My old dog Fozzie Bear loved a good ride in the truck. But she was a large hairy dog who was not welcome on test drives at local dealerships. Your dogs probably aren’t either. But that’s OK. Autotrader has released its annual list of best new vehicles for dog lovers, and it’s not a surprise that they’re mostly SUVs and vans. What are the best cars for dogs?

What makes the best cars for dogs the best?

Opinions vary, but we’d say the best cars for dogs have easy-to-clean seats and a good spot to lie down. But, in its new list, Autotrader says that durable seats, a low cargo floor and tons of pet accessories top the list. For most SUVs and minivans you can certainly get crate holders, safety belts, screens, mats and more that will keep your Fido comfy and safe in the back, but are easy to clean.

10: Volvo XC60

The $43,450 has an optional power tailgate that makes it easy for your doggos to jump in the back. Also, the XC60 can be ordered with an interior protection kit that includes rubber floor mats and a plastic luggage mat. The XC40 comes with a wealth of standard safety features and drivers aids, and all-wheel drive is a $2,300 option.

9: Toyota Sienna

We’re not surprised the Toyota Sienna makes this list, too. As anyone with an older dog knows, jumping into a tall truck isn’t always easy. The Sienna can seat seven or eight, yet has clever sliding seats that can make some room for any pup, and a low floor that makes entry and exit a breeze. The $35,285 Sienna can also be ordered with a plastic tri-fold cargo liner that’s easy to clean.

8: Tesla Model 3

The only car on the list is the Tesla Model 3. This quiet, fast, EV has interesting and durable synthetic seats that are easy to clean and don’t attract pet hair like cloth seats do. Autotrader calls Tesla’s glass roof its “secret weapon” because it lets your pup see everything. The $46,990 Model 3 also has up to 358 miles of range, so you can hit the furthest dog park.

7: Subaru Outback

It’s rare to not see an Outback without a metal dog separator in the back. The Outback has some off-road ability, and it makes a good outdoorsy companion for taking your pup to the wilderness for a hike. The Outback starts at $28,395 and comes in nine trim levels. It can be one of the best cars for dogs.

6: Ram ProMaster City Wagon

It’s a bit of a surprise to see the Ram ProMaster City Wagon on the list, if only because they’re mainly used as delivery vehicles. But it also makes sense because the van has a low load floor in the back and back doors that open like a refrigerator, so they’re easy to reach and close. Because this van is designed for cargo, not people, it’s super easy to clean, yet can be optioned with the easy-to-use uConnect 3 system. The ProMaster Wagon starts at $31,170 and is one of the best cars for dogs.

5: Kia Soul

The cheapest dog hauler on the list is the Kia Soul at $19,790. Kia revamped the soul for 2023 with several drivers aids and a navigation-based cruise control standard. It makes pet sense for several reasons, not the least of which is its maximum 62.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

4: Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler is durable, capable, and what pup wouldn’t like to go for a cruise with the doors and roof off? For exploring the wilderness, very few vehicles are as capable or fun as a Wrangler. You can also order the Wrangler as a plug-in hybrid 4xe version, which allows nearly silent driving. The Wrangler starts at $29,995 and comes standard with weather (and pet) resistant carpet and a floor drain that makes cleaning up easy.

3: Hyundai Santa Fe

Autotrader points out that the Santa Fe comes with stain-resistant cloth seats and an optional hands-free liftgate. The Santa Fe comes in several trims, from basic to positively luxurious in Calligraphy trim. The 2023 Santa Fe is a carry-over model from 2022, and it comes in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions and starts at $28,200, making it one the best cars for dogs and your wallet.

2: Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport combines the good looks of the larger Bronco with the efficient engines and all-wheel drive (and similar pricing) of the Ford Escape. The Bronco Sport can be ordered with an easy-to-clean cargo area protector, and the leather-trimmed seats are easy to clean. It also has plenty of creature comforts for humans, like the SYNC 3 system, and even in base $28,815 base trim, standard all-wheel drive.

1: Chrysler Pacifica

The Pacifica has soldiered on for several years as Chrysler’s successor to the original minivan and a top seller. It packs a lot in. We love that it comes with a built-in vacuum that can suck up pet hair with ease. The clever Stow ‘N Go seats fold into the floor of the Pacifica, which means that there’s plenty of room to lie down, or for a crate, in the Pacifica. You can order the $37,095 Pacifica as a plug-in hybrid for $46,978.