how many car seats can fit in a buick enclave

[OLyla]

The Buick Enclave can fit up to seven or eight car seats, depending on the specific seating configuration you choose. The standard configuration for most trims includes second-row captain’s chairs, providing seating for seven. An optional second-row bench seat increases the total capacity to eight. This applies to current-generation models (2018-present); earlier models (2008-2017) were strictly seven-passenger vehicles with either captain's chairs or a bench. When installing car seats, the Enclave is well-equipped. It features five complete sets of LATCH anchors (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). You'll find these in the second-row outboard seats, both third-row seats, and the second-row middle seat if you have the bench configuration. The center seat in the second-row captain's chairs also has a top tether anchor, allowing for a secure installation using the seat belt. Here’s a quick reference for the 2018+ models: | Seating Configuration | Total Seat Belts | Recommended Max Car Seats | Key LATCH/Tether Points | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 7-Passenger (2nd-row Captain's Chairs) | 7 | 5 | LATCH: 2nd-row outboard, 3rd-row outboard. Tether: All five rear seats. | | 8-Passenger (2nd-row Bench) | 8 | 6 | LATCH: All three 2nd-row seats, both 3rd-row outboard. Tether: All seven rear seats. | A crucial point for families is third-row access. With second-row captain’s chairs, you can easily slide between them to reach the back, even with car seats installed. With the bench seat, you’ll need to fold one section forward, which can be tricky if a car seat is occupying it. For families with multiple young children, the 7-passenger configuration often offers the best blend of comfort and accessibility. Always consult your Enclave's owner's manual for the exact locations and weight limits for the LATCH system.

[EllianaMarie]

We have the 7-seater with the captain's chairs. Honestly, it’s a dream for our two kids. We have a rear-facing infant seat behind the passenger and a convertible seat in the second row behind the driver. We can still slide between the captain’s chairs to get to the third row for grandparents or extra luggage. I’d only get the 8-seat bench if you have three kids who all need car seats at the same time. Otherwise, the captain’s chairs are the way to go.

[GrantLee]

The key is the LATCH system. My Enclave has anchors in all five rear seating positions: the two outer second-row seats and all three spots in the third row. The center seat in the second row only has a top tether, so you must use the seat belt for installation there. You can technically fit five car seats, but practically, accessing the third row with seats in the second row is the real challenge.

[DelMaximus]

Don't forget about the front passenger seat. While it's generally safest for kids to be in the back, you can put a forward-facing car seat there if you must. Just remember to disable the passenger airbag if you're putting a rear-facing seat in the front, which is not recommended. The Enclave’s cabin is wide, so fitting three car seats across the optional second-row bench is possible, but it will be a very tight squeeze depending on the seat models.

[DeKatherine]

From a safety perspective, the Enclave scores well. It's important to know that while you can install car seats in the third row, the vehicle's manual specifies weight limits for the LATCH anchors that are lower than the seat belt method. For heavier children in booster seats, using the lap and shoulder belt is often the safer, more appropriate choice. Always ensure each car seat is installed with less than an inch of movement at the belt path and that the child’s harness is snug.