As families grow and expand, their needs for gear change quickly. One of the most essential needs (not to mention the largest and biggest expense) is a safe vehicle that accommodates every car seat throughout all stages of growth. When car seats reduce the risk of injury for children in an accident by as much as 82%, knowing which vehicles offer easy installation and comfortable access is invaluable information. With that statistic in mind, it's no surprise that Cars.com says nearly 70% of parents say car seats influenced their purchasing decision.
In fact, Cars.com annually unveils its Car Seat Fit Report Card to help families make the right choice for them. They examine how popular car seat models attach to the interior, if they fit properly, and how stable they are using a process that mimics parents' daily experiences. Car models include 2- and 3-row SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks, sedans, as well as electric/hybrid vehicles.
Whether you’re welcoming a new addition to your family or noticing how much your children have grown, continue reading to discover which models earned the highest grades.
Tip
A vehicle is a significant investment. When shopping, remember to consider how long you plan to have it. You may be bringing your first tiny baby home from the hospital, but in no time at all, they will be a toddler. Make sure your car fits your current needs, and will also work for all the adventures ahead.
What Makes a Car the Best Fit for a Car Seat?
Compiling data from Car Seat Checks in 55 vehicles throughout the year, certified child passenger safety technicians who are also moms, tested each car available for the Cars.com report card.
They evaluated how each car performs across these categories:
Latch system (Is it easy to take the seat in and out of the car?)
Rear-facing convertible car seat
Forward-facing convertible car seat
Booster seat with high back
Third-row access (Can the third row accommodate a car seat?)
Cars That Received an ‘A’
Seven cars earned the highest marks in the Cars.com Car Seat Fit Report Card—straight A’s across all categories. Here are the ones that made the honor roll:
2025 Genesis GV80, 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe
2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
2025 Lexus RX 450h+
2025 Mercedes-EQ EQS450+ Sedan
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
2025 Volkswagen Atlas
This comprehensive list includes both compact and three-row SUVs as well as gas-only, hybrid, and electric models. All were praised for easy-to-access anchors and ample legroom.
Cars That Were ‘Almost Perfect’
Cars.com also includes vehicles that earned only one "B" grade. These cars almost had A’s across the board outside of a single category.
2025 Buick Envista
2025 Cadillac Lyriq
2025 Ford F-150
2025 GMC Sierra 1500
2025 Honda Odyssey
2025 Mazda CX-70
2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
2025 Nissan Rogue
2025 Subaru Forester
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
These vehicles still perform exceptionally well with car seats and make great choices, but they may have a minor challenge accommodating one of the car seats tried.
The Importance of Car Seats
Vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among children. Buckling children securely into the right car seat or booster seat for their age and size is critical in preventing serious injury or worse. If you’re not sure which stage of car seat you need, consult the safety guidelines at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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