The Best Dog Friendly Cars to Buy in 2023
Discover what type of car would suit you and your canine companion
We all know that dogs are man's best friend, so as an owner, you’ll always have their best interest at heart. If you’re looking for a car to go on adventures together with your four legged friends, then we are here to help…
Discover what makes an ideal car for dog owners, the safest way to travel with a dog in your car, and of course the best dog friendly cars to buy in 2023 - read our paw-some guide to find out more!
What makes a car dog friendly?
When searching for a car to accommodate your dog then it’s important to know what you’re looking for - by that we mean what features make it ‘dog friendly’.
Size can be a big factor depending on the breed of your dog, while more nervous canines will certainly benefit from steadier and quieter vehicles. Here’s what you should look out for when investing in a car that will suit your dog:
Spacious boot
Number one on your list will no doubt be a spacious boot. Especially if you have a large dog or one that needs to be crated, a decent sized boot is a big tick in the box. Always check the litreage of a car’s boot first and why not ask if you can bring your dog during the test drive so you can see first-hand how it fits.
Easy access
Just because a car has a big boot, it doesn’t mean it’s easy for a dog to jump into. For this reason, it’s best to check the loading height of the boot and the back doors if you prefer to travel with your dog in the rear seats.
Plenty of storage
From balls to poo-bags, water bowls to spare leads, there are many dog-related items that will travel with you in the car. Look out for vehicles that come with handy storage compartments so that you can tidy them away.
Tie-down points
Some cars come equipped with tie-down points so if your dog is crated during travel, it can be safely held in place when on the go.
Easy to clean
Check that the car you wish to buy has durable material inside - especially where the seats are concerned. As any dog owner knows, muddy paw prints and shed hair is a daily occurrence!
Smooth drive
Not all dogs are good travellers, so if your canine chum is a nervous passenger or prone to travel sickness, then opt for a car that is smooth to drive and can really absorb the bumps in the road.
Climate control
It’s not just us humans that appreciate a blast of air-con on a hot summer's day or to feel toasty on a particularly cold one - our dogs like to be kept just as warm or cool too. Climate control throughout the vehicle is just one such feature your dog will thank you for.
Do cars have a dog mode?
Car manufacturers are adapting to our needs as dog owners with some makes and models now offering what’s called ‘dog mode’. Tesla has been leading the pack with its dog mode feature that will assist you when carrying your canine companion in the car.
Designed to keep your dog safe and comfortable, Tesla’s dog mode will keep the climate control running if you’ve had to leave your dog in the car. Of course we’d never recommend leaving your dog unattended in a vehicle, but if it’s for a very short period of time or an emergency, then as a dog owner, models that offer ‘dog mode’ options will certainly lessen your worries.
Dog mode can be accessed via an app too and will display an in-car message on the infotainment screen to alert any passers by who may be concerned about your dog. Of course it’s not just Tesla that offers this feature, other manufacturers such as Ford and BMW have also released similar versions of the pet-friendly feature.
What are the rules for dogs in cars?
Here in the UK, The Highway Code states specific rules and regulations when travelling with dogs in cars. Under the section ‘Rules about animals (47 to 58)’ Rule 57 states that when in a vehicle, dogs must be suitably restrained using a suitable method - this may be a seatbelt harness, pet carrier, dog crate or a dog guard.
This all-important pet rule is in place so that you as the driver are not distracted while driving, or that the dog is not harmed or injured if you need to stop suddenly.
What is the safest way for a dog to travel in a car?
Although it can be tempting to allow your dog to travel on your lap as a passenger, or to have free rein in the back, it can be incredibly dangerous to do so. If you were to brake at the last minute or be involved in a collision, your dog could come to great harm if it is not properly restrained in the car.
As a dog owner, safety and security is your responsibility. Pet seat belts and harnesses are a must if you're travelling with your dog in the car. These forms of restraints are to be used in the rear passenger seats of your car. The alternative is to travel with your dog in a crate or carrier, but bear in mind this will need to be properly secured in the boot.
Another option is to fit a boot guard. This is a metal device that divides the space between your boot and rear passengers seats. However, we’d still recommend that your dog is restrained in the boot if this is your preferred method of transport.
The best cars for dog owners
In alphabetical order, we list our top six best cars for dog owners that will keep your canine content on even the longest journey…
Dacia Duster
Not only is the Dacia Duster a great value family SUV, but it comes up trumps for dog owners too! An increasingly popular choice for families in the UK thanks to its very reasonable price tag and spacious cabin - perfect for dogs large and small.
The new Dacia Duster is available at our Wilsons Epsom dealership in Surrey. Its robust design makes light work of even the roughest terrain - perfect for those off-road dog walks.
Boot size: 445 litres of space as standard which increases to 1,478 litres with the rear seats folded down
Dacia Jogger
It seems that Dacia really does make the best cars for dog owners as the Dacia Jogger is the second vehicle in our best dog friendly cars to buy list. Thanks to its spacious 7-seater cabin, there’s plenty of room for two-legged and four-legged family members.
Designed for any adventure you and your canine companion throw its way, the all-new Dacia Jogger is also available as a hybrid at our Wilsons Epsom dealership in Surrey.
Boot size: 212 litres of space as standard which increases to 2,085 with the rear and middle seats folded down
Jeep Wrangler
Loved the world over for its rugged style and robust design, it’s almost like the Jeep Wrangler was built with dogs in mind. It can make light work of any type of terrain and its hard-wearing interior will stand the test of time.
Get your hands on the Jeep Wrangler at our Wilsons Epsom dealership in Surrey. Navigate your next adventure with man’s best friend in a true 4x4 which offers two or four doors - we think it’s grr-eat!
Boot size: 548 litres of space as standard which increases to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded.
MG5 EV Long Range
Get that all-electric feel with the new MG5 EV which will help you and your furry friend go even further on a single charge. The 100% electric estate boasts up to 1,367 of boot capacity which means it would suit even the biggest dogs.
See the MG5 EV Long Range for yourself at our Wilsons Epsom dealership in Surrey. Benefit from the MG Pilot driver assistance safety systems to help keep your and your pooch secure.
Boot size: 479 litres of space as standard which increases to 1,367 litres with the rear seats folded.
Nissan Qashqai
A staple SUV for families all over the UK, the Nissan Qashqai really is a known quantity and proves to be a great car for dogs too. Full of character, the Qashqai is individual as you are and has won a whole host of awards, including Small SUV of the Year.
Available in Mild Hybrid or e-POWER variants, you and your canine chum can explore the Nissan Qashqai at our Wilsons Epsom dealership in Surrey today.
Boot size: 504 litres of space as standard which increases to 1,441 litres with the rear seats folded.
Tesla Model 3
If you think premium cars aren’t for dogs, then think again as the Tesla Model 3 is here to change all of that. The fully-electric car has a long range and fast charging capabilities so you and your four-legged friend can spend what you do loving best - going for fun walks!
Secure a great deal on a nearly new or used Tesla Model 3 at our Wilsons Epsom dealership in Surrey. Best of all, why not enjoy the model’s famous ‘dog mode’ to ensure your pooch is left calm and cool at all times.
Boot size: Expect 425 litres of space as standard.
Dog friendly cars at Wilsons Epsom
Whether you’re going for walkies or a routine trip to the vets, discover the dog friendly cars available here at Wilsons Epsom. Our car experts can talk you through the size of the boot space and highlight features as well as point out where and how you can secure your dog for safe travel.
Our dealership is open 7-days a week so we very much welcome you and your canine companion to take a test drive. Get in touch to find out more.
