The best new cars with the biggest boots and quietest cabins to comfortably transport your pets
There are approximately 12.5 million dogs in the UK and for many owners their four-legged friend is as much a part of the family as any child.
That means when it comes to choosing a car, their dog’s needs should be considered in addition to all the other requirements.
Things like space and easy access are just as important to dog passengers as they are to people, so to help animal lovers choose the right wheels, a car dealer chain is Dick Lovett has compiled a list of the best new cars for dog owners, taking into account several factors that make life more comfortable and convenient for both pet and owner.
The most obvious and most important factor is the luggage space, which is why the list is dominated by SUVs and station wagons. But the study also took into account the importance of a low loading height to make it easier for dogs to get in and out and a quiet cabin to keep pets calm. Ongoing costs in the form of fuel economy were also taken into account, as well as the availability of hands-free operation of the tailgate – a nice luxury but hardly a necessity.
The key factors contributed to an overall potential score of 100, with a weighting of 40 points for trunk space, 20 points for cabin noise and economy, and 10 points for power tailgates and low tabs.
Land Rovers have long been a favorite of the Welly Boot and Labrador brigade, so it’s no surprise to find several on this list. However, it is more surprising to see that the smallest model of the green oval outperforms several others. While the boot is smaller than some other cars, the more compact Discovery Sport offers a lower tailgate and lower fuel consumption than larger rivals, while still packing plenty of off-road chops for taking your pets into the wild. Like all LR products on the list, the Discovery Sport’s cargo area was measured from floor to roof rather than cargo cover, but adequate headroom is important for larger breeds of dogs.
The Range Rover is another model that benefits from measuring the full height of the trunk rather than just down to the window line, but there’s no doubt that the great daddy of premium 4x4s is an ideal choice for wealthy dog owners. Not only does it offer plenty of space (909 litres) in the boot, but it also has the quietest cabin on the list and probably the most luxurious for two-legged passengers. Fuel economy – at 34 mpg – isn’t great and a six figure asking price isn’t for everyone, though.
The perfect antidote to a £100,000 luxury SUV is Skoda’s no-nonsense family hatchback, which has offered huge amounts of space for relatively little money for many years now. The latest version continues that and with a 600 liter boot, low lip, power tailgate and 50 mpg+ economy it is ideal for dog owners. In addition, the new one has a premium look and feel not previously associated with the Czech brand.
The Tarraco is Seat’s first seven-seat SUV and offers plenty of space for both passengers and pets. It can’t match the economy or low load height of the Octavia, but with a quieter cab and 760 liter boot, it’s quieter for your dog and has more room for the wellies, jackets, towels and more that come with being from a dog owner.
