Automotive

3 car seats in the 2nd row?

  • Last Updated:
  • Aug 23rd, 2021 2:35 pm
[OP]
Jr. Member
Nov 13, 2016
170 posts
82 upvotes

3 car seats in the 2nd row?

Hi Everyone,
I'm in the market for a used SUV in the low $20k range. Are there any 5 passenger SUVs that support 3 car seats in the 2nd row? or is going for a 6/7 passenger the only option?

Thanks!
30 replies
Deal Fanatic
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Jan 16, 2011
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The NORTH
Just about any actual SUV (not a rogue!) will take 3 car seats across IF you buy the right car seats. I have a Grand Cherokee and 3 car seats were going to be a challenge till I started to shop for good car seats and not cheap car seats. Britax is a great brand that makes more narrow car seats (depending on the model) and Chicco makes a couple as well.
Deal Addict
Nov 8, 2005
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jsquared21 wrote: Hi Everyone,
I'm in the market for a used SUV in the low $20k range. Are there any 5 passenger SUVs that support 3 car seats in the 2nd row? or is going for a 6/7 passenger the only option?

Thanks!
What car seats are you referring to? If you're talking 3 convertible seats then it's possible. I believe Diono makes slender seats. Throw an infant seat or two in there and things become far more complicated.
Deal Expert
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Sep 1, 2005
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Markham
If you need 3 car seats, it mean you have three relatively young kids which means you have multi stroller or more than one stroller plus gear. Added to that, there's the extra other stuff you store in your vehicle for emergencies.

I encourage you to consider a van as that extra space is going to be a very good thing because as those kids get older, space = no fighting.

Added to that if other ppl like the grand parents, friends' kids etc want to tag along, you don't need to drive a second vehicle. Ever heard of car pooling.
Last edited by gr8dlr on Jul 11th, 2021 11:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
We're all bozos on the bus until we find a way to express ourselves...

Failure is always an option...just not the preferred one!
[OP]
Jr. Member
Nov 13, 2016
170 posts
82 upvotes
Currently I have 2 graco 4ever car seats.
Sr. Member
User avatar
Jul 29, 2019
887 posts
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I suggest you find a SUV within your budget and search up the model year of the car regarding car seats to see if there are websites or forums that tells you about the fit of a car seat and measurements involved. When you go and test out the car, you should bring your car seats with you so you have a good idea what it is like to get it into the car, fit it, and then take it out of the car, alongside seeing how it may fit. If you have other items like a stroller(s) you should also bring them to see how well it fits in the car and see how much space you have left for things like groceries or other items as the kids get older.

I do think you need a van instead of an SUV unless you are thinking of buying another vehicle once your kids get older and space becomes an issue.
Deal Addict
Nov 8, 2005
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jsquared21 wrote: Currently I have 2 graco 4ever car seats.
As others have said, I have 3 kids in car seats and a van is a godsend. Getting kids into that middle seat is a nightmare. For a full of 5, a minivan is pretty much a must unless you want to spend the extra 50k for a Tahoe XL. A 3 row SUV will cost you more and just become frustrating for you with 5 people + any kind of extras.

We have a Sienna and a Corolla Hybrid. The car is just an econo box for touring around town, getting to work, or driving 2 kids someplace. The van is used anytime all of us go somewhere. It's spacious, economical, and comfortable. It really is designed with families in mind. Sliding doors that open remotely, rear vents for kids, and well utilized space for things like strollers, little bikes, and beach toys.
Deal Guru
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Mar 31, 2008
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Toronto
Diono is the one that can be lined up with 3. Many ppl buy em because of their 'slender' size. Unless you have triplets, usually one or two of the kids are old enough where they can go in and sit themselves.
Deal Addict
Jan 7, 2005
1059 posts
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Toronto
It is not about the vehicle, it is about the car seat. Shop for the ones design for 3 across (such as Clek's lineup). These are be more expensive seats, but it is a lot cheaper then buying a vehicle.
Deal Guru
Oct 6, 2007
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Kootenays
'09 to '16 Venza fits 3 with no problems.
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Sep 10, 2008
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Kitchener
*

...however if you need 3 car seats, minivan is the correct answer here.
Last edited by MrDisco on Jul 12th, 2021 5:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: thread cleanup
Deal Expert
Jan 15, 2006
20927 posts
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Richmond Hill
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How about be more specific when asking for help?

What car seats should one use to fit 3 across the rear seats for a starter? As opposed to what SUV?

I'll give OP this, at least they mentioned their budget.

*
Last edited by MrDisco on Jul 12th, 2021 5:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: thread cleanup
Deal Expert
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Oct 5, 2008
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UrbanPoet wrote: Toyota Yaris
Image
Maybe if the driver is under 5 feet tall...look how far forward the front seats are

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Last edited by MrDisco on Jul 12th, 2021 5:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: thread cleanup
Deal Addict
Jan 8, 2007
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UrbanPoet wrote: Toyota Yaris
Image
Shouldn't procreate so much if all you can afford is this unsafe tiny POS. Like someone else posted, that seat is so far up, my guess only drivers under 5 foot could fit up front.

You could potentially squeeze 3 car seats in any vehicle, but that would be hell. Get the minivan and save yourself at least that stress and annoyance, life with 3 small kids is busy enough to not have to worry about adding a tiny car in the mix.
Deal Expert
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Jan 27, 2004
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ONTARIO
aleks wrote: Shouldn't procreate so much if all you can afford is this unsafe tiny POS. Like someone else posted, that seat is so far up, my guess only drivers under 5 foot could fit up front.

You could potentially squeeze 3 car seats in any vehicle, but that would be hell. Get the minivan and save yourself at least that stress and annoyance, life with 3 small kids is busy enough to not have to worry about adding a tiny car in the mix.
Just a demonstration that you can make it work with the proper car seats.
So any SUV could work. Even a small one like a 2006 Honda CRV

Image


https://csftl.org/diono-radian-converti ... at-review/
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May 18, 2002
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Brampton
The answer is always Miata... and a Dodge Grand Caravan.
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Penalty Box
May 3, 2010
317 posts
144 upvotes
Brampton
Used VW Atlas, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevy Tahoe should fit the bills. Not many SUV can dogs three car seats altogether in second row unless you are using portable car seats.
Newbie
Mar 10, 2020
33 posts
47 upvotes
3 car seats? May the gods have mercy on your soul

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