Best Cars For Three Car Seats In Australia

what cars fit 3 car seats australia

Finding a car that can fit three child seats across the back row is a challenge for many parents. While some SUVs may seem like a good option, they often lack the necessary width to accommodate three child seats. In Australia, ISOFIX seats are available and offer enhanced safety compared to regular car seats. However, ISOFIX seats require a top tether, which limits their compatibility with certain car models. To overcome this issue, parents can opt for smaller, slimmer car seats or consider alternating between rearward and forward-facing seats. Some recommended cars that can fit three child seats include the Holden VF Commodore, Audi Q7, Tesla Model X, Volvo XC60, Mazda CX-5, and Hyundai Tucson.

Characteristics Values
Cars that fit 3 ISOFIX car seats across the back seat Holden VF Commodore, Audi Q7, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Holden Commodore, Mazda 6, Skoda Superb, Ford Mondeo, Volvo XC90, Land Rover Discovery, Kia Sorento
Cars that fit 3 car seats across the back seat Hyundai Tucson, Holden Cruze, Toyota Camry, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Aurion, Mazda CX-90, Volvo XC60, Kia EV6
Car seat brands with slim designs Britax, Infasecure Quattro, Infa Secure Quattro Astra, Attain Premium, Infa Secure Achieve Premium
Car seat types Rear-facing, forward-facing, booster seats

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Cars that fit three ISOFIX car seats

The ISOFIX child seat anchorage system was legalised in Australia in 2014, providing parents with a simpler installation setup and minimising the chances of incorrectly securing child seats. While most cars sold in Australia feature two ISOFIX points, there are several options for those seeking vehicles with three or more ISOFIX points.

The Audi Q7 is a seven-seat luxury SUV that offers five ISOFIX and top tether anchorage points across its second and third rows, making it a great option for large families. The second row is wide enough to accommodate three seats, but you may want to use the third row for extra space. The Audi Q7 is priced from $101,900 to $120,000.

The Holden VF Commodore is another option, offering three ISOFIX car seats across the back seat.

The Kia Carnival, Australia's favourite people-mover, features three ISOFIX points out of its eight available seats. Two ISOFIX points are found in the middle outboard seats, while one of the third-row seats is also equipped with ISOFIX anchor points. The Kia Carnival is priced from $43,000 to $63,000.

The Peugeot 5008 is a seven-seat SUV with three individual seats in the second row, each equipped with ISOFIX and top tether anchorage points. This configuration allows for the installation of three child seats using ISOFIX.

The previous-generation Isuzu MU-X (2014-21) is a large SUV that offers three ISOFIX anchor points across the second-row seats. It is a great option for families seeking a second-hand vehicle with good off-road capabilities and towing capacity. The MU-X is priced from $43,900.

When choosing a vehicle to accommodate three ISOFIX car seats, it is important to consider not only the number of ISOFIX anchor points but also the space available in the back seat. It is recommended to have at least 127 cm of flattish back seat space to fit three car seats comfortably. Additionally, consider the location of seat belt buckles and anchor points to ensure easy access and compatibility with ISOFIX installations.

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Cars with three average-sized adults in the back

When it comes to fitting three average-sized adults in the back, there are a few cars that stand out in the Australian market. Firstly, the Kia Sportage is a spacious mid-size SUV that provides ample room for both passengers and their belongings. The rear seats offer excellent legroom, with a 180cm-plus adult able to sit comfortably behind a driver of the same height. Additionally, the shoulder room is generous, ensuring that three adults can fit without feeling cramped.

Another excellent option is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly the 2023 model with its luxurious and spacious rear seats. The Grand Cherokee offers ample space for three large adults, child seats, or a combination of both. The shoulder room, headroom, and legroom are all impressive, ensuring that even tall teenagers or adults will be comfortable in any of the five rear seats.

For those seeking a more affordable option, the Hyundai Tucson is a reliable choice. It has been known to accommodate three child seats in the rear, indicating that there is ample space for three adults as well. Additionally, the Mazda CX-5 is worth considering, as it has a fairly flat seat, making it ideal for fitting multiple car seats or accommodating three adults comfortably.

Other notable mentions include the Holden VF Commodore, which offers generous seating areas and can comfortably fit three teenagers or adults in the back. The Peugeot 5008 is also worth considering, as it features three individual second-row seats, providing personal space for three adult passengers in the back. Lastly, the Subaru Outback is often overlooked due to its compact appearance, but it can comfortably seat three adults in the back, making it a surprisingly spacious option.

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Narrowest car seats

Cars That Fit Three Car Seats in Australia

When choosing a car that can fit three car seats, it is important to consider the width of the middle seat. Ideally, you should have roughly 42 cm of width for each car seat, which amounts to 132 cm in total. Some cars that fit this criterion include the Hyundai Tucson, Holden Cruze, early-model Toyota Camrys, Mazda CX-5, and the Kia EV6. The Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, Holden Commodore, Skoda Superb, and the current Toyota Camry are also options for fitting three car seats across the back seat.

The Volvo XC60 is a spacious, five-seater family SUV that can fit three child seats comfortably across the back seats. The Tesla Model X, Audi Q7, and Holden VF Commodore are also among the few cars in Australia that can accommodate three ISOFIX car seats across the back seat.

Narrow Car Seats

Narrow car seats, also known as slimline car seats, typically range from 40 to 45 cm in width. Here are some of the narrowest car seat options available in Australia:

  • Infa Secure Attain Premium: This car seat is one of the narrowest options at 42 cm wide. It offers premium safety features such as "Air Cocoon Technology" and "Secure Air" in the headrest.
  • Infa Secure Quattro: The Quattro is another extremely narrow option from Infa Secure, also measuring 42 cm in width. It offers the same "Air Cocoon Technology" as the Attain Premium but lacks the "Secure Air" feature in the headrest. The Quattro comes in several different fabric styles and colour options.
  • Britax Graphene and Graphene Tex: These car seats measure 44 cm in width and offer ISOFIX compatibility, easy headrest adjustment, and side impact protection. They are suitable for children up to five years of age.
  • Infa Secure Achieve Premium: This car seat is also 44 cm wide and is suitable for children between four and eight years old. It is the narrowest seat with a harness for children up to eight years old.
  • Britax Safe-n-Sound: Britax offers three models that are just 44 cm wide. The Compaq is the base model without head support or ISOFIX compatibility. The other two models provide ISOFIX and adjustable headrests with side impact protection.
  • Grandeur Go: Measuring 44 cm at its widest point, the Grandeur Go provides more room across the seat base with a 34 cm wide base. It can accommodate children from birth to eight years old, potentially eliminating the need for a booster seat. However, it is relatively heavy at 10 kg.

It is important to note that while narrow car seats can help accommodate multiple car seats in a vehicle, they may not always provide enough space for an adult passenger to sit comfortably between them. The depth or length of the car seat when in a rearward-facing position can be more critical than its width in a small car.

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Cars with three child seats and an adult

When choosing a car to fit three child seats and an adult, it's important to consider the width of the seats and the overall space in the back seat. Here are some recommendations and tips to help you make an informed decision:

Vehicle Width and Space

Firstly, let's talk about the width of the seats and the available space in the back seat. You'll need approximately 42 cm of width for each car seat, so for three seats, you're looking at around 132 cm in total. Keep in mind that if the second row has contouring or bolstering, you'll need to subtract that from the total space available. Some vehicles with generous interior space include the Kia EV6, Volvo XC60, and Mazda CX-5.

ISOFIX and Top Tether Systems

ISOFIX seats offer enhanced safety and stability due to their lower anchorage points. In Australia, ISOFIX seats also require a top tether to prevent twisting or turning. This combined requirement can limit your options, as not all vehicles have the necessary connectors in the back seat. The Holden VF Commodore, Audi Q7, and Tesla Model X are among the few cars in Australia that can accommodate three ISOFIX car seats across the back seat.

Vehicle Recommendations

Now, let's discuss some specific vehicle recommendations that can accommodate three child seats and an adult:

  • Holden Commodore (VE/VF): This model has been known to fit three child seats comfortably across the back seat.
  • Mazda 6: The current Mazda 6 is spacious enough to fit three child seats across the back.
  • Skoda Superb: This mid-size wagon offers ample space and is likely to accommodate your needs.
  • Toyota Camry: While older models are known to fit three child seats, newer hybrid models might be a bit snug.
  • Hyundai Tucson: A professional child seat installer has confirmed that the Hyundai Tucson can fit three rear-facing child seats using the seatbelt tether method.
  • Holden Cruze: According to the same installer, the Holden Cruze can accommodate three child seats.
  • Mazda CX-5: The Mazda CX-5 is another good option, with a fairly flat seat that can fit three child seats.
  • Kia EV6: This fully electric five-seater offers ample space and family-friendly features. It can fit three child seats, with a combination of forward-facing and rear-facing seats providing ample space for an adult in the front seat.
  • Volvo XC60: This spacious five-seater SUV can comfortably fit three child seats across the back seat and is a great option for taller families due to its generous legroom.
  • Tesla Model Y: While it's a tight fit, the Tesla Model Y can accommodate three car seats across the back, with a combination of forward-facing and rear-facing seats.
  • Subaru Outback: While it depends on the type of seat you buy, some users have reported fitting three child seats in a small Subaru.
  • Honda CR-V: The 4th generation Honda CR-V can fit three child seats, with two forward-facing seats on the outer positions and a rear-facing capsule in the middle.

Child Seat Recommendations

To maximise space in your vehicle, consider using slimmer car seats. Here are some recommended child seats that are known for their compact design:

  • Britax Graphene: This advanced compact car seat from Britax has a narrow footprint of only 285 mm, making it ideal for smaller cars.
  • Britax Brava: Another slim option from Britax, offering a small footprint to maximise space.
  • Britax MaxiGuard: This model is recommended for older children and is known for its narrow design.
  • Infasecure Quattro: This baby car seat from Infasecure is also quite narrow and can help save space in your vehicle.
  • Infasecure Achieve Premium: This model is only 44 cm wide and is suitable for children up to 8 years old.

Professional Installation

Lastly, consider having your child seats professionally installed by an accredited installer, at least for the first time. This will ensure that the seats are correctly fitted, providing a safer journey for your children.

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Cars with three child seats and a teen

When it comes to cars that can accommodate three child seats and a teen, there are a few options available in Australia. It's important to note that while some SUVs offer ample space, not all of them can fit three child seats comfortably. Here are some specific models and tips to consider:

Factors to Consider

Firstly, it's crucial to understand the type of child seats you require. The age of your children plays a significant role in determining the right car seats. Children up to 6 months old need a rearward-facing child seat, while those between 6 months and 4 years old can use either a rearward-facing or forward-facing child seat with an inbuilt harness. For children aged 4 to 8 years, a forward-facing child seat with an inbuilt harness or a booster seat is necessary.

ISOFIX Seats

ISOFIX seats offer enhanced safety and are easier to install correctly. In Australia, ISOFIX seats require a top tether to prevent twisting or turning. This requirement limits the number of cars that can accommodate three ISOFIX seats across the back seat. The Holden VF Commodore, Audi Q7, and Tesla Model X are among the few cars that can fit three ISOFIX seats across.

Spacious Cars

The Volvo XC60 is a spacious five-seater SUV that can comfortably fit three child seats across the back. It's an excellent choice for tall families as it offers generous legroom. Additionally, the Volvo XC90 has three ISOFIX fittings and two integrated booster seats, providing flexibility for larger families.

Mid-Size Sedans and Wagons

Mid-size and larger sedans or wagons, such as the Ford Mondeo, Holden Commodore, Mazda6, Skoda Superb, and Toyota Camry, are often spacious enough to accommodate three child seats across the back seat. The Mazda 6 and early model-year Toyota Camrys (non-hybrid) are specifically mentioned as having the capacity to fit three child seats.

Compact Car Seats

To maximise space, consider using compact and slimmer car seat designs. The Britax Graphene and Britax Brava are known for their slim profiles, making them ideal for smaller cars. The Infasecure Quattro is another narrow option. For older children, the Britax MaxiGuard and Infasecure Achieve Premium are good choices.

Specific Models

The Mazda CX-5 is mentioned as being quite good at accommodating three child seats, thanks to its fairly flat seat. The Hyundai Tucson has also been fitted with three rear-facing child seats using the seatbelt tether method. The Honda CR-V is another SUV that can fit three child seats, with its wide rear doors, high ceiling, and flat rear floor making it a practical choice for larger families.

The Kia EV6 is another spacious option, with a combination of forward-facing and rear-facing child seats allowing for ample space. The Tesla Model Y can also accommodate three car seats, although it may be a tight fit with all forward-facing seats.

Additionally, some smaller cars like the Subaru and Mazda 3 can accommodate three child seats, but it may depend on the specific type of seats and the build of the teen/adult.

In summary, when choosing a car that can fit three child seats and a teen, consider vehicles with spacious interiors, such as mid-size sedans, wagons, or SUVs. Opt for compact and slim car seats to maximise space, and consider models known for their ability to accommodate three child seats, like the Volvo XC60, Mazda CX-5, and Honda CR-V.

Frequently asked questions

Some car models that can fit three car seats in Australia include the Holden VF Commodore, Audi Q7, Tesla Model X, Volvo XC60, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Holden Cruze, and Toyota Camry.

Yes, it is important to consider the width of the car seats and the space available in the car. Each car seat requires approximately 42 cm of width, so a total of 132 cm is needed for three seats. Additionally, the type of car seat and the age of the children can impact the fit.

Yes, some car seat brands known for their narrow and compact designs include Britax, Infasecure, and Infa Secure. The Britax Graphene and Britax Brava are considered some of the slimmest options, while the Infasecure Quattro is also a narrow and small baby car seat.

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