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!

What features belong in the best cars for dogs?

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.

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 while the car is in motion

Which of our new Toyotas is best for dogs?

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

The Toyota RAV4. This spacious but 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 Toyota Camry Hybrid. 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.

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. Additionally, it has three-zone climate control so no matter where your pets are sitting, they’ll be comfortable.

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.

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

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!

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