by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
You may or may not want to admit it, but if you have a four-legged furry best friend in the family, chances are you highly consider their needs when shopping for a new vehicle.
After all, you want it just perfect for a ride around town with them, or for those weekend trips to the trail, right?
Something with enough room, plenty of open air and a place they can be safely contained while traveling.
Well, if you own a Jeep Wrangler, you already know how nicely the vehicle fits those needs. Especially if you and your buddy are doing anything for National Dog Day.
But for those considering a Jeep, Autotrader, once again, reinforced that notion as well — recently naming the 2021 Jeep Wrangler as one of the top vehicles to own for dog owners.
"Dog lovers tend to bring their furry buddies everywhere with them, so it's a real decision-making factor for many shoppers when they are considering which new car to buy," said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. "Whether you tend to bring your pet along for everyday errand running or you regularly take your dog on long trips, it's important to consider your canine companion and which related features are important to you while car shopping."
The announcement marks the third-straight year Autotrader has found Wrangler among the top-10 vehicles for those dog admirers out there.
”With available options like the Sky One-Touch Power-Top and the recently launched Sunrider Flip Top for Hardtop, open-air freedom can be enjoyed year-round by dog-loving drivers and their trusty canine sidekicks,” Jeep owner Stellantis said in a press release. “For dogs and their owners who prefer a quieter adventure, the first electrified 49-MPGe Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers even more Jeep off-road capability in nearly complete silence.
“New for 2021, dog owners have even more Wrangler vehicles from which to choose, including the new Jeep Wrangler 392 and Xtreme Recon Package with 35-inch tires straight from the factory.”
In curating the list, Autotrader looked at several features on certain vehicles it considered pet-friendly, as well as things that would overall make a pet comfortable when traveling.
The first is leather seats, which Autotrader says are easier to clean and are a bit more durable for those with dogs. However, cloth seats also have their advantages and can be less slippery under a dog’s paws, making it easier for him or her to stay put when the car is cornering or braking. The cloth is also more comfortable, staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Next is tinted windows which can help reduce heat inside the vehicle. However, Autotrader stresses dog owners should never make the mistake of thinking it is OK to leave their pet inside a parked Jeep just because it has tint on those windows. If your Jeep does not have tinted side or rear windows, there are plenty of available options that make great window upgrades.
Autotrader also believes a level cargo floor makes it easier for your dog to get in and out, plus it makes carrying something like a crate or large dog bed a bit easier. For vehicles with small cargo areas, a 2nd-row seat that can fold flat is the ideal solution. Additionally, Autotrader says a low cargo area makes it easier for small dogs to get in and out and is easier on the joints of older dogs. This is the main reason there aren’t any large, truck-based SUVs or pickups on its list.
Finally, Autotrader says vehicles that have rear air vents are perfect to keep fresh, cool air circulating around your dog, while those with cargo area tie-downs are crucial for securing crates, attaching harnesses, and holding in place wire or mesh barriers.
For Wrangler, as the vehicle is easily modified, there are also dog-friendly options like the DirtyDog Pet Divider system, high quality floor liners to protect the carpet, and even durable seat covers that can help enhance the interior of your Jeep, while protecting it against prying paws. For other great options, check out our Jeep Interior category.
National Dog Day, held annually on August 26, began in 2004 to celebrate all breeds, mixed and pure, and serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, either from public shelters, rescues and pure breed rescues.
This year’s top automobiles for dogs include:
- 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2021 Ford Bronco
- 2021 Honda Passport
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler
- 2021 Kia Telluride
- 2021 Nissan Rogue
- 2021 Subaru Forester
- 2021 Tesla Model Y
- 2021 Toyota Sienna
- 2021 Volvo XC60 Recharge
