Finding dog-friendly new cars was my goal when attending the recent Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto, Canada in 2026. I’d like to claim it’s an annual adventure, but the last time I was at this extremely popular, crowded consumer event announcing the latest model cars from major manufacturers, it was 2020.

Yes, three weeks prior to the world shutting down, I attended the 2020 auto show in Toronto. Little did I know at the time that I was likely sauntering through a swamp of contagious virus. It’s taken me some time (and a vaccine) to muster up the courage to head back to the biggest auto event in the country.

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But it’s time to check out the new cars again. The Canadian International Autoshow at the Convention Centre, Downtown Toronto, is a flashy event designed to generate excitement among car buyers, this year or next. Throngs of people pulse through the enclosed walkway from Union Station into the cavernous Convention Centre for 10-days straight in February.

However, notably absent from the show were big hitters Honda, Acura, Mazda, and one of my favs, Volkswagen. So, anything new from those brands didn’t make it on my dog-friendly car radar.

What was the auto show trend in 2026? Electric cars.

Electric vehicles (EVs) were on the show floor en masse, and not only as concept cars. Some, however, were pre-production models, but plug-in transportation is moving ahead perhaps faster than charging stations are being developed across the nation. I’m not sure how viable an electric vehicle is for me … yet. But what I do know is that my next car is going to have to work for my dog and me – dog-friendly is always my priority.

What makes a car dog-friendly?

• First, I need a hatchback for my dog – not a sedan. I need to open the back easily and let my pup jump in. I also need to shut the back without losing a lot of space. In other words, little to no slope on the hatch door so there’s maximum floor-to-ceiling space.
• Second, the back seats should fold down – independently, so there’s maximum space available for the dog and you can still have one back seat available. One back seat is good for attaching a travelling harness (like the one we reviewed here). Square space is necessary for dog crates, if your dog travels that way. (Check out dog travel crates here – affiliate link).
• Third, the floor in the back should line up with the bumper to make jumping in easier. And bonus points if the bottom is covered with an easy-to-clean material such as rubber or vinyl.
• Finally, seats should be fabric, not leather. Or at least have the option of selecting fabric seats. This criterion seems to be the least flexible. Some might prefer leather seats, but my crazy spaniel will tear those apart. Seat covers will likely be mandatory. (Check out some here – including Kurgo, our favourite. Affiliate link)

So, can I find these criteria in a new car, whether that car is fully electric, a hybrid, or a traditional combustion engine? Here’s a list of the dog-friendly cars that got my attention at the 2026 Canadian International Autoshow.

Dog-friendly Electric Cars 2026

Fully electric zero-emission cars – EVs – were a notable feature of the 2026 Canadian International Autoshow, even though sales of EVs dropped in 2025 from 2024 numbers, attributed to the removal of federal subsidies. But that might change this year, especially because there are more EV choices on the market than ever.

Here are the dog-friendly EVs that I noticed at the Canadian International Autoshow:

KIA EV5

After owning two KIA Souls – basically a square dog crate on wheels – I thought I was done with KIA, but I liked the look and function of the company’s EV5. Technically a mid-size to compact SUV, the EV5 is planned for the Canadian market in 2026 (not yet the US), described as a boxier but more practical electric crossover.

Boxier is exactly what gives this car its dog-friendly space in the back. This car checks all the dog-friendly criteria listed above, including cloth seats options. But note that all-wheel drive has a shorter range than the front wheel drive version (true for all EVs), which might be best for city drivers with a propensity for road trips. According to KIA, charging time is about 30 minutes.

Nissan Leaf

The Nissan Leaf was cute and caught my attention, but that might have had a lot to do with the turquoise blue colour. This is a smaller car, a sedan-like hatchback, that’s already on the market at different price points – the Leaf S and the Leaf S+ – making this a more affordable EV but the battery has a lower driving range.

This more affordable EV checks a few dog-friendly boxes for me, because I have a mid- to small-sized dog (a Sprocker) and with both (or even one) back seat down, she’d fit comfortably in the hatchback. But not without the seats down. It’s low enough that she could easily jump into the back. However, larger dogs might not fit comfortably enough to stand and turn. Dog crates will be tricky.

Volvo EX30

Volvo wasn’t ever on my car-buying radar, and I’m not sure why because the Volvo EX30 caught my attention at the auto show. With a stylish Swedish look, this compact all-electric vehicle might be my next dog-friendly car if finances permit – Volvos are traditionally considered luxury-leaning.

The Volvo EX30 would be a comfortable road trip car, with nicely designed seats and extras I hadn’t thought about, such as parking assistance, driver alert systems when drowsy, and door alerts for cyclists. The centre storage console is great for dog stuff.

The company promotes a roomy trunk space, which means that if you fold down both or all the back seats, you will have dog space, even for larger dogs or crates (but then no back seat room for people). Wool-blend seat fabric is available, which seems like a durable dog paw option.

Dog-friendly Hybrid Cars 2026

Not ready to take the leap to fully electric? Mine neither. But I’d consider driving a hybrid, especially considering the advances in battery technology. Here are the dog-friendly hybrid models I noticed at the Canadian International Autoshow:

Toyota RAV4

The popular Toyota RAV4 will be available this year in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which should be popular considering the traditional compact SUV RAV4 was one of the most popular cars sold in Canada last year. Also, the company actively promoted the ‘made in Canada’ feature – all RAV4 models destined for the Canadian market (except the PHEV) are assembled in Ontario.

As a dog-friendly car, however, both the regular RAV4 and the RAV4 hybrid are ideal. As a compact SUV, it’s boxy, which means the hatchback isn’t slanted enough to compromise space in the back. Put the back seats down, and there’s space for dogs of all sizes. It rides a little higher – which I like – but that means a bit of a bigger jump for Fido loading in.

The hybrid model can run up to 68 km on an electric charge only, which will reduce gas costs on long road trips, but not leave you stranded without a charging station. All Wheel Drive is standard for those who love taking their pup backcountry camping.

Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid

Like Toyota, Nissan updated its popular seller – the Rogue – as a plug-in hybrid option. As with all hybrids, with the Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid, you get a range of electric-only driving with a gas-backed long-distance capability, so long road trips are not out of the question.  

This SUV model offers three rows of seats, so when you put the back row down to make room for the dog (or dogs), there’s still an extra row of seats for people. Have many dogs? Putting all the seats down means huge cargo space in the back, fitting a dog crate easily.

For backcountry camping and off-roading dog travel adventurers, all-wheel drive is standard on this car, along with driving modes such as snow or gravel. Durable cargo liners can be added as a feature.

Traditional Engine Highlights

Range Rover

If neither budget nor carbon emissions are a concern for you, Range Rover full-size SUVs might be the dog car for you. Specifically, the Urban Range Rover was particularly sexy, especially for those who plan to drive more in the city than rugged adventure routes. The Urban version is a styling package added to the base Range Rover or Range Rover Sport (the choice of serious outdoor adventurers).

The square styling of all Range Rovers offers plenty of space for both people and pets. Large dogs (more than one) can travel easily in the back of a Range Rover, and if traveling in crates is your preference for your dog, more than one will fit easily in the back – especially if you put the back row of seats down.

Paws Up Mention

Shout out to Subaru Canada for partnering with St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program. Since 1992, St. John Ambulance organization partners dogs and their handlers with hospitals, schools, and other institutions that can benefit from a visit from trained therapy dogs. Subaru is a signature sponsor of the service.

Other highlights of the 2026 Canadian International Autoshow include a pink Lego-created 1950s Cadillac Fleetwood Car that debuted at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2025. (In fact, the Lego store at the show selling Lego car kits (affiliate link) was particularly popular.) And, my favourite, the car from the original Ghostbusters movie, complete with green slime demon in the driver’s seat.

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria.Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!