Big sports-utility vehicles have been the dog-haulers of choice for years, along with minivans. But with gas prices so high, SUV sales are stalled as people look for smaller vehicles. If you can't fit your St. Bernard comfortably into a Smart Car, are there still choices for you?
You bet.
The Pet Connection's DogCars.com Web site has already been reviewing vehicles with an eye toward how they function for people who don't like leaving their dogs behind. We looked over the vehicles we've driven and came up with "Five and 25" -- five (actually six with a tie) models with a base price of less than $25,000 and a fuel-economy rating of close to or exceeding 25 mpg on the highway.
These models all have rear-hatch entries, fold-flat seats and relatively roomy cargo areas. Fuel economy ratings, cargo capacity and base price are noted, as well as alternative vehicles that almost made the list and should be considered as well.
Subaru Forester (20/26 mpg, 68.3 cubic feet, $19,995): All new and better than ever, with lots of room for dogs. The Forester has long been a favorite among dog lovers who want a surefooted ride but don't want a large SUV. The redesign should assure the Forester's continued popularity. (Also check out: Suzuki Forenza wagon and Volkswagen Passat wagon.)
Pontiac Vibe (26/32 mpg, 49.4 cubic feet, $15,895) and Honda Fit (28/34 mpg, 41.9 cubic feet, $13,950): We just couldn't pick a winner when comparing these two small hatchbacks, we liked them so much. The Vibe (which is also sold as the Toyota Matrix) is amazingly capacious -- so much so, it's almost like a magic act to see how much you can fit into it. The Fit is a winner on price and fuel economy, but not as roomy. (Also check out: Kia Rondo.)
Scion xB (22/28 mpg, 69.9 cubic feet, $16,600): No one's on the fence about the Scion xB. You either love the look or hate it, and the same was true of the earlier incarnation of the quirky Toyota-made box with wheels. We like it -- lots -- and so did the pile of dogs we put in it. Some people think the recent redesign made the vehicle less distinctive, but it also made it bigger, a plus when you have big dogs. (Also check out: Honda Element, perennial DogCars.com favorite edged out by a thin whisker here.)
Saturn Vue crossover (19/26 mpg, 56.4 cubic feet, $24,370): Most expensive of our choices, but such a comfortable ride for man and beast we just couldn't leave it out, especially since some of our best dog-friends love theirs so much. Great if you have both kids and dogs. (Also check out: The Saturn Vue hybrid. We liked the hybrid version a great deal and liked the 26/32 mpg even more. But the base price, $26,270, was beyond our set limit.)
Dodge Grand Caravan (17/24 mpg, 140.6 cubic feet, $22,470): The recently remodeled Dodge Grand Caravan falls just a little short of the 25 mpg fuel economy standard we were shooting for. But if you have a lot of dogs and a lot of gear, you're going to need the space. The Caravan has tons of room and a comfortable ride, with decent fuel economy. The company that created the minivan still does it right. (Also check out: The "minivanish" Mazda 5 crossover.)
Don't forget to crate or harness your dog for safety before you hit the road, no matter what you're driving.
Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. E-mail them at petconnection@gmail.com or visit www.petconnection.com. Back columns: www.sacbee.com/spadafori.
