Roughly 5 million Australian households have a dog. And most of those dogs get driven somewhere regularly. Parks, the beach, the vet, camping trips. But not all cars are created equal when it comes to canine passengers.
What Makes a Car Dog-Friendly?
Forget the marketing. Here's what actually matters:
- Boot lip height. How high your dog has to jump to get in. Under 700mm is easy for most dogs. Over 800mm and older or heavy dogs will struggle.
- Flat load floor. No step or ledge between the boot and the folded rear seats. Dogs slip on steps.
- Boot space. A Labrador needs about 120-150L of floor space to lie down comfortably. A Kelpie needs less. A Great Dane needs a ute tray.
- Rear air conditioning. Dogs overheat fast in Australian summers. Rear air vents or climate zones keep the back cool.
- Easy-clean surfaces. Leather or vinyl seats are much easier to clean than fabric. Rubber boot liners are essential.
Top 5 Dog Cars
| Car | Boot | Boot Lip | Flat Floor? | Rear AC | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback | 522L | 680mm | Yes | Yes | $42,490 |
| Skoda Kodiaq (5-seat) | 765L | 720mm | Yes | Yes | $47,990 |
| Volvo XC60 | 483L | 740mm | Yes | Yes | $69,990 |
| Toyota RAV4 | 542L | 750mm | Small step | Yes | $39,560 |
| Honda CR-V | 587L | 730mm | Yes | Yes | $42,500 |
The Subaru Outback: The Dog Car
There's a reason you see Outbacks at every dog park in Australia. The boot lip is the lowest of any AWD wagon, so even older dogs can jump in without a ramp. The flat load floor means no awkward steps. Symmetrical AWD handles muddy dog beach car parks. And the whole car just feels built for an outdoor lifestyle.
The optional power tailgate is brilliant. You can open the boot hands-free when you're holding a lead and a bag of poo.
Cars to Avoid With Dogs
- Sedans. Small boot openings make it hard for dogs to get in. The boot shape doesn't give them room to turn around.
- High-riding SUVs without steps. A LandCruiser or Prado is great for off-road but the boot is 850mm+ off the ground. Big dog, big problem.
- Sports cars. Obviously. But also coupes and two-door cars. Dog hair in a $150k Porsche interior is a bad time.
Dog Car Accessories Worth Buying
- Waterproof boot liner ($50-150). Non-negotiable. Protects against mud, hair, and the occasional accident. Protects resale value too.
- Boot divider/cargo barrier ($100-300). Stops your dog climbing into the back seat. Also a safety feature in a crash.
- Dog ramp ($80-200). For older dogs, heavy dogs, or SUVs with high boot lips. Saves your dog's joints.
- Seat belt harness ($30-60). If your dog rides on the back seat, a harness clips into the seatbelt buckle. Stops them becoming a projectile in a crash. Not a joke. A 30kg dog at 60km/h hits with the force of a grand piano.
- Portable water bowl ($10). Keep one in the boot. Dehydration on long drives is a real risk in Australian heat.
A Note on Temperature
Never leave a dog in a parked car in Australia. On a 30°C day, the inside of a car reaches 50°C+ within 10 minutes. Dogs can die in under 15 minutes. If you see a dog in a hot car, call 000.
When driving, use rear air conditioning. If your car doesn't have it, crack the rear windows and use a sunshade on the boot window.
Compare these cars yourself
200+ specs, fuel costs, safety ratings, braking distance, and speed vs range calculator.
Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!