Three children and $7,000 for a car. Models with three isofixes in one row

If we have three children who ride in car seats, it would be most convenient to fit them all in the back seat, but not many cars can handle that - they must be wide enough. In reality, three separate seats will be needed.

Building a car with additional isofix points in the third row of seats is easier than with three points in a single row. Unfortunately, placing a child in the third row reduces luggage space. In addition, the distance between the child and the first row of seats is also problematic, so the optimal solution is the second row, which meets the requirements presented here.

The Isofix mounting system was invented and introduced in the 1990s. This innovative solution was developed in collaboration between Volkswagen and the Swedish company specializing in child car seats, Britax-Römer. The aim was to create a system that would simplify the installation of child car seats and increase the safety of children traveling by car.

Isofix mountings are considered better than traditional seat belts for several reasons:

1. Safety:

• Stability: Isofix provides a more stable and secure attachment of the child seat, minimizing the risk of it shifting during the drive or in case of a collision.
• Installation error reduction: The Isofix system reduces the risk of incorrectly installing the seat, which is a common issue when using traditional seat belts.

2. Ease of Use:

• Quick installation and removal: Isofix attachments allow for quick and easy mounting and dismounting of the seat, which is particularly useful for parents with small children, especially if they need to switch seats between cars.
• Compatibility: Many modern child seats are compatible with the Isofix system, so the choice is quite straightforward - although the angle of the rear seat can also affect the fit of the model.

3. Comfort:

• Attachment certainty: Thanks to Isofix fasteners, parents can be sure that the seat is correctly attached, which increases psychological comfort during driving

Although Isofix fasteners were actually introduced in the 90s, they became particularly popular after 2010 when they became a mandatory piece of equipment in some countries and became the standard in many cars.

In our review, we will therefore rather look at cars produced specifically after the year 2010. The list of cars that can fit three isofix car seats in the second row is not very long. Essentially, there are only about 10 models:

• Citroën C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso (2006-2013) - from $2,370 to $7,880
• Chrysler 300C (2006-2010) - from $5,240 to $10,480
• Dacia Lodgy (2012-2022) - from $5,240 to $19,650
• Ford S-Max I (2010-2015) - from $6,550 to $15,720
• Ford Galaxy II (2006-2015) - from $4,720 to $14,400
• Renault Espace IV (2002-2014) - from $1,838 to $10,480
• VW Sharan I / Seat Alhambra / Ford Galaxy (since 2004) - from $2,620 to $7,880
• Peugeot 308 SW (2007) - from $2,620 to $6,550
• Renault Scenic III (2009) - from $3,670 to $11,800

When looking for a car on classified websites, it's worth paying attention to the photos of the rear seat, preferably taken from the front perspective, showing both the seat and the backrest. You can also ask the seller to provide such photos. Asking about the presence of Isofix fittings is also an option, however, the owner may not know about it, and a dealer may not tell the truth.

If we haven't yet decided on a car model, browsing press photos could come in handy. Often, you can spot Isofix fittings in them, although they are not always appropriately marked. Indications in the form of buttons or tags on the couch appeared relatively late. For example, in the first-generation Volkswagen Sharan, one of the first models with Isofix, there are no markings whatsoever, and the mounts are barely visible. A similar situation applies to the Citroen Berlingo.

An additional hint might be photos of the trunk where the rear part of the seat backs is visible. In cars with the Isofix system, there are also Top Tether fittings (they're not always visible). If three such fittings are visible, there's a likelihood that the car has three Isofix positions. Unfortunately, this is not the rule, as there are cars (like the Volvo XC90, for instance) that have three Top Tether hooks but only two Isofix positions.