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ISOFIX is an international standard for attaching a car seat to your car without using a seat belt. It was developed by car seat manufacturer Britax-Romer and car maker VW and released in 1997. While it has been used in North America and Europe since the mid-2000s, Australia was a late adopter of ISOFIX, only legalising its use in September 2014. Today, most new cars adhere to the ISOFIX standard, but carmakers often take different approaches to incorporating anchorage points into their rear seat designs. This article will explore the various ways ISOFIX is implemented in different cars and discuss the safety benefits of the standard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ISOFIX? | An international standard for attaching a car seat (child restraint) to your car, without the use of a seat belt. |
| When did ISOFIX become legal in Australia? | September 2014. |
| When did ISOFIX become standard in Australia? | 2015. |
| How many ISOFIX points do most cars in Australia have? | Two ISOFIX points for installing child seats in each of the second-row outer seats. |
| Where are the ISOFIX points located in most new cars? | In the outboard (window seat) positions in the second row. |
| How do you identify ISOFIX points? | Regulations require that all cars have an ISOFIX logo on or above the anchorage points for easy identification. |
| Cars with three or more ISOFIX points | Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, Audi Q7, Kia Carnival, Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes GLB, Peugeot 5008, Mercedes V-Class, Volkswagen Caravelle, Volkswagen Multivan, Volkswagen California Beach |
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What You'll Learn
How to check if your car has ISOFIX
If you want to check whether your car has ISOFIX, there are several options available to you. Firstly, you should always check your car's user manual, which will usually specify whether the vehicle contains ISOFIX fittings. Dealerships will also often have this information, so you can ask them when purchasing your car. If you are buying a new car, it is recommended that you check whether it is ISOFIX compatible before you buy it.
In newer cars, ISOFIX low anchorages are easy to spot: they are either clearly visible in the back seat or their location is marked with an ISOFIX symbol. ISOFIX connection points look like a small recess with a metallic bar across the front. They are usually tucked away at the back of the seat squab (the part you sit on) and are often hidden behind the backrest. Some cars provide easy access through flip-down panels, while others require a bit of a feel to locate the latches.
If you are still unsure, you can watch videos online that show how the points look different in different car makes. You can also look for a label that shows the car seat complies with the Australian/New Zealand Standard 1754. It is important to note that not all car seats sold in Australia are ISOFIX-compatible.
If your car is not ISOFIX compatible, you can still install a car seat using the seat belt installation method. While ISOFIX is considered safer and simpler, with 94% of parents using it correctly, seat belt installation is still very safe when installed correctly and following manufacturer instructions. One of the key benefits of a seat belt installation is that it is very easy to switch the seat between different cars.
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Benefits of ISOFIX
ISOFIX, short for International Standards Organisation Fix, is a standardised system for installing child car seats without using seat belts. It was first introduced in the 1990s in Europe and mandated for new cars in 2012. ISOFIX car seats are safer and easier to use than those strapped in with a seatbelt. Here are some benefits of ISOFIX:
Easy Installation
The main benefit of ISOFIX is its ease of installation. ISOFIX car seats are designed to be quick and convenient to install, reducing the chances of incorrect installation. They feature two prongs at the rear of the base that slide out and clip into the car's ISOFIX points, which are metal loops that are part of the car's integral structure. Once the prongs have latched on, you'll typically hear a click, and some seats will also have a green light or a beep to indicate that the seat has been installed correctly. This makes it much easier to ensure proper security, reducing the risk of harm in the event of an accident.
Improved Safety
ISOFIX car seats are safer than those secured with seat belts. When an ISOFIX seat is properly installed, it becomes part of the car's structure, anchored securely to one of the strongest points of the car. This means that in the event of a crash, the seat is less likely to move around, providing better protection for your child. Additionally, ISOFIX seats often have a third point of contact, such as a top tether or a supporting leg, which further enhances stability and safety.
Compatibility
ISOFIX anchors are standardised, meaning that ISOFIX-compatible car seats should work with most ISOFIX-equipped vehicles. However, it's important to note that not all vehicles have ISOFIX anchors, especially older cars. Additionally, ISOFIX systems have weight and size limits, and they may not be suitable for children above a certain weight or height.
Peace of Mind
With ISOFIX, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child's car seat is properly secured and safe. The system's straightforward installation process and built-in measures to ensure proper attachment reduce the uncertainty associated with traditional seat belt-secured seats.
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Cars with three or more ISOFIX points
Australia was a late adopter of ISOFIX, only legalising its use in September 2014. Since then, most new cars have featured the ISOFIX system for securing child restraints, with anchorage points usually found in the outboard (window seat) positions in the second row. While most cars have two ISOFIX points, some have three or more.
The Audi Q7 is a seven-seat SUV with five ISOFIX and top tether anchorage points, covering every rear seat – the three in the middle row and the two in the third row. The Q7 is priced from $101,900.
The Isuzu MU-X is a seven-seat family SUV that had three ISOFIX anchor points across the second-row seats from 2014 to 2021. There are no ISOFIX anchorage points in the third row.
The Kia Carnival is an eight-seater and Australia's top-selling people-mover. It provides five ISOFIX positions – three in the second row and two out of the three third-row seats. The Carnival is priced from $43,190.
The Land Rover Discovery is a seven-seater SUV that can fit up to four ISOFIX child seats, with anchor points in the middle-row outboard seats and both third-row seats. The Discovery is priced from $73,221.
The Mercedes GLB is a seven-seater that allows for the fitment of ISOFIX seats in the outboard seats of its middle row as well as both third-row seats.
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a five- and seven-seat mid-size SUV with ISOFIX anchorages in the two outer second-row seats. There are no ISOFIX anchorages in the third row.
The Nissan Pathfinder is available as a seven- or eight-seater. The eight-seater version has ISOFIX anchorage points for the outer seats and a single ISOFIX anchor for the central seat in the second row.
The Peugeot 5008 is a large SUV with three ISOFIX points, adding an extra set to the middle-row centre seat to allow up to three child seats. The 5008 is priced from $48,490.
The Toyota Granvia is available in either six- or eight-seater configurations, with four ISOFIX points in the second and third rows. The Granvia is priced from $62,990.
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Cars with concealed ISOFIX anchorages
In Australia, the ISOFIX system for securing child restraints in cars was only legalised in 2014 or 2015, making the country a late adopter of the technology. This system is an alternative to securing a child seat with a seat belt and is considered safer and easier to install.
While most new cars adhere to the ISOFIX standard, carmakers differ in how they incorporate anchorage points into their rear seat designs. Some carmakers prefer to conceal the ISOFIX anchorages, and there are a few ways they do this.
The Peugeot 2008 and the e-2008 EV are five-seater small SUVs with beautifully crafted concealed zips in the seat upholstery that open to reveal the ISOFIX anchorages. The zips are in keeping with the car's styling, making them a neat and elegant solution.
The Subaru Outback is a spacious family SUV with ISOFIX anchorages in the two outer rear seats, hidden behind a large flap of seat fabric. This keeps the anchorages well hidden but still easily accessible.
The battery-electric BYD Seal mid-size sedan has ISOFIX anchorages in the two outer rear seats, which are within plastic guides and behind sprung plastic flaps. These flaps push back easily and spring back into place when removed, which is preferable to removable plastic covers that can be easily lost.
The Mazda CX-60 is a premium five-seat mid-size SUV with ISOFIX in the two outer rear seats. The anchorage points are located within plastic guides and covered by removable plastic covers.
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Cars with ISOFIX and top tether anchorages
ISOFIX is an international standard for attaching a car seat (child restraint) to your car without using a seat belt. It was developed by car seat manufacturer Britax-Romer and car maker VW and was first released in 1997. Despite being used in North America and Europe since the mid-2000s, it was illegal to sell or use ISOFIX capsules in Australia until September 2014.
ISOFIX is now widely used in Australia, and most new cars adhere to the ISOFIX standard. However, car makers often take different approaches to how the anchorage points are incorporated into the rear seat design. Regulations require that all cars have an ISOFIX logo on or above the anchorage points for easy identification. In most new cars, they are in the outboard (window seat) positions in the second row.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a seven-seat SUV that has ISOFIX and top tether anchorages in all five rear seats, making it perfect for families wanting to fit multiple child seats in the back. It is priced at around $102,000 to $120,000.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a seven or eight-seat SUV that has three ISOFIX points, two in the outer second-row seats, and one in the third row. It also has five top tether anchorages. It is priced between $60,000 and $75,000.
Kia Sorento and Kia Carnival
The Kia Sorento is a seven-seat SUV with four ISOFIX points and five top tether anchorages. The Kia Carnival is a similar seven-seat SUV with five ISOFIX points and five top tether anchorages. The Sorento is priced between $46,000 and $63,000, while the Carnival starts at $47,000 for the base model.
Mazda CX-60
The Mazda CX-60 is a five-seat mid-size SUV with ISOFIX in the two outer rear seats. The anchorage points are within plastic guides and clearly labelled. The Mazda CX-60 can accommodate two Infasecure child seats in the back using the ISOFIX system.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a five- and seven-seat mid-size SUV with ISOFIX anchorages in the two outer second-row seats. It also has top tether strap anchor points on the back of all three seating positions in the second row, allowing for the installation of three Infasecure child seats. However, there are no top tether or ISOFIX anchorages in the third row.
If you are unsure whether your car has ISOFIX, you can check your car's user manual, ask at the dealership, or consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions
ISOFIX is an international standard for attaching a car seat (child restraint) to your car, without the use of a seat belt.
Check your car’s user manual, which will usually specify whether the vehicle contains ISOFIX fittings. You can also ask at the dealership when you purchase your car, as they will often have this information.
Yes and no. Both methods are very safe if done correctly. However, ISOFIX is considered safer because it is easier to install correctly.
Yes, it is recommended that you get your ISOFIX car seat professionally installed and that you ask the installer to show you how to do it.
Most new cars in Australia have ISOFIX. Some examples include the Mazda CX-60, Mitsubishi Outlander, BYD Seal, Peugeot 2008, Subaru Outback, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Sorento, Audi Q7, Kia Carnival, Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes-Benz GLB, Peugeot 5008, Volkswagen Caravelle, and Volkswagen Multivan.
