2019 Honda Odyssey
U.S. News Score: 9.0/10
The 2019 Honda Odyssey is one of the best minivans you can buy. It’s extremely family-friendly, with spacious seating, an intuitive infotainment system, and a well-built interior. The Odyssey is available with innovative tech including a built-in vacuum cleaner, a camera that can help the driver monitor activity in the back of the cabin, and an audio system that can direct a driver’s voice directly to one particular seat.
2019 Honda Odyssey
$30,090
The Odyssey comes equipped with complete sets of LATCH connectors in each second-row seat and the third-row outboard seats. In the third row, there is an upper tether on the middle seat. The system is easy to use.
The Odyssey has 63.5 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Honda Pilot
U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
The 2018 Honda Pilot is one of the best midsize SUVs you can buy and was a finalist for our Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. It has abundant storage space, delivers a smooth ride, and can fit adults or three car seats across in its third row.
2018 Honda Pilot
$30,900
Buyers can choose to get a Pilot with a seven- or eight-person configuration. The model comes with a complete set of LATCH connections in each of the second-row seats, and one in the passenger-side third-row seat. The other two third-row seats only have upper tether connections. That means you can fit six car seats in the Pilot.
The Pilot has 62 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is the winner of our Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. It offers spacious seating, a long list of standard technology features, and a roomy cargo area. The Traverse is easy to drive and park.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
$29,930
It comes with either seven or eight seats. Seven-seat models can fit three car seats in the third row while the eight-passenger configuration allows for three car seats across the second row as well. All Traverse models have full sets of LATCH anchors on the second-row outboard seats and upper tether anchors on the third-row seats. Models with a bench seat in the second row have a tether anchor on the middle seat.
The Traverse has 61 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Ford Explorer
U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The 2018 Ford Explorer wins points for its large cargo area behind the third-row seats, and its high predicted reliability rating. The SUV’s infotainment system is easy to use. This model can come with either captain’s chairs or a bench seat in the second row. The Explorer’s third row seats two.
2018 Ford Explorer
$32,140
When equipped as a seven-seater with a second-row bench seat, the Explorer has two full LATCH connectors on the outboard seats and a tether anchor in the middle seat. You can fit three car seats across in this row. The third-row only has full LATCH connectors on the passenger side.
The Explorer has 61 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
U.S. News Score: 7.7/10
The Nissan Pathfinder has gotten a number of upgrades over the last few years, including styling updates. It now has standard automatic emergency braking and a rear door alert system, which reminds a driver that a rear door was open just prior to driving to ensure no children are left behind. The Pathfinder benefits from a strong V6 engine and an intuitive infotainment system. Its second row can move forward to allow access to the third row even with a car seat installed.
2018 Nissan Pathfinder
$31,040
You can fit three seats in the second row of the Pathfinder. It comes with two full LATCH connectors on the outboard seats and a tether anchor in the middle seat. In the third row, on the passenger side, the Pathfinder has a tether anchor.
The Pathfinder has 60.4 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Toyota Highlander
U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The 2018 Toyota Highlander is one of the best midsize SUVs you can buy and it was a finalist for our Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award. The Highlander is a true family hauler that comes with a long list of standard driver assistance features, a high-quality cabin, and seating for either seven or eight.
2018 Toyota Highlander
$31,230
Three car seats can fit across the second row, when you opt for the model with the bench seat. In that configuration, the second row has two complete sets of LATCH connectors and a tether anchor in the middle seat.
The Highlander has 59.6 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica
U.S. News Score: 8.9/10
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has a lot going for it, propelling it to its place as one of the best minivans you can buy, including a long list of standard and available features, a high-end interior, and comfortable ride. It was a finalist for our Best Minivan for the Money and Best Minivan for Families awards.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica
$26,995
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica in its seven-passenger minivan configuration has two full sets of LATCH connectors in the second-row. Its third-row has one full set of LATCH connectors on the passenger side while the other two seats share lower anchors but have their own tether anchors. In eight-passenger Pacifica models, all three seats in the second-row have a full set of LATCH connectors. At maximum capacity, three car seats can fit across the second- and third-rows of the vehicle.
The Pacifica has 63 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Lincoln MKX
U.S. News Score: 8.1/10
The 2018 Lincoln MKX has high predicted reliability and safety ratings, as well as a budget-friendly starting price compared to other SUVs in its class. The MKX was a finalist for our Best Luxury 2-Row SUV for the Money award. It has comfortable seats and composed handling.
2018 Lincoln MKX
$39,035
The MKX’s second-row outboard seats have a full set of LATCH connectors and the middle seat has an upper tether anchor, making it possible to fit three car seats across.
The MKX has 59 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Ford Edge
U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
The 2018 Ford Edge is a midsize SUV with a lot to offer families. It is the winner of our Best 2-Row SUV for the Money and Best 2-Row SUV for Families awards. The Edge has user-friendly technologies, a spacious cabin, above-average fuel economy, and carlike handling. It seats five.
2018 Ford Edge
$29,315
The Edge’s rear seat fits three car seats across and has two full LATCH connectors on the outboard seats. It has a tether anchor for the middle seat.
The Edge has 60.5 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Nissan Murano
U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The 2018 Nissan Murano is beloved by buyers, and it was a finalist for our Best 2-Row SUV for the Money and Best 2-Row SUV for Families awards. The Murano’s well-appointed cabin has comfortable seats and easy-to-use tech features. Its V6 engine is fuel-efficient.
2018 Nissan Murano
$30,800
Three car seats can fit across the back seat of the Murano, which has two full sets of LATCH connectors on the outboard seats. The middle seat has an upper tether anchor, which is common for this class of vehicle.
The Murano has 58.8 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Buick Enclave
U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
The Buick Enclave was redesigned for 2018, making it one of the best midsize SUVs you can buy. It was a finalist for our Best 3-Row SUV for Families award. It has generous passenger space and abundant cargo room. The Enclave is pleasant to drive, staying composed and not passing on much road noise to the cabin. It has a high predicted reliability score.
2018 Buick Enclave
$39,995
The Buick Enclave can fit a child’s car seat in each of the captain’s chairs where there are complete sets of LATCH connectors. The rear seat has tether anchors for each position, meaning that you can fit three car seats across the third row of this midsize SUV.
The Enclave has 61.3 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
U.S. News Score: 8.2/10
In its last year before a redesign, the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe still offers plenty for buyers to like. Its optional V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines provide enthusiastic acceleration and its base engine is fuel efficient. The Santa Fe is available in all-wheel drive and was a finalist for our Best 3-Row SUV for the Money award.
2018 Hyundai Santa Fe
$24,950
The Santa Fe comes with seating for either five, six, or seven. The five- and seven-seat configurations have the same list of LATCH connections: three tether anchors and two sets of lower anchors in the second row.
The Santa Fe has 58.6 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Dodge Durango
U.S. News Score: 8.4/10
For 2018, the Dodge Durango adds a number of high-tech features families want including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. Its infotainment system is intuitive, and the Durango comes with above-average cargo capacity. It seats seven
2018 Dodge Durango
$29,995
Each of the outboard second-row seats in the Durango features a full set of LATCH connectors. In the second and third rows, the middle seats have upper tethers.
The Durango has 58.3 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2019 Ford Flex
U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
The 2019 Ford Flex is a unique take on a midsize SUV. It has a useful cargo area, an intuitive infotainment system, and a powerful available twin-turbocharged V6 engine. It seats six or seven, depending on the configuration you choose.
2019 Ford Flex
$30,575
In both the six- and seven-seater Flex, there are full sets of LATCH child-seat connectors on the outboard second-row seats and the passenger-side third-row seat. Seven-passenger Flexes also have a tether anchor on the center seat in the second row.
The Flex has 58.1 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
U.S. News Score: 8.5/10
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV that’s as good around town as it is tackling tough terrain. It has potent engine options, a well-appointed cabin, and a user-friendly infotainment system. It seats five in comfort. For 2018, the Grand Cherokee adds standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 7-inch infotainment touch screen.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
$30,895
The Jeep has two full sets of LATCH connectors on the outboard seats of its second row along with a tether anchor on the middle seat, allowing for three car seats to be installed side by side.
The Grand Cherokee has 58 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Dodge Charger
U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
The 2018 Dodge Charger is a good large car with a number of powertrain options that range from a V6 that’s perfect for commuting up to beefy V8 engines that will throw you back in your seat as you hit the accelerator. Still, the Charger makes an argument for being a family car with its spacious seats, high safety scores, good-quality interior, and user-friendly infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018 Dodge Charger
$28,995
The Charger fits three car seats across its back seat. It comes with three full sets of LATCH connectors. It has 57.9 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Toyota 4Runner
U.S. News Score: 7.5/10
The 2018 Toyota 4Runner is an aging model with robust off-road chops that doubles as a polite family hauler. Its rugged exterior and truck-like driving style combine with a large cargo area, hard-wearing materials in the cabin, and seating for seven when it’s equipped with the available third row.
2018 Toyota 4Runner
$34,810
The second row of the Toyota 4Runner features two full sets of LATCH child seat connectors on the outboard seats. Another tether anchor is located in the middle seat, making it able to fit three car seats across. It has 57.8 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2019 Buick Envision
U.S. News Score: 7.9/10
The Buick Envision has received a number of upgrades for 2019 making the luxury compact SUV more desirable. In addition to its supportive seating and above-average fuel economy, the Envision offers updated tech features, new front and rear fascia elements, and higher torque output from the available turbocharged engine.
2019 Buick Envision
$31,995
The 2019 Buick Envision can fit three child safety seats across in the second row, where there are complete sets of lower anchors and tethers. It has 55.8 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 Chrysler 300
U.S. News Score: 8.6/10
The Chrysler 300 is a popular large car with a lot of upside if you need space for your family and are set on a sedan. It’s plenty powerful, has spacious seating in both rows, comes in either front- or all-wheel drive, and features an easy-to-use infotainment system. For 2018, Chrysler shuffled the car’s trim levels and lowered its base price.
2018 Chrysler 300
$28,995
The 300’s second row has three complete sets of LATCH connectors, so you can easily fit three car seats across. The 300 has 57.7 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2018 GMC Acadia
U.S. News Score: 8.0/10
For 2018, GMC has shuffled the Acadia’s trim levels, repositioning the features buyers want most. The highlights of the midsize SUV include a high-end interior and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Its cabin is quiet, and the first two rows of seating are spacious. Adults won’t easily fit into the third row.
2018 GMC Acadia
$29,000
The Acadia comes as either a five-, six-, or seven-seater. To fit three car seats across, you’ll need either a five- or seven-passenger model, which will have full sets of LATCH connectors on the outboard seats in the second row.
The Acadia has 58.7 inches of second-row shoulder room.
2019 Subaru Ascent
U.S. News Score: 8.7/10
In a competitive midsize SUV category, the biggest Subaru ever faces stiff competition but delivers the experience fans of the brand are seeking. The 2019 Subaru Ascent was designed with families in mind and features 19 cup holders, USB outlets in each row, an available entertainment system package, abundant cargo space, and off-road capability
2019 Subaru Ascent
$31,995
The Subaru Ascent features three full sets of LATCH connectors in every grade, and enough other equipment to properly secure up to six car seats in the vehicle.
The Ascent has 60.3 inches of second-row shoulder room.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
Did any of these vehicles intrigue you? If so, check out our new vehicle rankings to see how they match up against the rest of the competition. Take a look at our best lease deals and financing deals pages, where we’ve made a list of all the best incentives manufacturers are currently offering.
When you’ve decided on a car, use the U.S. News Best Price Program to find the dealership in your area that’s offering the lowest prices. Shoppers who use the program save an average of $3,106 off their new car purchase.
21 Great Vehicles That Fit 3 Car Seats Across
- 2019 Honda Odyssey - $30,090
- 2018 Honda Pilot - $30,900
- 2018 Chevrolet Traverse - $29,930
- 2018 Ford Explorer - $32,140
- 2018 Nissan Pathfinder - $31,040
- 2018 Toyota Highlander - $31,230
- 2018 Chrysler Pacifica - $26,995
- 2018 Lincoln MKX - $39,035
- 2018 Ford Edge - $29,315
- 2018 Nissan Murano - $30,800
- 2018 Buick Enclave - $39,995
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe - $24,950
- 2018 Dodge Durango - $29,995
- 2019 Ford Flex - $30,575
- 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee - $30,895
- 2018 Dodge Charger - $28,995
- 2018 Toyota 4Runner - $34,810
- 2019 Buick Envision - $31,995
- 2018 Chrysler 300 - $28,995
- 2018 GMC Acadia - $29,000
- 2019 Subaru Ascent - $31,995
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Check Out the Best Vehicles for Parents With Three Kids in Car Seats
When you’re a parent, trying to fit three car seats into a vehicle can be a chore. Even the best vehicles on the market can fail to provide three full sets of LATCH child seat connections. Instead, many have two sets of LATCH connectors on outboard seats, but only provide a tether for the middle seat.
Only a few vehicles on the market today offer three full sets of LATCH connectors in one row, including the Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Charger, and Buick Envision. Many, like the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, and Chevrolet Traverse deliver full sets of LATCH connectors in multiple rows of seating, but don’t have three full connections in a single row.
Often, the number of LATCH connections in a vehicle varies by the seating configuration you choose. Many 3-row minivans and SUVs come in either seven- or eight-seat configurations. Choosing the lesser seating amount frequently means that there are captain’s chairs in the second row rather than a bench seat, giving you one less LATCH connection.
The average car seat is 15 to 20 inches wide so the best vehicles for seating three child seats across have at least 45 inches of hip and shoulder room, though 60 or more inches is preferrable.
Read on to find out which vehicles fit three car seats across.