Can you put a carseat in a 2013 Mustang?

Yes — you can install a car seat in the rear seats of a 2013 Mustang, using the built‑in LATCH anchors on the outer rear seats or by securing the seat with the vehicle’s seat belt. The front passenger seat is not the recommended location for a child seat.

Rear seating options in the 2013 Mustang

The 2013 Mustang (S197 generation) provides two rear outer seating positions equipped with lower LATCH anchors. The center rear position typically does not have LATCH anchors. For most families, the outer rear seats are the practical choice for installing a child seat. If your child or seat requires the center position, you may be able to use the center seat belt, depending on your seat and weight limits, but always consult both the car and car seat manuals.

• Outboard rear seats (left and right) with lower LATCH anchors


• Center rear seat using the seat belt if LATCH is not available or suitable


• Front passenger seat is not recommended for child seats due to airbag risks

In practice, the outer rear seats are the standard choice for most installs in a 2013 Mustang. The center position is used less frequently and depends on the specific car seat and vehicle configuration. Always verify anchor availability and weight limits in your manuals.

How to install a carseat using LATCH

When choosing LATCH, locate the lower anchors in the rear outboard seats and follow the car seat’s instructions for secure attachment. Top tether anchors may be present for forward‑facing seats; consult your owner’s manual for exact locations.

Rear-facing and forward-facing considerations

Most infant and convertible seats can be installed rear‑facing in the Mustang’s rear seats, and many can be moved to forward‑facing as the child grows. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s weight and height limits and the vehicle’s LATCH guidance.

1. Locate the two lower anchors in the rear outboard seat backs. They are typically found where the seat cushion meets the seat back.


2. Attach the car seat’s lower anchor straps (or the seat’s connectors) to the vehicle’s lower anchors according to the seat’s instructions.


3. If the seat requires a top tether (common for forward‑facing configurations), attach and tighten the tether strap to the designated anchor point.


4. Remove slack and tighten the harness or belt path as directed by the car seat manual, ensuring the seat cannot move more than an inch side‑to‑side or front‑to‑back at the belt path.


5. Check for proper recline angle (especially for rear‑facing seats) and ensure the child is strapped in correctly with the harness at or above the shoulders.


6. Double‑check that the seat belt or LATCH connections remain tight after any movement of the seat or vehicle.

In practice, many families successfully install rear‑facing or forward‑facing seats using LATCH in the Mustang’s rear seats, but always consult both the vehicle and car seat manuals to confirm exact anchor locations and weight limits.

Installing a carseat using the vehicle seat belt

If your seat or child’s weight requires using the vehicle’s seat belt instead of LATCH, follow these steps. This method is common when the LATCH weight limit is reached or if the center seat belt route is used.

1. Place the car seat in the rear seat, choosing an appropriate seating position (outer seat is typically easiest for belt routing).


2. Thread the shoulder belt through the car seat’s belt path as directed by the seat’s manual.


3. Lock the seat belt to create a rigid installation (use the belt’s locking mechanism as described in your vehicle manual).


4. Tighten the belt to remove any slack, then test the seat for movement. It should not move more than about an inch at the belt path.


5. If your seat requires a top tether, attach it to the designated anchor point and tighten.


6. Ensure the harness is properly adjusted and the chest clip is at armpit level for forward‑facing seats or the appropriate position for rear‑facing seats.

Using the seat belt is a reliable alternative when LATCH does not fit your configuration or weight limits. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and the Mustang’s manual for the correct belt routing and locking method.

Safety considerations and best practices

Front airbags and seating position

Children should ride in the rear seat whenever possible. The front passenger seat poses a higher risk in a crash due to frontal airbags, so rear seating is the recommended position for child seats in the 2013 Mustang.

Weight and installation limits

Both the car seat and the Mustang specify limits for using LATCH anchors. If the child or seat weight exceeds those limits, switch to a seat belt installation. Always check the seat’s weight/height limits and the vehicle’s LATCH guidance in the owner’s manual and the car seat manual.

Fit and space considerations

The Mustang’s rear seat space is compact, particularly in the outer positions, and the vehicle’s 60/40 split may affect fit. If you have a larger infant seat, convertible seat, or booster, test fit before using the car for trips to ensure a safe install and comfortable seating for the child.

What to check before driving

Before you drive, verify the installation is secure and the child is properly restrained. The seat should be firmly mounted, with minimal movement, and the harness or belt should be tight. Recheck after getting in and out of the car, and reassess as your child grows or your seat needs change.

• Car seat is installed in the rear seat, not the front


• LATCH or seat belt installation is secure with minimal movement


• Harness is adjusted correctly or the seat belt is properly locked


• Top tether is connected if required for forward‑facing seats


• Seat provides the appropriate recline angle for the child’s age and size

Always refer to both the Mustang owner’s manual and the car seat manufacturer’s instructions for any model‑specific considerations, and contact a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician if you have questions or need hands‑on help.

Summary

In a 2013 Mustang, you can safely install a car seat in the rear seating area, typically the outer positions with LATCH anchors. If LATCH is not suitable or weight limits apply, the center or outer seats can be secured with the seat belt. Never install a child seat in the front passenger seat if possible, due to airbag risks. Always follow the manuals for your specific car and seat, verify proper fit, and have a CPS technician check your installation if you’re unsure. With careful installation, a 2013 Mustang can accommodate a range of child seats for safe travel.

Can you put a carseat in a Ford Mustang?

Yes, you can put a car seat in a Mustang, but it is tight and best for rear-facing seats behind the passenger seat, with forward-facing seats having more room. A car seat and child seat protector may be necessary to avoid damage to the leather seats. 
This video discusses the challenges of installing car seats in a Mustang: 1mGT: Garage TalkYouTube · Mar 28, 2025
Tips for installing a car seat in a Mustang

• Rear-facing seats: Place the seat behind the front passenger seat, as this usually requires moving the seat forward to accommodate the seat. Some rear-facing seats fit easily, while others may require more effort due to the seat's bulk. 
• Forward-facing seats: These generally fit more easily and comfortably, with more legroom for children as they grow. 
• Seat protectors: A seat protector is highly recommended to protect the leather seats from creases and damage caused by the car seat. 
• Latch anchors: Make sure to locate the lower LATCH anchors, which are located 2 inches inside the seat, and the top tether anchor. Some car seats may require you to push the connectors through slits in the upholstery. 
• Fit: The Mustang's rear seats are considered usable for children, but they are best for children, not adults, due to the limited leg and headroom. 

This video discusses the real-world family review and child seat test for a Ford Mustang: 1mDadcarsYouTube · Jun 11, 2023
What to consider before installing

• Seat design: The Mustang's sloped rear seats with large bolsters can make it difficult to get the car seat to sit flat. 
• Legroom: Legroom is limited for older children and adults, even if a car seat fits. 
• Passenger space: Installing a car seat may compromise legroom for the front passenger. 
• Access: The two-door design makes it more challenging to get children in and out of the back seats, especially for older children. 

Are mustangs safe for babies?

BabyDrive Indepth - Safety
Broken down into 4.67 out of 8 for the full-width frontal crash test, 6.91 out of 8 for the frontal offset test. Full marks for the side impact test and 6.88 out of 8 for the pole test. For Child Occupancy protection the Ford Mustang GT scored 15.8 out of 49 which is 32%.

How much is a 2013 Mustang worth today?

The price for a used 2013 Ford Mustang varies, but generally ranges from around $9,000 for a V6 model to over $30,000 for higher-performance trims like the Shelby GT500. The original MSRP for the 2013 model ranged from about $22,200 for the base V6 coupe to $54,200 for the Shelby GT500 coupe, so current used prices are a fraction of that depending on condition, mileage, and trim level.
 
Factors affecting current price

• Trim level: Higher trims like the Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 cost more than the standard V6 or GT models. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage vehicles will command a higher price. 
• Condition: The overall condition, including any accidents or maintenance history, will affect the final price. 
• Market: Prices can vary depending on your location and the specific dealership or private seller. 

Examples of 2013 Mustang prices

• V6 Coupe: Around $10,000 - $15,000.
• GT Coupe: Around $18,000 - $28,000.
• GT Premium Coupe: Around $20,000 - $31,000.
• Boss 302 Coupe: Around $36,000 - $42,000.
• Shelby GT500 Coupe: Around $54,000 - $60,000. 

Can you use a Mustang as a family car?

Without. Making myself you know uncomfortable in the back seat. So leg room is surprisingly. Good i obviously would not recommend it for adults because it's still pretty tight.