There are many seven or eight-seater SUVs on the market today that you would presume you would be able to fit five child seats in, but as I have found in my testing this is not the case! Some will only hold 3 child seats across the second row of seats and they have no top tether or ISOFix in the third row at all.
- Looking for five-seaters that will take three child seats across?
- Which dual-cab utes are easiest for fitting child seats?
Here is a list of all the seven and eight-seater SUVs that I have reviewed and found would fit three child seats in the second row with the child seats used in BabyDrive testing:
Tap any car in the table below to jump straight to it.
| Vehicle | From |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade | |
| Nissan Pathfinder | $59,945 |
| Ford Everest | $58,990 |
| Kia Sorento Hybrid | $51,630 |
| Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid | $63,900 |
| Toyota LandCruiser Prado | |
| Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series | $99,340 |
| Toyota Kluger | $62,410 |
| Isuzu MU-X | $49,900 |
| Kia EV9 | $97,000 |
| Mahindra XUV700 | $39,990 |
| Honda CR-V VTi 7 | $44,900 |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | |
| Land Rover Discovery | |
| Audi Q7 | $136,815 |
| Audi SQ7 | $174,815 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLB | $84,100 |
| Genesis GV80 | $120,000 |
| GMC Yukon Denali | $174,990 |
| BMW X7 | $173,900 |
| Range Rover Sport | |
| Cars where three child seats are a tight fit |
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade eight-seater has a bench seat in the second row that fits three Infasecure child seats across comfortably. With 22 shopping bags of boot space when using two rows, it's one of the most practical options in this class for families who need to carry everything. It has two ISOFix points. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so taller parents may need to shuffle seating positions around. See the full review here.
Nissan Pathfinder
With three ISOFix points and 22 shopping bags of boot space, the Nissan Pathfinder eight-seater is a strong pick for large families. Three Infasecure child seats fit across the second-row seats comfortably. Priced from $59,945, the Pathfinder has long been a popular family SUV and the latest version continues to deliver. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so taller parents should test the seating before buying. See the full review here.
Ford Everest
The Ford Everest is a great seven-seater SUV that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row with two ISOFix points. Priced from $58,990, it has 18 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use and a 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule, which is excellent. It's full of family-friendly features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. See the full review here.
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Priced from $51,630, the Kia Sorento Hybrid is a seven-seat SUV with two ISOFix points that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. A 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule, which is excellent for a mid-size SUV. With 18 shopping bags of boot space using two rows, there's good room for the pram and groceries. See the full review here.
Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
The new-generation Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is a seven-seater that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second-row seats. It has two ISOFix points and 17 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. A 186cm driver fits in front of a rear-facing capsule, which is great for legroom. Priced from $63,900, the Santa Fe Hybrid is a solid choice for families who want a hybrid seven-seater. See the full review here.
Toyota LandCruiser Prado
The all-new Toyota LandCruiser Prado is a seven-seat SUV that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. It has two ISOFix points and a 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so legroom is good for a variety of family setups. Boot space holds 16 shopping bags with two rows in use. The Prado is an iconic family 4×4 and the latest version is a big step up. See the full review here.
Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series
The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has ISOFix in the two outer seats in the second row, and there are top tether anchorages in the back of all three second-row seats. The third-row seats don't have any top tethers or ISOFix. I could fit three Infasecure child seats across the second row of seats in the 300 Series. The legroom is good with rear-facing child seats installed, a 186cm driver can sit in front, and boot space holds 18 shopping bags with two rows in use. Priced from $99,340, it's a serious family 4×4. See the full review here.
Toyota Kluger
The Toyota Kluger Hybrid has ISOFix in the two outer second-row seats and top tether anchorages for all three seats. Three Infasecure child seats fit nicely across the second row, and access to the third row is good too (though there are no top tether anchorages or ISOFix points back there). With 20 shopping bags of boot space using two rows and room for a 186cm driver in front of a rear-facing capsule, the Kluger is a popular family choice. Priced from $62,410. See the full review here.
Isuzu MU-X
Priced from $49,900, the Isuzu MU-X is a solid family SUV that also handles off-road duties well. Three Infasecure child seats fit across the second row with two ISOFix points. Boot space holds 18 shopping bags with two rows in use and a 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule. See the full review here.
Kia EV9
If you're after a fully electric seven-seater, the Kia EV9 fits three Infasecure child seats across the second-row seats. It has two ISOFix points and 19 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. Priced from $97,000, the EV9 is spacious and packed with tech. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, but the flat floor and airy cabin still make it feel roomy inside. See the full review here.
Mahindra XUV700
At $39,990, the Mahindra XUV700 is the most affordable seven-seater on this list that fits three child seats across the second row. It has two ISOFix points and a 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule. Boot space holds 15 shopping bags with two rows in use. If you're on a budget and need a seven-seater with three-across child seat capability, this is worth a look. See the full review here.
Honda CR-V VTi 7
The Honda CR-V VTi 7 is one of the smaller seven-seaters on this list, but it does fit three Infasecure child seats across the second row. It has two ISOFix points and 12 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. Priced from $44,900, it's a compact option for families who don't need a huge SUV. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so legroom is tighter for taller parents. See the full review here.
Land Rover Defender 110
For adventurous families who need serious off-road capability, the Land Rover Defender 110 seven-seater fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. It has two ISOFix points and a 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule. Boot space holds 14 shopping bags with two rows in use. The Defender is as capable off-road as it is practical for the school run. See the full review here.
Land Rover Discovery
Another seven-seater from Land Rover, the Land Rover Discovery fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row with two ISOFix points. A 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so legroom is generous. Boot space holds 18 shopping bags with two rows in use, which puts it right up with the best in this class. The Discovery handles off-road duties well while still being comfortable on the school run. See the full review here.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury seven-seat SUV that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. Priced from $136,815, it has three ISOFix points and 17 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. A 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule, which is great for taller parents. The Q7 is packed with features and luxuries that make it practical as well as enjoyable to drive. See the full review here.
Audi SQ7
The Audi SQ7 is the performance version of the Q7 and fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. With three ISOFix points and 19 shopping bags of boot space using two rows, it's a spacious luxury seven-seater. Priced from $174,815, it's at the premium end of the market. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so taller parents should check the seating before buying. See the full review here.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of the more compact luxury seven-seaters on this list. Three Infasecure child seats fit across the second row with two ISOFix points, and boot space holds 15 shopping bags with two rows in use. Priced from $84,100, it's an accessible entry into the luxury seven-seat segment. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so taller parents should test the seating. See the full review here.
Genesis GV80
Priced from $120,000, the Genesis GV80 is a luxury seven-seat SUV that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. It has two ISOFix points and 17 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. The GV80 is packed with premium features and feels special inside. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so taller parents may need to adjust their seat position. See the full review here.
GMC Yukon Denali
The GMC Yukon Denali is the biggest SUV on this list and it shows. With 24 shopping bags of boot space, three ISOFix points, and room for a 186cm driver in front of a rear-facing capsule, this eight-seater has space to spare. Priced from $174,990, the Yukon Denali is a serious investment, but if you need maximum room for a large family it's hard to beat. See the full review here.
BMW X7
Priced from $173,900, the BMW X7 is a luxury seven-seater that fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row. It has two ISOFix points and 18 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. A 186cm driver can sit in front of a rear-facing capsule, making it one of the roomier options for taller parents. If you're after a premium family SUV with serious space, the X7 delivers. See the full review here.
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport fits three Infasecure child seats across the second row of its seven-seat configuration. It has two ISOFix points and 15 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule, so taller parents should check the legroom before committing. It's a stylish and capable option for families who want a premium SUV. See the full review here.
Cars where three child seats are a tight fit
The cars below can fit three child seats across the second row, but it's a tighter squeeze. The seats may touch or need a bit of force to get in side by side. If you're considering one of these, I'd recommend testing the child seat fitment in the showroom before buying.
Chery Tiggo 8 Plug-in Hybrid
The Chery Tiggo 8 Plug-in Hybrid can fit three Infasecure child seats across the second row, but it is a tight fit. It has two ISOFix points and 15 shopping bags of boot space with two rows in use. Priced from $41,990, it's one of the most affordable plug-in hybrid seven-seaters you can buy. A 186cm driver won't fit in front of a rear-facing capsule. See the full review here.
That's the full list of seven and eight-seater SUVs I've tested that will fit three child seats across the second row. If you're looking for a five-seater that fits three across, check out this list here. And if you need help choosing between a ute and an SUV, take a look at our ute child seat guide.
I have to disagree with the Mazda CX-9. Just tried to fit a maxi cost capsule with the drivers seat going back and wouldn’t fit. I’m 6:3 and didn’t think I’d have an issue with capsules but they are pretty much useless if you can’t get the front seats back with enough leg room. All reviews I’ve looked at are claiming the seats in the forward position not rear facing which has become a nightmare for me as I’ve a 4 yr old and new twins and cannot find a car that will take capsules or rear facing without crushing the capsules
Hi, If you are still looking then I know other audience members with the same problem have been very happy with the Skoda Superb. 🙂
Hi all, which car would you choose if you had just born twins and a 2 year old, plus the occasional ride with grandparents?
Thank you for your help, we’re checking all possibilities and it’s taking so long to go over the models and specs without being able to find a solution 🙁
Kia Carnival people mover/ Toyota Alpha worth a try.
Im in the same boat ,plz let me know if you do find one .
Hi There, we are about to have twins & will have a 2 year old. Which car did you end up going with?
Would also live to know. 2 year old with twins due Jan. Took a sorrento to carseat specialist today and in 3 mins said nope, middle seat is too narrow and that the carseat would be sitting over the middle buckle. So frustrating
Hannah, out of interest is your Sorento the 2017 model or the new 2021 model that’s just been released. My understanding is the new model is wider
Hi Lauren, would be intrested to know what car you went with.
We are about to face the same situation and had ordered a new Kia but unlikely it will be delivered until next year. Please tell me what you ended up deciding on.
There are companies that can install top feather points in 3rd rows. The mux, trailblazer and c7 have steal frames in 3rd row . I got top tethers installed for a comparatively small fee. Has been very handy can have better combination of adults and children.
What about the Q7, can that fit three across?
We’ve tested it, just need to update this article
https://babydrive.com.au/reviews/suvs/2021-audi-q7-50-tdi/
What about the XC-90 also?
Not tested yet. Soon!
Has the new 2021 Kruger been tested yet for 3 seats across the 2nd row and access to 3rd row seats without removing babyseats in row 2!
Thanks
Coming soon!!
* 2021 Toyota Kluger I meant to say,
Hi all, any older SUV’s that can fit 2 high back boosters and one Group 1 baby seat across 2nd row. Say from 2014 to 2018 maybe?
Thanks
Hi I saw a question about the new Kia Sorento model and whether it’s wider etc.
Has the new model been tested? We are thinking of getting the 2022 Sorento for 3 kids
2022 model is the same dimensions as the 2021 we tested
So what is the results for 1 forward facing and two rear facing capsules in the second row?