With a new year on its way, many people will be setting goals for the upcoming year. Is it time for you to buy a new car, for example?
Auto Trader has published information on features to look for that are useful and they’ve also made recommendations for the best cars for dog owners.
The features to look for are:
- A rear lift gate allows your dog to jump in and out of the car easily; it also makes for more convenient loading in/loading out of pet carriers, crates and kennels
- Fold-flat seats create a spacious area for your dog to sit while keeping the actual surface of the seats clean from hair or scratches
- An airy cabin is especially beneficial for large dogs to stretch out
- Rear cargo-attachment ringlets help keep carriers and crates from sliding around
- A containment barrier/divider keeps your dog from jumping up to the front seat while the car is in motion
- A low ride height helps dogs — especially older ones — get in and out with ease
- Rear climate control keeps your dog cool and comfortable in transit no matter what the weather is like
- A sunroof brings fresh air and sunlight so you can keep your dog from hanging its head out of the window
- Underfloor storage gets your things out of the way so your dog can ride more comfortably
And the top dog cars are:
The Subaru Outback – “If you live in a cold climate and have an outdoorsy dog that likes being in wintry conditions, the Outback’s superior traction and surefootedness will keep you and Fido safe and secure as you tread over snowy terrain. Additionally, the Outback’s wagon configuration makes for plenty of room in the cargo area. A wide, low load floor and an optional pet barrier round out the amenities. Subaru also has many pet-friendly accessories.”
The Nissan Juke – “This little urban runabout offers a low, car-like ride height for easy in and out, especially via the large rear hatch. A combination of coupe, crossover and hatchback, the Juke offers just the right amount of size and utility for small-to-medium dogs that ride in carriers. Tether down the crate, and get out of the city for the weekend!”
The Volkswagen Tiguan – “got its name by combining the words tiger and iguana, so the car’s sure to be pet-friendly. The Tiguan is a lot like the Nissan Juke: compact on the outside but deceivingly spacious within. The rear seats fold flat, making room for pets of almost any size, and an optional dog barrier keeps your pet safely contained where it can’t distract you.’
The BMW X3 – “Well proportioned, upscale and athletic, the BMW X3 maximizes canine comfort with soft, heated leather seats, a sunroof and rear climate control. The cargo area is the right size for small- to medium-sized dogs, and for dogs that like to play in the snow, the X3’s AWD system makes winter driving virtually worry-free.”
The Volvo V60 – “offers a spacious cargo area, lots of utility, rear climate control and one of the safest passenger compartments available. If crash safety is your top concern, the V60 is your best choice here. Rear tie-downs make harnessing your pet carrier easy. If you don’t use a carrier, then go with the optional dog barrier.”
The Kia Soul – “This stylish urban cruiser offers rear-seat heat and an extra-large panoramic roof for lots of sunlight. Its boxy and efficient shape also allows for plenty of headroom, so even though the Soul is compact, it comfortably accommodates big and tall dogs. The large rear hatch is also a plus for quick entry and exit.”
The Honda Odyssey – “has it all when it comes to driving with your dog. There’s a wealth of room, comfortable seats, rear ventilation, underfloor compartments and even a built-in vacuum. For dogs that shed excessively, this innovative vac system lets you clean up quickly and effectively. The Honda Odyssey also has side window shades that can help keep your dog from getting too hot while traveling.”
DoggyMom.com 