Best cars for dogs 2023

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 - MG 5 - Dacia Jogger - Nissan Qashqai - Volkswagen Passat GTE - BMW M3 Touring - Ford Tourneo Connect - Toyota RAV4

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.

Could the MG 5 be the best electric car for dogs?
Winner of Best Car for Dog Owners 2022 in Auto Trader’s annual New Car Awards gets a special mention for both style and practicality. Whilst SUVs remain a popular choice for dog owners, a small estate car like the MG 5 is arguably even better, given there is space for your pet, but it’s lower to the ground so it’s easier for them to jump in and out. The MG 5 is also purely electric and very good value, with over 250 miles between charges in the long-range version, meaning you can get to all the best walking spots without a worry about range. Want to know more about the MG 5? 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.
Auto Trader expert Erin Baker tested out the Dacia Jogger for six months for some real-life insight on what it’s like to own one.

If you’re looking for a plug-in hybrid, the Volkswagen Passat GTE could be the one for you and your pet. A terrific all-rounder, the Passat GTE offers 30 miles of pure electric driving and its estate car practicality also makes it a great choice for families and four-legged friends alike. When you consider the environmental benefits and interior space, it’s no wonder the Volkswagen Passat GTE won Best Green Car 2018.
Check out used Volkswagen Passat GTE available now on AutoTrader.

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 Auto Trader here.

“A lovely economical car with plenty of room” according to one of the owners surveyed for the Auto Trader 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 Auto Trader

Finding the right car for you doesn’t have to cause a headache. If you need a hand, 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.