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 full LATCH child seat accommodations.
- According to experts, a large percentage of child injuries and deaths in car crashes is 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 seat belts 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 seat belts 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
Our picks on our overall list below reflect the best vehicles with sufficient space for 3-across seating. However, we further single out vehicles with 3-across LATCH accommodations below because the LATCH system is currently the safest (and easiest to use) child seat system.
- 2024 Toyota Sienna (second and third row)
- 2024 Kia Carnival
- 2024 Subaru Outback
- 2024 Hyundai Palisade
- 2024 Acura MDX
- 2024 Toyota Highlander
- 2024 Honda Pilot
- 2024 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2024 Honda Passport
- 2024 Toyota RAV4
- 2024 Honda CR-V
- 2024 Mazda CX-5
- 2024 Subaru Forester
- 2025 Ram 1500
- 2024 Nissan Altima
TIP: The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) provides LATCH information for nearly every vehicle it safety tests. 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 will 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 age 7 to age 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 to 10 who are killed in car crashes weren’t restrained. A booster seat’s core function is to elevate the child to ensure that the seatbelt fits properly over the stronger parts of the body, like 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 the transition to a booster seat, most children can benefit from that extra protection up to 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 make sure the one you’re considering fits your car seats.
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 purchasing.
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3-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 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 more easily accommodate a variety of car seats.
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 a lower anchor, and the degree of clearance of the lower anchors. The grades in descending order are:
- G+ = Good+
- G= Good
- A = Acceptable
- M = Marginal
- P = Poor
- NR = 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 2024 Honda CR-V is a small SUV with rear doors that open to nearly 90 degrees. This feature is also found in many used Honda models. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride also have 90-degree rear door access with three rows of seating and plenty of room for cargo.
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 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:
- 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 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 2024 That Fit Three 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 choices 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. We also indicated the most affordable trim level with room for three in the second row for each automobile on our list. 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.
The listed prices include whatever delivery fee (destination charge) the factory assesses.
Best Minivans
1. 2024 Toyota Sienna
3-Across Car Seat Value: $39,080 (LE) | Expert 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 all six positions are full LATCH accommodations. No other vehicle on this or any other list can make that claim. There’s seating for eight in the Toyota Sienna with front- or all-wheel drive and a standard hybrid engine that gets up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. It has a wide range of standard safety features included. 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. 2024 Honda Odyssey
3-Across Car Seat Value: $39,635 (EX) | Expert 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+ See Honda Odyssey models for sale near you
3. 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
3-Across Car Seat Value: $40,995 (Touring) | Expert Rating: 4.5
The Chrysler Pacifica has seating for up to seven and is the only minivan that offers a choice of either a gas engine or a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid. There’s also the option for front- or all-wheel drive. Its Stow ‘n Go seats fold into the floor when your priority is cargo rather than people. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A. See Chrysler Pacifica models for sale near you
4. 2024 Kia Carnival
3-Across Car Seat Value: $34,995 (LX) | Expert Rating: 4.4
The Kia Carnival is a spacious 8-seater with a beautifully appointed interior, especially in top trims. 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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A. See Kia Carnival models for sale near you
Best Midsize and Full-Size SUVs
1. 2024 Kia Telluride
3-Across Car Seat Value: $37,585 (LX) | Expert Rating: 4.8
The Kia Telluride is roomy and well-equipped with trims that range from modest to near-luxury levels. Standard safety includes automatic emergency braking and even partial self-driving functions. There’s also a standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. IIHS LATCH ease of use: NR. See Kia Telluride models for sale near you
2. 2024 Subaru Outback
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,240 (Outback) | Expert 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+. See Subaru Outback models for sale near you
3. 2024 Hyundai Palisade
3-Across Car Seat Value: $38,045 (SE) | Expert Rating: 4.7
This roomy 8-seater has a quality interior, lots of standard features, and plenty of room for everyone. The Hyundai Palisade has a one-touch sliding second row for easier third-row access with standard automatic emergency braking, Safe Exit Assist, and rear-cross traffic alert. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A. See Hyundai Palisade models for sale near you
4. 2024 Acura MDX
3-Across Car Seat Value: $51,500 (MDX) | Expert Rating: 4.5
This upscale SUV has three rows with seating for 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+. See Acura MDX models for sale near you
5. 2024 Toyota Highlander
3-Across Car Seat Value: $40,665 (LE) | Expert Rating: 4.5
The Toyota Highlander has seating for up to eight people in a comfortable interior with good cargo room. If you want even more space, the Grand Highlander stretches length 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. See Toyota Highlander models for sale near you
6. 2024 Honda Pilot
3-Across Car Seat Value: $38,485 (LX) | Expert 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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Honda Pilot models for sale near you
7. 2024 Chevrolet Traverse
3-Across Car Seat Value: $38,995 (LS) | Expert Rating: N/R
The totally redesigned midsize Chevrolet Traverse has seating for up to eight people with a responsive 315-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The roomy interior has tri-zone climate control to keep everyone comfortable and USB charging ports in all three rows to keep everyone’s devices charged. It has class-leading cargo space behind the front seats and more standard features. If you want to save about $3,000, Chevy will continue marketing the 2023 edition as the 2024 Traverse Limited throughout 2024. IIHS LATCH ease of use: N/R. See Chevrolet Traverse models for sale near you
8. 2024 Nissan Pathfinder
3-Across Car Seat Value: $37,470 (S) | Expert Rating: 4.1
The Nissan Pathfinder comes in five trim levels, with all but the top Platinum and adventurous Rock Creek trims offering seating for eight. It has a responsive V6 engine with a choice of either front- or 4-wheel drive, making it a good choice for those who plan on light off-roading. Hill descent control and a Terrain Mode Selector add to its off-road capability. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Nissan Pathfinder models for sale near you
9. 2024 Honda Passport
3-Across Car Seat Value: $43,295 (EX-L) | Expert Rating: 4.1
The Honda Passport is a midsize SUV with seating for 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. See Honda Passport models for sale near you
10. 2024 Ford Explorer
3-Across Car Seat Value: $38,455 (Explorer) | Expert Rating: 3.8
With seating for up to seven people, the Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV with potent turbo engine choices and rear- or all-wheel drive. The cabin is quiet and comfortable, and there’s good room for cargo, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. Its better-than-average towing and cargo-carrying capacity make it a solid pick for families pulling an RV trailer or boat. IIHS LATCH ease of use: A. See Ford Explorer models for sale near you
Best Crossovers and Compact SUVs
1. 2024 Toyota RAV4
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,025 (LE) | Expert 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. 2024 Honda CR-V
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,850 (LX) | Expert 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
3. 2024 Mazda CX-5
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,675 (2.5 S Select) | Expert Rating: 4.5
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
4. 2024 Nissan Rogue
3-Across Car Seat Value: $29,810 (S) | Expert 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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: NR. See Nissan Rogue models for sale near you
5. 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
3-Across Car Seat Value: $43,175 (SE Standard Range) | Expert 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. See Hyundai Ioniq 5 models for sale near you
6. 2024 Subaru Forester
3-Across Car Seat Value: $28,440 (Base) | Expert Rating: 4.3
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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Subaru Forester models for sale near you
7. 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,305 (S) | Expert Rating: 4.0
The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the few compact crossovers with an available third row, expanding the seating from five to seven. All-wheel drive is optional. A sliding second row, heated front seats, and a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen are all standard. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Volkswagen Tiguan models for sale near you
8. 2024 Volvo XC60
3-Across Car Seat Value: $48,395 (Momentum) | Expert 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+. See Volvo XC60 models for sale near you
9. 2024 Ford Escape
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,990 (Active) | Expert Rating: 4.0
The Ford Escape provides either front-wheel or all-wheel drive with the choice of a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. A smooth and quiet ride, even over rough road surfaces, enhances the impact of the comfortable and supportive seating. About average for the segment, it has 37.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, However, when cargo space is the priority, folding down the second-row seat delivers 65.4 cubic feet of stowage. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Ford Escape models for sale near you
10. 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
3-Across Car Seat Value: $30,015 (ES) | Expert Rating: 3.6
The Mitsubishi Outlander has seating for up to seven people and offers front- or all-wheel drive. Four drive modes are standard with the addition of a Mud mode on all-wheel-drive trims. Standard features include rear automatic emergency braking and forward-collision mitigation. Mitsubishi offers a plug-in hybrid version, as well. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G. See Mitsubishi Outlander models for sale near you
Best Trucks
1. 2024 Ford F-150
3-Across Car Seat Value: $45,510 (XL SuperCrew) | Expert 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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: M. See Ford F-150 models for sale near you
2. 2025 Ram 1500
3-Across Car Seat Value: $62,025 (Laramie Crew Cab) | Expert Rating: 4.5
Totally redesigned 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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: NR. See Ram 1500 models for sale near you
3. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
3-Across Car Seat Value: $28,275 (SE) | Expert 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. See Hyundai Santa Cruz models for sale near you
Best Sedans/Hatchbacks
1. 2024 Honda Accord
3-Across Car Seat Value: $28,990 (LX) | Expert 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. 2024 Honda Civic
3-Across Car Seat Value: $25,045 (LX) | Expert 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+. See Honda Civic models for sale near you
3. 2024 Toyota Crown
3-Across Car Seat Value: $41,445 (XLE) | Expert Rating: 4.6
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+. See Toyota Crown models for sale near you
4. 2024 Nissan Altima
3-Across Car Seat Value: $27,140 (S) | Expert 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 are standard. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Nissan Altima models for sale near you
5. 2024 Subaru Legacy
3-Across Car Seat Value: $26,015 (Base) | Expert 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. IIHS LATCH ease of use: G+. See Subaru Legacy models for sale near you
Best Vehicles to Comfortably Fit Three Car Seats Across
- 2024 Toyota Sienna
- 2024 Honda Odyssey
- 2024 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2024 Kia Carnival
- 2024 Kia Telluride
- 2024 Subaru Outback
- 2024 Hyundai Palisade
- 2024 Acura MDX
- 2024 Toyota Highlander
- 2024 Honda Pilot
- 2024 Chevrolet Traverse
- 2024 Nissan Pathfinder
- 2024 Honda Passport
- 2024 Ford Explorer
- 2024 Toyota RAV4
- 2024 Honda CR-V
- 2024 Mazda CX-5
- 2024 Nissan Rogue
- 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
- 2024 Subaru Forester
- 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
- 2024 Volvo XC60
- 2024 Ford Escape
- 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2024 Ford F-150
- 2025 Ram 1500
- 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz
- 2024 Honda Accord
- 2024 Honda Civic
- 2024 Toyota Crown
- 2024 Nissan Altima
- 2024 Subaru Legacy
Read Related Car Safety Stories:
- Safety Study: SUVs, Pickups More Likely to Hit, Kill Pedestrians When Turning
- Safety Group: Pedestrian Detection Systems Don’t Work as Well at Night
- Road Trip Safety Tips for Summer
This article has been updated since it was originally published. Joni Finkle contributed to this report.
