New? Create an account
Enter your registered email address below to receive password reset instructions.
Please check your inbox and follow the password reset instructions.
You can now save favorites
Access favorites on any device
Get price alerts
Shopping cars within 250 mi of your nearest EchoPark.
Share this article
Published October 20, 2022
Share this article
Utter the words, “Come on, let’s go for a ride!” and your dog may start doing its happy dance in anticipation of getting in the car and having an adventure. Doesn’t matter the destination - for your dog, it’s all about being in the car with YOU.
Apparently, the feeling is mutual. An Autotrader survey finds that 85% of dog owners think about driving with their dogs when considering what vehicle to buy and that 68% of dog owners take their dogs on a car trip at least once per week.
Since dogs are such a big part of our lives, we thought it might be fun not only to take a look at dog-friendly cars, but also imagine which cars dogs would choose to fit their lifestyles (some of us may actually feel that our dogs are smart enough to buy a car, especially when the process is as easy as car shopping at EchoPark).
The squishy-faced pug lives by the Latin motto, “multum in parvo”, or “a lot in a little.” The same could be said for the Honda Civic – a lot of features, interior space and sporty drivability in an affordable, compact package.
When it comes to “a lot in a little,” the Civic boasts some of most room in its class, gets great fuel economy and is just plain fun to drive. Opt for the 180-horsepower, turbocharged engine available in the sedan and hatchback.
The Civic received a redesign inside and out for 2022. Since your Velcro pug will never want to ride separate in the back seat from you, you’ll both enjoy the updated – i.e. more comfy – front seats in the redesigned version. We personally love the convenience and sportiness of the hatchback version. Put the rear seats down for plenty of room for your pug’s crate, toys and other necessary cute, spoiled-dog gear.
The Siberian husky looks cool, just like the Ford Bronco. The husky was bred to work, pulling loads on rough, snow-covered terrain.
The Ford Bronco was also made for work on any terrain, and it handles winter weather with ease, particularly the Wildtrak Sasquatch edition. This model’s 330-horsepower engine has more than enough power to climb steep, snowy inclines. The Bronco Sport has an easy-care, hose-down interior made for days playing in the dirt. Order a soft-sided dog crate from Ford, one of dozens of add-on accessories made for the Bronco.
And although the husky can handle rugged conditions, the lovable family dog also doesn’t mind time on the beaten path too. The Bronco is the same, moving from off-road adventures to pavement with agility and good manners. Both human and dog will love warming up on cold mornings with remote start, heated steering wheel and heated seats.
The American Kennel Club describes the Newfoundland as a “strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing.”
If you’re going to haul a large-breed, family-friendly dog around, you may want to invest in a large, family-friendly SUV like the Ford Expedition. U.S. News describes its interior as “cavernous,” boasting 104.6 cubic feet of space with both sets of rear-row seats folded down.
If you invest in higher trim levels, the Expediton’s interior quality improves, perfect for a dog of “dignified bearing.” But deep down, the Expedition, and the Newfoundland, are workhorses. The Expedition is capable of towing 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, and the 150-pound Newfie was made for the water, with water rescues being its forte. Sounds like a fun day of towing the boat and bringing the whole family, dog included, to the lake.
Your fast and sleek greyhound may enjoy riding around in a fast and sleek electric vehicle like the Tesla Model S. Greyhounds were historically the dogs of nobility, so a luxury EV is a perfect match.
The greyhound’s speed tops out at about 43 mph, the dog-world equivalent of the Tesla Model S’s quickness, which Car and Driver says is so fast “it’ll make you dizzy.” How does a whiplash-inducing 0-60 in 2.4 seconds? The greyhound gives it two paws up. Estimated driving range is up to 412 miles.
The Model S has a comfortable interior and ride quality, and there’s a large cargo hold to accommodate the greyhound’s legginess. And just for dog lovers, all Teslas can get the “Dog Mode” software update that allows them to set the climate control, leave a note to passers-by on the huge 15-inch touch screen that you’ll BRB and leave the dog in the car while you dash in to get the dry cleaning.
The AKC describes the beagle, with its iconic brown eyes and long, hound ears, as curious, energetic and requiring a lot of playtime. The Jeep Wrangler has an iconic look in its own right, and was made for playtime on rough terrain.
The Wrangler has a low cargo floor for easy entry and exit by four-legged friends. There’s also underfloor storage, for plenty of space for bringing gear for you and your pet. Open the soft top and remove the doors to let your beagle sing the song of his people for the ultimate “head out the window” experience while keeping him safely secured inside.
Dog-friendly Wrangler accessories include a divider to keep your dog secure behind the front seats and durable seat covers to protect against doggy nails.
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month, and we’d be amiss if we didn’t highlight the joys of mixed-breed dogs capable of fitting into all lifestyles, just like the Subaru Outback is like a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to cars.
We say cars, because how exactly do we classify the Outback? Would its DNA test show car, wagon or SUV? It has a higher ground clearance than a traditional wagon, which means it can take you and your adopted dog on more outdoorsy adventures. The cargo area is larger than a car’s - plenty big enough for dog crate, beach gear and suitcases, so go ahead, give that dog an Insta-worthy vacay. Standard all-wheel drive will make sure you and your rescue dog stay safe, no matter the weather.
Upgrade to the Outback Limited trim and get heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, push-button ignition and keyless entry, so your shelter dog gets that taste of luxury it’s always deserved. Just promise us you’ll put that “Rescued is my favorite breed” bumper sticker right next to the power liftgate.
Don’t forget these tips to make sure your dog is travel-ready. Have a great trip, whether it’s a week-long vacation or a ride to the local coffee shop for a PSL and pup cup.
Because let’s face it, when you’re a dog person, it really is all about the dog. Browse online for your dream car, then arrange for convenient pick-up at an EchoPark near you. And if you and the dog don’t love it, you can return it with our 7-Day Money Back Guarantee.
