The best cars for dogs: Toyota edition

Are your four-legged friends one of your top priorities when you’re shopping for a car? We get it… and we also get that a JBL sound system or sporty 20″ wheels probably aren’t the features you’re looking for in that respect. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you find the best cars for dogs in our Toyota lineup. Let’s get started!

Key Points:

What Features Belong in the Best Cars for Dogs?

When you’re choosing a vehicle, it’s easy to get caught up in performance specs or tech upgrades, but if you’re a pet parent, your priorities shift a bit. Comfort, safety, and convenience for your dog become just as important as fuel efficiency or horsepower. Whether you’re heading to the dog park, the vet, or taking a road trip across Florida, having one of the best cars for dogs can make all the difference in your day-to-day routine.

So, what features ARE you looking for in the best cars for dogs? Here’s what our Orlando Toyota specialists think should be on your list:

• An interior that’s durable. We don’t recommend leather interiors if you’re going to be regularly carting your pets around . Even with seat covers, their nails can still scratch the seats.
• A larger cargo area. You want the space for your four-legged friends to ride comfortably if they’re in the back, as well as the space to transport one or more crates should you need to.
• Fold-flat rear seats. This is key if you have a smaller SUV or a sedan – folding the rear seats down will create a much larger cargo space.
• A low height. If you want your dogs to be able to jump into the car themselves, it’s important to find one that’s lower to the ground, especially if you have larger dogs that you’re not able to lift.

These core features are important, sure, but they also directly impact your dog’s safety and stress levels while riding in the car. Dogs that feel cramped or stressed during travel get anxious more easily, which can make even short trips less-than-fun. Choosing one of the best cars for dogs helps ensure your four-legged friends has enough room to relax.

More Features to Consider in Your Next Orlando Toyota

And here are a few other features you might want to consider when shopping at Toyota of Orlando for the best cars for dogs:

• A SofTex interior that’s durable and easy to wipe clean (vacuuming dog fur out of fabric seats is less than fun, trust us)
• If you opt for a fabric interior, one that’s the same color as your pet’s fur so you can go longer in between car detailings
• A rear cargo door that’s a hatchback OR opens wide enough to let you load your pets
• Rear-zone climate control so you can keep your pets comfortable no matter the weather outside
• Tie-down points in the rear cargo area where you can secure your pets’ crate while the car is in motion

Car Accessories for Your Pets

You might also want to think about accessories for your four-legged friends. Things like pet barriers, cargo liners, and seat protectors can go a long way in keeping your car clean AND your dog safe. When it comes to the best cars for dogs, you might also want to invest in portable ramps for older dogs that have trouble climbing in, or collapsible water bowls for longer stretches on the road.

Another pro tip? Take into consideration how easy it’ll be to clean your car in general. Dogs bring in dirt, sand, fur, and sometimes even water after a good swim. Orlando Toyotas with fewer crevices, more durable floor mats, and easy-to-clean surfaces can save you a lot of time and energy.

Which of Our New Orlando Toyotas Is Best for Dogs?

So, which new Toyotas at Toyota of Orlando meet the bill? Here are our top picks when it comes to the best cars for dogs.

The Toyota RAV4.

This spacious and fuel-efficient Orlando Toyota SUV is perfect for pets. It has a larger cargo hold, fold-down second-row seats, and dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents.

• The new Toyota RAV4 is one of the most versatile options when it comes to the best cars for dogs. It’s not too large to handle daily commuting, but still offers plenty of room for your pup to stretch out. Plus, its ride height makes it easier for dogs to hop in and out compared to larger SUVs.

The Toyota Camry.

You might wonder how a sedan can possibly be one of the best cars for dogs, but this new Toyota fits the bill. It has a low height for easy entry, available SofTex interior, and fold-flat rear seats so you can expand your rear cargo space if need be.

• Sedans like the Orlando Toyota Camry are great for pet owners who don’t necessarily need a full SUV but still want comfort and efficiency. It’s also a great choice if your dog likes riding in the back seat instead of the cargo area. And with excellent fuel economy, it’s ideal for frequent trips with your furry companion.

The Toyota Highlander.

If you’re hauling the family around + four-legged friends, the Highlander is a great option. You can fold the third row down for extra-large cargo space and still have the second row for human passengers. It also has three-zone climate control so no matter where your pets are sitting, they’ll be comfortable.

• The Highlander really shines when you have multiple dogs or a mix of passengers and pets. It’s one of the best cars for dogs if you need flexibility. Whether you’re loading up crates, dog beds, or travel gear, the Highlander gives you room to do it all without sacrificing passenger comfort.

The Toyota 4Runner.

If adventure is the name of your game, you and your pet need to get behind the wheel of the Toyota 4Runner. It’s off-road-ready for you and has a large rear cargo space for your furry friends. You’ll also find features like an available SofTex interior, all-weather floor mats for muddy paws, and a sliding rear cargo deck for easy loading and unloading.

• For pet owners who love the outdoors, the 4Runner is easily one of the best cars for dogs. Whether you’re heading to hiking trails, beaches, or camping spots, this SUV is built to handle it all. Dogs that love adventure will appreciate the extra space and durability this model provides.

And remember, you should never put your dog – or any other pet – in the bed of a pickup truck.

Stay Safe When Driving With Your Pets

Safety should always come first when traveling with pets. Keeping your dog inside the vehicle, properly secured, helps protect them in case of an accident. Many pet owners looking for the best cars for dogs also choose to use seatbelt harnesses or crates for extra safety.

Test Drive the Best Cars for Dogs at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to test drive any one of these Toyotas, or see if any of our other new or used cars are a fit for you and your pets? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by. We’re a dog-friendly business, and we’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!

FAQs:

1. What can I do to make traveling with pets easier?

Traveling with pets is easier when you plan ahead with essentials like a pet seat cover, portable water bowl, leash, and favorite toys to keep them comfortable. Toyota SUVs like the RAV4, Highlander, and Grand Highlander also offer spacious interiors and available rear climate controls to help pets stay relaxed during longer drive

2. Which Toyotas have the most cargo space?

Toyota models with the most cargo space include the Grand Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, making them great options for families, pets, and road trips. These vehicles offer flexible seating and large storage areas that make it easy to pack pet carriers, luggage, and travel gear.

3. How can I protect my Toyota from pets?

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