New Study Finds Only Two Cars Offer Ideal Fit for Child Seats

Cars.com conducted a hands-on assessment of 56 recent car and SUV models to determine which vehicles best accommodate larger rear-facing child seats and feature user-friendly latch mechanisms. Jennie Newman, the outlet’s editor-in-chief and a child-passenger safety specialist, reported that only the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid achieved top ratings in every category. Parents like grandmother Judy Francis, who uses a rotating seat, and Chantell Morris, who struggles with a larger revolving model, highlighted the practical challenges of fitting bulky seats in many cars.

The study stresses the importance of testing a vehicle with the family’s own car seat during a test drive to ensure belt buckles are reachable and easy to operate. Newman also noted that easy latch access benefits children who later need to buckle themselves in booster seats. Consumers can consult Cars.com’s detailed “Car Seat Check” guide to avoid costly mismatches between vehicle and seat. The article is part of a consumer-focused series from DontWasteYourMoney.com, a Scripps Media property.