DOG-FRIENDLY REVIEWS – CHEVROLET CAPTIVA (2006-2012)
Overall paw score: 3.5 out of 5.
Boot area
Thanks to its seven-seat capacity, the Captiva is perfect for big families. It’s also ideal for bringing along a dog or two, because the rearmost row can be folded flat in order to significantly expand the car’s boot space.
The combination of rear bumper and relatively high load sill means that smaller dogs might struggle a little with access. However, a level floor does make exiting the boot extremely simple. The vehicle is fitted with a scratch-resistant tailgate step too, which prevents damage from doggy claws.
With all seven seats in place, we wouldn’t recommend using the boot to transport an animal, because it’s not really big enough. The raked design of the boot ceiling compromises doggy space somewhat too. Another thing to note is that the third row of seats, when folded forwards, represents something of a temptation for dogs that enjoy chewing on things.
The vehicle is fitted with a durable boot carpet that is suitable for cleaning.
Ventilation
The Captiva doesn’t feature rear ventilation. However, a tailgate window does provide welcome blasts of fresh air if ever you need to leave your dog unattended for a brief period of time. We can provide you with details of how to keep this window open safely while the car is in motion, thus helping to keep your dog sufficiently cool on long, warm journeys.
Keeping your dog secure
The Captiva possesses two plastic tie-down hooks in the boot, which means that safely securing a dog cage might pose a problem. That said, there are plenty of different dog guard options available for this particular model, to suit all budgets and animal sizes. Please get in touch with us to learn more.
If you need to make a brief visit to, say, a shop, it’s possible to disable the car’s alarm via the dashboard. This means that your dog won’t be able to trigger the alarm during your short absence.
Contact us
Why not book the Chevrolet Captiva for a test drive, and see how you and your dog get along with it?
Disclaimer: This review is to be taken only as our opinion of the suitability of the car for dog owners and their pets rather than fact, advice, or counsel. Moreover, exact details and specifications may differ across the different models of cars referred to in the review. Finally, we, and the manufacturers of the cars, are not to be held responsible or liable in any way for the opinions voiced in this review.