Best cars for dogs: Toyota edition

Shopping for a car with your best friend is a MUST, I mean they’re going to be the ones in your future Toyota the most. That’s why we take our dogs when shopping for a car because we want them to have the best experience for their next adventure. We understand that there aren’t some features, like a JBL sound system or sporty 20” wheels, that aren’t your top priority. For that reason, Toyota of Orlando is here to help you find the best cars for dogs in our Toyota lineup.

What features belong in the best cars for dogs?

There are so many features that you might be looking for your dog, but you don’t know where to start. So, our Orlando Toyota specialists are going to help you with that:

A low height. If you can’t carry your Great d=Dane into your car, or if they are an independent pup, you’re going to want them to jump in. To make this happen, you’re going to need to find a car that is lower to the ground. 

A larger cargo area. Whether your dog is as small as a Pomeranian or as big as a Great Dane, you’re going to need a larger cargo area for their comfort. Adventures can be quite tiring, you’re going to need the space so that you both have the best experience.

A durable interior. We definitely do not recommend leather interiors, if they are not up-to-date with their mani-pedis, you risk scratching the seats and it is irreversible. 

Fold-flat rear seats. This is a necessity if you have a smaller car, like an SUV or a sedan; It’s a hack for creating a more roomy cargo space because you can fold the rear seats down.

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

• Dogs shed…a lot (trust us, we know), so you’re going to want to get a SofTex interior that is durable and easy to clean with wipes. 

• If you decide to go for a fabric interior, try getting one that is the same color as your pet’s fur, so you don’t have to get your car detailed as often. 

• A rear cargo door that opens wide enough or that is a hatchback to get your pets in the vehicle.

• 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?

Now that we’ve shown you what you should look for in a car for your next adventure with your dog, we’re going to show you the best cars for dogs. We’re going to debrief the new Toyotas that are best for your dog.

The Toyota Highlander. If you’re hauling the family around + your dog, 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 Camry Hybrid. Now…how a sedan can possibly be one of the best cars for dogs? Trust us, 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 4Runner. To buckle up on your next adventure, you and your best friend need to get behind the wheel of the Toyota 4Runner.  It’s off-road-ready for you and has a large rear cargo space. 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.

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.

And remember, you should never put your dog – or any other furry friend – 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!