These Are the Best Cars for Your Dog

Dogs love car rides for the sights, smells, and adventure, but which vehicles actually make the best rides for our four-legged co-pilots? After polling Jalopnik’s commentariat, the consensus is clear: space, comfort, and easy access are king. Whether it’s a truck bed, a folded-down wagon floor, or a jacked-up SUV cabin, dogs just want room to stretch out and a view out the window. Here’s the breakdown of the most dog-approved rides, straight from real owners and their happy pups.

Trucks lead the pack for sheer space and rugged practicality. The Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab gets high marks for its rear doors and flat rear floor, letting dogs sprawl across the folded-down rear “seats” and even rest their paws on the center console cubby with a clear view out the windshield. Nissan Frontier fans insist dogs love trucks, and some nostalgic owners swear by 1990s mini-trucks on air suspension for style and easy entry. The Honda Ridgeline earns praise for its in-bed trunk setup—rear seats fold up against the cab, creating a flat, crate-like space perfect for a dog bed. One owner even trains her dog to respond to the command “truck,” sending her pup sprinting to the rear door at the sound of the word.

Hatchbacks and wagons also make the cut for smaller or older dogs. The Honda Fit is hailed as a perfect “old-dog car”—a senior Aussie-Catahoula mix used to step up into the middle cargo area with the seat folded, then onto the rear load floor by lowering the seatback as a step. Wagons like the Subaru Outback and Volkswagen Alltrack are celebrated for their low load floors and spacious cabins, making entry and exit a breeze for medium-sized breeds like Amstaffs. Tesla Model 3 owners highlight the convenience of “Dog Mode,” which keeps the cabin climate-controlled and allows owners to monitor their pup via the car’s camera while parked at restaurants.

When it comes to luxury and exclusivity, some owners insist high-end rides work just fine. Ferrari FF, GTC4 Lusso, and even the 612 Scaglietti have reportedly served as dog cars, though their owners admit such use is rare. Safety advocates remind readers to secure dogs properly—using a harness attached to the rear seatbelt attachment point, not the front, to prevent whiplash in a crash.

SUVs and crossovers get a nod for their roomy cabins and adaptable cargo areas. The Honda Element’s 2007 “Dog Friendly” edition comes packed with pet-specific features: a rear kennel, kennel organizer, pet bed, stowable ramp, dog-patterned seat covers, all-season “dog bone” floor mats, a spill-resistant water bowl, and an electric fan. The Nissan Rogue Dogue and Ford Flex are also praised—especially the Flex for its Tahoe-like space but with a much lower load floor, ideal for large or low-rider dogs. Jeep Grand Cherokee owners affectionately dub their rigs “Lab Cabs” for the ample rear space perfect for canine passengers.

Vans, particularly accessible models, are the ultimate in dog-friendly practicality. A wheelchair-accessible van like the Toyota Sienna offers easy ingress and egress for dogs of all sizes and mobility levels, plus abundant power outlets to keep comforts like fans or heated beds running. Whether it’s a minivan, a full-size van, or a modified SUV, the message is consistent: prioritize space, safety, and simplicity, and your dog will ride like royalty.