Best cars for dogs 2025

There’s no denying we’re a nation of animal lovers. 62 per cent of households in the UK have a pet, according to Statista. Therefore, any car you choose likely needs to be every bit as suitable for your dog or cat as it is for your kids.
Having the right car can make journeys more comfortable for both you and your pup, so considering whether the car of your dreams has a boot large enough for them to be able to move around in and lie down, or sit, is a must. Whether you can get them in and out of the back easily is a deal-breaker too, whilst a smooth ride helps to keep your pets happy on longer trips. In Autotrader’s Canine Car Report, we reveal the best breeds of dog for car travel, plus tips and tricks to help prepare your pet for travel from Adam Spivey, Director and Master Trainer at Southend Dog Training. To help you find the right car for you and your pet, we’ve put together a list of the cars we think will suit dogs and dog-lovers alike, with a range of fuel-types and sizes to choose from. Our recommendations include: - Land Rover Discovery - Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer - Dacia Jogger - Nissan Qashqai - Volkswagen Passat plug-in hybrid - BMW M3 Touring - Ford Tourneo Connect - Toyota RAV4 - Kia EV6 - Skoda Enyaq

It’s no surprise a car as big and as boxy as the Land Rover Discovery will have enough space for a full complement of Dalmatians, but the real beauty lies in where this car will let you take them. No other conventional car has the Discovery’s incredible level of off-roading ability, so if you fancy taking your pack for a walk in the wilderness, the Land Rover Discovery will get you further into the countryside than anything else. Land Rover even offers a Pet Pack on the options list, which includes a ramp to help your dog get in and out, and a portable shower.
Check out our full expert review of the Land Rover Discovery here to find out why it’s one of the best cars for big dogs.

There aren’t many electric estates on offer, but Volkswagen’s ID.7 Tourer is a shining light of hope for those who don’t fancy an SUV. The ID.7 Tourer is good-looking, plush and spacious, plus it can go up to 400 miles on a single charge so you can get to all the best walking spots without worrying about range. The low loading boot lip provides easy access for your four-legged friend and there’s plenty of room for the rest of the family too. Could the ID.7 Tourer be the best electric estate in the business? We’ve been living with one to find out.
Want to know more about the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer? Check out our full expert review here.

These days not many people have the disposable cash to buy a car simply to suit their pet, but the great thing about the Dacia Jogger is that it’s perfect for the whole family. With seven seats and the option to remove the back ones, the Jogger’s space is perfect for a family of five and a dog, and can be optimised for big and small dogs alike. Not to mention it’s affordable and the plastics are easy to wipe down when your pal’s paws are all muddy.
Autotrader expert Erin Baker tested out the Dacia Jogger for six months for some real-life insight on what it’s like to own one.

The ID.7 Tourer’s plug-in hybrid sibling could be the one for you and your pet if you’re not quite ready for a full EV. The plug-in hybrid Passat is a terrific all-rounder and now offers over 70 miles of pure electric driving. Its estate car practicality also makes it a great choice for families and four-legged friends alike. Comfortable, refined and packed with tech, the Passat is VW to a tee and a solid choice for dog owners.
Check out the Volkswagen Passat on Autotrader here.

Mid-size SUVs are extremely popular with dog owners. Why? Because the jacked-up ride height makes it easy to get in and out of in uneven rural car parks, making them ideal for exploring more scenic spots for walkies. And for our money, the Nissan Qashqai is up there with best mid-size SUVs you can buy. It’s reliable, comfortable and easy to drive with plenty of space. In this car, any pooch will feel totally pampered.
Think the Nissan Qashqai could be the one for you? Check out our full expert review here.

Could the new BMW M3 Touring be the ultimate high-performance pet-friendly car of 2023? Boasting 500 litres of space in the boot with the rear seats up and 1,500 litres when you drop the seats down, there’s plenty of space for your furry friends no matter the size. Plus, you and your family can drive in style; the new M3 Touring builds upon the M3 saloon’s distinguished look and comes exclusively with BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel drive system for confidence on country lanes even in slippery conditions.
Watch as Rory Reid reviews the new BMW M3 Touring here.

Some say size isn’t everything, but try telling that to your dog when it’s crammed into a hatchback. For transporting giant breeds or multiple dogs, a van-based vehicle like the Ford Tourneo Connect offers no-nonsense space for your family and pets alike. With enough civilising features to make it as comfortable and easy to drive as an estate or crossover but with the ruggedness and carrying capacity of a commercial, the Tourneo Connect is both spacious and tough enough to shrug off the inevitable extra wear and tear of daily life with wet, muddy dogs and all the kit that comes with them.
Check out available Ford Tourneo Connect on Autotrader here.

“A lovely economical car with plenty of room” according to one of the owners surveyed for the Autotrader New Car Awards 2023, the Toyota RAV4’s practicality earned it Best Car for Dog Owners on the basis its huge boot provides first class accommodation for any four-legged friend. Available in regular or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions the RAV4 benefits from Toyota’s huge experience in electrified powertrains. The Suzuki Across is meanwhile a RAV4 in all but badge, so if you’re in the market it’s worth comparing deals as they’re basically identical and at any one time one may be available for a better price.
Search for a Toyota RAV4 on Autotrader

Winner of the Best Car for Dog Owners award in the Autotrader New Car Awards 2024, the Kia EV6 is an ideal electric car for dog owners.
One owner told us their EV6 has “amazing interior space for passengers, including four-legged friends,” while many others praised its style and rapid performance. The EV6 offers generous interior space, and the "frunk" (front trunk) provides a safe place to store the charging cable away from your dog. With over 300 miles of range, optional all-wheel drive, and Kia's renowned seven-year warranty, it’s reliable and versatile. Its intuitive tech and impressive performance make it great for everyday use, while its spacious, pet-friendly interior sets it apart. Search for the Kia EV6 on Autotrader.

This year the Skoda Enyaq fought off strong competition from the Kia Sportage and
Tesla Model 3 to win Best Car for Dog Owners in Autotrader’s Drivers’ Choice Awards 2025. One happy Enyaq owner summed it up by saying they "loved how easy it is to fit our family and dog.” We couldn't have put it better and we agree the Enyaq makes a perfect dog car. Find out more about the Skoda Enyaq here.

If your Poodle has outgrown your Peugeot or your Great Dane has damaged your Dacia, then maybe it's time for Autotrader. If you need a hand finding your next car, head over to our guides hub where you can choose the things that matter most to you and we’ll help you take the next step – whether you’re ready to buy, or just browsing.