Pet Stairs for SUVs and Trucks: 2026 Buying Guide
Boosting a 60-pound dog into the back of a truck or SUV is a great way to hurt your back and stress out your dog's hips. Pet stairs for SUVs and trucks close that height gap safely, so your furry friend climbs in on their own terms instead of getting hoisted.
- Furmates 1Step Pet Stairs with Storage ($39.95) suits SUVs and low tailgates under 24 inches — Buy.
- Look for a wide non-slip tread and a base that won't tip on gravel or uneven driveways.
- Two-step designs handle full-size truck tailgates better than single-step models in 2026.
- Skip fabric ramps for senior dogs with arthritis; rigid steps give more stable footing.
Why this matters
A dog jumping down from a raised tailgate lands with 3-5 times its body weight in force on its front legs, according to veterinary orthopedic guidance widely cited by rehab specialists. Do that daily for years and joints wear down faster, especially in senior dogs and small breeds prone to luxating patellas.
Stairs aren't just for old dogs, either. Puppies with growth plates still forming, cats who freeze up at height, and any pet recovering from surgery all benefit from a controlled climb instead of a leap. Furmates builds stairs around that exact problem: getting a pet from ground level to a raised vehicle without strain on either end of the leash.
Who pet stairs for SUVs and trucks are for
This guide is for owners of SUVs, crossovers, and pickups whose cargo height sits well above what a small or aging pet can jump comfortably. If you drive a sedan, you likely don't need this gear. If you drive anything with a lifted suspension, a tall tailgate, or a high step-in height, and your dog or cat hesitates before jumping, you're the buyer. Owners managing a dog with limited mobility or post-surgery recovery should treat stairs as necessary equipment, not an accessory.
What to look for in pet stairs for SUVs and trucks
Step height and rise
The rise between each step matters more than total height. A single step over 10 inches asks almost as much of a small dog's joints as no step at all. Full-size truck tailgates often sit 30 inches or higher off the ground, which usually calls for a two- or three-step design rather than one tall platform.
Non-slip traction
Wet grass, gravel driveways, and rain-slicked pavement turn a smooth step into a slide. Look for a textured or carpeted tread on every step, not just the top platform, since paws hit every level on the way up and down.
Base stability
A narrow footprint tips over the moment a 40-pound dog shifts its weight mid-climb. Wider bases with rubberized feet stay planted on uneven ground, which matters more for outdoor use next to a vehicle than it does indoors.
Portability and storage
Stairs that live in your trunk need to fold flat or collapse quickly. Bulky, rigid designs get left at home exactly when you need them, which defeats the purpose.
Weight capacity for your pet
Check the rated capacity against your dog's actual weight, not an estimate. A stair built for a 15-pound cat will flex or crack under a 70-pound Labrador, and that's a safety issue, not a comfort one.
Built-in storage or dual use
Some pet stairs double as storage furniture, which matters if garage or trunk space is tight. A step that also holds leashes, towels, or car supplies earns its footprint twice over.
Top picks for SUV and truck owners
The compact pick: Furmates 1Step Pet Stairs with Storage. At $39.95, this single-step design suits SUVs, crossovers, and sedans with a cargo height under roughly 24 inches. It folds down for trunk storage and includes a hidden storage basket underneath, so it earns its space even when it's not in use. For small dogs and cats climbing into a mid-height SUV, this is the lower-cost, lower-footprint option. Buy if your vehicle's cargo floor sits close to bumper height and your pet just needs one solid step up.
The taller-vehicle pick: 2Step Pet Stairs with Storage. At $49.95, the second step splits a bigger height gap into two manageable rises, which matters for full-size SUVs and pickup tailgates. It carries the same hidden storage basket design as the 1Step, so it works double duty as a mudroom bench or car-side organizer between trips. Buy if you drive a taller vehicle or your dog hesitates on a single big step.
What to avoid
- Fabric ramps with no rigid frame. They shift under a dog's weight mid-climb and offer worse traction than a stepped design, especially on wet pavement.
- Stairs with a smooth top platform but bare wood or plastic risers. A slick riser undoes the traction work of a textured top step.
- Anything rated only for cats or toy breeds when you own a 50-plus-pound dog. Check the weight rating before you buy; don't guess based on how sturdy it looks in a photo.
Verdict comparison
| Criteria | 1Step Pet Stairs with Storage | 2Step Pet Stairs with Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.95 | $49.95 |
| Best vehicle height | SUVs, crossovers, low tailgates | Full-size SUVs, truck tailgates |
| Storage basket | Yes | Yes |
| Folds for trunk storage | Yes | Yes |
| Verdict | Buy for compact climbs | Buy for taller vehicles |
FAQ
What are the best pet stairs for SUVs in 2026?
For most SUVs, a single-step design like the Furmates 1Step Pet Stairs with Storage handles a bumper-height climb under about 24 inches. Taller SUVs and crossovers with higher cargo floors do better with a two-step design that splits the rise.
Do I need pet stairs for a truck tailgate?
Yes, if your truck's tailgate sits above roughly 24-30 inches, which is common on full-size pickups. A two-step design breaks that height into smaller, joint-friendly rises instead of asking your dog to jump.
How much do pet stairs for SUVs cost?
Pet stairs for SUVs and trucks generally run $39.95 to $49.95 for a folding, storage-equipped model in 2026. Prices climb for larger, multi-step platforms built for taller vehicles.
Are pet stairs better than ramps for cars?
Stairs give more stable footing on uneven or wet ground than a smooth ramp surface, especially for arthritic dogs. Ramps can work for dogs who already avoid stepping motions, but they need a wide, textured surface to be safe.
What weight can pet stairs for SUVs hold?
Check the specific product listing for a rated weight capacity before buying, since this varies by design and materials. Never assume a stair rated for small pets will safely hold a large breed dog.
Can cats use pet stairs made for dogs?
Yes, a stable two-step design works for cats climbing into a car, especially senior cats or those recovering from injury. Cats generally prefer a covered, secure step over an open ramp.
Do pet stairs fold for storage in a trunk?
Most modern pet stairs with a storage basket, including the Furmates 1Step and 2Step models, fold flat for trunk or garage storage. Check for a folding hinge before buying if trunk space is limited.
One last thing
The storage basket built into both Furmates stair models is the detail owners mention most after buying: it turns a single-purpose step into a mudroom catch-all for leashes, towels, and car supplies, so it never sits idle between trips.