can you put 3 car seats in the back

[OJuliet]

Yes, you can fit three car seats in the back of many vehicles, but it is highly dependent on the specific car, SUV, or minivan model. The key factors are the vehicle's interior width, the type of seat belts or LATCH anchors, and the physical size of the car seats themselves. Three-across car seat installations are most consistently successful in wider vehicles like minivans, large SUVs, and some full-size sedans.

The primary challenge is the physical width of the car seats. Standard convertible seats are often too wide to fit three side-by-side. To succeed, you will likely need to use narrower, specially designed seats. Models like the Diono Radian 3RXT or Clek Fllo are popular for this purpose because they are slimmer and can be puzzle-pieced together.

You also need to check your vehicle's seating configuration. Some cars have narrow, sculpted rear seats that make a secure installation nearly impossible. The type of seat belts matter, too; buckle stalks that are too short or long can interfere with a tight fit. Furthermore, most vehicles only have two sets of dedicated LATCH anchors (the metal bars between the seat cushions for securing child restraints) in the outboard positions. The center seat typically requires a seat belt installation, which is equally safe when done correctly.

The only way to know for sure is to test-fit your specific car seats in your specific vehicle. A secure installation means each seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or forward at the belt path.

Vehicle Type	Example Models Known for Good 3-Across Fit	Key Consideration
Minivan	Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Pacifica	Widest cabins, often with three sets of LATCH.
Large SUV	Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada	Bench seats offer the most flexibility.
Midsize SUV	Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Ford Explorer	May require narrow seats; captain's chairs prevent 3-across.
Full-Size Sedan	Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger	Surprising width, but door openings can be challenging.
Compact Car	Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla	Extremely difficult; often only feasible with infant-only seats.

[StMaximus]

As a mom of three under five, I've been there. Our old sedan was a nightmare, but our Honda Odyssey minivan made it simple. The trick is using slim seats like Diono brands. Forget those big, bulky ones. You have to get your hands in there and wrestle with them—it’s a workout! Check your car’s manual for where the LATCH anchors are. Honestly, just take your seats to the dealership and try before you buy. It’s the only way to be sure.