Top Picks for Best Vehicle to Travel Cross Country with Dogs

Traveling cross country with your furry friends by your side can be an incredible adventure, but it requires the right vehicle to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for both you and your dogs.

The Honda Pilot is a top pick for cross country travel with dogs, thanks to its spacious interior and generous cargo area.

For families with multiple dogs, the Subaru Ascent is a great option, offering ample space for passengers and pets alike.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a vehicle for cross country travel with dogs is the size of the cargo area. The Toyota Highlander has a generous cargo area of 13.8 cubic feet behind the third row, making it an ideal choice for families with large or multiple dogs.

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Planning a cross-country road trip with your furry friends is an exciting adventure, but it requires careful planning and packing. You'll want to use a mapping tool like Google Maps or Waze to plan your route, breaking it up into daily segments to avoid driver fatigue.

To ensure a smooth trip, book pet-friendly accommodations in advance using the pet-friendly filter on Expedia.com or Booking.com. Don't forget to pack the basics for your dog, including food, water, leash, poop bags, bedding, and medicines.

When it comes to packing your own essentials, remember to bring clothes, toiletries, and any other must-haves for a comfortable trip. A traveling harness or crate is also a must-have to keep your dog safe.

Here's a quick checklist to get you started:

Remember to pack these essentials in a way that keeps them easily accessible, so you can quickly grab what you need during the trip. With a little planning and preparation, you and your furry friends will be ready for an unforgettable adventure.

When choosing a vehicle for your cross-country road trip with dogs, cargo space is a must. Generous space is essential for dogs traveling in crates, and the seats need to lie completely flat.

A remote start feature can also be a lifesaver in a pinch, keeping your dog safe. Automatic doors make it easier to get in and out with your pup and all the gear. Configurable space, such as seats that fold easily, is also a plus for traveling with dogs.

Some vehicles stand out for their dog-friendly features. The Subaru Crosstrek and Forester have plenty of cargo space, roomy back seats, and head room for your furry friends. The Subaru Outback boasts a voluminous cargo area with multiple tiedown hooks for securing your dog's crate.

Here are some key features to consider when selecting a vehicle for your cross-country road trip with dogs:

When choosing a vehicle for a road trip, it's essential to consider the main piece of gear for your adventure. Cars, trucks, and vans all have unique features that can make or break your journey with a dog.

A generous cargo space is crucial for dogs traveling in crates, so look for vehicles with ample space and seats that lie completely flat. This will ensure your furry friend has a comfortable and safe ride.

Automatic doors can make getting in and out with your pup and all the gear much easier. This feature is a must-have for families with dogs who need to transport multiple pets and people.

Configurable space is also vital, as you'll need to adapt the vehicle to accommodate your dog's needs or those of your human passengers. Look for seats that easily fold or lie flat to create more space.

Easy-to-clean materials are a must for dog owners, as you know the drill – dog hair and muddy paws are inevitable. Choose a vehicle with durable and stain-resistant materials to make cleaning a breeze.

Here are the key features to consider when selecting a vehicle for your road trip with a dog:

For families with dogs, a third row is a must-have extra, and plenty of cargo space is a given. This will ensure everyone, including your furry friends, has a safe and comfortable ride.

Traveling with your furry friends can be a breeze in electric vehicles like Teslas. Dog Mode allows you to set the climate to stay the same while you're away, so your dogs can stay comfy in the car.

Tesla is also the safest vehicle on the road, independently tested by various organizations.

As you're considering which vehicle to choose for your furry friend, it's essential to think about their comfort and safety on the road.

Belio recommends "bringing your dog on long car rides, increasing the amount of time they’re in the car each time" to help them get accustomed to car travel.

Test driving ahead of time lets you address any issues your pet may have on longer rides.

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If you're in the market for a vehicle that can handle outdoor adventures with your furry friend, consider the Subaru Crosstrek. It's a popular choice for dog owners, thanks to its right-sized nature and capable ruggedness.

The Crosstrek has more ground clearance than the Impreza, making it perfect for navigating rough terrain with your dog by your side. Its hybrid option adds to its appeal, making it an eco-friendly choice for dog lovers.

The Subaru Forester is another great option, offering plenty of capability and interior space for your dog to stretch out. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable for both daily use and weekend getaways.

Dogs will love the head room, big cargo area, and roomy back seat in the Forester. These features make it easy to transport your furry friend in comfort and style.

The 2022 Kia Telluride is a fantastic option for families with pets. Its 87 cubic feet of cargo space is more than enough for even the largest dogs.

One of the standout features of the Telluride is its synthetic leather upholstery, called SynTex, which is easy to clean and maintain. This is a must-have for pet owners who want to keep their vehicle looking its best.

The Telluride's rear privacy glass and ceiling-mounted air vents for the second and third rows will keep your furry friends nice and cool on hot days. This is especially important for pets who tend to get overheated easily.

The infotainment system in the Telluride includes a feature called Driver Talk, which allows the driver to communicate with rear passengers without having to shout. This is super helpful for reassuring anxious pets during car rides.

The Telluride's standard Smart Key is a game-changer for pet owners, allowing entry without having to operate or even hold the fob. This is especially convenient when you're dealing with a boisterous hound who doesn't want to wait.

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The 2022 Volvo V60 is a great choice for those who want a luxurious and practical vehicle. It's a luxury wagon that's perfect for road trips or daily commutes.

Volvo has retained the V60 Cross Country, which offers standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance. This makes it a great option for those who live in areas with rough terrain or inclement weather.

The V60 Cross Country has 50.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which is ample for most pets. This makes it an ideal choice for pet owners who need to transport their furry friends.

Volvo's attention to detail extends to its pet-friendly accessories, which include a user-friendly dog harness and a protective grille that safely divides the cargo area from the passenger compartment.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a great option for dog owners. Its durable and water-resistant interior surfaces make post-dog cleanup quick and easy.

The Wrangler's interior is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures, which is perfect for families with dogs.

Dog owners will appreciate the Mopar Floor Cargo Trail Rail, which offers more tiedown points for a pet crate.

The removable top, doors, and windshield of the Wrangler make it a dog's paradise.

With the doors off, four-legged entry and egress is considerably easier, reducing any sense of canine claustrophobia.

The Wrangler's airiness also allows dogs to stick their heads out of the windows, safely harnessed, of course.

If you're a dog owner who loves to take your furry friend on adventures, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler is definitely worth considering.

The 2022 Honda CR-V is a great option for dog owners. It offers an affordable and fuel-efficient ride that can tackle dirt-road trailheads and muddy campsites.

Starting below $27K, the CR-V is a budget-friendly choice. With hybrid versions rated at 40 mpg city, you can save on gas money.

The CR-V has a spacious interior, with 75 cubic feet of cargo space. This makes it easy to bring your pet along on adventures.

Rear air vents keep your pet comfortable on long trips. The wipe-down leather upholstery in most trim levels is also a plus.

A low loading floor and flat cargo area make it easy to load and secure pet crates. This is especially useful for road trips or camping trips.

Honda's range of pet accessories, including seat-back protectors and a plastic cargo liner, make the CR-V a low-maintenance choice for dog owners.

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery is a great choice for those who love the outdoors with their furry friends. It starts at $56,600, making it an affordable option for those who want a luxury SUV.

Land Rover's roots are in off-road and rural markets, dating back to the original Series 1 Land Rover in 1948. This is evident in the features of the Discovery.

The Discovery comes with available accessories that cater to dog owners, such as a folding pet access ramp and a quilted, washable cargo liner. These features are perfect for those who want to bring their dogs along for the ride.

The Discovery's cargo area is designed with dogs in mind, featuring a full-height luggage partition and a spill-resistant water bowl. This is a thoughtful touch for dog owners who need to keep their pets comfortable and happy.

The most impressive feature of the Discovery is the Land Rover Portable Rinse System, a hand-pumped mini-shower that delivers up to 2 minutes of continuous flow. This is perfect for washing off dirty dogs after a long hike or playtime.

The Nissan Frontier is a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. It comes standard with a large cab or crew cab configuration, perfect for hauling gear and supplies.

The Frontier's rear bed and optional integrated tailgate extender make it easy to bring plenty of supplies and an overnight crate for camping. This setup is a wise choice for anyone who loves to spend time in the great outdoors.