That saying “a dog is a man’s best friend” can’t be understated – because the loyalty, unconditional love, and companionship of a dog can even surpass the closest of human relationships.
So with how much you love your dog, you should be giving them all the devoted love and attention they give straight to you, which includes a comfy journey no matter how long.
This article covers the best cars for dog owners – new, used, electric, and hybrid – plus guidance on dog size, car sickness, safety, cleaning, and accessories, so you can find the right fit whatever your budget or breed.
Here’s how our eight main picks compare at a glance, before we go through each in more detail below.
| Car | Body type | Boot space | Load lip & floor | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Insignia | Estate | Approx. 1,665 litres seats down | Low lip | Older dogs, everyday comfort |
| Volkswagen Passat | Estate | Up to 1,920 litres seats down | Low lip | Large dogs, multiple pets |
| Nissan Qashqai | SUV | Approx. 500 litres seats up | Elevated ride height, no low lip | Outdoor adventures, uneven terrain |
| Volkswagen I.D. Buzz | Electric campervan | Approx. 1,120 litres seats up | Flat floor, sliding doors | Multiple pets, EV drivers |
| Land Rover Discovery | SUV / 4x4 | Approx. 1,230 litres seats up | Low lip, air suspension lowers further | Larger breeds, off-road trips |
| Honda CR-V | SUV | Approx. 590 litres seats up | Standard lip | Families, reliable all-rounder |
| Skoda Kodiaq | SUV | Approx. 630–835 litres seats up | Wide, square opening | Two large dogs, crate fit |
| Volvo V90 | Estate | Approx. 560–1,526 litres seats down | Low, wide lip | Large dogs, Volvo loyalists |
Boot volumes and load lip heights vary by trim and model year – treat the figures above as a guide and check the exact spec for your chosen model.
1. Vauxhall Insignia
Vauxhall are a British car brand that have been manufacturing cars for over 120 years.
Their famous Insignia is a solid choice dog owners through its spacious boot and comfortable ride make it a solid choice.
The Insignia offers a large cargo area that can easily accommodate a dog crate or just give your dog plenty of room to lie down.
The low load lip ensures that even older dogs can get in and out without too much trouble, and the overall ride comfort helps keep your pet calm during longer journeys.
A stylish and spacious vehicle, the Insignia is a great car for dogs through the interior design, let alone the smooth drive it offers.