Happily, the days of kids in cars travelling on their parents’ laps are long gone. That means everyone's much safer in an accident, but makes finding a car that fits all your child seats challenging.
To fit three separate child seats, a car needs at least three Isofix mounting points. Cars usually have two mounting points on the rear seats but only a small handful offer more than two.
Some carry two child seats across the second row with one up front, while others have a third row for their extra Isofix mounts. There are also a handful of van-based models that can just about squeeze three child seats side-by-side. We’ve chosen our 10 favourite cars that fit three car seats and listed them alphabetically below.
1. Audi Q7
If you have a decent budget to play with, consider the premium Audi Q7. This sizeable SUV is the practical sibling to the sportier Q8 and features a spacious seven-seater cabin. What’s more, the second row features three separate rear seats, each with its own Isofix mounting point – something its direct rivals from Mercedes and BMW miss out on. The tall cabin and wide door openings make access to the back easy and the boot is simply enormous if you fold down the sixth and seventh seats.
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2. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
Several quite different cars share the BMW 2 Series label, but we're talking about the Active Tourer – a five-seat MPV based on the 1 Series. The oversized hatchback body means a wealth of interior space and, on certain models, you'll find a pair of Isofix anchors on the rear outer seats and one on the front passenger seat. That won't leave lots of space left over, but you'll still be able to enjoy the Active Tourer's excellent handling and body control, which makes it one of the best MPVs to drive by quite some margin.
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3. Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer
If your budget is a little tighter, the Citroen Grand C4 Spacetourer makes a fantastic choice, especially as a great-value nearly new purchase. Unlike many similarly sized family MPVs, the Citroen offers three separate rear seats on the second row – each with Isofix points. That means you can fit three child seats across one row, allowing the whole family to appreciate the Grand C4 Spacetourer’s quirky styling and pillowy soft ride quality. Grand C4 Spacetourers also gain a small third row for more passenger-carrying ability, or you can fold them down for a big boot.
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4. Ford Galaxy
Think of an MPV and there’s a good chance you’ll picture a Ford Galaxy. This enormous people carrier might not be as fashionable as an SUV but it’s been a firm family favourite for years thanks to its simply massive interior. All seven seats are large enough for adults – even in the third row – and there’s plenty of room around the three individual seats on the second row to convince wriggling kids into their thrones. On top of all that, equipment lists are generous and the driving experience is easy and comfortable.
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5. Ford S-Max
The Ford S-Max is another compelling large family car from the blue oval. If you’re shopping for a nearly new Ford MPV, you might want to consider both the S-Max and the Galaxy so you can grab any particularly good deals that crop up. The S-Max has a slightly smaller body and more compact sixth and seventh seats than the Galaxy, but the middle row is essentially the same with three large, separate seats and lots of room to get kids sat down. You’ll also find the S-Max is equally as good on the road, with easy controls and composed ride quality.
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6. Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery became an iconic family car almost from the moment it launched in 1989. While you don’t get three separate seats on the second row, you do have five total Isofix points – one in the front passenger seat, two on the outer second-row seats, and two on each third-row seat. Plus, there’s so much room in the interior, you don’t need to be a contortionist to secure your child in their seat. Once out on the open road – or off it – the Discovery impresses with a wafty, comfortable ride and go-anywhere 4x4 ability.
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7. Peugeot 5008
The 5008 is the largest car in Peugeot’s lineup and also one of its best. You get seven seats in the spacious cabin, with three separate seats on the second row. The wide rear doors mean there’s easy access to manoeuvre kids into place, while adult passengers on the second row will appreciate the individually sliding and reclining chairs. Where the 5008 really stands out, however, is in the cabin. You’ll find plush materials, an eye-catching design and the brand’s distinctive small steering wheel, which makes light work of parking manoeuvres.
8. Peugeot Rifter
While the 5008 is stylish, it’s not the cheapest option for buyers needing lots of space. To get a practical, stylish Peugeot on a smaller budget, take a look at the Rifter MPV. It borrows the practical body from the Partner van, and fits it with either five or seven seats. This means loads of passenger and cargo space, and three separate second-row seats. The styling is more rough and ready than the handsome 5008, but you still get plenty of premium equipment from Peugeot’s car range. Also consider the very similar Citroen Berlingo and Vauxhall Combo Life.
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9. Vauxhall Combo Life
The Vauxhall Combo Life follows a similar principle to the Rifter above – start with a spacious, affordable van platform, and fit just enough luxuries to make it work as a family transporter. And, unlike quite a few cars on this list, there are three full Isofix points side-by-side on the second row. That means you don't have to sacrifice one of the front seats or try to squeeze anyone into the cramped third row. You also get a massive cargo area behind the seats and prices that undercut almost all SUV and MPV rivals, plus enough technology to while away long drives.
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10. Volkswagen Touran
Like the S-Max, the Volkswagen Touran is a slightly smaller version of the brand’s full-size MPV. You still get a van-like seven-seater cabin, but trade a little room from the boot and third row for a smaller body that’s easier to park in tight spots. All the usual qualities you’d find in a Volkswagen are present and correct – smooth turbocharged engines, quality interior materials, and lots of easy-to-use on-board technology. It’s also impressively easy to drive with light-yet-accurate controls and excellent refinement.
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Chosen the child-hauler for you?
Browse Motorpoint’s enormous selection of nearly new and used cars – all sold with a warranty and backed by our Quality Standard. For more great choices, see our favourite nearly new SUVs or our favourite family hatchbacks.
