Your Hyundai Tucson is more than just a daily driver—it’s a travel companion for the whole family, furry members included. Whether you’re taking your dog to the park, going on a road trip, or just handling daily errands, having your pet in the car is part of your lifestyle. But with all the joy pets bring, they can also leave behind fur, scratches, dirt, and odors that take a toll on your vehicle’s interior.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to effectively pet-proof your Hyundai Tucson from model years 2016 through 2021 using custom-fit mats, seat covers, trunk liners, and more. We’ll focus on long-lasting solutions that are both functional and stylish—so you don’t have to compromise your vehicle’s look or resale value.
Every product and tip in this article is tailored to the layout and interior dimensions of the Hyundai Tucson, ensuring maximum compatibility and protection. If you’re a Tucson owner with pets, this is your go-to resource for keeping your SUV clean, safe, and stylish.
Why Pet-Proofing Matters for Tucson Owners
The Hyundai Tucson offers a versatile interior, but like any SUV, its fabric seats, carpets, and trims are vulnerable to pet-related messes. Pet-proofing your Tucson not only helps you avoid damage but also makes traveling with your animals more comfortable and stress-free—for both of you.
Here’s what pet-proofing can prevent:
- Claw scratches on seats, door panels, or center consoles
- Stains and moisture from paws, wet fur, or accidents
- Pet hair embedded in upholstery and floor carpeting
- Lingering odors from dander, drool, or wet fur
- Disruption of resale value due to visible damage or odor
Even short trips can leave long-lasting effects without proper protective gear. Investing in pet-proofing accessories can save you time, money, and a ton of cleaning headaches down the road.
Step 1: Start with Floor Protection
Your Tucson’s floor sees the most action when it comes to pets hopping in and out, especially during walks, hikes, or wet weather. Dirt, grass, mud, and fur can quickly accumulate in the front and rear footwells.
The best solution? A set of custom-fit floor mats.
Our Custom Luxury Floor Mats are designed specifically for the 2016–2021 Hyundai Tucson. These mats offer edge-to-edge coverage and feature a diamond-stitched surface that traps hair and debris. The layered structure includes waterproof and anti-slip materials to prevent shifting under paws.
Why choose custom over universal mats?
- Perfect fit for the Tucson’s floor contours
- No sliding or bunching under pet movement
- Easy to remove and clean—just shake or wipe down
- Stylish enough to keep your interior looking sharp
Learn more: Best All-Weather Mats: What Makes a Good One?
Step 2: Protect the Rear Seats
If your dog rides in the back seat, this area needs serious protection. Between shedding, scratching, and accidents, the rear bench is one of the most commonly damaged areas in pet-friendly vehicles.
The most effective solution is a set of full-coverage seat covers designed specifically for the Tucson’s rear row. Our Custom Luxury Leather Seat Covers are built for maximum durability and stain resistance, with a wipe-clean finish and non-slip backing.
Designed with pet owners in mind, these covers feature:
- Full side and back coverage for complete protection
- Integrated openings for seatbelts and child seats
- Scratch-resistant material to stand up to paws and nails
- Airbag-compatible seams for safe use
These aren’t basic slip-ons—they’re precision-tailored to fit the 2016–2021 Tucson’s rear seats, so you get a professional, secure finish that stays in place even during bumpy rides or sudden stops.
Step 3: Don’t Forget the Cargo Area
If your dog rides in the back or you use the cargo space for transporting pet supplies, grooming gear, or crates, the trunk area needs protection too. The rear cargo space in the Hyundai Tucson is spacious—but also vulnerable to scratches, stains, and fur accumulation.
Our Matching Trunk Mat – Full Cover is designed to protect the full rear area, including the back of the rear seats and the side panels. This is ideal for pet owners who transport animals in kennels or let their dogs ride freely in the trunk area.
Why it's a must-have for pet owners:
- Custom-fit design: Covers every inch of the Tucson's cargo space
- Waterproof surface: Shields carpet from wet paws and spills
- Anti-slip texture: Prevents crates and dogs from sliding around
- Easy to clean: Hose it off or wipe it down in seconds
With the rear trunk fully protected, you can take your pup on more adventures without worrying about the mess they bring back with them.
Step 4: Add Accessories for Convenience
Beyond mats and seat covers, there are a few smart accessories that can make your Tucson even more pet-friendly:
- Seat belt harness adapters: Keep your dog safely restrained during travel
- Backseat barrier nets: Prevent pets from jumping into the front seat
- Portable bowls and water-resistant liners: Great for longer trips or hikes
- Rear window shades: Help keep your pet cool on sunny days
These small add-ons help round out your pet-proofing plan and make travel more enjoyable for both you and your furry co-pilot.
How to Clean Pet-Proofed Surfaces
Even with the best protection in place, cleaning will still be a regular task. Fortunately, all of our recommended products are designed to be easy to maintain. Here’s how to keep your interior fresh and clean:
- Floor Mats: Remove and shake them outside. For deeper cleaning, wipe with a damp cloth or rinse with water.
- Seat Covers: Use a handheld vacuum to remove fur, then wipe with a cloth and mild soap.
- Trunk Liner: Hose it off and let it air dry before reinstalling.
Pro tip: Keep a small cleaning kit in your Tucson’s cargo area with a lint roller, pet-safe disinfectant wipes, and a portable vacuum to make cleanup easier on the go.
Need more cleaning advice? Read our full guide: How to Clean Your Custom Car Mats
Preventing Odors and Allergens
Pet dander and moisture can cause lingering odors if not addressed quickly. While floor and seat protection helps, adding a few preventative habits can keep your Tucson smelling fresh:
- Vacuum your seats and floors weekly, especially after trips
- Use baking soda-based deodorizers safe for pets
- Crack a window slightly when parked in shade to prevent stuffiness
- Groom your pet regularly to reduce shedding and odor buildup
Our custom accessories help trap fur and dander before they settle into your upholstery, making odor control much easier long-term.
Pet Safety in the Hyundai Tucson
In addition to protecting your car, it’s important to protect your pet. The Tucson’s 2016–2021 models come with great safety features, but a few small additions go a long way when pets are involved.
- Use seat belt tethers: They clip into your car’s buckle and secure your dog’s harness.
- Try a travel crate: Crates provide safety and comfort, especially for longer drives.
- Don’t allow pets in the front seat: Airbags can be dangerous if deployed while your pet is up front.
With the right setup, your Hyundai Tucson becomes a safe and comfortable space for your four-legged passengers too.
Complete Pet-Proofing Package for Hyundai Tucson Owners
To fully pet-proof your 2016–2021 Hyundai Tucson, we recommend combining several of our best-selling interior protection items. Together, they provide full-vehicle coverage for both front and rear rows, as well as your cargo area.
- Custom Luxury Floor Mats – protect front and rear footwells from dirt, fur, and water.
- Custom Leather Seat Covers – shield rear seats from claws, stains, and pet hair.
- Matching Trunk Mat – Full Cover – defend the cargo area against accidents, crates, and scratching.
When used together, these accessories not only preserve your Tucson’s interior but also add a refined, coordinated appearance—proving that pet-proofing doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.
Customer Stories: Real Results from Pet Owners
We’ve heard from countless Tucson owners who love the difference our products make in their daily routines:
“My dog sheds like crazy, but the custom floor mats trap the fur so it doesn’t stick to the carpet. Vacuuming takes minutes now.” — Jessica M., Tucson, AZ
“We take our Lab hiking every weekend. The trunk liner and backseat covers have saved our upholstery more times than I can count!” — Ryan T., Boulder, CO
These testimonials confirm that smart protection pays off quickly, especially for active pet-owning families. If you’re tired of cleaning up after every drive, this is the solution you’ve been looking for.
Upgrade Today and Drive Worry-Free
Bringing your pet along for the ride should be fun—not frustrating. With the right floor mats, seat covers, and trunk protection in place, you can focus on making memories, not cleaning up messes.
Car Mats Customs offers pet-friendly, model-specific protection for Hyundai Tucson models from 2016 to 2021. All of our products are designed with precision fitment and long-lasting materials that stand up to real-world wear.
Explore our full lineup of Tucson-compatible gear today:
Enjoy peace of mind on every drive—whether you’re cruising to the dog park or heading out for an adventure—with your interior fully pet-proofed.
*Hyundai and Tucson are trademarks of Hyundai Motor Company. Car Mats Customs is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.*