Labor Day is one of the top holidays for driving. A new study shows many of those drivers are taking their four-legged friends along for the ride. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler was just voted one of the "10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers" for the 4th time.
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A recent Autotrader survey finds that 85% of dog owners think about driving with their dogs when considering what vehicle to buy. The same survey finds that 68% of dog owners take their dogs on a car trip at least once per week. If you notice, many of the times you see a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, there is a dog in the vehicle. Autotrader recently released its list of 10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers and the Jeep Wrangler is definitely on it.
“The Jeep Wrangler is probably the perfect vehicle for adventure-seeking dog owners,” said Brian Moody, executive editor for Autotrader. “In addition to its off-road ability, Jeep offers plenty of great accessories, like a soft crate and other items, that make riding with your four-legged best friend safe and easy.”
Autotrader ranks vehicles based on:
- Durable seats — Vinyl, leather, and faux leather are the preferred seating materials for dog lovers, thanks to their durability and easy cleaning.
- Low cargo floor – Even a big dog can be intimidated by a tall cargo floor. A low floor makes a vehicle accessible to small dogs and those with mobility issues.
- Rugged interior – Even the best-behaved dogs can accidentally cause damage to delicate surfaces. A rough-and-ready interior can better stand up to dog nails (and slobber).
- Accessories – Several manufacturers include dog accessories, like pet screens, in their catalogs. The aftermarket also supplies great harnesses, kennels, and other pet travel essentials. Some are universal, some are model specific.
- Cargo tie-downs — Automotive pet accessories are much more secure when using cargo tie-down hooks.
2022 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler seems to check all of the boxes. This is the 4th time the Wrangler has made the AutoTrader list. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler makes it easy to take man’s (or woman’s) best friend on the road or on the trail. The interiors are ready for any dirt or grime. All-weather floor and rear cargo mats protect the interior from mud, dirt and all the messes any dog can make. Dogs and their owners may enjoy one of Jeeps’ newest upgrades. The Wrangler has added a 4xe PHEV version. Not only does it save gas, but the Jeep Wrangler 4xe allows the Jeep to operate in nearly complete silence.
Other Stellantis Vehicles on the List
The 10 Best Cars for Dog Lovers List also includes two other Stellantis vehicles. The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica is also on the list for the 4th time. The Ram ProMaster City makes the rundown for the very first time.
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan
As a four-time honoree, the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica contains great amenities whether the driver is transporting children or pets. The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the only plug-in hybrid in the segment, offers an all-electric range of more than 30 miles, more than 80 miles per gallon equivalent and a total range of more than 500 miles. When traveling with furry family members, the second and third rows of seats can fold flat with the industry-exclusive Stow ‘n Go seating. The Pacifica has plenty of space for dog kennels or space to roam when the vehicle is parked. Additional dog-friendly features include the available Stow ‘n Vac system, which is built in, for quick and easy cleanup. My favorite accessory is the FamCAM interior camera, which allows the driver to view passengers in the rear. The camera can even zoom in on doggie passengers to make sure they are ok.
“Minivans make great dog-friendly and people-friendly transportation, but the Pacifica is attractive and has the option of a built-in vacuum to keep pet hair from building up,” Moody said. “The Stow ‘n Go seating is also helpful for bringing along dog toys and snacks on a road trip.”
Ram ProMaster City
The 2022 Ram ProMaster City joins the annual dog lover’s vehicle list for the first time. The compact van’s dog-friendly features include a low floor for easy entry and exit. It also has comfortable seating and a second-row bench seat that folds and flips forward. The spacious cargo area behind the second row is easily accessible via dual sliding doors. The little van has D-ring tie-downs to secure travel crates or anything else a pup owner may need.
“The Ram ProMaster City might seem like an odd choice for a dog-friendly car, but there’s no arguing with the features,” said Moody. “The low cargo floor and variety of accessories and configurations make the ProMaster City a surprising but competent dog-friendly hauler.”
Mopar Accessories
Mopar is tuned in to the pet friendly crowd and has designed a number of accessories for our furry friends. Mopar offers lightweight pet kennels, as well as all-weather floor mats and cargo mats to protect a vehicle’s interior.
Jeep Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @maryconwaymedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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