Yes, you can fit three car seats in a Honda CR-V, but it requires careful planning and specific types of seats. The key factor is the vehicle's LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. The CR-V has two sets of lower LATCH anchors in the outboard rear seats and a tether anchor for all three rear seating positions. However, there are only two sets of lower anchors, meaning the third car seat will likely need to be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, which is equally safe when done correctly.
For the best fit, using a combination of narrower car seat models is essential. A common and effective configuration is placing a rear-facing infant seat behind the front passenger, a narrow forward-facing convertible seat in the center using the seat belt, and a high-back booster seat behind the driver. The center seat is often the most challenging due to the contour of the CR-V's rear bench.
| Car Seat Model | Type | Approx. Width | Best Position in CR-V |
|---|
| Diono Radian 3RXT | Convertible | 17 inches | Center (seat belt install) |
| Clek Foonf | Convertible | 18.5 inches | Outboard (LATCH) |
| Graco SlimFit3 LX | 3-in-1 | 19 inches | Center or Outboard |
| Chicco KeyFit 35 | Infant | 17.5 inches | Outboard (LATCH) |
| Britax Grow With You | Harness-2-Booster | 18.9 inches | Outboard |
The most significant challenge is the limited hip and shoulder room in the second row. You will need to "test fit" your specific car seats to ensure they can be installed tightly without overlapping. Buckling a child into a center seat can also be awkward. While it's possible, if you frequently transport three children in car seats, a minivan or a three-row SUV like a Honda Pilot offers a more comfortable and practical long-term solution.
