At the In Car Safety Centre, we are continuously being asked for advice on how to fit 3 children in car seats in a row. Many parents believe they have cars that should be able to accommodate this. However, more often than not, there are cars where it is just not possible to do.
Let’s ignore the definition of a ‘family’ car as it is different for each family and manufacturer. I.e. car manufacturers may say that a car is meant for a family, but primarily, it could be designed for adults. On the other end of the spectrum, even cars that are impractical for families offer Isofix for car seats.
Typically, most cars offer 5 seat positions. People carriers might offer 7 seating positions. There are vehicles on the market that will not allow a Child Restraint System (CRS) to be used in the front passenger seat, others that will not allow seats to be fitted in the third row of a 7-seater people carrier. Believe it or not, some cars will not allow a CRS to be fitted in the middle seat of a 5-seat car.
Therefore, don’t make assumptions. You must check your car manual, to see what is acceptable and in what position. Likewise, see what is not allowed to be used in your vehicle.
Below is a list of cars that we would expect to accommodate 3 children in CRS. The list is not exhaustive, nor is it a guarantee. The category of seats being used will determine the fitting.
Vehicles that accommodate 3 ‘full’ adult individual seats in the second row.
- – Audi Q7 (only the newest shape) 2017 onwards
- – Citroen C4 Picasso (5 seats)
- – Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (7 seats)
- – Ford S Max
- – Ford Galaxy
- – Peugeot 5008
- – Renault Scenic (5 seats)
- – Renault Grand Scenic (7 seats)
- – VW Touran
- – VW Sharan
- – Seat Alhambra
Cars that have an additional row of seats (but not always suitable for children’s car seats):
- – Audi Q7
- – BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
- – BMW X5
- – Citroen Grand Space Tourer
- – Citroen Berlingo
- – Ford S Max
- – Ford C Max
- – Ford Grand C Max
- – Ford Galaxy
- – Ford Tourneo
- – Hyundai i800
- – Landrover Discovery (7 seat option)
- – Landrover Discovery Sport (7 seat option)
- – Mercedes Vito
- – Peugeot 5008
- – Renault Grand Scenic
- – Seat Alhambra
- – SKODA Kodiaq
- – Vauxhall Combo
- – Volkswagen Sharan
- – Volkswagen Transporter
- – Volvo XC90
What if my car won’t fit 3 in a row?
For families who find themselves with a challenge vehicle, it is not always possible just to change the car. Sometimes the problem may be solved by changing the CRS.
