pets or pet gear, the ride’s smoothness can be adjusted, minimizing bounce and jostle.
Moreover, lower ride heights assist larger breeds in comfortably entering and exiting the vehicle. This thoughtful engineering considers the physical needs of pets, ensuring they ride in safety and comfort. Systems that can adapt to various terrains also provide stability, making travel with pets more secure.