Question 3 Diono RXT across in VW Jetta Sportswagen TDI?

[WendyR]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone has any experience in fitting 3 across in a Volkswagen Jetta Sportswagen?

We currently have a soon to be 5 yr old (FF) and soon to be 3yr old (FF) in Diono Radian RXT and our 8 month old is in a Chicco keyfit 30 (RF) but we are going to get another Diono Radian RXT for him as he is running out of room! (and plan to keep him RF as long as possible).

We currently have a Jeep liberty 2008 and it's a tight squeeze but it works for now. We are planning on getting a new vehicle in 2014 that has better gas mileage than our Jeep Liberty but also fits 3 across. The VW Jetta sportswagen TDI looks like it will be great for fuel economy. BUT my biggest worry is that in a few years when all 3 children will be FF in the Diono Radian RXT, is that there won't be enough room for the car seats. If that's the case, then we have to look at other vehicles. I would love your input and also any recommendations for good fuel economic vehicles that will fit the 3 Diono Radian's across!!! Thank you!

 

[AK Dad]

That's gonna be SUUUUper tight! I haven't tried it personally, but we had an '06 Jetta TDI (loved it!) and I doubt it would work. I recently tried a Foonf/RF/center and Radian/FF/outboard setup in a '11 Audi S4, and it barely, barely fit (to the point where I've given up on my dream of having a fast Audi, at least for now!)

I know the wagon is cool, but have you considered the Passat TDI instead? Might give you the fuel economy you're looking for and a bit bigger back seat to work with. Also, don't forget that the 3-across thing gets even more difficult in many ways when you have to start getting into the booster/other seats combo phase. That's actually one of the reasons I gave up my S4 dream ...

 

[AK Dad]

Oh, and if you do decide to try it, you might consider one Foonf in the mix. Since it sits up nice and high on its RF "wedge" it tends to be pretty narrow where it contacts the seat, so since the Radian is nice and low they tend to "puzzle" together pretty well.
I'd say Amazon.com free shipping/free returns and an unwitting used VW dealer along with a saturday afternoon are going to sort a lot of things out for you!

 

[DisneyWorldNanny]

As a 2008 Jetta driver, I actually think its possible.

I can personally sit and buckle my seatbelt in the center of two rear facing Britax Pavilion seats...I wouldn't want to regularly travel like that but it is doable! based on that and the fact that a Radian is much more compact than a Britax convertible, I think you could get 3 Radians in. If you aren't going to be moving the seats around often, I think it's going to work out just fine. I haven't had the opportunity to try it, though.

 

[DisneyWorldNanny]

And also to add...my friend who has the twins I take care of regularly rides between them in the back of her 2007 Passat and has done since they were born. They have done long trips in that car and she sits in the back. They were in Peg Perego Primo Viaggios for the first year and they're now rear facing in Graco MyRides. Yes, She and I aren't large people but people tend to greatly underestimate the cargo space in these cars! My back seat is fantastic for all seats I've installed in it and the trunk literally can fit 3 strollers! I drove two New Beetles for 6 years and the Jetta just seemed like a smart next move as it suited my needs without being more than I needed. I can truly say that I love this car more than I thought I would. I really just didn't know what else to get and went with this...two years later I still love it.