As a parent, you understand the unique challenges of ensuring your most precious cargo is secure and snug.
Driving to school runs, soccer practice, and family outings requires an ideal car for shuttling multiple kids safely in their car seats. As technology advances as quickly as it does these days, so do the options available when figuring out what vehicle best meets your needs.
Whether that means having enough seat anchors or LATCH system slots to accommodate rear seats or an infant seat or selecting systems with advanced safety features—it's essential to get a head start on researching the best car for multiple car seats before saying, "yes" to any make and model.
To help streamline the search process, here's our guide to the best cars for multiple car seats available in 2023.
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Take Away Key Points:
What to consider when choosing a car for multiple car seats?
When it comes to choosing a car that is equipped to carry multiple car seats, there are plenty of things to consider.
1. Safety features
Beyond the vehicle's size and style, parents should select a model that considers safety features such as airbags and position on the market.
Check if the car allows for tether anchors, lower anchor/ latch systems, or only lap and shoulder belt installations.
Make sure at least two sets of rear-seat anchors are available for installing car seats with lower anchors, or look for a booster seat-ready built-in LATCH system.
Look at safety ratings check out both crash test results and additional safety features such as antilock brakes and driver assist technologies like lane departure warning systems or automatic emergency braking. These will give you added peace of mind when taking your kids out on the road with you.
2. A number of car seats
Give thought to how many children you plan to transport at a time, what type of car seat each child needs, and maneuverability in tight spaces and parking lots.
Consider how easy it is to install your car seats in the new vehicle.
Some cars may require extra tools or brackets to securely attach a car seat, while others may be more difficult, depending on their design.
3. Storage check
Additionally, check for storage room options in the back seat for larger items like strollers and extra cargo bags so that little one can have all the comforts of home on road trips.
Taking these considerations into account will help ensure you choose the perfect car for your family's needs.
4. Think about access and visibility
When choosing a car for multiple carseats, some vehicles have blind spots where it can be difficult to see or access the children in their car seats. Make sure you choose one which doesn't have this issue so you can safely keep an eye on your kids from behind the wheel.
Seat belt vs. LATCH installation?
Installing car seats can be complicated, so it's important to understand the differences between LATCH and seat belt installation.
Seat belt installation requires using the vehicle's existing seatbelts to secure a child safety seat in place.
LATCH is a system developed for child security seats that use metal anchors that attach to specific points in your car to keep the seat in place.
Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, but they will provide enough security for your kids when used correctly.
Best cars that fit 4 car seats
1. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7, a luxury SUV, is an excellent choice for families who need extra space and flexibility. While the vehicle can seat up to 7 passengers, it's still possible to fit multiple car seats in this roomy ride — although the exact number will depend on your particular model.
For example, the standard Audi Q7 has two sets of LATCH anchors in the second-row seating area for easy installation of car seats. Of course, the space you'll have for multiple car seats will also vary based on which rows you choose to install them in. Installing three across in either the first or second-row seat area would be challenging due to limited space between them the seats. Nevertheless, this is one of the best SUVs for 4 car seats!
You can even take advantage of convertible car seats and use them in forward-facing and rear-facing modes!
2. Honda Odyssey
This vehicle is spacious and comfortable, as well as offering great visibility from the driver's seat – perfect for keeping an eye on your kids. Plus, there's plenty of cargo and backseat space for all their gear and to install more than one car seat in the van!
Installing car seats in the Honda Odyssey is pretty straightforward, and the vehicle can easily accommodate up to three child seats, including a convertible car seat. In the middle row, two car seats, side by side, can fit comfortably with no issue. You can also install a rear-facing seat in the middle while the convertible or a booster seat is located in the outboard seats!
Meanwhile, the third row is perfect for one forward-facing or rear-facing car seat, depending on your family's needs. Be sure to follow all safety instructions when installing your car seats in any vehicle, and check that they are securely fastened each time you get in the car.
Cars that fit three car seats
1. Hyundai Santa Fe
If you need a bit more room in the back seat, the Santa Fe is also a great option, especially for multiple convertible car seats. This best small SUV for car seats has plenty of headroom and more legroom, plus easy access to the third row, where your car seats can be securely fastened.
Installing car seats in the Hyundai Santa Fe is a breeze thanks to the ample head and legroom for the third-row seats, making this one of the best SUVs for 2 car seats or more!
The second-row bench can accommodate two car seats side by side, while the third row is great for one forward-facing or rear-facing car seat.
Additionally, all passengers in the second and third rows can easily access their car seats via a 3-way system of walk-in/walk-out doors on either side of the vehicle.
2. Kia Telluride
This luxurious seater SUV is ideal for families with three seats! There's enough flexibility for the child seats seating configurations comfortably while leaving enough room for luggage and other items.
Installing car seats in the Kia Telluride is a breeze thanks to its spacious interior. The second row easily accommodates two car seats side by side, while the third row can fit one forward-facing or rear-facing car seat with no issue. So if you are looking for the best SUV for 3 car seats, this one hits the jackpot!
Additionally, the same vehicle allows passengers in the second and third rows to easily access their car seats via an innovative walk-in/walk-out system of sliding doors on either side of the vehicle.
Be sure to follow all safety instructions when installing your car seats in any vehicle, and check that they are securely fastened each time you get in the car.
3. Toyota Sienna
The Sienna offers an impressive interior space that easily fits up to two car seats side by side in the middle row with no loss of comfort or visibility from the driver's seat.
In addition, this family favorite also has great fuel economy and comes packed with safety features that'll give you extra peace of mind when driving your little ones around town.
The Toyota Sienna is popular among minivans that offers plenty of space for different car seat configurations, but it's essential to know the exact fitment specs for your model.
For example, three child seats can be installed in the second row: one behind the driver's seat and two more behind the front seats (an infant and convertible car seat). When installing these car seats, refer to manufacturer instructions for detailed directions on secure placement.
All in all, this is the best minivan for 3 car seats!
FAQ's
Can you fit 3 car seats in a CRV?
Yes, you can fit three car seats in most makes and models of the Honda CR-V.
The second-row seats feature two sets of LATCH anchors conveniently located on either side of the vehicle, making installing multiple car seats safely and securely easier.
Additionally, the low floor design of the CR-V provides easy access to rear seat tethers and makes it simple to get your smaller passengers in and out quickly.
Can you fit 3 car seats in a RAV4?
Yes, you can fit three car seats in most models of the Toyota RAV4.
The second-row seating area features two sets of LATCH anchors on either side of the vehicle, making it easy to install multiple car seats securely.
Additionally, the low floor design provides easy access for rear-seat tethers and makes it simple to quickly get your smallest passengers in and out.
How many car seats are allowed in a car?
The exact number of car seats allowed in a car depends on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as its size. Typically, cars are designed with two or three rows of seating, allowing them to accommodate up to six passengers, including the driver.
However, it's important to consider the size and weight of any child safety seat when deciding how many car seats can fit into a vehicle.
Can you fit 3 car seats in any car?
Many cars can safely fit three car seats across their second-row seating area if they have two sets of LATCH anchors on either side of the vehicle. However, installing three car seats may be difficult due to limited space between each seat in some cars.
What is the best car for 4 kids?
The Land Rover Discovery is an excellent choice for families who need to fit multiple car seats in their vehicles.
The five- and seven-seat models have large, spacious cabins that accommodate three child safety seats (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, convertible) across the middle row with two sets of LATCH anchors on either side of the vehicle.
Additionally, the third-row seats area features two extra-wide booster seats that can come in handy when carrying four or more passengers. Furthermore, it has an excellent safety rating and plenty of cargo space, making it a great option for larger families.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding on the best car for multiple car seats, it is important to consider the size of your vehicle, the features of the car seats you plan to use, and how many people you plan to transport.
With these factors in mind, it is possible to make an informed decision that results in safe and comfortable transportation for all passengers and find the best midsize SUV for car seats that can install more than one transport seat for your little ones!
