Yes, you can fit three car seats in a Kia Sorento, but it requires careful planning and is most realistically achieved in the 2021 and newer models which offer a third row. The key is using the right combination of seats and understanding the vehicle's LATCH system limitations.
For the most common setup in a three-row Sorento, you would place two car seats in the second row and one in the third row. Accessing the third row is easier if you use a narrow car seat behind the passenger side and slide that second-row seat forward. The real challenge is fitting three seats across the second row, which is possible but tight. You'll need to use narrower car seats, often called "three-across" seats, and will likely have to forgo the LATCH system for the middle seat, using the seat belt installation instead.
The width of the second-row bench is the critical measurement. While official hip room measurements give an idea of space, the physical contouring of the seats and the location of the LATCH anchors are more important. Here’s a comparison of hip room measurements for context:
| Kia Sorento Model Year | Second Row Hip Room (inches) | Third Row Hip Room (inches) |
|---|
| 2021-Present (3-Row) | 55.1 | 46.7 |
| Pre-2021 (2-Row) | 55.3 | Not Applicable |
Your best bet is to physically test your specific car seats in the Sorento before committing. Bring all three seats to the dealership. Practice installing them, especially the center seat with the seat belt. Ensure you can get a tight, secure fit for all three without the seats pressing against each other or the door panels. While it's a achievable puzzle, it's not as straightforward as in a minivan or large SUV.
