Quick Facts About Cars and Child Seat Safety
- LATCH is a built-in restraint system that makes securing child car seats easier and more reliable.
- The Toyota Sienna with the second-row bench seat is the only vehicle currently providing two rows of three-across with nearly full LATCH child seat accommodations.
- According to experts, a large percentage of child injuries and deaths in car crashes are from transitioning them out of a child car seat too early.
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, SUV, or minivan. It’s a matter of ensuring the proper installation of car seats in your vehicle. Several decades ago, car seats employed the same seatbelts used for adults but threaded through the car seats in various ways, which was an exercise in patience and ingenuity. Today, there’s the much simpler-to-use LATCH system, making securing car seats far more straightforward.
Even today, as easy as it is to install a car or booster seat, many children aren’t appropriately restrained. A 2023 report released jointly by AAA and Chicco, a car seat manufacturer, found that nearly five out of 10 (48%) of children injured in car crashes and more than half (51%) of children killed were not using car seats. Instead, they were either buckled into a vehicle seatbelt or completely unrestrained.
Our guide for picking a vehicle that comfortably fits three car seats across also includes advice and tips. We’ve provided jump links below if you choose to skip ahead.
- What Is LATCH?
- Vehicles with 3-Across LATCH Systems
- The Challenge of Securing 3 Car Seats Across
- Typical Car Seat Combinations to Try
- Pros and Cons of Family Vehicle Types
- 3-Seat Across Car Shopping Checklist
- Vehicles with Unique Car-Seat-Friendly Features
- Safety Warnings for Used and New Car Shoppers
- Experts and Resources for Car Seat Safety
- Best Vehicles that Fit Three Car Seats Across
What Is LATCH?
The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) restraint system makes properly securing car seats easier and eliminates the need for seatbelts to keep them in place. Nearly every child safety seat and most vehicles manufactured after Sept. 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.
Vehicles With 3-Across LATCH Setups
The picks on our overall list below reflect the best vehicles with sufficient space for seating three small children across a row. However, we further single out vehicles with 3-wide LATCH accommodations below because the LATCH system is currently the safest (and easiest to use) child seat system.
- 2025 Toyota Sienna (second and third row)
- 2025 Kia Carnival
- 2025 Subaru Outback
- 2025 Acura MDX
- 2025 Honda Pilot
- 2025 Honda Passport
- 2025 Toyota RAV4
- 2025 Nissan Rogue
- 2025 Subaru Forester
- 2025 Ram 1500
- 2025 Subaru Legacy
TIP: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provides LATCH information for nearly every vehicle it tests for safety. You access it on the IIHS website by going to “Vehicle ratings,” and typing in the make and model vehicle (Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Accord, and so forth). Once on the vehicle page, scroll down to “Seat belts & child restraints.” Click on “LATCH ease of use” to find not only the number of seating positions equipped with LATCH but also their type and location. You can also access this information for older versions of the vehicle if you are shopping for a used car.
The Challenge of Securing 3 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 challenging.
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.
Typical Car Seat Combinations To Try
Remember, the car seat combination you have today may change as your family grows. Imagine if larger seats would fit as well as smaller ones if your kids are still little. Here are some possibilities to consider today and in the future.
- Three forward-facing car seats
- One booster, one infant rear-facing, one front-facing seat with harness
- Two rear-facing infant seats, one booster
- Three rear-facing convertible seats
Car Booster Seats: A Critical Part of Child Seat Safety
The premature transition from car seats to vehicle seatbelts as a form of restraint has a considerable impact on child safety. From the AAA/Chicco report: Child seat use decreased by more than half from ages 7 to 8, resulting in a significant uptick in car crash injuries. A major reason is that often, when relying on a vehicle’s seatbelt to restrain a child 10 years old or younger, the child winds up not restrained at all.
“This indicates that parents may be transitioning their children out of car seats too early,” said Chicco Child Passenger Safety Technician Joshua Dilts. Roughly 40% of children between the ages of 7 and 10 who are killed in car crashes weren’t restrained. A booster seat’s core function is to elevate the child, ensuring that the seatbelt fits properly over the stronger parts of the body, such as the collarbone and hips, rather than the neck and stomach.
The appropriateness of child seat or booster seat use has much more to do with a child’s height than age, according to Dilts. “Children must be at least 4 years old, 40 pounds, and 38 inches tall to safely use a booster seat.” He went on to recommend keeping that child in the child seat and its five-point harness as long as possible to ensure maximum protection. After transitioning to a booster seat, most children can benefit from this extra protection until the age of 10. “Most booster seats accommodate children up to a height of 57 inches tall,” he added.
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 confirm the one you’re considering does.
PRO TIP: No matter the vehicle type that interests you, take your car seats to dealerships on shopping trips. Confirm the fit and check the ease of installation for any vehicle before making a purchase.
SUVs and Crossovers
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4-Door Sedans
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Minivans
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3-Seats-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 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.
1. 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.
2. 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 accommodate a variety of car seats more easily.
3. 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. We have included the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ease-of-use rating for each of our picks. These ratings reflect the accessibility of the lower anchors, the force required to attach them, and the degree of clearance provided by the lower anchors. The grades in descending order are:
- G+ = Good+
- G= Good
- A = Acceptable
- M = Marginal
- P = Poor
- NA = Not Available or Not Rated
4. Consider the Ride Height
A vehicle’s ride height is the distance of its chassis 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 challenging 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. Running boards, which are often optional in trucks and SUVs, offer easier access to child car seats.
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.
1. 90-Degree Rear Door Opening
The 2025 Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue are smaller SUVs with rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. This feature is also found in many used Honda models.
2. Built-in Booster Seats
Volvo is the only car company that currently offers 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.
3. 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 with 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.
RELATED: Rear Seat Reminder: How It Works and Why You Need It
Safety Warnings for Used and New Car Shoppers
Our article focuses on new cars, but used cars are an excellent 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 searching for larger vehicles that can 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 seatbelts 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 seatbelts 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 you consider.
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:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
- The Car Seat Lady
Laws and Certified Technician Checks
Every state has laws regarding car seat use, so read your state’s 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.
Best Vehicles in 2025 That Fit 3 Car Seats Across
Second-row space is a priority when trying to fit three car seats across. Still, family life requires a safe and comfortable vehicle with the latest technology and plenty of cargo room. We selected the best family vehicles that work well for three car seats and day-to-day family life.
Our picks factor in data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which has detailed information on crash tests and the configuration and ease of using each vehicle’s LATCH system. (Note: While in many cases the 2026 models of many of the vehicles on this list are already on dealer lots, as of the publish date of this story, the IIHS has only tested 2025 models. That’s why we have 2025 models in this story.) We provide the base price for each vehicle; however, getting the version(s) that allow for 3-across seating may cost more. These rankings are based on KBB Expert Ratings for each vehicle, but every model on this list is a good choice for fitting three car seats across.
Because we emphasize the LATCH system, our picks for the best vehicles with three-across child seat space are heavily weighted toward child-seat positions with full LATCH system hookups — that is, a tether and two anchors. We have made an exception or two to include a couple of vehicles that may be missing an anchor for one of the three positions. We note where that occurs.
The listed prices include whatever delivery fee (destination charge) the factory assesses.
Best Minivans
1. 2025 Toyota Sienna
Starting Price: $40,980
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
We kick off our picks with the top dog in the category of 3-across car seat accommodations. Not only do Sienna models with a second-row bench seat offer two rows of 3-across car seat space, but five of the six positions are full LATCH accommodations. (The middle position in the third row only has one lower anchor.) No other vehicle on this list can make that claim. There’s seating for eight in the Toyota Sienna with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and a standard hybrid engine that gets up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. It has a wide range of standard safety features. Available Driver Easy Speak is a family-friendly feature that sends the driver’s voice through the rear speakers so everyone can hear. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
See Toyota Sienna models for sale near you
2. 2025 Kia Carnival
Starting Price: $38,235
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.5
The Kia Carnival is a spacious 8-seater with a beautifully appointed interior, especially in top trims. Kia also offers the Carnival as a hybrid. Standard safety is extensive with automatic emergency braking and rear cross-traffic alert. It has a comprehensive infotainment system with either an 8.0- or 12.3-inch touchscreen. The second row provides full LATCH hookups for all three seating positions, with the third row featuring full hookups for the outboard seats. The third-row center position only has a tether connection. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A.
See Kia Carnival models for sale near you
Best Midsize and Full-Size SUVs
1. 2025 Subaru Outback
Starting Price: $31,415
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.6
While it started out as a wagon, the Subaru Outback is now, for all intents and purposes, a 2-row midsize SUV. Standard all-wheel drive makes it a great choice for those who live in wintry climates or who enjoy off-road adventures. It has 8.7 inches of ground clearance to make it even more versatile on rugged terrain, with 9.5 inches of clearance in the Wilderness trim. It also has room to carry everything an active family needs, with 32.5 cubic feet for cargo. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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2. 2025 Acura MDX
Starting Price: $52,550
IIHS Award: TSP
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.5
This upscale SUV features three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven people. The Acura MDX is available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and standard safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Also standard is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 9-speaker audio system. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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3. 2025 Honda Pilot
Starting Price: $41,695
IIHS Award: TSP
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
The Honda Pilot has seating for up to eight people in a roomy interior and has ample cargo room. It’s available with all-wheel drive that includes a terrain management system that’s helpful with light off-roading. When equipped with the second-row bench seat, all three seating positions have a full LATCH system. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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4. 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
Starting Price: $62,095
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
Packing the highest starting price among our picks, the truck-based Chevy Tahoe straddles the line between an able family hauler and an energetic workhorse. This rear-wheel drive (RWD) behemoth can tug up to 8,400 pounds and ferry as many as nine people from point to point. When fitted with a second-row bench seat, it can easily fit three car seats across with secure LATCH setups. Offering the choice of one diesel or two gas-fueled engines, every Tahoe trim is available with 4-wheel drive (4WD). On the safety front, Tahoe delivers automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and more. The IIHS scores it a G+ for ease of LATCH use.
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5. 2025 Nissan Armada
Starting Price: $59,710
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.2
The other big dog on our list, the Nissan Armada can seat up to eight with the second-row bench seat, which also provides all the LATCH hookups for three car seats across. Nissan arms the Armada with a 425-hp V6 turbo that can pull up to 8,500 pounds. Armada trims run the gamut from the off-road Pro-4X to the lavish Platinum Reserve trim. Advanced driver-assist tech includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The IIHS rates its LATCH ease of use at G+.
See Nissan Armada models for sale near you
6. 2025 Honda Passport
Starting Price: $43,850
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.1
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV that seats five people. It’s available with front- or all-wheel drive, rugged styling, and good standard features. These include an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, power liftgate, and underfloor cargo storage for stowing smaller items. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A.
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7. 2025 Volkswagen Atlas
Starting Price: $39,625
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.0
Because it’s among the roomiest midsize SUVs, the Volkswagen Atlas appearing on this list isn’t a surprise. Its second row easily accommodates three child seats across, each with full LATCH hookups. Using a 269-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder for thrust, the Atlas offers all-wheel drive across the board. The Atlas provides advanced safety tech like lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Because the anchors in the second-row middle seat are a bit difficult to access, the IIHS gave it an ease-of-use score of M.
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Best Compact Crossovers and SUVs
1. 2025 Toyota RAV4
Starting Price: $31,250
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.6
There’s seating for five people in the Toyota RAV4, and all-wheel drive is available. It has solid standard features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. A varied powertrain lineup includes a gas engine, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid in the RAV4 Prime. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
See Toyota RAV4 models for sale near you
2. 2025 Nissan Rogue
Starting Price: $30,085
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.3
A 5-person crossover with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, the Nissan Rogue gets better-than-average fuel economy for the class with up to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in mixed city-and-highway driving. Featuring Nissan’s exceptionally comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, it also posts impressive cargo room with 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row. The Rogue is one of those SUVs with rear doors that open 90 degrees, making it easier to buckle in the little Princess. The only drawback is that the middle seating position only has one anchor. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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3. 2025 Subaru Forester
Starting Price: $31,415
IIHS Award: TSP
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4
With all-wheel drive as standard, the Subaru Forester is a compact crossover featuring up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance for traversing more rugged terrain. It has a spacious cabin and a wide array of standard features. There’s also lots of cargo capacity, with 28.9 cubic feet behind the second row. Although its rear seat accommodates three LATCH car seats across, the middle seat has only one anchor. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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Best Trucks
1. 2025 Ram 1500
Starting Price: $45,120 (Crew Cab)
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.5
Freshened for 2025, the Ram 1500 boasts one of the most attractive truck interiors available, even in its base trims. It also has an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride that makes it easy to sit back and enjoy the trip with minimal harshness over even the roughest road surfaces. Unique for a truck, the Ram 1500 Crew Cab has three-across seating positions with complete LATCH hookups. IIHS LATCH ease of use: M.
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Best Sedans/Hatchbacks
1. 2025 Subaru Legacy
Starting Price: $27,980
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.0
A midsize all-wheel-drive sedan, the Subaru Legacy provides plenty of passenger space and impressive fuel economy. The base model provides a bundle of advanced safety tech, like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Depending on the trim level, thrust comes from either a 4-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 4-cylinder. The Legacy enjoys the distinction of being the only family sedan with three across seating positions with LATCH setups; however, the middle position has only one anchor. IIHS ease of use: G+.
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Other Good Vehicles to Comfortably Fit Three Car Seats Across
Our “Best” picks in this category give preference to vehicles with a LATCH setup across all three seating positions. However, many other vehicles have a LATCH setup in the two outboard positions, leaving the center position to install a car seat with a LATCH tether and the center seatbelt. If done properly, this arrangement also results in a secure car seat. Here are our picks for vehicles with 3-across car seats with the tether-seatbelt scheme for the center position.
Minivans
1. 2025 Honda Odyssey
Starting Price: $43,715
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.6
The Honda Odyssey has a responsive gas engine with a roomy interior that seats up to eight. This minivan is front-wheel drive only. It has excellent features for the family, including 15 cup holders and a convex mirror that helps adults up front keep an eye on the kids in the back. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+
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Midsize and Full-Size SUVs
1. 2025 Toyota Highlander
Starting Price: $41,815
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.5
The Toyota Highlander has seating for up to eight people in a comfortable interior with good cargo room. Models seating eight provide a 3-across second row. If you want even more space, the Grand Highlander stretches lengthwise by 6.5 inches, adding space to the third row and the cargo area behind it. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is standard. Features in this safety suite include full-speed adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. There’s also a standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G.
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2. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
Starting Price: $35,795
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
Sort of sliding into the space between midsize and compact SUVs, the 3-row Santa Fe delivers seating for seven and a second row with 3-across positions for car seats. A 277-hp 4-cylinder engine to either the front or all the wheels. It enjoys that amazing Hyundai powertrain warranty (10 years or 100,000 miles), and there is a hybrid version, too. IIHS LATCH score: A.
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Compact Crossovers and SUVs
1. 2025 Honda CR-V
Starting Price: $31,550
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.8
A roomy interior and healthy cargo space make the Honda CR-V a popular choice for families. Available with front- or all-wheel drive, this compact SUV includes the Honda Sensing suite of safety features with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and road departure mitigation. Honda also offers a hybrid CR-V. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A.
See Honda CR-V models for sale near you
2. 2025 Mazda CX-5
Starting Price: $30,545
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4
The Mazda CX-5 is a sleek and elegantly styled crossover with engaging driving dynamics. All-wheel drive is standard, with a choice of two responsive engines. Additional standard features include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A.
See Mazda CX-5 models for sale near you
3. 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5
Starting Price: $44,100
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
The all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a roomy and sleek crossover with an attractive interior and plentiful standard features. Its trim lineup includes both rear- and all-wheel-drive options. Hyundai also provides several battery offerings with driving ranges of up to a maximum of 303 miles per charge. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A.
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4. 2025 Volvo XC60
Starting Price: $48,345
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4
The Volvo XC60 is a compact all-wheel drive luxury SUV. It seats up to five people. Volvo offers the choice of a mild-hybrid engine or a more fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. A 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, 10-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind-spot monitoring with steering assist are standard. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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Trucks
1. 2025 Ford F-150
Starting Price: $46,690 (Crew Cab)
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
The best-selling vehicle in the United States, the Ford F-150, comes in multiple trims and configurations. Base models are more modestly equipped, while top trims push into luxury car territory. There’s also the Ford F-150 Lightning for those looking for an all-electric truck. You must pony up for the SuperCrew cab to score 3-across seating positions with the LATCH setup. IIHS LATCH ease of use: M.
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2. 2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Starting Price: $30,245
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.2
The Hyundai Santa Cruz is a car-based compact pickup truck with a comfortable interior and an uncommonly smooth ride. All-wheel drive is available, and the Santa Cruz can manage a payload of up to 1,753 pounds. It can also tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A.
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Cars and Hatchbacks
1. 2025 Honda Accord
Starting Price: $29,490
IIHS Award: TSP+
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.8
Available with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a hybrid powertrain, the Honda Accord is a midsize sedan with a comfy interior and ample standard safety features. These include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Automatic climate control and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen are also standard. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
See Honda Accord models for sale near you
2. 2025 Honda Civic Sedan
Starting Price: $25,445
IIHS Award: TSP
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.7
There are both sedan and hatchback versions of the Honda Civic. The sedan has a lower starting price, and the IIHS ease of use LATCH rating is for the sedan. For a sportier look and more cargo space behind the second row, pick the hatchback. However, the IIHS has yet to rate the hatchback’s LATCH system. No matter what body style you choose, the Civic is a compact option. It accommodates three car seats and has spirited acceleration, sporty handling, and an attractive interior with premium materials. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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3. 2025 Toyota Crown
Starting Price: $42,635
IIHS Award: TSP (2024)
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.4
Offering the higher ride height of a crossover as well as standard all-wheel drive, the Toyota Crown is otherwise a sedan. Every trim level uses a hybrid powertrain, and there’s the choice of the Hybrid Max turbocharged variant. Roomy and comfortable, the Crown has a rich array of standard features and advanced safety technologies. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
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4. 2025 Nissan Altima
Starting Price: $28,245
IIHS Award: N/A
Kelley Blue Book Rating: 4.1
A versatile midsize sedan, the Nissan Altima comes in several affordably priced trim levels. Better-than-average mileage for its segment and a roomy cabin highlight its many attributes. Nissan offers all-wheel drive for the upper trims. A comprehensive bundle of advanced safety technologies, including high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking, is standard. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+.
See Nissan Altima models for sale near you
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Other Good Vehicles to Comfortably Fit 3 Car Seats Across
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Read Related Car Safety Stories:
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This article has been updated since it was originally published. Joni Finkle contributed to this report.
