Best Car for Dogs? Nissan Xtrail Could be the Answer

Spring has arrived here in the northeast of the United States and what better way to spend this wonderful of the year than with your dog.  According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), it’s estimated that 70-80 million dogs are owned in the United States. That is approximately 37-47% of all households in the United States have a dog.  I myself am thinking of getting a dog and one of the first things that came to mind was, how would we transport our furry family member?  We like to do a lot of things outdoors like camping and hiking.  My everyday driver however is currently an Nissan Altima and my wife is leasing a Rogue.  Now the Rogue could be a great car for dogs, the Altima, not so much. And my wife isn’t too keen on getting her car all dirty and smelling like a wet dog.  So what are my options? What really is the best car for a dog?

For most of of these households noted above, the dog is truly part of the family. More and more automotive manufacturers seem to be taking these figures into account, and have incorporated a number features that really make a ride in the car that much more enjoyable for both you and your pet.  From easy clean fold flat seats that you can hose down, to cargo dividers, harness rings and under-seat storage for their toys and treats, there are a number of features dog owners have to consider when shopping for a new car in the northeast.

What is the Best Car for Dogs?

My family likes to go camping and the dog would definitely be going with us. Now camping with a dog is a wonderful experience, until you get back to your car with a dog covered in mud. If you think that you are going to keep you car clean while while camping, or any outdoor activity for that matter, you got another thing coming.

While there have been other options that could lend themselves being a good car for a dog such as the Flow Camper Van or the definitely dog specific Dogscamper, none really are innocuous for most people. In step the Nissan’s European division with a rather smart and updated solution to keep dogs comfortable on the road, the X-Trail Crossover has all the amenities man’s best friend could hope for. More commonly know as the Nissan Rogue, the European X-Trail crossover, would feature a no-spill water bowl, a dog bed, smart-treat dispenser, an integrated shower and dryer, even a two-way pet camera with audio!

A slide-out ramp is also featured to make getting in and out of the cargo bay easy for your dog. While the vehicle is in motion a set of easy to use, clip-on harness hooks will keep them safe and secure.

 

The cargo area of a Rogue is pretty decent with a total capacity of 39.3 cubic feet with this seats up. Obviously depending on size, Nissan says this design was made to fit up up to two dogs. Additionally, to create more cargo space and/or access the spare tire, all the pieces in this explempary system were designed be removed when the dog is not using the space.

360-Degree Dog Shower

As I mentioned earlier, dogs get dirty. Sometimes, they are way too risk letting them in the vehicle. The Rogue Xtrail and it’s 360-degree pullout shower makes clean up a snap. Once they are all washed up, turn on the and air dryer system to finish up. This looks like a super convenient design to me!

It doesn’t stop there.

Two-Way Camera Lets You See and Talk to Your Dog

A two-way camera system would allow you to see your dog. Video is displayed on the 7-inch dashboard infotainment display screen and built-in audio even allows you talk to furry passengers while on the road. In the rear, the dogs would be able to see all this via a 10-inch LCD screen in the located the wall of the cargo area.

The Nissan Xtrail sure sounds a great vehicle for dogs and their owners. Alas, that is all it is at the moment the the Xtrail dog design is just a concept at this time. Hopefully Nissan will put this vehicle into production in the future.  In the mean time, continue reading to find out about five cars that are great for dogs.

Five Cars That Are Great for Dog Owners

Below you will see a good list of desired features that can help know how to choose the best car for your dog. These features will not only improve your dog’s comfort and convenience while in the car, they will help you be a safer drive as well. There area number of states that have specific laws for having animals in a vehicle while it is in motion. Letting your dog move around the vehicle in his quest for the very best window might sound nice, but it isn’t the safest decision for you or your dog. There are some states that actually require you to tether or crate animals while the vehicle is moving. Other states, like Connecticut, have general distracted-driving laws that could be applied to any animal related traffic incidents.

• Low ride height helps dogs get in and out of your vehicle with ease – especially older dogs.
• Spacious Interior allows larger dogs to stretch out and get comfortable.
• A rear Lift Gate makes loading and unloading of larger items such as crates or carriers more convenient. It also makes it much easier for your dog to jump in and out of the car.
• Fold Flat Rear Seats will keep the actual sitting surface of your seats free of hair and scratches whiles creating a large area for your dog to sit.
• Rear Air Vents keep your dog comfortable on those road trips no matter what the weather is outside
• Underfloor storage gives your a place to store your stuff or your dogs things so they can ride more comfortably.
• Cargo Area Tie Downs
• help keep your dog’s carrier or crate secure so it won’t be sliding around.
• A Sunroof will bring in fresh air and sunlight so they won’t have to keep hanging their head out the window.

Honda Fit

Spacious Interior – YES.  Good for single large dog of a couple smaller to mid-sized sized dogs.

• Cargo Volume: 16.6 cubic feet (seats ups) 52.7 cubic feet (seats down)

• Passenger Volume 95.7 cu ft / 2nd row leg room 39.3″ / 2nd Row Head Room 37.5″

Fold flat rear seats – YES
Rear lift gate – YES
Low ride height – YES

• 2nd Row Step Up Distance: 14.5″
• Rear Entry Jump Up Distance: 23″

Rear Air Vents – NO
Underfloor Storage – YES
Cargo Tie Downs – YES
Sunroof – YES

Hyundai Elantra GT

Spacious Interior: YES.  Just right for large dog of a couple small to medium dogs.

• cargo volume: 23 cubic feet (seats ups) 51 cubic feet (seats down)
• Passenger Volume: 95.7 cu ft / 2nd row leg room 39.3″ / 2nd Row Head Room 37.5″

Fold Flat rear seats rear lift gate: YES
Rear lift gate – YES
Low ride height – YES

• 2nd Row Step Up Distance: 14.5″
• Rear Entry Step Jump Up Distance:29.5″

Rear Air Vents: NO
Underfloor Storage: YES
cargo tie downs: YES
Sunroof: Available with Tech Package

Toyota Prius V

Spacious Interior – YES.  Great for two small dogs or a medium sized dog

• Cargo Volume: 34.3 cubic feet (seats ups) 67.3 cubic feet (seats down)

• Passenger Volume95.7 cu ft / 2nd row leg room 35.9″ / 2nd Row Head Room 38.6″

Fold flat rear seats – YES
Rear lift gate – YES
Low ride height – YES

• 2nd Row Step Up Distance: 15″
• Cargo Entry Step Jump Up Distance: 28″

Rear Air Vents – YES
Underfloor Storage – YES
Cargo Tie Downs – YES
Sunroof – YES

2016 Jeep Renegade

Spacious Interior – YES.  Great for larger dogs.

• Cargo Volume: 18.5 cubic feet (seats ups) 50.8 cubic feet (seats down)

• Passenger Volume 100.1 cu ft / 2nd row leg room 35.1″ / 2nd Row Head Room 40.5″

Fold flat rear seats – YES
Rear lift gate – YES
Low ride height – YES

• 2nd Row Step Distance: 17.”
• Cargo Entry Step Up Distance:28″

Rear Air Vents – YES
Underfloor Storage – YES
Cargo Tie Downs – YES
Sunroof – Available MySky™ removable sunroof

Nissan Rogue

Spacious Interior – YES.  Perfect for a larger dog or two medium dogs.

• Cargo Volume: 39.3 cubic feet (seats ups) 70 cubic feet (seats down)

• Passenger Volume: 105.8 cu ft / 2nd row leg room 37.9″ / 2nd Row Head Room 38.5″

Fold flat rear seats – YES
Rear lift gate – YES
Low ride height – YES

• 2nd Row Step Up Distance: 19″
• Rear Entry Step Jump Up Height:29″

Rear Air Vents – YES
Underfloor Storage – YES
Cargo Tie Downs – YES
Sunroof – YES

Find a Car That is Great for Your Dog in NY, MA or CT

If you are interested in taking a closer look at any of these vehicles that are great choices for dog owners, the Lia Auto Group has a great selection of vehicle to choose from.  When you have a chance, stop by any one of the following dealerships in NY, MA or CT and experience one of these awesome cars for dogs in person.

• Lia Honda of Albany, NY
• Lia Honda of Enfield, CT
• Lia Honda of Northampton, MA
• Lia Honda of Williamsville, NY
• Lia Honda in Kingston, NY
• Brewster Honda
• Lia Nissan of Colonie, NY
• Lia Nissan of Enfield, CT
• Lia Nissan of Saratoga, NY
• Lia Nissan of Glens Falls, NY
• Lia Hyundai of Albany, NY
• Lia Hyundai of Enfield, CT
• Lia Hyundai of Hartford, CT
• Lia Toyota of Colonie, NY
• Lia Toyota of Northampton, MA
• Lia Toyota of Wilbraham, MA
• Lia Toyota of Rockland, NY

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