Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats Across? | See The List!
Whenever I’m asked about the best cars to fit three kids across in the second row, the answer is not as straightforward as you would think. With thousands of different car seat combinations, it’s difficult to give a blanket statement of which vehicle works the best. Your car needs are as unique as your family!
Since there are so many factors to consider, I wanted to create a master list to reference the best cars for three car seats across. This way, you can have a solid baseline to reference during car shopping making the process a whole lot smoother.
Before we dive in, I know that having three across seems like the most convenient setup, and it can be, but I don’t want you to feel like it’s the only arrangement for an easy transition in and out of the car. My oldest frequently sits in the third row and with practice, getting him in and buckled safely has come easier. Don’t get me a wrong, I’m a fan of three across when it’s safe and it makes sense - but other great options are accessible, too.
Let’s dive in and break down everything you need to know about three-across cars!
Quick Tips for Fitting Three Car Seats Across
When it comes to fitting three car seats across, there are a few tips you can implement to allow everyone to fit safely and comfortably. First, consider a slim car seat. This is the easiest way to minimize the width of each seat to secure them all. Some of my favorites are the Clek Foonf/Fllo and the Graco Slimfit3 LX. These seats are designed to take up less space without compromising on safety. They can be a real game-changer when you need to fit three car seats in the backseat of your vehicle.
Car sear selection is very personal, but if you’re in the market, take a look at these ones to see if they help your goal of three across!
Where does everyone go?
This is the fun part - kinda! Here are a few tips for how I would arrange my three kids.
My infant gets loaded into the car first and I click in his infant seat on the driver’s side directly behind me - simply because I have more room in my garage on that side.
Next, I buckle my daughter who is rear-facing in a convertible seat on the passenger side (second row, of course!).
In my Expedition, my oldest (and only forward-facing child) is in the middle. He crawls underneath the infant sear with plenty of room to hop into his seat in the middle. I love having him in the middle because he needs the most help when it comes to buckling. I can sit in the driver’s seat and have easy access to get him safely buckled before putting my own seat belt on.
When my oldest moves to a booster, this arrangement would only work if there is a headrest in the middle seat. The headrest is not just for comfort, but it’s very important for safety in the event of an accident. Regardless, all passengers, including those using backless booster seats, (such as older children or adults), must have adequate head support which is why I’m such a big fan of headrests on all seats!
Lower anchors vs. Seatbelt: Will A Seatbelt Install Give You More Room?
It’s possible, but is it really worth it? Every car seat and car manufacturer has different preferences when it comes to using anchors vs. seatbelt install. Yes, you could technically get a few more inches with a seatbelt install, but it’s definitely not as convenient as the lower anchors if you’re reinstalling car seats frequently. And of course, double check your manuals to ensure that a seatbelt install is just as safe as the anchors for the weight of your child - it truly just depends on your specific car seat.
Here’s What NOT To Do…
We need to be careful about how we defining “it fits!” when it comes to three carseats in the second row.
Are any seatbelts overlapping?
Are your carseats bending at any point?
Is the installation tight enough for each individual seat?
There are variations that allow a tight, safe install for three seats - just make sure that’s the case for your combination of car seats when installed three across.
Testing Multiple Three Car Seats Across Combos
It's important to keep in mind that not all car seat combinations are created equal. When considering a long-term car purchase, make sure to test out multiple three car seats across combinations. Maybe your kids are fitting just fine right now, but if your oldest turns forward facing, does that change your fit? Just because three convertible car seats fit doesn't necessarily mean two convertibles and a booster will fit as well. It’s all about testing it out!
There may be variations in buckle placements, seat sizes, or other factors that can affect the feasibility of the setup. Sometimes, flipping a rear-facing seat forward can make a big difference. It may require some extra effort to test combinations, but it saves you the headache (and cost) of having to buy a new car down the line to accommodate your changing car seat needs.
Potential Three Car Seats Across Options
Let's move on to the list of cars that have proven to be excellent options for three across seating! Keep in mind this is not an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point for your research. These cars have been tested by me and have shown a lot of flexibility in accommodating various three across configurations.
5 Passenger SUV Contenders:
The 5 passenger SUV category is the hardest to fit three across because they are the smallest. Below are models that are great options to test out, but they will not fit every car seat combination:
Atlas Cross Sport
Ford Edge
Honda Passport
Honda CRV (after 2023)
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
Toyota RAV4
Midsize 7-8 Passenger Contenders:
In the midsize category, there are more options to explore. The following cars provide a lot of space in the second row, allowing them to be a great starting point to fit three car seats across:
Full-Size Contenders:
If you're in need of a full-size car, there are a ton of great models to test out! The following cars have great potential to fit three car seats without sacrificing comfort or cargo space:
Minivan Contenders:
Last but not least, don't overlook the trusty minivans. Although you may consider them classic “mom” cars, their reputation is there for a reason! Consider the following options:
To read a head-to-head review of my favorite minivans on the market, check out my Minivan Showdown here!
Best Cars For Three Car Seats Across- Kelly’s Take
Remember, this list is a solid foundation of options for three across seating, but it doesn't cover every single car that can accommodate various combinations. Car seat brands and sizes can differ, so it's always a good idea to test out your specific car seat combination before making a final decision.
If you feel really stuck on what option would work best for your family’s needs, I’ll help break it down during my course: How To Save At The Dealership! Not only do I provide a ton of tips for going into the dealership with confidence, but I offer a 1-on-1 call to chat through all your concerns.
Do you have a car you love that fits three across? Let me know in the comments! And if you’re interested in seeing the latest cars on the market? Check out my most recent car tours:
