Bringing your furry friend along for a ride in your Kia Sportage (2017–2022) makes every journey more joyful—but it can also bring messes. Pet hair, scratches, muddy paws, and accidents are common challenges for pet owners. Thankfully, protecting your interior doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right pet-proofing strategy, your vehicle can stay clean, stylish, and comfortable for both you and your four-legged passengers.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best pet-friendly accessories for your Kia Sportage, focusing on custom-fit car mats, trunk liners, and seat covers that defend against daily wear and tear. Whether you're a weekend adventurer or a daily commuter with a pup in tow, these protective upgrades are designed to keep your SUV looking brand new.
Why Pet-Proofing Your Kia Sportage Matters
The Kia Sportage is known for its comfortable ride, roomy cabin, and sleek design. But if you're a pet parent, the factory interior can quickly lose its charm under a layer of fur, scratches, or muddy prints. Here's what pet-proofing can help prevent:
- Pet hair buildup: Hair embeds itself into factory carpet and upholstery, making it tough to remove.
- Scratches and punctures: Your dog’s nails can easily damage leather or fabric surfaces.
- Odors and stains: Accidents happen, especially on long trips. Liquid-resistant materials make clean-up easier.
- Allergen accumulation: Pets shed dander, which can trigger allergic reactions over time.
Choosing the right protective gear ensures your vehicle remains in top condition—and resale-ready.
Custom Floor Mats: First Line of Defense
One of the most effective pet-proofing investments you can make is a high-quality set of custom floor mats. Standard floor mats lack the coverage and durability needed to handle the wear and tear of paws and claws.
Custom Luxury Car Mats for Kia Sportage offer full edge-to-edge protection, staying locked in place with anti-slip backing even when your dog shifts around. These mats are waterproof, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches—ideal for pet owners who want performance without sacrificing aesthetics.
Top Benefits of Custom Mats for Pet Owners
- Raised edges trap debris: Prevent dirt, water, and hair from spreading.
- Scratch-resistant leather texture: Withstands claws without tearing.
- Simple to remove and rinse off: Perfect for post-adventure cleanups.
If you often drive in rainy or snowy areas, these mats are essential for keeping your floors spotless and odor-free.
Trunk Mats for Cargo Area Adventures
Your Kia Sportage’s trunk is likely your pup’s favorite spot. It’s spacious and easy to climb into—but without a liner, it’s also a prime target for damage.
Matching Trunk Mat (Full Cover) is the perfect fit for Sportage models from 2017 to 2022. This full-coverage liner protects the carpet and side walls of your cargo area, shielding them from claws, spills, and hair.
Whether you're hauling a wet dog after a beach day or storing pet crates and gear, this trunk mat adds peace of mind and a polished look.
Why a Trunk Mat Is a Pet Parent Must-Have
- Full interior coverage: Side and back panels are protected—not just the floor.
- Easy to vacuum or wipe down: Saves you time and effort on maintenance.
- Custom fit: Won’t shift around or leave gaps like universal liners.
Want a simpler option? The Base Trunk Mat offers minimalist, yet reliable coverage at a lower price point while still defending against messes.
Seat Covers Built for Pet Travel
Pet-proofing isn’t complete without seat covers. If your pet rides shotgun or in the back seat, you need something that resists fur, moisture, and scratches. Factory upholstery, whether fabric or leather, is vulnerable to damage from nails, drool, or muddy paws.
Our Custom Luxury Leather Car Seat Cover Set is made to fit your Kia Sportage like a glove. It wraps around the original seats, providing stylish, durable protection without impeding the seat functions or airbags.
They’re perfect for both front and rear seats—and with a wide variety of color options, you can match your interior or add contrast.
Features That Matter for Pet Owners
- Waterproof and stain-resistant surface
- Scratch protection from dog nails
- Easy to clean—just wipe down or vacuum
And because they're custom-fit, they don’t slip, bunch up, or leave your seats partially exposed.
Additional Tips to Keep Your Kia Sportage Pet-Proof
While mats and covers do the heavy lifting, here are a few more tricks to reduce wear and tear from your pets:
- Brush your dog before rides: Removing loose fur ahead of time minimizes mess.
- Keep a towel or pet blanket handy: Especially useful after outdoor adventures or beach trips.
- Use a harness and seatbelt clip: Keeps your pet safe and reduces interior movement.
- Clean regularly: Pet messes are easier to deal with when handled quickly.
Need advice on how to clean your mats the right way? Read our guide: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats Without Damaging Them.
Combining Style and Protection
One of the biggest myths is that pet-proofing your car means sacrificing interior style. That couldn’t be further from the truth. With modern materials, you can maintain a luxury feel while adding heavy-duty protection.
Our Luxury Custom Floor Mats and Seat Covers are available in rich textures, stitch patterns, and colors to elevate your interior—not just shield it.
Need inspiration? Check out our recent post: Interior Upgrade Guide for Hyundai Elantra 2017–2022 Owners—many of the same principles apply to your Sportage.
Real-World Scenarios: Pet-Proofing in Action
Let’s walk through some common use cases that Kia Sportage owners experience when traveling with pets—and how the right gear makes a difference.
1. Weekend Beach Trips
After a day at the beach, your dog brings back more than just good memories—think wet sand, sea salt, and odor. Without proper protection, your carpets and seats soak it all in.
Solution: Waterproof floor mats paired with seat covers and a trunk liner prevent moisture from seeping into your vehicle’s surfaces. After the trip, just remove the mats, shake off the sand, and wipe down the covers.
2. Hiking and Trail Adventures
Muddy paws and burrs are inevitable after a nature outing. Without pet-friendly gear, cleaning up takes hours.
Solution: Custom mats like the Luxury Floor Mats trap dirt in their grooves. Trunk mats protect your cargo area from muddy gear and your pet's dirty paws.
3. City Errands and Daily Drives
Even short trips to the vet or park result in pet hair, dander, and potential scratches. Over time, this wears down your Sportage’s upholstery and flooring.
Solution: Custom seat covers offer year-round protection and are much easier to maintain than factory upholstery.
4. Long Road Trips
On road trips, dogs shift around, nap, eat, and occasionally have accidents. Long hours in the car amplify the risk of messes.
Solution: Pair a rear seat cover with a pet travel bed or hammock for added comfort and protection. Custom mats and cargo liners handle food spills, drool, and water bowl splashes with ease.
For more travel tips, check out our post on Weekend Road Trip Prep for Honda Pilot: Interior Must-Haves.
Combining Mats & Covers for Full Protection
To truly pet-proof your Kia Sportage, we recommend a layered approach:
- Step 1: Install custom floor mats to protect footwells from hair, dirt, and spills.
- Step 2: Add trunk mats to cover your cargo area for bigger dogs or crate transport.
- Step 3: Cover your seats with waterproof seat covers to guard against nails, fur, and stains.
This trio keeps your entire interior protected while preserving resale value and reducing daily cleaning time. All pieces from Car Mats Customs are designed to work together seamlessly.
Choosing the Right Products: What to Look For
Not all car accessories are created equal. Here’s how to spot the best options for pet owners:
- Custom Fit: Products specifically made for your Kia Sportage (2017–2022) offer better coverage and don’t shift around.
- Waterproofing: Essential for accidents, drool, or wet paws.
- Scratch Resistance: Choose materials that can withstand sharp nails and constant movement.
- Easy Cleaning: Machine washable or wipeable surfaces save time.
- Airbag Compatibility: Ensure seat covers won’t block airbag deployment.
Everything listed in our Seat Cover Set and Floor Mat Set meets these standards.
Maintenance Tips for a Clean, Pet-Friendly Interior
Once you’ve installed your protective gear, here’s how to keep things fresh:
- Vacuum weekly: Use a handheld vacuum to clean up fur and crumbs quickly.
- Wipe down surfaces: A damp cloth or gentle cleaner works on both mats and seat covers.
- Use a lint roller: Great for catching leftover hair between washes.
- Air out the car: Leave windows cracked during sunny days to reduce odor buildup.
- Wash accessories monthly: If machine washable, follow the care instructions to extend product life.
Need help getting stubborn debris out of your mats? Our guide on how to clean your custom mats without damaging them breaks it all down step-by-step.
FAQ: Pet-Proofing Your Kia Sportage
What’s the best seat cover material for pet owners?
Waterproof synthetic leather or high-grade polyester blends are best for durability, comfort, and ease of cleaning. Our Custom Luxury Leather Seat Covers are a top pick for pet owners.
Will these mats and covers fit my 2017–2022 Kia Sportage exactly?
Yes, all products from Car Mats Customs are custom-designed for a glove-like fit based on your specific vehicle generation. No trimming or adjustments needed.
Do I need both a trunk mat and a seat cover if my dog rides in the back?
Yes—if your dog alternates between trunk and back seat, both areas need protection. Trunk mats are especially important for larger dogs who shed, scratch, or may have accidents.
How can I stop my pet from moving around too much during drives?
Use a harness and seatbelt clip or a pet crate. Seat covers and mats help with cleanup, but safety gear keeps your pet secure and minimizes distraction.
Will the seat covers block seatbelt access or airbags?
No. Our custom seat covers are designed to leave seatbelt anchors fully accessible and won’t interfere with airbag deployment.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind for Every Ride
Owning a pet shouldn’t mean sacrificing your vehicle’s cleanliness or resale value. With the right combination of custom-fit floor mats, seat covers, and trunk liners, your Kia Sportage 2017–2022 can stay looking showroom-new—while still being the ultimate ride for your pet.
These upgrades don’t just protect your interior; they also enhance your driving experience by making cleanups easy and your vehicle more comfortable for every passenger, human or otherwise.
Ready to upgrade your interior? Explore our most popular accessories for Kia Sportage owners:
For more tips and tutorials, visit the Car Mats Customs Blog.
Kia, Sportage, and related model names are trademarks of their respective owners. Car Mats Customs is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia. All vehicle references are solely used for fitment and compatibility purposes.