can model y fit 3 car seats

[Everly]

Yes, a Tesla Model Y can fit three car seats across the second row, but it requires careful planning and specific types of seats to be practical for everyday use. The key challenge is the vehicle's interior width and the shape of the individual seats.

The Tesla Model Y's second row has a stated hip room of 52.4 inches. While this sounds spacious, the three seats are individually contoured, and the center position is narrower and firmer than the outboard seats. Successfully installing three car seats depends heavily on their dimensions. You will have the best results with a combination of narrow, compact car seats, often referred to as "three-across" seats.

Recommended Car Seat Combination for Model Y

Car Seat Type	Model Example	Approx. Width	Key Feature for 3-Across
Infant Rear-Facing	Chicco KeyFit 35	17 inches	Narrow base, easy to click in/out
Convertible (Rear/Front)	Graco SlimFit3 LX	17.5 inches	Specifically designed for narrow fits
Convertible (Rear/Front)	Diono Radian 3R	13.5 inches	One of the narrowest convertible seats
High-Back Booster	BubbleBum Inflatable	15 inches (inflated)	Inflatable design for ultimate portability
Backless Booster	Harmony Youth Cruiser	11.5 inches	Very narrow, fits almost anywhere

The most critical factor is the order of installation. It's often easiest to install the narrowest seat (like a Diono) in the center first, using the vehicle's seat belt, as the Model Y's center seat lacks dedicated LATCH anchors. Then, install the other seats on the sides using the outboard LATCH anchors or seat belts. You will likely need to use the seat belt for all installations to avoid "borrowing" LATCH anchors from the side seats, which is not recommended by most car seat manufacturers.

Be prepared for a tight squeeze where the seats touch each other. This is acceptable as long as each car seat is independently installed tightly (with less than one inch of movement at the belt path). Accessing the third child will be difficult, so this configuration is best for children who can buckle themselves or for shorter trips. The flat floor in the Model Y is a significant advantage, providing extra foot space for a child in the center.

[VanTanner]

We do it in our Model Y, but it's a puzzle. You need slim seats—our Diono in the center was the game-changer. Forget using the LATCH system for all three; you'll be using seat belts. It's tight, and buckling the kid in the middle is a chore. It works for school runs, but I'd think twice for a long road trip. The key is researching the absolute narrowest models on the market.

[DeDiana]

Technically, yes. Practically, it depends on your car seats. The Model Y's back seat is wide but has pronounced buckets. Standard, bulky seats won't fit three. You must invest in "three-across" specific models known for their narrow profiles. The installation is finicky, primarily using the seat belts. It's a feasible solution for families, but it's not as effortlessly spacious as a large SUV or a minivan.