There are around 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 that when it comes to choosing a car, the needs of their pooch have to be considered alongside all the other requirements.
Matters such as space and ease of access are just as important for canine passengers as humans, so to help pet lovers pick the right wheels, car dealership chain Dick Lovett has compiled a list of the best new cars for dog owners, taking into account various factors that make life more comfortable and easier for pet and owner alike.
The most obvious and important factor is boot space, which is why the list is dominated by SUVs and estate cars. But the research also considered the importance of a low load height to make it easier for dogs to get in and out and a quiet cabin to keep pets calm. Running costs in the form of fuel economy were also taken into account, as was the availability of hands-free tailgate operation - a nice luxury but hardly a necessity.
The key factors contributed to a total potential score of 100, with a weighting of 40 points for boot space, 20 each for cabin noise and economy, and 10 each for electric tailgates and low lips.
Matters such as space and ease of access are just as important for canine passengers as humans, so to help pet lovers pick the right wheels, car dealership chain Dick Lovett has compiled a list of the best new cars for dog owners, taking into account various factors that make life more comfortable and easier for pet and owner alike.
5. V60
Like Land Rover, there’s a long-standing stereotype of boxy old Volvo estates packed with muddy dogs. Volvo’s estate cars might not be so boxy any more but they are still a great choice if you’ve got hounds to haul around. The V60 is the smaller of Volvo’s two current estate models but still offers a useful 519-litre boot, decent economy and one of the classiest interiors in the business. Perhaps don’t opt for the pale leather interior, though.
6. Skoda Kodiaq
The Kodiaq is closely related to the Tarraco but ranks slightly lower due to having a smaller boot and noisier cabin. Still, the big seven-seat SUV is a strong option for families, especially those with larger dogs that will manage the higher jump up to the 630-litre boot and, like most SUVs on this list, can be specified with four-wheel-drive for venturing a little bit off the beaten track.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander
Sadly, the Outlander is no longer an option for anyone looking for a new car as the brand pulled out of the UK last year. However, there are plenty of second-hand versions out there for drivers willing to buy used. Its 591-litre boot helps the Outlander make it into the top 10 list but that’s for the less economical diesel model. Opt for the more efficient PHEV and you’ll lose a substantial amount of boot space, with capacity dropping to 463 litres.
8. BMW 5 Series Touring
There’s plenty to recommend the 5 Series Touring even if you’re not a dog owner. It looks good, is great to drive and has BMW’s usual high-quality interior. Plus, it has loads of space for passengers and luggage. For dog owners, that 570 litres of luggage space translates into plenty of room for pets and along with one of the lowest loading lips on this list makes it a great choice if you don’t fancy an SUV.