Car seats in 7 passenger RAV4?

[jjordan]

I seem to remember this coming up recently, but maybe on FB and not here, since a search didn't turn up anything. I vaguely remember that the third row is very tight for rear facing seats...? What would be some good ways to fit 4 kids (including a newborn)? Not sure on the other kids' ages/sizes, but I'm guessing somewhere around 10, 5, and 3.

 

[bubbaray]

Mine doesn't have the "3rd" row, which is VERY tight. I would probably do:
2nd row newborn and 5 yo in booster (nonLATCH and LBB so so can remove booster easily)
3rd row 10yo (possibly 5stepping -- no ideal, but even the 2nd row seats are shallow and most kids 5 step in the 2nd row at 10) and 3yo in a shallow FFg seat like a Maestro or maybe a RN.

 

[TechnoGranola]

I remember the Rav4 3rd row being very tight. It's a smaller vehicle than the Highlander and the Highlander 3rd row isn't spacious. I know Toyota didn't put tether anchors in the 3rd row of the Highlander (I seem to recall they may now), but when the 3rd row was available in the Rav4, it would be from the time frame when they didn't do top tethers. You're in the U.S. so it's not the issue it would be in Canada, but just something to consider for what FF seat is chosen.



So, I'd probably try and put the 2 oldest in boosters in the 3rd row, assuming the 5 year old is mature enough. But bubbaray owns a Rav4, whereas I do not, so her suggestion is likely more valid..

 

[bubbaray]

The problem with the 2 oldest in the 3rd row is going to be getting access to the 3rd row if two seats are installed in the 2nd row (hence the reason for suggesting a non-LATCH LBB for the 5yo in the 2nd row -- easy to load the other two while removing the LBB.

I don't have the 3rd row in mine but have seen it. So tiny. And I don't know if the 3rd row has high headrests for a 10yo to use a booster back there. I strongly suspect most 10yos would 5 step back there. My DD1 (very tiny) 5 stepped in the 2nd row at 10 (but I didn't tell her and she used a LBB until 11)

 

[ketchupqueen]

I wouldn't put a forward facing harness there in the third. The legs literally wouldn't fit. And head excursion wouldn't be pretty...

A RF coccoro BARELY fits. If that gives you an idea.

 

[jjordan]

Thanks for all the info! I will pass it along.