English Mastiffs and SUVs...will a Kia Niro work for EMs?

[armbarangel]

My Jeep Liberty is going to die any day now, so I'm looking for a new car. I really like owning an SUV, but I would like better gas mileage, so after doing some research I happened across the Kia Niro, a hybrid that gets 49 mpg.

The test drive went well, but when I was looking over the back of the vehicle it appeared to me that the angle and low height of the rear entrance might make it difficult for my English Mastiffs to get inside without hitting their head... Somehow I suspect the car dealership would not be amenable to my bringing pets to test drive the vehicle again with me. So I am wondering if anybody here has a Kia Niro and if their giant dogs have any trouble with it?

 

[Bailey's Mom]

Hi armbarangel, my suggestion is call the dealership and talk to the salesman that you were dealing with, tell him your qualms about the dogs fitting through the rear gate, and that THE DEAL...ANY DEAL, is contingent upon loading the dogs in the back and taking them (all of you, salesman, too) for a test drive.) Best bet is that you'll be greenlighted to go for that drive. A little bit of dog hair and potential slobber versus a car sale...mmmh, I'd bet test drive. Have fun!

 

[Gummerstail]

^^ What he said. The dealership should be happy to assist.

 

[DennasMom]

We can get our EM into a Mini Clubman (two-door)... she has to dip her head the whole time she's in the car... but if it means she gets to go along, she'll get in.

If the back hatch is a head-banger, the other option is for the pup to climb in the side back-door. Denna does that now to get in/out of my Subaru since she hurt her knee and I don't want her jumping up or out anymore. We do have a ramp, too, but but climbing in the side-door, we don't need to use it.

That Niro looks very fun (with great mpg!)!!

 

[Nik]

We have a mini cooper and our two mastiff mixes fit fine in it. The hatchback is easy entry and the seats fold down. We require them to lay during the drive anyways.

We also have an audi station wagon... also hatchback with folding seats. And have the Mini Clubman (three door) and barn doors in the back...

As a big dog family I always choose a vehicle that has fold down flat back seats and either a hatchback or the barn door back doors like in my Clubman.... I'm not a fan of SUVs because I have a hard time driving large vehicles (I'm really short and just am not comfortable in super large vehicles).

For long trips we always rent an SUV and my husband drives it... but that is only because we tend to bring a lot of stuff on long trips and four big suit cases, the two dogs and all their stuff wouldn't fit in our minis. Plus I don't like putting that much wear and tear on our vehicles since I expect them to last us a good long time. But for regular weekend drives to the beach or the park our minis and the audi work perfect while still being more fuel efficient than an suv.

 

[Bailey's Mom]

When you take that test drive, take a picture to share with the Forum. Dog in car photos can be such a hoot!

 

[7121548]

Hi armbarangel, my suggestion is call the dealership and talk to the salesman that you were dealing with, tell him your qualms about the dogs fitting through the rear gate, and that THE DEAL...ANY DEAL, is contingent upon loading the dogs in the back and taking them (all of you, salesman, too) for a test drive.) Best bet is that you'll be greenlighted to go for that drive. A little bit of dog hair and potential slobber versus a car sale...mmmh, I'd bet test drive. Have fun!

I don't think it's uncommon for people to bring their dogs to a dealership! In fact, a lot of dog owners choose a car based on their dog's needs (I know I did!). Good luck with the car search!

 

[Gummerstail]

I don't think it's uncommon for people to bring their dogs to a dealership! In fact, a lot of dog owners choose a car based on their dog's needs (I know I did!). Good luck with the car search!

I was helping a buddy installing the new shocks and smittybilt bumper on his Wrangler when his wife arrived home from the dealership. She brought their Great Dane, Bingo and she said her dealer was happy to assist.