Children’s favorites: the best cars for 3 isofix child seats

Children's favorites: the best cars for 3 isofix child seats

Just go on vacation. Who doesn’t dream of being able to relax and enjoy the sunset on the beach or the high altitude air while walking through the mountains?? When the (extended) family wants to travel, everything has to be right. By this we don’t just mean that it should "fit" symbolically, no, also quite pragmatically: all kids should fit into the car without any problems.

isofix mounts in cars are great for safe seating, but which cars offer a full 3 isofix child seat options in the backseat?? Here the models in the listing:

the best cars for 3 isofix child seats
model offers from
opel zafira life 25.206 € compare offers
peugeot traveller 29.794 € compare offers
renault espace 37.219 € compare offers
ford S-max 27.331 € compare offers
mercedes-benz
V-class
35.160 € compare offers
volvo XC90 55.421 € compare offers
audi Q7 59.547 € compare offers
citroen C5 aircross 21.527 € compare offers
peugeot 5008 27.341 € compare offers
land rover discovery 53.473 € compare offers
citroen berlingo 16.419 € compare offers
peugeot rifter 18.184 € compare offers
VW sharan 36.587 € compare offers
seat alhambra 29.614 € compare offers
VW multivan 34.690 € compare offers

A small note: we treat identical models like the peugeot rifter and the citroen berlingo, the peugeot traveller as well as the opel zafira life or the VW sharan as well as the seat alhambra in each case together.

Three isofix mounts are rare

Up to a certain age there is a child seat obligation in germany. At a certain age, a booster seat is sufficient – but if you want to fit three child seats in the car, you usually have a problem: since the middle seat in the back often only serves as an emergency seat and does not have a passenger transport function, no child seat will fit on it. Traveling with a baby in the car also requires special safety measures.

it’s even more difficult with isofix, because if you’re looking for a car with three isofix mounts in the rear, you’ll quickly realize that it could turn into a search for the needle in the haystack. Of course, the three-point seat belt has long proved its worth when it comes to transporting children, but isofix is simply the safer solution.

Why look for a needle in a haystack when carwow has put together several cars that are all suitable for three child seats in the second row – isofix child seat mounts included! Isofix seats on the front passenger seat do not count, because the parents should still be able to sit in the front seats.

1. Opel zafira life and peugeot traveller

The minibuses of the world are crying out, "we can and want to transport children too!"and that they can do it, they show in any case impressively. So does the opel zafira life, which has been transformed from a practical van into a minivan space wonder since the last model revision. this metamorphosis has also resulted in an isofix miracle, because the zafira life can easily accommodate three child seats in the second row with the help of isofix. If you order the family car as a 7-seater, you also get two full isofix seats.

In addition, customers are free to decide whether they want the zafira life in the S, M or L length variant. All legitimate, but the longer, the bigger – logical! This may cause problems when looking for a parking space. But inside it is and remains a "space" deer, because its concept with removable and swiveling seats is ingenious.

The peugeot traveller offers just as much space, of course, since it is also an identical model from PSA. The successor to the peugeot expert tepee is discreetly more expensive than the opel, but cheaper than a volkswagen sharan, thus slipping into the intermediate position. Both can also be driven electrically, because the optional e-life and e-traveller versions of the zafira and traveller can cover almost 230 kilometers on electricity alone.

2. Renault espace

driving a french car is usually associated with the three gs (not to say with the 3G rule – sorry, this corona joke had to be made): comfortable, dignified and a pleasure to drive, especially in the renault espace. But what happens when the horde of kids with their child seats invades the car and takes up space for themselves?? So where has all the comfort gone??

Quite simply: it stays, because in the espace, concerned parents simply stow three isofix child seats on the rear bench seat. Comfortable for the kids – balm for the soul on the parents’ side. A testimony to the child-friendly attitude of the good-natured Frenchman is also the child safety certified by the ADAC, which with 89% pulls a long nose at other competitors. So we can recommend this van without hesitation if you want to take more than just one or two children along safely.

The renault espace compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 89%
isofix-compatible seats
rear:
3
three-point seat belts in the rear: 3

3. Ford S-max

Typical american: not from dishwasher to millionaire, but from childless couple to full-blooded family of five! The ford S-max is a convincing van not only in terms of space, but also in terms of driving experience for the american car brand. Among the wide range of vans on the market, it is safe to say that the S-max is the only one that claims to be sporty in addition to being a family car – no sooner said than done. the S-max is agile and offers direct steering.

But the real reason for its inclusion in this guide is hidden in the second row of seats, where three isofix mounts are waiting for child seats to be fastened to them. in general, the ford offers a successful package of safety assistants, including, for example, automatic brake support to ensure the shortest possible braking distance.

The ford S-max compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 87%
isofix-compatible seats
in the back:
3
rear three-point seat belts: 3

4. Mercedes-benz V-class

Very large, very practical, but also very expensive: that’s the mercedes-benz v-class. It remains to be seen whether the V in V-class is intended to indicate that the vehicle belongs to the van category. The only thing that is clear is that mercedes confidently calls this cross between a utility vehicle and a family car a "large sedan" – and you can leave it at that!

The V-Class has everything that makes a typical Benz: prestige, soft and high-quality materials in the interior and the large Mercedes star on the radiator grille. But apart from that, it has even more to offer, because if you order the V-class with the optional comfort couch instead of the conventional second bench seat, you get an isofix option on all three rear seats. 5 stars in the NCAP crash test and a rating of 87% in terms of child safety round off the child-friendly package.

The mercedes-benz V-class compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 87%
isofix-compatible seats
rear:
3 (only with the optional
comfort couch)
rear three-point seat belts: 3

5. Volvo XC90

It should be well known that the swedish car manufacturer under the chinese aegis of the company geely stands for the highest safety standards. the volvo XC90 has everything on board that the safety-hungry heart desires: collision warning, lane departure warning and much more are available for the SUV. volvo has also thought of the little passengers: in addition to two isofix-compatible seats on the left and right in the rear row, volvo has unceremoniously integrated a child seat in the rather unpopular middle seat. The SUV has earned its 5 NCAP stars!

The volvo XC90 combines and meets the demands of buyers who not only want to claim that they are driving a family car, but also an SUV. In any case, there is plenty of space in the largest SUV that can be ordered from volvo, and elegance and luxury are not neglected either. Large, docile, child-friendly – sounds like the requirements for the perfect dog, but in reality it is the volvo XC90.

The volvo XC90 compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 87%
isofix compatible seats
rear:
2 (+ integrated
child seat)
rear three-point seat belts: 3

6. Audi Q7

If you have a little more money to spend, the audi Q7 is the right choice for you. For the brawny yet stylish SUV is available at carwow from 59.547 euros to buy. For this price, something is visibly offered: premium feeling, high-quality materials, modern and proven VW technology, space without end in the trunk, and, and, and.

But the most important thing is still missing, namely the fact that the premium SUV can accommodate three child seats, and that too with isofix. The luxury galley also turns out to be a first-class family car in which the kids can occupy the back seat and the buggies can be stored in the huge trunk.

The audi Q7 compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 86%
isofix-compatible seats
rear:
3
rear three-point belts: 3

7. Citroen C5 aircross

The citroen C5 aircross comes with visually eye-catching, but only pretend air-filled bumpers on its sides. While these only suggest driving safety on the outside, they do hint at certain talents on the inside: as an SUV, the C5 aircross is already superior in terms of safety, but with the additional safety package that can be ordered, which includes active cruise control and lane departure warning, among other things, there is an even greater feel-good factor.

In addition, there are two isofix holders on the rear seat, namely on the outer seats. In the middle, a three-point belt must suffice. Probably for this reason, the C5 aircross receives "only" 4 stars in the NCAP crash test, but the optional safety package provides an increase of one to 5 stars and a quite respectable child safety of 86%.

The citroen C5 aircross compare offers
NCAP rating: 4/5 of 5 stars
child safety: 86%
isofix-suitable seats
rear:
2/3
rear three-point seat belts: 3

8. Peugeot 5008

With the peugeot 5008, we get a prominent visitor in this guidebook. For the SUV, which is the bigger brother of the 3008, was able to dust off a prestigious award in the automotive world in 2019: namely, the "large SUV of the year" award at the car-of-the-year awards ceremony. Since then, there have been further visual changes: the chic car with its elegant edges and curves was redesigned again at the beginning of 2021. Under the hood came a new puretech engine with 181 hp to it.

The peugeot 5008 shows that it is not only stylish and fast, but also practical, with a full three isofix holders in the rear, making transporting small children a breeze. Add to that high-quality materials and a modern cockpit, peugeot’s so-called icockpit, et voilà – a comfortable French and child-friendly giant!

The peugeot 5008 compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 85%
isofix-compatible seats
rear:
3
rear three-point seat belts: 3

9. Land rover discovery

If you want to spend even more money on this mix of family car, adventure vehicle and off-road vehicle, then the land rover discovery is the one for you. the sporty look of the suv and the look at the data sheet are actually more evidence of off-road capability and british spirit, but deep inside there is an extremely child-friendly heart.

Knowing about the isofix attachments on the two outer rear seats is satisfying, but it doesn’t knock your socks off. It’s a good thing the land rover discovery is a miracle of space! Because families in child happiness can optionally order the discovery with a third row of seats. In addition, the front passenger seat can be equipped with isofix mounts, so that in the best case, up to 4 children with isofix can be seated in the car.

The land rover discovery compare offers
NCAP rating: 5 out of 5 stars
child safety: 80%
isofix-compatible seats
rear:
2 (with opt. third row of seats
and passenger seat 4)
rear three-point seat belts: 3

10. Citroen berlingo and peugeot rifter

From the house of PSA come the children’s favorites citroen berlingo and peugeot rifter to us. As family cars with sliding rear doors and no less than three isofix-compatible seats in the second row, they make life easier for some families. The berlingo and the rifter are identical brothers, refreshed in 2018, and are also French cousins of the German opel combo life – PSA impressively demonstrates that literally all children fit under one roof, whether in the length versions M or XL for the berlingo or L1 and L2 for the rifter. In fact, the two cars have the same innards, because PSA relies primarily on its EMP2 platform.

However, caution is advised when deciding on a purchase for the three isofix seats: this is a standard feature for citroen only from the shine equipment line upwards! Otherwise, both seats are brimming with variability: the seats can be folded, removed, reinserted and returned to the basic position – that’s exemplary. Whether the boxy high-roof station wagon look is to everyone’s liking remains to be seen. That for the rifter on average about 3.000 euros more than the berlingo is probably due to the more extravagant design. And psst! The rifter and berlingo will soon also be available as fully electric vehicles.

11. VW sharan and seat alhambra

All good things come in threes – also with the volkswagen sharan and the seat alhambra. The two largely identical models can easily accommodate three child seats in the second row of seats. This is no problem at all for the two vans, especially as each of the three children can enjoy their own isofix fastening.

An additional gimmick, which is only available from VW ex works for a corresponding fee, should make worried parents’ hearts beat faster: the sharan can optionally be equipped with one or two integrated child seats, so that the little ones from the age of three can travel along comfortably and safely.

volkswagen has carefully considered driving safety, which is why the sharan and the alhambra have been awarded an NCAP crash test rating of 4 out of 5 stars and a child safety rating of up to 78 percent. Only unfortunately, VW has not only come up with something in terms of safety, but also in terms of pricing, and charges from 36.587 euros for the VW family van. Huiuiui!

12. VW multivan

If the large family can fit into an SUV or van, then surely it can also fit into a minibus. The volkswagen multivan, also called T6, could be called the land of milk and honey for those who can not have enough space in the car. In general, van-life is the latest trend right now, so why not invite the whole family and go for it?

In any case, child safety is taken care of: in the 5-seater multivan, all rear seats have isofix, and if you order an additional row of seats so that the vehicle becomes a 7-seater, there are even more of them. in this case, however, the multivan also grows from the outside, so that with its length of 5.3 meters it should no longer be too much fun in the city. But for the time being, it doesn’t matter to the grandma who’s riding along: if the whole family is in the car, she certainly doesn’t care if she’s traveling on a seat with isofix mounts. But as they say? He who has, has.

The VW multivan
(5-seater)
compare offers
NCAP rating: 4 out of 5 stars
child safety: 74%
seats suitable for isofix
rear:
3
rear three-point belts: 3

Isofix or three-point seat belt?

Whether it’s a vacation trip, a trip to the countryside or everyday use, anyone who has brought about their family’s happiness with the help of children also has an interest in ensuring that they can always travel safely with them. The correct fastening of child seats is the be-all and end-all for every family mother and father.

Isofix – the measure of all things

When moms and dads are looking for a vehicle that meets all their child-related needs, one term in particular will make their eyes light up: isofix, the gold standard among child seat mounting options. These are small brackets that are usually recessed in the transition from the seat to the backrest.

The child seat is connected to the car body with the help of these brackets, so that skidding or sliding is prevented in the event of an (un)accident. some child seats also require the installation of a top tether, which is an additional restraining belt that must be attached to the upper edge of the seat with an anchor point in the trunk or on the rear side of the rear seats.

The three-point belt – the alternative

Should the car manufacturer have waived isofix (but since 2014 isofix is mandatory in new cars!), then the good old three-point seat belt will probably have to do it: with a skillfully applied lacing, the three-point safety belt must be tightened around the child seat, paying special attention to the tightening of the belt and the fastening guideline given by the manufacturer.

Isofix vs. Three-point seat belt: pros and cons

If you’re unsure whether you even need isofix mounts in your vehicle, check out the following compilation of advantages and disadvantages of the isofix and three-point harness systems.

Isofix

Advantages:
✅ very safe system, direct connection of the seat to the body
✅ easy handling
✅ empty child seats despite lack of "occupants" skid-proof
✅ mandatory since 2014 for the two outer rear seats

Disadvantages:
❌ not every isofix child seat is approved for every car
❌ expensive in contrast to conventional child seats
❌ only top-tether seats are universally applicable

Three-point seat belt

Advantages:
✅ any baby shell/child seat may be used
✅ very safe when the seat belt is correctly routed

Disadvantages:
❌ risk of incorrect belt routing is relatively high
❌ under certain circumstances, the airbag must be switched off
❌ in some vehicles, the seat belt routing is more complex

And, which system do you prefer after carefully reading all the advantages and shortcomings? Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but keep in mind that isofix was not introduced without reason in addition to the traditional attachment with the help of the three-point belt.

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Christina Cherry
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