The appropriate model for every category
If you want to take your dog with you in the car, you shouldn’t put it on the back seat (messy, but also unsafe), but in the trunk, and ideally in a special crate. But not all trunks have room for a cage.
To make it easier for dog owners to find the right car, our partner club ADAC has looked at its car testing information and vehicle database and come up with a choice of models particularly suitable for transporting dogs. Only vehicles with a storage volume of at least 450 litres and a practical trunk format have been included. Suitable models are available in every vehicle class.
MPVs
Particularly practical because of the huge amount of space, they’re great for transporting dogs. There is plenty of room for a large dog crate in the usually big, angular trunk. Linings are generally plain and simple, making them easy to wash. According to ADAC, the following models are particularly suitable: the identical Citroën Berlingo/Opel Combo/Peugeot Rifter and the Dacia Dokker, Fiat Doblo, lFord Tourneo Connect and VW Caddy.
Big estate cars
If you want to drive in style with your dog on board, you could go for a big estate car. But because of the often-sloping roof and rear window profiles, some models don’t have room for a dog crate in the trunk. Models offering enough room include the Mercedes Class E Class Touring, Skoda Superb Combi and the VW Passat.
All-terrain cars
These all-terrain models are a good solution for taking your dog with you in the mountains or off-road: the Land Rover Discovery, Seat Tarraco, Skoda Kodiaq and the VW Tiguan Allspace.
Monospaces
They come with really impressive passenger capacity. Most of them offer up to 7 seats, making them attractive for large families. If a dog and cage need to go in the trunk, there are still usually six left. The Renault Espace or the identical Seat Alhambra and VW Sharan, for example.
Affordable small cars
Estates are also available in the small affordable car category, with a luggage compartment big enough to take a dog cage: Dacia Logan MCV et Skoda Fabia Combi.