Top 10 Cars for Pet Lovers

By Sheryll Alexander

With more and more Americans taking their pets (mostly dogs) on the road, many new car buyers are wondering which cars are best for their pets. Before the gas crunch, most dog lovers were buying hefty SUVs, but today let’s look at the best pet-friendly small cars and CUVs on the market.

So, what are some great cars for pet lovers? Here, I’ve compiled a list from recent road test reviews:

Toyota Venza: I did drive the 2009 Toyota Venza and I do agree the rear hatch and cargo area is huge. The second row seating, however, is so gorgeous that I’m not sure you want your big dogs hanging out there. Certainly, the Venza is a fun-to-drive car even though I think the central console is designed a bit too much like a minivan.

Suzuki SX4: Seeking a rather inexpensive vehicle for you and your pet? Suzuki’s 2009 SX4 Crossover costs just $16,000 and comes standard with all-wheel-drive and a flip-top navigation system. Plus, this five-seat CUV is fuel efficient, has easy-to-fold seats and a rather roomy hatchback for hauling pets.

Land Rover LR2: Like the Venza, the 2009 Land Rover LR2 is made with pets in mind. This five-seat CUV has a huge hatchback and cargo area, which can be customized with aftermarket pet accessories such as cages, barriers and leash tethers. Land Rover’s LR2 is also full of great design and luxury details.

Hyundai Genesis: Full-sized sedan aficionados are going to love the 2009 Hyundai Genesis for its super fun drive, pleasing design, luxurious interior materials and high tech options. And because the Hyundai Genesis costs around $40,000, perhaps you won’t mind as much when the dogs slobber and shed on the saddle-stitched leather upholstery.

Volkswagen Routan: Minivans aren’t just for kids. Pet lovers know that minivans are great for pets with their automatic sliding doors, extra large cargo capacity and flat-fold seats. The second row seats, unfortunately, do not fold flat. They fold either up against the front row seats or can be taken completely out of the vehicle. On the plus side, the 2009 Volkswagen Routan is a truly fun-to-drive minivan.

Mazda CX-7 & Mazda CX-9: Mazda makes a kick ass CUV with both its less expensive CX-7 and luxury-minded CX-9 models. But both the five-seat 2009 Mazda CX-7 and seven-seat 2009 Mazda CX-9 have a big rear hatch back and cargo areas for pets. For those who want a great pet-friendly vehicle along with modern design and excellent driving dynamics, check out Mazda’s CX-7 and CX-9.

Ford Flex: The seven-passenger 2009 Ford Flex is not just roomy for people, but is a good pick for pets too. Built long and narrow like a limousine, the Ford Flex’s huge rear hatchback is great for loading dogs into the vast cargo area, which has second and third row fold-flat seats.

Toyota Corolla: Lots of dog lovers opt for a compact sedan rather than a CUV or SUV. I discovered the 2009 Toyota Corolla has tons of room, super comfortable seats, a big second row and a truly zippy drive.

Toyota FJ Cruiser: Although not great for dogs who like to put their heads out the window (the second row windows do not open), Toyota’s 2009 FJ Cruiser’s “suicide” doors make it easy for dogs to jump in and out of this all-wheel-drive SUV. These swing-out rear doors and wide stance make the FJ’s second row seats gigantic compared to other CUVs and SUVs. Plus, the FJ Cruiser has easy-to-wash rubber flooring.

Honda Civic Hybrid: Are you seeking a super reliable green car with a zippy drive? The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid fits the bill as a superior workhorse vehicle with a roomy second row, large hatchback and flat-fold seats.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif.