Best Cars for Dog Owners in Australia – Pet-Friendly Picks 2025

Bringing your dog along for the ride isn’t just a trend—it’s part of modern Australian lifestyle. Whether you're hitting the beach, camping in the Outback, or running errands around town, dog owners need vehicles that are spacious, comfortable, easy to clean, and—most importantly—safe for your furry mate. In this guide, we dive into the best dog-friendly cars you can buy in Australia in 2025.

Why Dog Owners Need the Right Car

Before listing our top picks, let’s understand what makes a car “dog-friendly.” It’s not just about a big boot—though that helps. The ideal vehicle for dog owners combines:

• Boot space for crates or free movement
• Low loading height for easy jump-in access
• Flat boot floors with no lip to trip over
• Rear AC vents to keep your pet cool
• Durable and washable interiors
• Good safety features like dog seatbelt anchor points
• Window shades or tints for heat control
• Optional accessories like pet barriers, boot liners, and ramps

Key Features to Look for in Dog-Friendly Vehicles

Let’s break it down even more:

1. Interior Space and Boot Volume

Room for your dog to sit, stand, or lie down comfortably is crucial, especially for long drives. Look for:

• Rear seat folding flexibility
• Boot size over 500L ideal for medium to large dogs
• Flat boot floor with low lip

2. Air Conditioning and Climate Control

Dogs overheat quickly, especially in Australian summers. Rear vents, dual-zone or tri-zone climate control, and window tinting are a big plus.

3. Safety Features for Pets

Anchor points for harnesses, ISOFIX (if using pet seats), curtain airbags in the rear, and solid boot covers or barriers help ensure a safe ride.

4. Washable Interiors

Expect muddy paws, fur, and sand. Easy-clean seats (leatherette is ideal), removable mats, and water-resistant boot linings are dog-owner essentials.

2025’s Best Dog-Friendly Cars in Australia

Let’s get into the cars. Here’s our hand-picked list of top dog-friendly vehicles, tested for real Aussie conditions and canine compatibility.

🚙 1. Subaru Outback 2025

Why It’s Great:
The Outback has long been a favourite for active families—and dogs. With symmetrical AWD, it’s ready for beach runs and bush trails. It offers a huge cargo area, low floor, and durable interiors.

• Boot Space: 522L (expandable to 1711L)
• Rear AC Vents: Yes
• Ground Clearance: 213mm (easy for dogs to jump in)
• Bonus: Rubber floor mats, cargo step panel, pet harness clips available

Perfect for: Medium to large dogs, adventure seekers, rural dog owners

🚗 2. Honda CR-V 2025

Why It’s Great:
Redesigned in 2025 with more interior space and better tech. The CR-V offers one of the largest boots in its class, rear-seat air vents, and a low floor for easy access.

• Boot Space: 589L
• Flat Loading Floor: Yes
• Optional Pet Pack: Yes (cargo tray, mat, divider)

Perfect for: Families with dogs, suburban life, frequent travellers

🚐 3. Kia Carnival 2025

Why It’s Great:
If you have more than one dog—or a large breed—the Carnival is a dream. It’s more MPV than SUV, with electric sliding doors and a boot that can swallow crates, gear, and more.

• Boot Space: Up to 1139L with all seats up
• Sliding Doors: Makes getting dogs in/out super easy
• Flat Floor: Yes
• Options: Dog ramp, pet barrier, removable boot liner

Perfect for: Multi-dog households, dog groomers, breeders, road-trippers

🚙 4. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid 2025

Why It’s Great:
Fuel-efficient and practical, the RAV4 remains one of Australia’s best-selling SUVs. The hybrid makes it eco-conscious too.

• Boot Space: 580L
• Rear AC Vents: Yes
• Durable Interior: Available in leather-accented trims
• Extras: Genuine Toyota cargo barrier, rear protector mat

Perfect for: Eco-minded dog lovers, city dwellers, light off-roaders

🚗 5. Mazda CX-5 2025

Why It’s Great:
The CX-5 blends comfort, reliability, and premium looks. It’s not the largest, but the layout works well for small to medium dogs.

• Boot Space: 438L (slightly smaller than rivals)
• Rear Air Vents: Yes
• Interior: Leather and fabric mix, easy to clean
• Options: Genuine dog mat, boot protector

Perfect for: Small dog owners, couples, urban professionals

🚙 6. Skoda Octavia Wagon 2025

Why It’s Great:
Station wagons are making a quiet comeback, and the Octavia proves why. It has a low boot height, flat floor, and more space than most SUVs.

• Boot Space: 640L
• Dog-Friendly Touch: Retractable boot cover, hooks, side storage
• Bonus: Optional dog guard, boot tray, and washable covers

Perfect for: Older dogs (easy access), sedate breeds, practical owners

🚗 7. Hyundai Tucson 2025

Why It’s Great:
A tech-packed, value-for-money SUV with great interior layout. Hyundai’s accessories catalogue now includes pet-specific gear.

• Boot Space: 539L
• Rear Climate Vents: Yes
• Optional Add-ons: Pet barrier, cargo liner, rubber mats

Perfect for: Budget-conscious families, city + weekend explorers

🚐 8. Land Rover Defender 90/110

Why It’s Great:
If you and your dog spend more time off-road than on it, this is your beast. Ultra-rugged yet luxurious, with tons of boot space and washable floors.

• Boot Space: Up to 1075L in Defender 110
• Washable Flooring: Yes
• Built-In Pet Ramp (optional)

Perfect for: Adventure dogs, farm dogs, working dogs

Honorable Mentions

These cars also perform well for pet travel:

• Ford Everest 2025 – Spacious 7-seater SUV, rugged and refined
• Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace – Optional pet barrier, long boot
• Volvo XC60 Recharge – Luxury + plug-in hybrid + great boot
• MG ZS EV 2025 – Affordable EV option with good rear seat space
• Toyota Corolla Cross – Small SUV with surprising practicality

Best Accessories for Dog Owners

No matter which car you pick, the right accessories make the ride smoother:

• Pet barriers: Keep dogs safely in the boot
• Seat belts or harness clips: Required by law in some states
• Boot liners or trays: Protect from fur, claws, and dirt
• Portable water bowls and fans
• Rear sunshades: Block heat and glare
• Dog ramps: Great for older or short-legged dogs

Legal Considerations in Australia

You must restrain pets when driving—it’s the law in most Aussie states. Penalties may apply if:

• Your dog obstructs the driver
• They sit on your lap while driving
• The animal is injured due to not being restrained

Use purpose-built pet harnesses, carriers, or cargo barriers. Check state-specific road laws to be safe.

Final Thoughts: Which Car is Best for You and Your Dog?

The best dog-friendly car is one that fits your lifestyle just as well as your dog's. Think about:

• How often you travel with your dog
• Your dog’s size, breed, and agility
• How much gear you carry (beds, leads, toys)
• Whether you need off-road capability

Whether it’s the rugged Land Rover Defender, the versatile Subaru Outback, or the family-friendly Kia Carnival—there’s a perfect pet-travel vehicle for you in 2025.

If you’re a proud Aussie dog owner, now’s the time to upgrade your ride for both style and paws-on practicality.