Best Vehicles to Comfortably Fit Three Car Seats Across

By Nicole Wakelin 08/04/2022 12:00pm

Properly securing little ones in their car seats is always a priority when you have kids along for the ride. It’s not just about getting the kids buckled into the car or minivan. It’s a matter of ensuring the proper installation of car seats in your vehicle. Several decades ago, car seats used the same seat belts used for adults but threaded through the car seats in various ways, which could get complicated. Today, there’s the LATCH system, which makes the process far more straightforward.

What is LATCH?

The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) restraint system makes properly securing car seats easier and eliminates the need for seat belts to keep them in place. Nearly every car seat and vehicle manufactured after September 1, 2002, must have a LATCH system.

The lower anchors are U-shaped metal bars tucked into the spot where the seat backs meet the seat cushions in your car. Usually, they’re easy to find, but in some vehicles, they’re barely visible unless you dig for them. The tether anchors are generally on the backs of your vehicle’s seats, but not always. Their exact location can vary and may require a little sleuthing behind the seats to spot. Consult the owner’s manual for help locating the anchors.

A car seat equipped with LATCH has two lower anchor connectors, one on each side of the car seat, that clip onto the anchors in your vehicle. Forward-facing car seats also have a tether strap and hook that connects to the tether anchor.

The Challenge of Securing Three Car Seats Across

Securing a single car seat of any style or even two car seats with the LATCH system isn’t usually a problem. Where things get tricky is when you have three car seats. There are a variety of car seats that your child will need as they grow, and each has a different shape. Trying to fit three across in a single row in any combination can be a challenge.

For large families or anyone planning outings with multiple families in one vehicle, the ability to quickly and easily secure three car seats in one row is crucial. No matter what type of car seats you have at a point in your child’s life, the family car needs room to secure those seats easily.

Our guide for picking a vehicle that comfortably fits three car seats across includes this advice and tips:

Typical Car Seat Combinations to Try

Volvo Child Car Seats For Three Across Seating

If you already own your car seats, take them with you when you go car shopping. Remember that the car seat combination you have today may change as your family grows. Imagine if larger seats will fit as well as smaller ones if your kids are still little. Consider these possibilities:

Three forward-facing car seats
Three booster seats
One booster, one infant rear-facing, one halter front-facing
Two rear-facing infant seats, one booster
Three rear-facing convertible seats

Pros and Cons of Family Vehicle Types

Some vehicle types do better than others when fitting three car seats across. However, it can be done in almost any car, depending on the car seats. The best options are SUVs and minivans, with most models accommodating three car seats across a seat bench. Sedans and hatchbacks can also manage three car seats across, but the smaller the vehicle, the tighter the fit. Lastly, there are trucks. While many trucks are big and roomy, not all fit car seats well, so make sure the one you’re considering fits the car seats you own.

No matter what vehicle type interests you, take your car seats to dealerships on shopping trips. Confirm the fit in different vehicles and check the ease of installation.

SUVs and Crossovers

PROS

CONS

High ride height makes leaning in and securing kids easier.Most fit three car seats across.Lots of cargo room.Many can tow.

Higher pricing than sedans.High step-in height is a challenge for older adults and young kids.Head restraints may interfere with high-back boosters.

4-door Sedans

PROS

CONS

The ride is generally smooth and quiet.Easy for kids and older adults to step inside.Shorter reach to secure kids in the middle seat.

Limited cargo space compared to SUVs.Compact sedans may be too narrow to comfortably fit three across.Lower ride height can be a challenge in snowy weather.

Minivans

PROS

CONS

Loaded with family-friendly features.Sliding doors make for easy second-row access to buckle in the kids.Those sliding doors also make it easy for kids to climb inside.Spacious interiors with room for larger cargo and cubbies for smaller stuff.

Less affordable than sedans.The stigma of driving a minivan.There aren’t a lot of models from which to choose.

Trucks

PROS

CONS

High ground clearance.Many are off-road capable.The ability to manage a payload and tow.

The ride can be harsh.Finding the tether anchor can be tricky.Some car seats may be too big to secure properly.

Three-Seat Across Car Shopping Checklist

The biggest consideration when looking for a vehicle that will comfortably fit three car seats across is the size of the second row. Even in a 3-row vehicle, the second row of seats is the easiest option for three car seats since adults can just lean in to buckle the kids. The wider the vehicle, the better the chances of fitting three car seats across, but there are other things to consider when you have a large crew of kids along for the ride.

Overall Cargo Room

Traveling with kids means traveling with gear. Strollers, bassinets, playpens, toys, swings, wagons, and even extra clothes and snacks all need room. Cargo needs are even greater when you head out for vacation because luggage gets added to the mix. Ensure the vehicle you pick has enough space for what you typically bring along. Consider something with a roof rack or trailer hitch if your cargo needs are greater.

Flat Surfaces in the Back Seat

Heavily cushioned seats with strong bolsters are something many adults prefer. However, they can present a challenge when securing car seats, especially if you’re going for three across. Look for a vehicle with flat seats in the second row, which will more easily accommodate a variety of car seats.

Accessible LATCH Anchors

Since September 2002, the United States federal mandate has required lower anchors in at least two positions and tether anchors in three positions. That’s the minimum, and the exact number and configuration of anchors in your vehicle can vary.

Confirm what’s available in the car you’re considering, and then physically inspect those anchors. Do the seat cushions make it hard to find the lower anchors? Is the tether anchor easy to access, or must you be a contortionist to attach the hook? Ensure you know the vehicle’s anchor configuration and that they are easily accessible.

Consider the Ride Height

A vehicle’s ride height is how high it is from the ground. Cars and minivans typically have a lower ride height, while SUVs and trucks have a higher ride height. For shorter adults, higher ride heights can make it tough to reach in and buckle the kids, especially in the middle seat. Be sure that the ride height provides the easy access you need to secure the children safely.

Vehicles with Unique Car-Seat Friendly Features

In addition to LATCH systems, some cars offer unique features that make them a good choice for families with kids in car seats.

90-Degree Rear Door Opening

The 2022 Honda CR-V is a small SUV with rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. This feature is found in many used Honda models, but the 2022 CR-V has the only wide-opening rear door in the current lineup. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride also have 90-degree rear door access with three rows of seating and plenty of room for cargo.

Built-in Booster Seats

Volvo is the only car company currently offering built-in booster seats. The XC90 has a single booster seat in the center of the second row. Volvo’s XC60 and V90 models provide a pair of booster seats on the outboard seating positions of the second row. Even the plug-in hybrid and hybrid versions of these vehicles can have an integrated booster seat. This video demonstrates this unique option. Volvo also sells a complete line of Volvo-branded car seats to augment your kids’ life stages.

Sliding or Reclining Rear Seats

Seats that slide forward and back, recline, or even do both have several advantages.

Access to the Kids: A second row that slides forward brings it closer to adults up front, so it’s easier to hand something back to the kids.
Increased Cargo Room or Passenger Room: A sliding second row lets you choose between more legroom and cargo space. Slide backward to give legroom for adults riding in the rear, or move it forward to provide more space for gear in the cargo area.
Third-Row Access: A second row that slides forward provides more room for squeezing back into the third row.
Easier Car Seat Installation: Reclining a seat slightly gives better access to the LATCH system when securing car seats.
Kids Can Snooze: Reclining seats also make it easier for kids sitting on boosters to relax and take a nap.

The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride are just two of the 3-row vehicles that include these features. Many luxury SUVs also have reclining rear seats, and almost every minivan features a reclining and sliding second row. As for 2-row vehicles, check out the Volkswagen Tiguan, Nissan Rogue, or Mazda CX-5.

Safety Warnings for Used and New Car Shoppers

Our article focuses on new cars, but used cars are a great option for saving money or getting a model with more features than you could afford if you bought one new. This is especially true when looking for larger vehicles to accommodate three car seats. However, there are a few things to be aware of regarding safety and used cars.

Inflatable Seat Belts: Ford introduced inflatable seat belts in the 2011 Ford Explorer, while Mercedes-Benz adopted them in 2014. Automakers used them only in the second row to improve passenger safety. As good as the idea sounds, many car seat manufacturers did not approve inflatable seat belts for use with their car seats. Ford and Mercedes-Benz stopped using these seat belts after 2021. Still, if you’re buying a used model, this is something to check in the specific vehicle you’re considering.
Safety Recalls: Despite the best efforts of automakers, recalls are commonplace and can impact any car regardless of the style or price. Use our recall checker to see what recalls have been issued for the year, make, and model of any vehicle before you make your purchase.

Experts and Resources for Car Seat Safety

Online Experts

There are no perfect solutions for doing 3-across seating. The most important thing is to become educated about finding the right car seat for your child’s height and weight. Use these resources for information to help you make that decision:

Laws and Certified Technician Checks

Every state has laws regarding car seat use, so read your state laws carefully. Failing to secure your child in a car seat properly is a safety risk that may result in a citation from the police. If you’re unsure that you’ve installed your child’s car seat correctly, certified technicians can help.