Can I fit three car seats in a Chevy Equinox?

The short answer is that it is possible to fit three car seats in a Chevy Equinox, but the specific configuration and size of the car seats will determine if they can be installed comfortably and safely. The Equinox is a midsize SUV with a relatively spacious interior, but the rear seat area has some limitations that may make fitting three car seats a tight fit.

Rear Seat Dimensions and Configuration

The Chevy Equinox has a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which means the seat can be folded down in a 60/40 configuration to increase cargo space. The rear seat has a width of around 54 inches, which can accommodate three car seats, but the available space between the seats may be limited.

Car Seat Compatibility and Placement

The ability to fit three car seats in the Equinox will depend on the size and type of car seats being used. Smaller, narrower car seats, such as those designed for infants or toddlers, are more likely to fit comfortably in the rear seat. Larger, bulkier car seats, such as those for older children, may be more challenging to install side-by-side.

• Infant and rear-facing car seats are typically the narrowest and may be the easiest to fit in the Equinox's rear seat.


• Convertible car seats, which can be used for both rear-facing and forward-facing, may be a bit wider and require more space.


• Booster seats, which are used for older children, are generally the widest and may be the most difficult to fit in the Equinox's rear seat.

It's important to carefully measure the car seats and the available space in the Equinox's rear seat to ensure a proper and safe fit. Consulting the vehicle's owner's manual and the car seat manufacturer's instructions can also provide guidance on the best way to configure the seats.

Considerations and Recommendations

While it is possible to fit three car seats in a Chevy Equinox, it may not be the most comfortable or practical solution. The limited space between the seats and the potential for interference with the vehicle's seatbelts and other features may make it challenging to install the car seats safely and securely.

• Consider using a smaller, more compact car seat design to maximize the available space.


• Explore alternative seating arrangements, such as using the front passenger seat for one of the car seats, if permitted by local laws and regulations.


• Prioritize the safety and comfort of the child passengers when selecting and installing the car seats.

Ultimately, the decision to fit three car seats in a Chevy Equinox will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the family, as well as the size and configuration of the car seats being used. It's important to carefully evaluate the options and ensure that the installation is safe and secure.

What SUV can fit 3 carseats?

SUVs that can fit three car seats include many 3-row and some 2-row models, like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Volkswagen Atlas. For a 3-across fit in a two-row SUV, consider models such as the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-90, and Subaru Forester, though fitting three can depend on the car seat dimensions. Full-size SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban offer the most space.
 
You can watch this video to learn about some of the best 3-row SUVs: 59sCar ConfectionsYouTube · Jul 12, 2025
3-row SUVs with ample space

• Kia Telluride: A popular choice with a spacious second row and good LATCH accessibility. 
• Honda Pilot: Seats up to eight passengers and has a roomy second row for car seats. 
• Chevrolet Traverse: Praised for its spacious interior and ease of LATCH access. 
• Volkswagen Atlas: Consistently ranks as one of the roomier midsize 3-row SUVs. 
• Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban: Full-size options that provide maximum space for car seats and cargo. 
• Jeep Wagoneer: A full-size SUV with a three-row configuration for up to eight passengers. 

2-row (5-seater) SUVs that can fit three car seats 

• Toyota RAV4: Recent models have been reported to fit three car seats, though it may be tight depending on the seats. 
• Mazda CX-90: A 3-row option, but even some 2-row models like the CX-5 have been reported to fit three car seats with careful selection of seats. 
• Nissan Pathfinder: A 3-row SUV that includes an EZ-Flex seating system for easier access. 
• Kia Sorento: A 3-row SUV that can fit three car seats comfortably in the second row. 
• Hyundai Palisade: A 3-row SUV with sliding second-row seats to improve access to the third row. 
• Subaru Forester: A 2-row option where three car seats have been reported to fit. 

Tips for choosing an SUV

• Consider seat dimensions: Even in larger SUVs, the specific dimensions of your car seats will affect the fit. You may need to choose more compact car seats. 
• Check for LATCH anchors: Ensure the vehicle has LATCH anchors in the positions where you need to install car seats. 
• Test fit: The best way to know for sure is to test-fit your car seats in the SUV before you buy it.
• Use online resources: Websites like The Car Mom and Kelley Blue Book provide lists and reviews of vehicles that can fit three across. 

Which carseats fit 3 across?

Our Top Picks:

• Clek Liing Infant Car Seat.
• Britax Poplar S Convertible Car Seat.
• Britax One4Life Slim All-In-One Car Seat.
• Nuna EXEC All-In-One Car Seat.
• Nuna LUMN Combination Car Seat (Harness to Booster)
• Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat.
• Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat.
• Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 Booster.

What's the most common problem with the Chevy Equinox?

The most common issues include:

• Excessive oil consumption: Many owners report the engine rapidly burns or leaks oil, requiring frequent top-offs and risking severe engine damage if not closely monitored.
• Timing chain failure: Early timing chain wear or breakage can cause catastrophic engine damage and sudden breakdowns.

Can you fit three car seats in a Chevy Equinox?

No, you cannot reliably fit three car seats in most Chevy Equinox models due to the narrowness of the backseat. While some specific, compatible car seat combinations might fit in certain model years, it is not a guarantee and often requires using seatbelt installations rather than the lower LATCH anchors. For families needing to transport three children in car seats, it is best to choose a larger SUV that is designed for this purpose.
 
Important considerations
This video discusses the challenges of fitting three car seats in a Chevy Equinox: 54sThe_Car_MomYouTube · Dec 21, 2022

• Design limitation: The Equinox is a compact SUV, and its backseat is too narrow for most three-car-seat configurations. 
• Compatibility varies: The ability to fit three car seats depends on the specific models of the car seats and the model year of the Equinox. 
• LATCH limitations: The LATCH system's lower anchors are only designed for two car seats, so you would need to use seat belts for the third seat. 
• Seat belt installations: Even with seat belt installations, the fit can be tight and may compromise safety if the seats are not properly installed and secured. 
• Consult experts: If you are considering an Equinox, you can consult with a certified child passenger safety technician or visit a local dealership to test different car seat combinations in person.