Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats?

UPDATE: Parents are often searching for the automotive holy grail: a car that's not a minivan and can fit three child-safety seats across the backseat. It's a short list.

In the more than three years that Cars.com editors have been installing car seats into test vehicles, we've come across only a handful of cars that can hold three car seats across a backseat.

For 2014, the Jeep Grand Cherokee received interior and exterior revisions, but that didn’t affect this two-row crossover’s ability to fit three child-safety seats across its backseat.

As we come across more cars that fit three child-safety seats, we'll add to this list. For now, here are the cars from our Car Seat Checks that can fit three car seats in the second row:

Cars.com Reviews the 2013 Lexus GX 460

The 2013 Lexus GX 460 has a comfortable interior and all the gadgets required on a premium vehicle, but it loses major points in the refinement area due to its trucklike ride, says Cars.com reviewer Kristin Varela. Although her family found plenty of room in the SUV's second row, less cargo space than many competitors and an awkward side-hinged cargo door were two big annoyances. 

2013 Lexus GX 460 Review

2013 Lexus GX 460: Car Seat Check

Lexus' large SUV is just that — huge inside and out. The 2013 GX 460 easily accommodates three child-safety seats in its second row, and accessible Latch anchors make them easy to install. Watch out for the GX's third row, however. It's much less hospitable thanks to tight confines and a lack of a top tether anchor.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant-safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and Graco high-back TurboBooster seat.

Cars.com Family Reviews the 2013 Lexus GX 460

With its standard seating for seven, the 2013 Lexus GX 460 easily tackles the family-hauler role, says Cars.com Family reviewer Courtney Messenbaugh. It’s nimble enough for suburban streets, and the interior is quiet and comfortable. However, the GX’s cumbersome swing-gate and poor fuel-economy numbers knocked this SUV down a few pegs, Messenbaugh said.

2013 Lexus GX 460 Review

2013 Lexus GS 350 Priced at $46,900

The redesigned 2013 Lexus GS 350 maintains the same pricing as its predecessor, starting at $46,900, excluding an $875 destination fee, according to Lexus. That compares favorably to a similarly equipped 2012 BMW 535 i ($52,250), though a 2012 Cadillac CTS with performance trim ($42,290) and 2012 Audi A6 ($41,700) are less expensive. The 2013 Lexus GS 450h hybrid goes on sale later next spring; its price hasn’t been announced yet.

2013 Lexus GS Review

The GS 350 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, a moonroof, dual exhaust and side-mirror-mounted turn indicators. In the cabin, the model comes standard with a passive entry system, push-button start, ambient lighting, leather upholstery, a padded instrument panel, 10-way power driver and passenger seats and an 8-inch multimedia screen.

2012 Lexus Lineup Gets Minor Price Changes

When Lexus’ 2012 lineup hits dealerships later this summer through the fall, nearly half will have the same price as the outgoing 2011 versions. Price increases for other model and trims are minimal, ranging from $200 to $700.

Most of the 2012 lineup remains pretty much unchanged compared with 2011, too. There’s no GS sedan for 2012, but an all-new 2013 Lexus GS 350 was just unveiled and will go on sale in early 2012; pricing hasn’t been announced.

The 2012 Lexus CT 200h gets a standard virtual engine sound — similar systems are found on the Infiniti M35h and Nissan Leaf. A new F Sport Package is available on the CT 200h as a factory option on Premium trims only. Pricing isn’t known.

The 2012 Lexus HS 250h makes use of more eco-friendly bioplastic materials upholstery and carpeting in the cabin. The 2012 GX 460 now has bodyside moldings and high-gloss-finished 18-inch wheels standard.

The 2012 Lexus IS F gets new 19-inch wheel designs, wider rear tires and new shock absorbers, all of which will improve handling, Lexus says. The IS F comes with red leather upholstery for 2012, replacing the two-toned orange/black setup.

Destination fees for all models are set at $875, the same as last year. Continue reading below for more pricing details.

Buick Sales Soar Past Lexus

An air of hyperbole seems to float in the mainstream media about the success of General Motors, Chrysler and Ford. They cite things like earnings reports, repaying debt, you name it. But they don’t usually tackle the concrete sales of cars.

When you look at the numbers, one success story clearly stands above all: Buick outsold Lexus in February, for the second month in a row. Buick also outsold Mercedes-Benz (if you discount sales of the Sprinter work van), along with Audi and Acura. Only BMW outsold Buick on the strength of BMW’s new X3 SUV. The storied German brand topped Buick by 800 units.

The story, though, is Buick. With just four vehicles in showrooms — the Enclave crossover and the LaCrosse, Lucerne and Regal sedans — it has outsold the nearly unbeatable Lexus.

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Lexus GX 460

When the Lexus GX first came to market a decade ago, it was one of the few luxury SUVs to offer a third row. The completely redesigned and re-engineered 2010 Lexus GX 460, however, enters a crowded market of three-row crossovers and SUVs. The GX is facing issues keeping up with the pack these days, according to senior editor David Thomas. The luxury SUV doesn’t ride, accelerate or brake very well, and its backseat is laughably unusable for adults. With so many flaws, including some recent safety concerns, does the GX have enough redeemable qualities? Read the full the review to find out, and watch our video review here.

2010 Lexus GX 460 Review

2010|Lexus|GX 460

2010 Lexus GX 460 Video

The redesigned 2010 Lexus GX 460 was initially marred by a poor handling issue that briefly halted sales. With that problem fixed, the GX is selling well, so Cars.com senior editor David Thomas got behind the wheel to see what all the fuss is about. Apparently, there’s a lot to fuss over, and it’s not good – ranging from inadequate passenger space, interior design gaffes and a mediocre ride quality. Despite the flaws, can the Lexus outshine its competitors at its price premium? Watch the video to find out.

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Cars.com Podcast: 2010 Lexus GX 460, 2010 Nissan Sentra, 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan

Speaking of 2010 models, this week’s podcast features three 2010s, and perhaps after you take a listen you’ll want to see if there are any Labor Day deals on them. Or maybe you won’t. Listen to editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and David Thomas offer their unvarnished impressions.

You can download the podcast now via iTunes here or get an MP3 version here.

We’ve also fixed a glitch that prevented downloading via iTunes on your iPhone.

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2010|Nissan|Sentra

2010|Dodge|Grand Caravan