How Does the 2023 Nissan Ariya Perform in a Car Seat Check?

The 2023 Nissan Ariya earns high marks for car seat installation, easily accommodating two child safety seats with its accessible LATCH system and generous rear-seat legroom. However, it cannot safely fit three car seats across the second row. Based on our assessment experience, the all-electric SUV is a strong contender for small families, with only minor deductions for forward-facing convertible tether anchor access.

What Is the Overall Grade for the Nissan Ariya's LATCH System?

The Ariya’s LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system receives an A grade. The two sets of lower anchors in the outboard seating positions are conveniently located under long Velcro flaps, making them easy to find and use. A significant bonus is an extra lower anchor in the middle seat, which allows you to install a car seat there using LATCH instead of the seat belt, increasing flexibility. It's important to note that the owner’s manual specifies that a car seat cannot be installed in the middle and driver-side seats simultaneously due to anchor spacing.

How Does the Ariya Accommodate Different Types of Car Seats?

The SUV was tested with a range of seats, and most installations were problem-free.

• Infant Seat (A Grade): The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant seat was installed easily. More importantly, a 5-foot, 6-inch front passenger still had plenty of legroom, a common issue in many vehicles.
• Rear-Facing Convertible Seat (A Grade): Similar to the infant seat, the Graco Contender 65 rear-facing convertible installed without issue, and front-passenger legroom remained ample.
• Booster Seat (A Grade): The Graco TurboBooster fit perfectly. The head restraints are removable, allowing the booster to sit flush against the seatback for optimal safety. The seat belt buckle is on a short, stable stalk, which should be easy for a child to grasp and use independently.

Are There Any Installation Challenges with Forward-Facing Seats?

The Ariya received a B grade for the forward-facing convertible installation. While the seat itself fit well, the grade was lowered due to the top tether anchor placement. There are three anchors clearly marked on the seatback; however, they are situated under the seat upholstery. This requires a bit of effort to dig through the material and connect the tether, which can be slightly frustrating compared to the easily accessible lower anchors.

Can You Fit Three Car Seats in the 2023 Nissan Ariya?

No, the 2023 Nissan Ariya cannot safely fit three car seats across its second row. This is a common limitation for many five-seat SUVs. While the extra middle lower anchor is helpful for installing a single car seat in that position, the physical space is insufficient to accommodate three seats side-by-side without compromising a secure installation, as confirmed during the testing process.

How Are Car Seat Checks Conducted?

This evaluation is performed by certified child safety seat installation technicians. The checks use a standardized set of seats: an infant seat, a convertible seat, and a booster seat. Front seats are positioned to accommodate a 6-foot driver and a shorter passenger. It's crucial for parents to remember that LATCH anchors have a combined weight limit—typically 65 pounds for the child and the seat itself. Beyond that limit, the vehicle's seat belt must be used for installation.

In summary, the 2023 Nissan Ariya is a highly family-friendly EV, particularly for families with one or two young children. The key takeaways are: its LATCH system is exceptionally easy to use, front-passenger legroom is largely uncompromised by rear-facing seats, and the booster seat fit is excellent. The main consideration is that it cannot fit three car seats, and installing a forward-facing seat's tether requires a bit more effort.