The 9 Best Cars For Dog Lovers

If you are in the market for a new car, chances are you have thought about your four-legged best friend. After all, he has to ride in the car too and having space for him is important. Autotrader, a leading resource for car shoppers and sellers, recently conducted a survey that found 56% of dog owners actively seek out cars and trucks that can accommodate their dogs. In fact, their survey also revealed that 22% of Autotrader visitors have taken their pet, or would consider taking their pet, on a test drive.

“We know car shoppers take every aspect of their lifestyle into account when shopping for their perfect ride, and four-legged friends are no exception,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “The cars on our list provide key features for pet owners, such as fold-flat rear seats, rear lift gate, low ride-height, airy cabin and under-floor storage.”

We all love our pets, and it’s fun to have them along for the ride. But whether you’re driving to the grocery store or taking a cross-country road trip, the experts at Best Friends Animal Society, the only national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, remind pet owners to ensure the safety of their pets first and foremost.

“Pets are more than just our companions – they’re members of our families – and it’s important to take extra caution when traveling with them,” says Gregory Castle, co-founder and CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. “An unsecured dog, even a small dog, can be hurt or killed and cause harm to others in the car if an accident occurs even at slow speeds.”

Here are their 9 top picks for a car your best friend is sure to love, based on the following criteria:

A rear lift gate is crucial for being able to load your dog — or dog accessories — as easily as possible.
Fold-flat seats are important for creating the largest possible interior space for your dog when you’re stopped.
Rear cargo rings are important for making sure your dog’s crate stays put while the car is in motion.
A low ride height helps dogs get in and out as easily as possible, especially when they’re very young or very old.
Rear climate control can provide dogs with the cool air or heat they need to remain comfortable.
A spacious back seat makes it easy for your dog to climb inside and for you to strap on a dog seat belt before setting off.

#1 – Audi Allroad

MPG: 17-24 combined

New car price range: $43,325- $50,725

#2 – Ford Edge

MPG: 24-28 combined

New car price range: $28,995 -$38,995

Moody told iHeartDogs.com that the Edge is second in terms of cargo space, with 72 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

#3 – Honda Fit

MPG: 32-36 combined MPG

New car price range: $16,100-$20,400

#4 – Jeep Renegade

MPG: 19-27 combined

New car price range: $18,990- $26,990

#5 – Kia Sedona

MPG: 19-21 combined

New car price range: $26,795- $40,595

Moody told iHeartDogs.com that the Sedona offers the most total space for crates, with 142 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are removed.

#6 – Lincoln MKC

MPG: 21-23 combined

New car price range: $33,995-$40,930

Moody told iHeartDogs.com that the MKC comes in third in terms of cargo space, with 53.1 cubic feet when back seats are folded down.

#7 – Mazda3

MPG: 29-33 combined

New car price range: $17,765-$32,000

#8 –Mercedes-Benz GLA

MPG: 19-29 combined

New car price range: $32,225-$49,225