Dogs may not have the capacity to talk to us, but they sure have a charming way of getting us out of the dumps when we’re feeling blue. They are the ever-reliable emotional therapy prescription and happy pill that all of us look forward to if we want something lighter and happier in our lives. It’s no wonder then that many pet parents always consider the welfare of their dogs when deciding to buy a new car. Dog owners have to be very selective when it comes to buying a new car. It should be comfortable for everyone in the family, including their four-legged friends. Don’t know where to start? Our list of the best cars for dog owners to buy should get you started.
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1. 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
When it comes to sport utility vehicles, you’ll never go wrong with a Jeep. And with the latest 2019 Wrangler Unlimited edition, you can bet that your dog will also benefit from more exciting outdoor adventures. What makes the new Wrangler so appealing to dog owners is that it comes with a few neat features that make trailblazing the backcountry like you’ve never experienced before. And if this dog-friendly car is going to give you an exhilarating ride, imagine what it can do for your pet.
With the Sky One-Touch Power Top system, you can convert the Wrangler Unlimited into a safari-like all-terrain vehicle. The roof of this car opens a full two-thirds towards the back, giving you and your hound plenty of room to appreciate Mother Nature at her finest. And if you want more air for your dog, then remove the rear quarter windows. However, it’s best to keep your dog strapped in the best dog car harnesses you can get for safety reasons.
The 2019 Wrangler Unlimited comes with all the bells and whistles you’ve come to expect from a Jeep.
2. 2019 Subaru Forester
With a spacious cargo at the back, the 2019 Subaru Forester makes perfect sense if you’re buying a new ride for the family and your dog. Subaru redesigned its already-formidable Forester lineup to provide you with greater confidence, taking control of its wheels. It’s now more reassuring because of its ingenious Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and the now-iconic EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.
Being one of the best cars for dogs, the 2019 Subaru Forester features the innovative DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. It’s the kind of technology you need in case you’re the type of dog owner who cannot get enough of your pet’s attention-seeking behaviors. It may sit on your lap and lick your face while you’re driving. And if you lose focus, then this remarkable technology from Subaru will remind you to refocus.
This new creation from Subaru also boasts of other innovative safety features. It has the Blind-Spot Detection system, the Cross-Traffic Alert technology, and the Advanced Automatic Collision Notification system, among others. As such, sitting behind the wheel of the 2019 Subaru Forester should make you more comfortable about the safety of everyone on board, including your dog.
3. 2019 Kia Soul
The Korean automobile manufacturer is slowly capturing the imagination of the motoring public. It may have a bland upright and boxy profile, but you can be sure that the 2019 Kia Soul is anything but mediocre. The new edition comes with a cleaner styling and softer edges. It also has broader shoulders to give this dog-friendly car a more muscular appearance.
The all-new Soul also has a larger cargo space to put your oversized dog kennel in. Of course, Kia also redesigned its passenger room, allowing plenty of legroom for everyone. And if you do decide to let your dog sit in the passenger section, you can always secure it with the best dog seat belts you can find.
The 2019 Kia Soul offers a sportier ride for you and your dog without burning a big gaping hole in your pocket. Its safety features are not top-notch, but they can provide you with the peace of mind as you drive with your dog by your side or at the back. Plus, it comes with Kia’s brand of infotainment that should make for a more entertaining drive.
4. 2019 VW Touareg
Bolder, lighter, and definitely, better-looking. This is how potential car owners describe the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Touareg. The new Touareg features a more futuristic cabin, complete with a massive 15-inch touchscreen. It’s a ride that tech-savvy drivers will love. There’s a night vision system and an all-wheel drive platform. The new Touareg also features a four-corner air suspension system that also boasts of electronic damping control.
Aside from the tech-heavy interior, the rear cargo space on the Touareg also provides additional inches from its predecessor. It’s huge enough to accommodate your dog with or without its kennel. The four-zone auto air conditioning system also guarantees a more comfortable ride for your dog and the rest of your family. It’s not surprising, therefore, that the 2019 VW Touareg is one of the best cars for dog owners.
Under the hood of the Touareg is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6. There are two diesel versions, delivering 231 and 286 horsepower. A V6 gasoline is also available, rated at 340 HP, although you are welcome to get the 4.0-liter V8 diesel. The latter is perfect for taking your dog on a mountain trip.
5. 2019 Ford EcoSport
Dubbed as a streetsmart SUV, the 2019 Ford EcoSport makes its way into this list of the best cars for dogs for a number of reasons. It comes with a unique Cargo Management System that’s perfect for stowing a dog kennel and other gear that your pet needs. There are floor tie-downs and a retractable interior cargo cover to help in better baggage management. And if you add a few dollars more, you’ll also get a cargo area protector.
The seats in the new EcoSport are as lavish as any other. The heated seats come in leather trim, complete with perforations for better comfort. The driver’s seat boasts of a 6-way power adjustment. It would be a good idea to get the best dog car seat covers you can find to help protect these seats.
Providing entertainment for the ride is Bang & Olufsen’s signature acoustic system. This is one ride that doesn’t skimp on the speakers. It gives you 10 powerful speakers to turn your ride into a mobile party or concert house. Your dog will also be dancing to the beat.
6. 2019 Honda CR-V
The CR-V has been around for more than 2 decades. People who’ve grown to love the car Honda calls Comfortable Roundabout Vehicle. It’s a crossover that is as worthy on urban jungles as it is on slightly-rugged terrain. It’s a family vehicle and one that your dog will love. After all, the 2019 Honda CR-V is one of the best cars for dogs.
The 2019 edition of the CR-V boasts of a unique turbocharged engine that provides a remarkable balance between zest and thrift. You’ll appreciate the way it zooms and handles on the road without frequent fuel stops. When it comes to corners, it’s an athlete. However, it will never throw you or your dog out of the seat. You’d better invest in one of the best dog car seats if that’s the case.
For dog owners, it’s the 2019 CR-V’s spacious cargo compartment that is appealing. There are also thoughtful storage solutions scattered throughout the interior of the crossover. The Honda CR-V may have an underwhelming base engine, but it sure can give your pet a comfortable ride.
7. 2019 Toyota 4Runner
If you want a ride that has plenty of cargo space for your dog, then the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is a great choice. This trail-conquering SUV is huge. You can put Beethoven and Missy plus their puppies at the back and you will still have plenty of room for 7 grownups. It will never balk under pressure, especially since this ride is one of the few mid-sized SUVs to have a truck as its base.
If you desire to bring your pet to your outdoor adventures, you’d better get the TRD Pro model of the 4Runner. This ride offers an innovative set of Fox suspension system plus a moonroof and a roof rack. Place your dog’s kennel on the roof rack so you can place other things in the rear cargo space. The 2-speed transfer case, crawl control, locking rear differential, and a terrain management system also feature in the TRD Pro.
Of course, you can always stick to the base model. The 2019 Toyota 4Runner will still be a dog friendly car.
8. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS
When it comes to the ultimate in luxury SUVs, there’s no need to look any further than the 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLS. This is an SUV that takes its inspiration from the iconic G-Class and the luxurious S-Class sedan of the famous German automaker. This is a ride that’s as eager as you in having a comfortable and luxurious ride. You’ll see your dog’s wide smile written on its face as you help it climb aboard the GLS’s 93.8 cubic feet cargo compartment.
All three rows of the GLS come in complete luxury. You’re welcome to let your hound sit on any of these comfy contraptions. Make sure to provide adequate seat protection, though. There are massaging front seats and power-folding seats in the third row. It’s a neat feature to have in case your dog decides to take a nap during the trip.
The panorama roof on the GLS offers fantastic views of the outside while remaining safe and secure inside. The MB GLS also has a Dynamic Select system that gives you the opportunity to choose your driving mode to complement your mood.
9. 2019 Chrysler Pacifica
Since 2017, American families have chosen the Chrysler Pacifica as their preferred ride. It has one of the best safety features in a modern family minivan while providing a sporty look. With a sculpted body and an athletic stance, it’s not surprising why the Pacifica is a great choice for modern families.
Dog owners will also love the refined interior of the 2019 Pacifica. The power liftgate delivers hands-free convenience when packing the cargo space with your groceries or dog kennel. The tri-pane panoramic sunroof is also a noteworthy feature. Both your kids and your dog will love peering into the outside world with their wide-open eyes.
This Chrysler creation also comes with a Stow ‘n Go Seating and Storage system. It allows you to fold and store the second and/or third rows of seats into the floor of the Pacifica. It’s perfect for dog owners who want to keep their pet crates in the middle of the car where the rest of the family are. It also comes with the Stow ‘n Vac system to help you clean up the Pacifica interior after each trip. There’s no need for another vacuum cleaner. That’s why it’s one of the best cars for dogs.
10. 2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country
The 2019 Volvo V90 Cross Country is a wagon that looks like an SUV and drives like a luxury sedan. It doesn’t have the SUV’s elephantine girth, however, nor a luxury sedan’s less-than-stellar fuel economy. This is a car that provides a great balance between luxury and power without breaking the bank.
The Cross Country is elegant and opulent. It’s a ride that dog-loving folks would want to have for their family and their pets. And like all the cars on this list, the V90 also comes with a humongous cargo space for stowing all of your stuff or that of your pet dog.
Fun to drive, the V90 is also rich in safety features. After all, Volvo is one of the automakers in the world that puts a lot of emphasis on driver and passenger safety. This alone is enough to make the Cross Country a good choice when buying a car for dog-loving families.
These best cars for dog owners share a few things in common. They have a spacious cargo space, safety features, and a comfortable ride. Whichever car you choose, you can bet that your family and your dog will be very happy.
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Sources:
- Tesla Dog Mode Keeps Pets Cool in Locked Cars – HowStuffWorks
- 5 Amazing Pet Accessories for Cars – HowStuffWorks
- A Guide for Traveling By Car With Your Pet – PetMD
