Best used cars for carrying large dogs

Furry friends are often overlooked when it comes to choosing a new vehicle but there are a number of practical issues that require consideration.

Photo of 2021 Skoda Octavia wagon

There are plenty of practical things to consider when you’re shopping for a car that can accommodate your pooch in style.

This reader is looking to upgrade their car to suit their German Shepherd.

THE QUESTION

I’m seeking a smallish SUV or wagon to carry garden tools, stepladder, and most importantly, my German Shepherd dog. I currently have a Hyundai i30 and he takes up the whole back seat! Older, boxy styles – like the first generation Toyota RAV4 – would suit him well. My budget’s up to $30,000. Any ideas?

Anne Demos, Watsonia North

There are a number of issues to consider when buying a dog-friendly car. Picture: Supplied.

ANSWER

German Shepherds are massive, and I agree, a boxy shape like a 1980s Volvo wagon or 1990s RAV4 would be great, but of course you want something newer.

Modern boxes like the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler aren’t comfy on road, nor great for carrying a stepladder. Wagons better suit – their lower height means easier boot access for the pooch and for loading the ladder on the roof. Folding rear seats bring excellent interior space, and remember to use a doggie restraint. Here’s some ideas.

The Skoda Octavia wagon has a big boot and a low lip for dogs to access the back. Picture: Supplied.

CHOICES

2021 SKODA OCTAVIA 110TSI AMBITION/STYLE WAGON, ABOUT $30,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Rare to find the current generation at this price, but this wagon’s ideal for your needs.

Classic good looks, economical (5.9L/100km) 110kW/250Nm turbo petrol engine, a beautifully refined drive and tech includes a 10-inch touchscreen, digital dash, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and auto tailgate.

It’s a proper spaceship. Its 640-litre boot grows to a cavernous 1700 litres with the rear seats folded.

The seats may not stow fully flat, but the long and tall load area’s square shape will easily

house the mutt.

Negatively, climate control can be fiddly via touch buttons, it needs pricier 95 fuel and safety kit such as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert are missing, unless the Luxury

Pack was optioned. Warranty’s five years and services prices are reasonable: favour

Octavias with transferable three- or five-year service packs.

The Ford Focus wagon was designed to accommodate an Irish Wolfhound. Picture: Supplied.

2019/20 FORD FOCUS ST-LINE WAGON, ABOUT $28,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Aussie buyers – blinded by SUVs – ignored Ford’s excellent wagon. Space wise it’s not

far off the Octavia with a 608-litre boot and 1653 litres with the rear seats folded. Again, those chairs don’t go completely flat, but it’s a vast square shape for the dog. Interestingly, the

Focus wagon’s designer insisted an Irish wolfhound – the world’s tallest dog – could fit in the cargo area.

Goodies include an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, sat nav and wireless phone charging, but no auto tailgate. Negatively, it needs 95 fuel, some cabin parts are too plasticky and there’s no blind-spot monitor or rear cross-traffic alert.

Only available in sporty ST-Line trim, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine’s an eager and refined unit with 134kW and 240Nm, returning 6.4L/100km. Sporty suspension means excellent cornering prowess but comfort suffers slightly. There’s a five-year warranty and services are a reasonable $299 per visit.

Photo of the 2019 Subaru range – Forester XV Outback

2019 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5i PREMIUM, ABOUT $30,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Classed as a medium SUV, the Forester’s really a jacked-up wagon. With all-wheel-drive, high ground clearance and clever off-road X-Mode, this Subaru will take you and the dog to more adventurous walkies spots.

The boot’s not huge at 498 litres with seats up, but fold them and there’s mighty 1768 litres offered, with a practical, squared-off aperture.

The Premium grade’s my pick for dog owners with its higher quality (more durable) cloth seats, power tailgate and rear seats folding electrically. Being higher off the ground it’s harder for the dog to get in, but the wide-opening rear doors have a non-slip finish to safely load the ladder on the roof.

Safety’s strong, there’s an 8-inch infotainment screen, power seats, solid build quality and great visibility.

The 2.5-litre petrol engine’s no firecracker and is thirsty at 7.4L/100km. Warranty’s five years and servicing’s not cheap.

The Astra Sportwagon is a cheaper alternative that makes sense. Picture: Supplied.

WILDCARD

2018 HOLDEN ASTRA SPORTWAGON LT, ABOUT $20,000 DRIVE-AWAY

Here’s the rub. Big dogs are slobbery, messy, hairy and stinky. Your gardening tools also add to the grubby in-car chaos. How about a $10,000 cheaper wagon, considering its intended use? These Astra wagons were decent offerings just as Holden was in its death throes, and of decent size with a 540-litre boot expanding to 1630 litres with the seats folded.

A low load height and a square boot opening work for your needs.

This range-topping LT has leather trim, power tailgate, 8-inch touchscreen,

CarPlay/Android Auto, sat nav and reasonable safety gear. Its 110kW/240Nm

turbo petrol engine’s a decent unit, returning 6.1L/100km while drinking 95.

Find one with Holden’s promotional seven-year warranty and a 2018 model is still covered, but service costs are above average.

VERDICT

The Skoda wins for modernity, practicality and drive experience. The tough job is

finding one.