In the UK, while 55% of dog owners take their pets on car journeys, a startling reality exists: Many believe that accommodating their four-legged companions means sacrificing their own comfort, style, or driving experience.
This "dog OR driver" mindset has persisted for too long.
The truth? With approximately 13.5 million dogs sharing 36% of UK households, the automotive industry has evolved to recognise that dog-friendly vehicles can, and should, deliver exceptional experiences for both species.
No longer must dog owners choose between a practical "dog car" and an enjoyable "human car."
Our experts have selected the following vehicles to satisfy the needs of both canines and their chauffeurs!
For this purpose, our experts have analysed vehicles across all segments—not just estates and SUVs.
Note: Eligibility criteria apply to be eligible for car discounts. See our eligibility criteria.
Best Cars for Dogs
Kia Sorento
Retail Price: £26,155.00
Savings: £3,366.00
Motorfinity Price: £22,789.00
Boot Space : 693 to 705 L
Specific trim: 1.0 2 5dr
Performance: 212bhp and takes 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds
USP: Spacious Comfort
Make an Enquiry
The Kia Sorento brilliantly balances dog needs with driver satisfaction. Its massive boot holds 10 carry-on cases with five seats up, while the square shape and minimal lip make access easy for dogs of all ages and mobility levels.
Driver comfort isn't sacrificed for practicality. The high driving position, well-weighted steering and smooth motorway ride ensure human enjoyment.
Thoughtful features like remote-folding seats and a powered tailgate (on 3 trim+) make dog loading effortless.
Premium materials throughout resist paw damage while maintaining an upscale appearance.
With comprehensive safety features protecting all occupants and a reassuring seven-year warranty, the Sorento demonstrates that accommodating your dog doesn't mean compromising on driving pleasure, comfort or quality.
Audi A5 Avant
Retail Price: £51,080.00
Savings: £7,031.00
Motorfinity Price: £44,049.00
Boot Space : 465 litres
Specific trim: 2.0 TDI Quattro 204 S line 5dr S Tronic
Performance: 4.9-8.5 seconds (varies by engine) (0-60 mph)
USP: : Premium materials,
Make an Enquiry
The Audi A5 Avant balances premium driving pleasure with practical canine accommodation through thoughtful design and exceptional refinement.
This latest addition to Audi's estate line up (replacing the A4 Avant) offers several features that benefit both dog owners and their four-legged companions.
Ride quality is where the A5 Avant excels.
The composed suspension "absorbs and cushions bumps gently," creating a serene and powerful environment that you and your dog will appreciate.
The three-zone climate control allows you to maintain the perfect temperature for your dog independently from front passengers, while the ambient lighting enhances visibility during evening travels.
For dog owners who refuse to compromise on quality, refinement and driving pleasure, the A5 Avant delivers a premium experience that transforms every journey into a pleasure for human and canine occupants.
Audi Q3
Retail Price: £46,880.00
Savings: £3,803.00
Motorfinity Price: £43,077.00
Boot Space: Up to 675L (seats slid forward)
Specific trim: 2.0 TDI Quattro 204 S line 5dr S Tronic
Performance: 148-242 hp (plus RS Q3 performance version)
USP: Premium SUV with adoptable boot space and power tailgate.
Make an Enquiry
The Audi Q3 offers an impressive blend of premium quality and practical versatility that makes it an excellent choice for dog owners.
Its standout feature is the remarkably adaptable boot, which expands to a generous 675 litres with the rear seats slid forward—rivalling the capacity of much larger SUVs.
The sliding and reclining rear seats create a customisable space that can prioritise either passenger comfort or additional room for your dog as needed.
Standard features that enhance the dog-owner experience include a power-operated tailgate for hands-free access when managing dogs and gear, LED headlights for improved visibility during evening dog walks, and rear parking sensors that facilitate safer manoeuvring with precious cargo aboard.
Volkswagen ID.4
Retail Price: £46,110.00
Savings: £10,226.00
Motorfinity Price: £35,884.00
Boot Space : Massive 585L
Specific trim: 210kW 4MOTION Match Pro 77kWh 5dr Auto
Performance: 282bhp delivers engaging performance
USP: Spacious, quiet electric vehicle with easy loading
Make an Enquiry
The Volkswagen ID.4 offers an excellent balance of practicality and comfort that makes it particularly well-suited for dog owners.
Its standout feature is the exceptionally spacious boot, which can accommodate nine carry-on suitcases—significantly more than many electric SUV rivals—creating ample room for dogs of all sizes.
The flat floor and wide boot opening make entry and exit stress-free for older or less mobile dogs.
Rear passenger space is another ID.4 strength, with excellent headroom and a comfortable upright seating position that ensures your dog has a stable, spacious environment.
The flat rear floor eliminates the central tunnel found in many combustion-engine vehicles, creating more foot space for humans and a more level surface for dog beds or crates.
The ID.4's comfortable ride quality benefits both species, absorbing larger bumps and potholes effectively.
The cabin remains quiet at lower speeds with minimal motor noise, creating a calm environment for noise-sensitive dogs.
Skoda Superb
Retail Price: £36,995.00
Savings: £6,756.00
Motorfinity Price: £30,239.00
Boot Space : 645 liters
Specific Trim: 1.5 TSI e-TEC SE Technology 5dr DSG
Performance: 5.6-9.2 seconds (depending on engine)
USP: Supple ride quality, refined cabin experience
Make an Enquiry
The Skoda Superb Estate stands as the ultimate dog-friendly vehicle that refuses to compromise on driver comfort. With a massive 690-litre boot capacity, it effortlessly accommodates even the largest dog breeds while still leaving ample room for your luggage as well.
The wide boot aperture and optional height-adjustable floor create a seamless entry surface perfect for older or arthritic dogs.
Our favourite feature has to be its central ski hatch - it allows carrying long items while your dog remains securely seated.
Comfort is prioritised for both species, particularly with the optional DCC adaptive suspension.
In its softest setting, it delivers exceptional bump absorption that humans and dogs will appreciate during long journeys.
The minimal wind noise creates a calm environment for sound-sensitive canines.
.jpg)
Human comfort isn't sacrificed.
The standard massage function, extendable seat base, and four-way lumbar support ensure driver wellbeing on extended trips.
The convenient placement of essential controls, including physical dials for climate settings, means you can adjust cabin temperature without taking your attention away from your dog or the road.
_1682338311.jpg)
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Boot Space:527L (1,587L seats down)
Specific trim: 1.2 Advance 5dr
Performance: Range: 298 miles
USP: Flexible, tech-forward space with practical loading.
Make an Enquiry
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 brilliantly resolves the tension between driver enjoyment and dog comfort through thoughtful design integration. Its spacious cabin offers a perfect environment for both species.
The enormous 520-litre boot easily accommodates large dogs, while the exceptionally flat floor creates stable footing for nervous pets.
The relatively low load height makes entry manageable for older dogs, addressing a key pain point for many owners.
Premium materials throughout maintain a stylish aesthetic whilst standing up to muddy paws.
The sliding rear seats add versatility, allowing you to adjust the space based on your dog's size or travel needs without compromising passenger comfort.
Performance remains impressive with up to 321bhp (AWD version), delivering engaging driving dynamics while the electric powertrain creates a calmer environment for anxious dogs.
The Ioniq 5's distinctive styling means you don't sacrifice kerb appeal for practicality—a rare achievement in dog-friendly vehicles.
With fast-charging capability (10-80% in just 18 minutes), human and canine journeys can resume quickly after stops.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Retail Price: £42,780.00
Savings: £7,239.00
Motorfinity Price: £35,541.00
Boot Space: 374L
Specific trim: 1.0 TCe 90 Techno 5dr
Performance: 0-62mph: 5.9s
USP: Dog friendly interior with engaging driving dynamics.
Make an Enquiry
The Volkswagen Golf GTI proves you don't need an estate or SUV for dog-friendly driving pleasure.
Its 374-litre boot with height-adjustable floor creates a perfectly flat, easily accessible space for small to medium dogs, while the 60/40 split seats with central ski hatch offer flexible configurations for various transport scenarios.
Unlike typical "dog cars," the GTI delivers genuine driving excitement alongside practical features.
The smooth ride with optional adaptive suspension benefits nervous dogs, while the responsive handling ensures you don't sacrifice enjoyment for practicality.
Well-designed climate control keeps your dog comfortable, and standard parking sensors help manoeuvre safely when rear visibility is compromised by your furry passenger.
Ford Explorer
Retail Price: £53,975.00
Savings: £12,653.00
Motorfinity Price: £41,322.00
Boot Space : 470L
Specific Trim:
Performance: Range: 374 miles (RWD); 329 miles (AWD)
USP: Adaptable interior with strong electric performance
Make an Enquiry
The Ford Explorer electric SUV offers a refreshing balance of driving enjoyment and canine practicality in a compact electric package. Its thoughtful design creates a harmonious environment for both driver and dog.
The 470-litre boot provides ample space for medium-sized dogs, with the height-adjustable floor creating a perfectly flat surface when needed—ideal for older pets with joint issues.
Interior comfort stands out with excellent climate control that maintains consistent temperatures throughout the cabin—crucial for temperature-sensitive breeds.
The massive 17-litre Mega Console between the front seats provides convenient storage for dog essentials, while the composed handling ensures your pet enjoys a stable ride even on winding roads.
For drivers, the Explorer delivers genuine engagement with responsive steering and impressive performance (0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds in AWD form).
The Extended Range RWD model offers an impressive 374-mile range, meaning you can reach distant walking locations without charging anxiety.
Lexus RX
Retail Price: £68,950.00
Savings: £9,733.00
Motorfinity Price: £59,217.00
Boot Space : 461L
Specific trim: 1.5 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
Performance: 0-62mph: 6.5s (450h+)
USP: Reliable, versatile space with premium comfort.
Make an Enquiry
The Lexus RX emerges as a top-tier choice for dog owners seeking luxury and practicality in one vehicle.
Its thoughtful design caters specifically for canine comfort and owner convenience, starting with a spacious 461-litre boot featuring 40/20/40 split rear seats.
What truly sets the RX apart is its exceptionally quiet cabin, which creates a supremely calm environment for sound-sensitive dogs. The hybrid powertrain ensures smooth transitions between electric and petrol power.
For drivers, the RX offers a commanding driving position with excellent visibility,
Standard safety features like automatic emergency braking provide additional peace of mind.
Lexus demonstrates its commitment to dependability, ensuring fewer unexpected disruptions to both human and dog travel routines.
With its perfect blend of luxury, practicality, and dog-friendly features, the Lexus RX stands out as an ideal vehicle for discerning pet owners who refuse to compromise on comfort or style.
Are Electric Cars Better for Dogs?
Though our experts have selected a range of vehicles to give you the best options for dog owners, you might have noticed that many of the vehicles mentioned are electric. This isn't coincidental. Electric vehicles offer a significantly more comfortable experience for dogs compared to traditional combustion-engine cars.
According to veterinary expert Dr. Scott Miller, studies reveal dogs experience up to 40% less stress in EVs, primarily due to the reduced vibrations and noise that can disturb canines with their acute hearing (capable of detecting frequencies up to 45,000 Hz).
Dog owners across online forums consistently report their pets falling asleep faster and showing calmer behaviour in electric vehicles.
The absence of exhaust fumes also benefits dogs' sensitive olfactory systems, which contain up to 300 million scent receptors compared to humans' mere 6 million.
Due to significant benefits of eliminating engine vibration, harmful emissions, and noise, electric vehicles are the superior choice for environmentally-conscious pet owners who prioritise their dogs' comfort and wellbeing during travel.
Key Features to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Car
When selecting the perfect vehicle for both you and your canine companion, consider these essential features:
- Space Optimisation: Low-entry boot with flat floors, perfect for large and small dogs.
- Interior Protection: Scratch-proof, stain-resistant surfaces to prevent dog-related damage.
- Safety Features: Crash-tested harness points and secure restraint systems.
- Climate Control: Rear ventilation with temperature regulation for dog comfort.
- Flexible Seating: Modular layouts to adapt to different dog sizes.
- Easy Cleaning: Hydrophobic surfaces for quick and simple maintenance.
- Performance Design: Vehicles balancing driving dynamics with pet-friendly features.
- Budget Smart: Essential dog-friendly features without compromising your budget..
Are These Dog Packs Worth it?
Dog guards and boot liners are crucial accessories that offer essential protection for your vehicle's interior and your canine companion during travel.
These solutions provide a balance between safety, comfort, and practicality, helping to prevent damage and potentially saving lives in the event of an accident.
What to consider?
Prioritise a solution that matches your dog's size and behaviour, ensure proper fit for your specific vehicle model, check the durability of materials, and consider additional safety features like secure attachment points and impact-resistant design.
Motorfinity and Dog-Friendly Cars
At Motorfinity, we're proud to offer exceptional discounts on a range of dog-friendly cars , perfectly suited for those looking for comfort for themselves and their dog.
Our strong relationships with various manufacturers allow us to present these vehicles at highly competitive terms.
Are you eligible?
Our nation’s Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services, NHS, Police and Prison Services, the Education and Social Care sectors and more form our eligible audience.
Related Car Reviews and Articles
Related Reads
Best New Cars for Under £40,000 in 2025 That Feel a Lot More Expensive
3 minutes
In the automotive world of 2025, a handful of brand-new car models have emerged as exceptional value, offering a driving experience and luxury typically associated with much higher price tags.
Read More
Affordable Family Cars 2025
Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes 30 sec
Explore the best affordable family cars of 2025 in our detailed review.
Read More
Cars Under 20k
This comprehensive list is compiled by the Motorfinity experts and includes a list of vehicles that fit your budget and that are not a trade off. These cars don't have any less features than high end cars, are comfortable to drive, have lots of extras, have excellent safety rating and YES do not feel cheap when you step into them.
Read More