can a car seat fit in a coupe

[CarolineDella]

Yes, a car seat can fit in a coupe, but it often presents significant challenges compared to a sedan or SUV. Success depends heavily on the specific coupe model, the size and type of the car seat, and your patience for a tricky installation process. The main hurdles are the limited door opening, which makes positioning the seat difficult, and cramped rear-seat legroom, which can force the front passenger seat uncomfortably far forward.

The first step is to carefully consult both your car seat manual and your coupe's owner's manual. They provide specific guidance on approved seating positions and proper use of the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children), a standardized system for installing car seats without using the vehicle's seat belt. In many coupes, the lower anchors can be buried deep within the seat crevice, making them hard to access.

A successful installation often requires a methodical approach:

1. Before attempting to install the seat, recline the front passenger seat fully to give yourself maximum room to maneuver.
2. Position the car seat base through the door opening, angling it as needed.
3. Use your body weight to press down firmly on the base while tightening the LATCH straps or seat belt to eliminate any slack. A properly installed seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
4. For rear-facing infant seats, ensure the front seat can be returned to a safe and comfortable position without pressing against the car seat.

Some coupes are surprisingly more accommodating than others. Vehicles like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe or Ford Mustang have relatively usable back seats for their class. In contrast, sports coupes like a Porsche 911 or Chevrolet Corvette may have virtually non-existent rear seats unsuitable for a car seat. The best advice is to try a physical installation with your actual car seat before making a purchase decision.

Coupe Model	Rear Legroom (inches)	Ease of LATCH Access	Recommended Car Seat Type
Ford Mustang	29.0	Moderate	Infant, Convertible (rear-facing)
Hyundai Genesis Coupe	30.3	Good	Convertible, Booster
BMW 4-Series	33.0	Moderate	All Types
Subaru BRZ / Toyota GR86	29.9	Difficult	Slim-Profile Convertible, Booster
Chevrolet Camaro	29.9	Difficult	Slim-Profile Convertible
Mini Cooper 2-Door	31.3	Moderate	Infant, Slim-Profile Convertible

[DeQuinn]

We did it with a Chevy Camaro for about a year. It’s a pain, I won’t lie. You have to be a contortionist to get the kid in and out, and the passenger up front has zero legroom. We used a slim-profile convertible seat and it just barely worked. My advice? Go to the dealership with your actual car seat and try it. If you can’t get a solid, tight install, walk away. It’s not worth the safety risk or the daily frustration.