11 Best Vehicles for Transporting Dogs in 2026

A standout driver profile, positive reviews from previous customers, and excellent communication skills are the three biggest keys to winning shipments on CitizenShipper. However, the status of your vehicle also plays a role in placing winning bids. But the question remains, what are the best vehicles for transporting dogs?

The best driver profiles include photos of their clean vehicle; this gives pet owners peace of mind by showing exactly where their beloved pet will be throughout the journey. Are you ready to upgrade your ride but not sure how to research new cars for transporting dogs? If that’s where you find yourself, there are many factors to consider when you’re in the market for a new car.

To help save you time on research, we’ve gathered the 10 best cars for transporting dogs.

Preparing Your Dog for Travel

Ensuring your dog is well-prepared for travel can make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for both of you. Start by familiarizing them with car rides, beginning with short, stress-free trips to ease any anxiety. Before setting out on a longer journey, confirm that your vehicle has the necessary pet-friendly features, such as secure harness attachments or a pet barrier, to keep your pet safe.

Beyond the vehicle setup, it’s wise to consider pet insurance to cover any unexpected expenses in case of travel-related injuries or illnesses—having this protection can bring you peace of mind. Additionally, keeping your dog’s routine consistent with regular meals and potty breaks can minimize stress.

Opting for human-grade dog food ensures they receive high-quality nutrition on the go, helping to sustain their energy levels and overall health. Packing familiar items, like their favorite blanket or toys, can also add comfort and create a sense of home during the trip. By addressing both safety and comfort, you’ll be setting up a positive travel experience for your four-legged friend.

Features To Look For in a Dog Transporting Vehicle

If you’re going to use the car for personal use and professional shipping jobs, keep your own needs in mind. You’re going to be using this car every day, so you’ll need to balance professional utility with personal comfort and practicality.

If you want to purchase a car exclusively for pet transportation, your choice depends on whether you’re dedicated to shipping large or small breeds, if you plan to make long-distance hauls or mostly local pet shipments, and if you want to transport motorcycles or bulk items in addition to pets.

Jump-in Height/Ride Height

Ride height is an important factor if you’re bidding on a shipment for an older dog that’s a large breed. Good luck getting an eight-year-old husky that weighs 60 pounds into the cargo hold of a Land Rover. He’s too old to make that kind of leap into the SUV and we both know you’re not picking that dog up and lifting him into his crate.

The flip side is that vehicles with a high ride height tend to have the most storage capacity. If you decide to go with a large SUV or truck, you’ll be able to ship more pets at one time. The major caveat is that you may have to sacrifice making bids on shipments for large older dogs who simply can’t get into your high-riding vehicle.

Back Seat or Cargo Space

The more space for dogs in your car, the more you can stack shipments and increase your revenue. Plus, if you have a larger car you won’t need to shy away from bidding on shipments for large breeds (unless, as we said before, they’re too old to jump into your vehicle).

There are some models that have a surprising amount of storage space, so read up on how to measure cargo space. Some crossovers and station wagons have fold-down seats that significantly increase the storage capacity of the vehicle. If you’re going to use the vehicle for occasional personal use, keep an eye out for vehicles with the versatility to switch from seating to storage space.

Gas Mileage

A third major consideration is the vehicle’s gas mileage. Find a balance between a vehicle that’s large enough to transport multiple pets and larger breeds with the need for it to be as economical as possible. After all, gas prices are factored into your bid amounts — the more efficient the car, the lower your bids can be.

Interior Materials

You’re mostly going to be transporting pets in their crates, so you don’t need to be overly concerned with the interior material, but it’s still something to consider. There may be times you want to let the dog out of its crate, and we all know accidents can happen. Look for vehicle interiors that are made from easy-to-clean, durable material that claws won’t damage.

Though it comes at a higher price-point, a leather interior is the way to go for pet transporters. Here are a few reasons why:

• It’s less likely to be damaged by dogs scratching across the back seat.
• It’s non-porous, so it’s easy to clean in the case of a potty accident.
• Another benefit of its non-porous nature is it won’t get smelly over the years and repeated accidents.
• If you’re transporting a dog that sheds a lot, it’s easier to clean because the hairs won’t get woven into the material — which occurs with cloth interiors.

Climate Control

These days most new cars have a robust climate control system, but as with everything, some models are superior to others. Many cars have connected car apps that allow you to remotely adjust the temperature of the vehicle’s interior or unlock the doors if you’re unable to retrieve the dog from the car.

Of course, most pet transporters make a promise to either never leave the dog alone in the car or only do so for very quick trips. But pet transporters have to use the bathroom too! Groups like PETA and the RSPCA say that while these remote climate control features are a nice idea, they’re not completely foolproof and leaving pets in a car should be avoided.

11. Best Crossover SUV: 2026 Mazda CX-50

Starts at $31,500

With a surprisingly spacious interior that features easy-to-clean All-Weather Floor Mats and Cargo Mats, the CX-50 is a great vehicle for transporting pets. The crossover SUV has a smooth drive that is a must-have if you’re transporting skittish or anxious animals.

There’s enough space in the CX-50 to accommodate multiple animals in their carriers: 56.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded down and up to 31.4 cubic feet of cargo volume with all seats in place. Mazda offers two different engine packages for the CX-50 — either a Skyactiv-G 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine or a Skyactiv-G 2.5L Turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Pros:

• There are a variety of powertrain options.
• The vehicle boasts above average gas mileage.
• High-quality interior materials are easy to clean.

Cons:

• More expensive than some comparable models.

10. Best Tech: 2026 Rivian R1S

Starts at $74,900

If you’re looking for a premium, all-electric SUV that’s perfect for transporting dogs, the 2026 Rivian R1S is one of the most impressive vehicles on the market. Designed for adventure and utility, the R1S combines rugged capability with a quiet, spacious interior—ideal for pets that get anxious during travel.

The R1S offers three rows of seating and a massive cargo area with the rear seats folded down, giving you plenty of room for crates, gear, and accessories. Its low step-in height compared to traditional off-road SUVs makes it easier for dogs to jump in, while the flat load floor makes securing kennels and cargo simple.

One standout feature for pet transporters is Rivian’s Pet Comfort Mode, which keeps the climate control system running while you’re away and displays a message on the touchscreen letting others know your pet is safe. The all-electric powertrain also provides a smooth, quiet ride, reducing stress for sensitive or nervous dogs.

Pros:

• Extremely spacious interior with a flat cargo area ideal for crates
• Quiet electric drivetrain keeps dogs calm on long trips
• Pet Comfort Mode maintains cabin temperature when parked
• All-wheel drive and high ground clearance for rough terrain and rural pickups
• Premium, durable interior materials that are easy to clean

Cons:

• Very expensive compared to gas-powered SUVs
• Charging infrastructure planning required for long-distance pet transport
• Large size may be excessive for small-breed-only transporters

9. Best Four-Wheel Drive: 2026 Jeep Wrangler

Starts at $33,500

It’s no surprise that the best four-wheel drive vehicle for pet transportation is the Jeep Wrangler. Of course, you’re probably not shipping any pets off-road, but if you like to hit rough terrain between pet shipments, this is the best bet. It has the legendary Jeep ruggedness with a soft enough interior to keep dogs comfortable during the trip.

There are of course some trade-offs when it comes to Jeep’s flagship vehicle. The ride isn’t refined and is noisy, the gas mileage leaves something to be desired and the interior feels pretty cramped.

Pros:

• The Wrangler is phenomenal off-road.
• You can fold down rear seats to increase the size of the cargo area.
• With weather-resistant removable carpet and one-way floor drain valves, the Jeep’s interior is specifically designed for easy clean-up.

Cons:

• It has an extremely noisy ride.
• The car handles poorly on the pavement.
• The interior feels very cramped.

8. Best On a Budget: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Starts at $24,000

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is one of the most practical and affordable compact crossover SUVs for pet transporters who want efficiency, reliability, and versatility without breaking the bank. Built on Toyota’s reputation for durability, the Corolla Cross is a great entry-level option for drivers just starting pet transport jobs or anyone looking for a fuel-efficient daily driver that still offers decent cargo space.

For 2026, the Corolla Cross continues to offer both gas and hybrid powertrains, with the hybrid model delivering excellent fuel economy—making it a strong choice for long-distance pet shipments where fuel costs can significantly impact your profits. The compact size makes it easy to maneuver in city environments while still offering flexible rear seating and cargo space for crates and pet gear.

With 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a practical cargo area, the Corolla Cross can comfortably accommodate multiple small to medium dog crates, pet supplies, and travel gear. Optional all-wheel drive also makes it a smart pick for transporters driving in variable weather conditions or rural routes.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid powertrain (ideal for reducing operating costs).
• Reliable Toyota engineering and low maintenance costs.
• Compact size makes it easy to drive in urban environments and tight spaces.
• Available AWD for added traction and safety.

Cons:

• Smaller cargo space compared to larger SUVs or wagons.
• Not ideal for transporting multiple large-breed dogs.
• Fewer pet-specific accessories compared to premium brands like Subaru or Volvo.

7. Best Compact SUV: 2026 Honda CR-V

Starts at $31,000

Since its introduction in 1997, the Honda CR-V has been one of the most popular compact crossover SUVs on the market. It’s based on the Civic platform, so it drives like a car but has the cargo capacity of a larger vehicle. As an added bonus, Honda has a strong track record of reliability.

Pros:

• The CR-V gets good gas mileage and drives like a car.
• The interior is roomy and comfortable.
• It has one of the largest cargo holds in the compact SUV class.

Cons:

• The cargo space is somewhat limited by the lack of a 40/20/40 split rear bench.
• You need to use premium fuel to get the best MPG performance.

6. Best Truck: 2026 Chevrolet Colorado

Starts at $33,000

The Chevrolet Colorado is a great option for pet transporters who are interested in other jobs like motorcycle shipping. The interior cab provides enough room to transport dogs, and the large truck bed is a great place to place accessories and other items (or stack shipments and transport bulky items in the bed while you have pets on the inside).

Pros:

• The truck includes all-weather floor mats and easy-to-clean vinyl seats.
• The fold-down rear bench adds extra storage capacity.
• A low-riding tailgate makes it easy for dogs to jump in and out of.

Cons:

• There’s not much passenger room when you’re transporting dogs inside the cab.
• Some other trucks have larger storage space.

5. Best Minivan: 2026 Honda Odyssey

Starts at $43,000

If you plan to transport multiple large breeds of dog, there is no better option than a minivan. They offer relatively good fuel economy, loads of cargo room, and a comfortable, quiet ride. One of the most popular minivans on the market is the Honda Odyssey. It’s extremely comfortable and spacious, and has many features like a tri-zone climate control and CabinWatch that are perfectly suited for dog transporters.

Pros:

• Despite its large size, the Odyssey has decent fuel economy.
• The tri-zone climate control ensures the dogs will be comfortable throughout the journey.
• You can soothe anxious pups and keep a close eye on them using the CabinWatch and CabinTalk features.

Cons:

• The Odyssey might be too large if you’re transporting smaller dogs.
• The high ride height may be too high for older dogs to jump into.

4. Best Full-Size SUV: 2026 Toyota Highlander

Starts at $43,000

The 2026 Toyota Highlander remains one of the most versatile midsize SUVs for transporting dogs, offering an excellent balance of space, comfort, and efficiency. Toyota is expected to introduce updated technology, refreshed interior design, and expanded hybrid powertrain options, making the Highlander even more appealing for professional pet transporters and families alike.

Cargo space continues to be a major strength, with plenty of room for dog crates and gear when the third row is folded. With modern safety features, large digital displays, and a smooth, quiet ride, the 2026 Highlander is a dependable choice for long-distance dog transport trips.

Pros:

• Spacious three-row interior with flexible cargo configurations for dog crates
• Hybrid powertrains offer excellent fuel efficiency and strong towing capability
• Smooth, comfortable ride—ideal for anxious or senior dogs
• Advanced safety and driver-assist features for long hauls

Cons:

• Higher starting price compared to compact SUVs
• Third-row seating is best suited for kids or smaller passengers
• Hybrid-focused lineup may reduce options for drivers who prefer traditional gas engines

3. Best Midsize SUV: 2026 Kia Telluride

Starting at $38,000

If you’re in the market for something a little smaller than the Toyota Highlander — or don’t want to spend more than $40,000 on a new car — the Kia Telluride is a great choice. This midsize SUV is actually the largest vehicle ever produced by Kia, and the results are solid. When it debuted in 2020, it was a finalist for Motortrend’s SUV of the Year. The 2026 model retains the impressive qualities that made it a finalist.

Pros:

• The Telluride has a very smooth, refined ride that keeps even the most anxious pups calm.
• The value of the Telluride is one of its strong suits, as it’s priced well below similar SUVs from other automakers.
• It will serve you well as a family vehicle when you’re not transporting dogs.

Cons:

• It’s a bit lacking in power and responsiveness.
• It’s a small complaint, but the small-item storage in the cabin isn’t as good as competitors’ models.

2. Best Station Wagon: 2026 Toyota Crown Signia

Starts at $43,000

The 2026 Toyota Crown Signia is a premium midsize hybrid crossover designed to bridge the gap between mainstream SUVs and luxury vehicles. Positioned as a stylish successor to the Toyota Venza, the Crown Signia offers upscale materials, a refined hybrid powertrain, and standard all-wheel drive, making it an appealing choice for buyers seeking comfort, efficiency, and modern technology in one package.

For 2026, the Crown Signia continues with Toyota’s efficient 2.5-liter hybrid system paired with dual electric motors, delivering smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy. The model focuses heavily on comfort and quietness, with a spacious cabin, large infotainment display, and a suite of driver-assistance features standard across trims.

Pros:

• Hybrid powertrain delivers strong MPG for a midsize crossover.
• High-quality materials, quiet cabin, and upscale design feel near-luxury.
• Added traction and confidence in all weather conditions.

Cons:

• Costs more than many mainstream midsize crossovers.
• Limits passenger capacity compared to larger SUVs like the Highlander.

1. Best Overall: 2026 Subaru Outback

Starts at $29,500

Regardless of body type, there is no better car for transporting pets than the Subaru Outback. It has a rugged design that’s perfect for transporting pets and enjoying the outdoors between trips. Despite its relatively compact size, it offers over 75 cubic feet of cargo space. That massive space, along with a flat load floor and cargo hooks, makes it easy to secure dog crates. If that’s not enough to sell you, Subaru works with the ASPCA on initiatives to benefit rescue dogs and with the Center for Pet Safety to research pet welfare.

Pros:

• All-wheel drive comes standard with the Outback.
• It has a flat-load floor in the cargo area and hooks to secure dog crates.
• If you upgrade to the Onyx Edition, it comes with water-repellent synthetic leather upholstery, which is ideal for transporting dogs.

Cons:

• The Outback has a high ride height that can make it difficult for older dogs to jump in.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen a few of the best vehicles for transporting dogs in 2026, you’re ready to do some in-depth research and identify what vehicle is right for your needs. Potential shipping customers put a lot of consideration into the vehicle you drive, whether they’re a breeder or a family transporting their dog out of the state.

Start your free three-month trial with CitizenShipper today and find out how much you can make shipping dogs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best vehicle for transporting dogs professionally?

The best overall vehicle for professional dog transport is the 2026 Subaru Outback due to its flat cargo floor, large storage capacity, standard AWD, and pet-friendly interior options like water-repellent upholstery.

How much cargo space do I need to transport dogs?

At minimum, you should have enough space for one or two secured crates plus supplies. For stacking shipments and transporting large breeds, midsize SUVs, minivans, wagons, and large crossovers with fold-flat seats are ideal.

Are electric vehicles good for transporting dogs?

Yes. EVs like the 2026 Rivian R1S are excellent for dog transport because they offer quiet rides, smooth acceleration, climate control features like Pet Comfort Mode, and large cargo space. However, route planning for charging is important.

What interior features matter most for dog transport vehicles?

Easy-to-clean surfaces, leather or synthetic leather seats, durable flooring, good ventilation, climate control, and flat cargo floors are the most important features for transporting dogs safely and efficiently.

What type of vehicle is best for multiple dog shipments?

Minivans, wagons, midsize SUVs, and large crossovers are best for multiple shipments because they offer wide cargo openings, flat floors, and space for stacking multiple crates securely.