Question Vehicle Recommendation for Three Across

[kld182]

We need to buy a new vehicle. It will primarily be used by my husband as a commuter car. However, we want to be sure we can fit our three children in the back seat if needed. They are 9 years old (backless Harmony booster), 6 years old (Britax Frontier harnessed) and 3 years old (FF Diono Radian RXT). We also have a Diono Monterey and a Bubble Bum. We are willing to buy a new or additional car seat if needed.

We are looking at a small to mid sized 2017 or 2018 sedan or SUV. We looked at the Honda CRV and this is my husband's favorite, but it looks impossible to get two car seats and a booster in. We also looked at a Hyundai Santa Fe and VW Tiguan. The third row looked too small and I wasn't sure three across would work either in these two either. We are also considering a Honda Civic, Accord or other similarly sized vehicle. Budget is a major consideration...not looking to spend more than $20-25K. Any recommendations?

*Bonus points if the vehicle also exists in the European market as we are moving overseas for a year and would like servicing to be easier.

Thanks very much!

 

[aporthole]

I would avoid the CR-V. There is seat belt overlap that makes using the center and driver side seat belts at the same time impossible. The shoulder belts for the outer seats also don’t fit kids in backless boosters well and have lots of issues with most high back boosters.

A Ford Taurus would be your best bet for fitting 3-across. A Subaru Legacy would also be a very good option. It isn’t quite as roomy for 3 across but with the Bubblebum in the mix and a Radian, you’d be just fine.