Can kids sit in 3rd row SUV?
Yes. In most SUVs, children can sit in the third row—including space for car seats and boosters—when safety guidelines are followed. The key is ensuring proper seat installation, age/size requirements, and rear-seat placement as recommended by safety organizations.
Safety guidelines for child passengers
Pediatric safety experts emphasize that the rear seat is the safest place for most children and that car-seat decisions should follow age, height, and weight guidelines. All kids under 13 should ride in the back seat when feasible, and car seats or boosters must fit the child’s size according to the seat’s manual and the vehicle’s configuration.
- Infants and toddlers should use a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, based on the seat’s weight/height limits.
- Older children should use a forward-facing harness seat until they reach the seat’s weight limit, then transition to a booster as needed for proper seat-belt fit.
- Once a child fits properly in a belt without a booster, they can move to a booster until the vehicle belt fits correctly across the shoulder and lap.
- Rear seating is strongly encouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics and safety groups for most child passengers.
- When using the third row, ensure proper belt routing, available anchors, and a snug fit to minimize movement in a crash.
In practice, third-row seating is a viable option for families, but it can be more challenging to install car seats there due to space, access, and anchor availability. Always consult the car-seat manual and the vehicle’s owner manual for model-specific guidance.
Third-row seating: considerations for SUV models
SUVs vary widely in how comfortable and safe the third row is for children. Some third rows offer full harness seats and accessible anchors; others provide only belt-secured options or tight space that complicates installation. When shopping or configuring a vehicle, look for easy access to anchors, a top tether in the third row, and enough room for your child’s size and car seat.
Accessibility, space, and anchor points
Access and room matter. Determine whether the third row can accommodate your child’s seat and whether there are LATCH anchors and top-tether anchors in that seating position. Always verify locations in the vehicle manual and the car-seat manual before traveling.
- LATCH anchors in the third row vary by model; confirm availability and weight limits with the vehicle and seat manuals.
- Top tether anchors are essential for forward-facing seats in the third row; their presence can differ across trims and generations.
- Seat width, belt routing, and buckle space affect the ability to secure a seat safely in the third row.
Model-specific features matter. Test-fitting car seats in the third row before relying on it for daily use helps prevent surprises on trips and ensures you can install seats securely when needed.
Rear-facing and forward-facing seating in the third row
For the youngest passengers, rear-facing seats should remain in use as long as the child’s weight/height allows, even if the third row is the only option. Older children typically transition to forward-facing seats with a harness, then to boosters as they grow. Always follow the seat’s manual and the vehicle’s guidelines for the safest arrangement in your specific SUV.
How to install a car seat in the third row
Installing a car seat in the third row can differ from the middle row. Follow both the car-seat manual and the vehicle manual to locate anchors and determine the best installation method. The steps below provide a general framework; always adhere to your specific equipment and vehicle instructions.
- Choose the seating position appropriate for your child’s age and size, prioritizing rear-facing for infants/toddlers.
- Consult both manuals for anchor locations and installation steps.
- Attach the lower anchors (LATCH) to the seat if the position supports LATCH and within the seat’s weight limits.
- Thread and tighten the seat belt through the car seat’s belt path if LATCH isn’t available or if weight limits are reached; lock the belt to secure it.
- Use the top tether for forward-facing seats to minimize forward movement; tighten until snug.
- Check for movement: the seat should not wiggle more than about 1 inch at the belt path.
- Ensure the harness straps are positioned at or above the child’s shoulders and snug against the chest.
After installation, re-check the seat regularly, especially after moving second-row seats, converting configurations, or when a child grows taller. If anything feels loose or incorrect, seek help from a certified Child Passenger Safety technician.
Practical tips for families with multiple kids and third-row seating
Managing multiple children with a third-row SUV requires planning and adaptability. Here are practical tips to keep travel safe and efficient.
- Prioritize rear seating for children under 13 when feasible, and position the youngest in the safest possible spot with the correct restraint.
- Choose SUVs with easy third-row access, ample space for car seats, and clearly marked anchor points.
- Keep a car-seat installation checklist and a small toolkit of spare parts for on-the-go adjustments.
- Practice installing seats at home to gain familiarity and reduce delays when loading kids for trips.
Third-row seating can expand a family’s capacity, but it requires model-specific knowledge and proactive safety checks to ensure that every child travels securely and comfortably.
Summary
Yes, kids can ride in the third row of SUVs, including while using car seats and boosters, but safety depends on following age/size guidelines, proper installation, and rear-seat recommendations. Always consult the vehicle and car-seat manuals, adhere to AAP and safety guidelines, and consider professional help if you’re unsure about installation. If the third row isn’t a safe fit for your child, opt for the second row or a larger vehicle to maintain optimal safety and ease of use for your family.
Is the 3rd row safe for kids?
Third row is considered safe for children. It is slightly less safe than the middle row, because the third row is in the rear crash zone of the car.
Can you put a child seat in the 3rd row of an XC90?
However, when placing three car seats across, you'll want to show extra caution that all safety buckles are securely fastened. You can place a rear-facing infant seat or the forward-facing child booster seat in the third row. However, Volvo does not recommend placing the rear-facing child seat in the third row.
Which 3-row SUV is best for families?
3-Row Showdown: Comparing the Best Third-Row SUVs for Busy Families
- Chevy Traverse – Spacious & Straightforward. If interior room is your number-one priority, the Chevy Traverse delivers.
- Kia Telluride – Stylish & Feature-Packed.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L – Rugged Meets Refined.
