Cars.com tested 56 models across all vehicle classes to see how they handled child car seats. We look at their lowest-ranked picks and what made them score poorly.
Overview of Cars.com Car Seat Testing
Cars.com evaluated 56 vehicles in 6 key categories:
- LATCH system — Ease of connecting car seats using lower anchors
- Rear-facing infant seat — Fit and installation with infant carrier
- Rear-facing convertible seat — Fit and installation rear-facing convertible
- Forward-facing convertible seat — Fit and installation front-facing convertible
- High-back booster — Fit and installation of booster seat
- 3rd row access — Accessing 3rd row seats (on 3-row vehicles)
Scores were assigned using an A-F letter grade scale. We converted these to GPA numbers to compute average scores and rankings. Higher scores mean better car seat accommodation.
Worst Performing Two-Row SUV: Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue received the lowest score among two-row SUVs tested with a 2.6 average rating.
The Venue scored poorly for:
- Rear-facing convertible seat — Earned a D grade
- 3rd row access — Not applicable as a two-row SUV
It performed adequately on:
- LATCH anchors — A grade
- Forward-facing convertible — A grade
As Hyundai’s most affordable SUV, the Venue lacks some accommodations for optimal car seat installation. Families needing maximum backseat flexibility may want to consider other two-row SUV options.
Best Performing Two-Row SUVs
The top performers among compact SUVs tested were:
- Chevrolet Equinox — 4.0 average rating
- Acura RDX — 4.0 average rating
- Volkswagen Tiguan — 4.0 average rating
All three earned straight A grades across all applicable categories. The Equinox, RDX, and Tiguan proved the most car seat friendly among two-row SUVs in this evaluation.
Worst Performing Three-Row SUV: Toyota Sequoia
Among three-row SUVs tested, the Toyota Sequoia received the lowest score with a 3.1 average rating.
The Sequoia performed poorly on:
- Forward-facing convertible — C grade
- Booster seat — C grade
It performed well on:
- LATCH anchors — A grade
- Infant seat — A grade
- Rear-facing convertible — A grade
As a larger three-row SUV, the Sequoia has spacious dimensions but seems to fall short in properly securing some car seat types. Families should take note if considering for car seat duty.
Best Performing Three-Row SUV: GMC Yukon
The sole three-row SUV to earn top marks was the GMC Yukon with a 3.9 average rating and A grades across the board.
The Yukon proved the most versatile three-row SUV for handling both car seats and providing third row access when equipped with second row captain’s chairs.
Worst Performing Electric Vehicles: BMW i4 and Kia Niro EV
Two electric vehicles earned the lowest scores of 2.6:
- BMW i4
- Kia Niro EV
Both suffered from subpar rear seat usability for multiple car seat types, earning several C and even D grades. The battery packaging of EVs seems to impact overall accommodation.
Best Performing Electric Vehicles
Three electric vehicles earned perfect 4.0 average ratings:
- Audi E-Tron
- Kia EV6
- Volkswagen ID.4
All three secured straight A grades in all car seat tests. The Audi, Kia, and Volkswagen EVs prove electrification need not compromise car seat installation.
Worst Performing Minivan: Kia Carnival
As the only minivan tested, the Kia Carnival was both the highest and lowest rated with a 3.4 average rating.
It scored poorly on:
- Forward-facing convertible in 3rd row — C grade
But earned top marks on:
- LATCH anchors — A grade
- 2nd row convertible — A grade
- Booster seat — A grade
With ample interior space, minivans should ace car seat tests, but the Carnival shows there’s still room for improvement.
Worst Performing Pickup Truck: Honda Ridgeline
Among pickup trucks, the Honda Ridgeline earned the lowest score of 3.4.
It performed poorly on:
- Forward-facing convertible — C grade
It excelled on:
- LATCH anchors — A grade
- Infant seat — A grade
- Rear-facing convertible — A grade
Although sized like a midsize truck, the Ridgeline’s car seat flexibility trails larger pickups. Families wanting maximum backseat usability may want to look at full-size truck options.
Best Performing Pickup Truck: GMC Sierra 1500
The top rated pickup was the GMC Sierra 1500 with a 3.8 average rating, including an A for forward-facing convertible accommodation.
Worst Performing Sedan: Lexus IS500
Among sedans, the Lexus IS500 earned the lowest score with a 3.0 average rating.
It performed poorly on:
- Infant seat — C grade
- Rear-facing convertible — C grade
It excelled on:
- LATCH anchors — A grade
- Forward-facing convertible — A grade
The IS500 proves performance sedans sometimes compromise on backseat functionality. Parents desire both but may need to choose.
Best Performing Sedan: Honda Civic
The top rated sedan was the venerable Honda Civic with a 3.4 average score, reflecting its practicality and car seat readiness.
Key Takeaways from Cars.com’s Car Seat Testing
- Two-row SUVs, EVs can present fit and installation challenges
- Minivans and large SUVs excel thanks to ample interior space
- Pickups have variability depending on cabin size
- Performance sedans sacrifice practicality for driving experience
- Tested models show room for improvement across most vehicle classes
FAQs about Vehicle Car Seat Testing
What are LATCH anchors?
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. These are built-in anchor points that allow securing car seats without using seat belts.
What are the safest picks overall?
The Audi E-Tron, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.4, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Yukon earned perfect scores, making them the top car seat performers.
How did family vehicle classes like SUVs and minivans rank?
Large three-row SUVs like the GMC Yukon scored very well. But some two-row SUVs and the Kia Carnival minivan fell short of top marks.
What about pickup trucks and performance sedans?
Pickups had mixed results depending on cabin size. Performance sedans like the Lexus IS500 unsurprisingly compromise car seat fit.
Should car seat fit be a top priority when choosing a vehicle?
For families with young children, checking car seat accommodation should be an important evaluation criterion along with safety ratings and other factors.
https://wiack.com/worst-vehicles-for-car-seats-identified-in-new-study/?feed_id=19850&_unique_id=64e7b8b2e7448 #Wiack #Car #CarInsurance #CarRental #CarPrice #AutoLoans
