Family car for 3 children: Best cars for 3 Isofix child seats

You've been dreaming of vacations all year round and when it starts, the whole family should be able to ride along without any problems. We are talking about child seats, they have to fit - and preferably with the Isofix holder. The more children need a child seat, the more difficult it becomes to find the right car. We have suitable models for you!

Isofix mounts in cars are particularly suitable for safe sitting, but which vehicles offer 3 Isofix child seat options?

Buying a used car

That's not so easy. You can also look around on the used car market, where there are also suitable models.

• Cars with 3 Isofix fixtures
• Cars with Isofix on the passenger seat and 2 on the rear seats
• Used car with 3 Isofix fixtures
• What is Isofix?
• Pros and Cons of Isofix

What family cars for 3 children are there?

A family car for three children and two adults requires one thing above all else – space. The large selection of SUVs, station wagons and vans should not fail, but when the children are all still small, they must be able to ride properly and, above all, safely in the car. For this you need Isofix mounts, because in Germany child seats are compulsory up to a certain age. At some point, a booster child seat is sufficient.

So if you want to travel with more than one baby in the car, you should be sure in advance that your car also offers the possibility of three Isofix child seats. Of course, you also have to secure yourself, the seat belt requirement even prescribes it.

You could also check out VW Touran alternatives.

Cars with 3 Isofix fixtures

Models with 3 Isofix devices are rather rare and if they are, then the segment of high-roof station wagons and vans is the right address. Here we have three popular models with 3 – and sometimes even 4 – Isofix fixtures for you:

Citroen e-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Rifter

From PSA, the children's favorites Citroen e-Berlingo and Peugeot e-Rifter come to us. As family cars with rear sliding doors and with three Isofix-compatible seats in the second row, they make life easier for some families. The e-Berlingo and the e-Rifter are identical brothers – PSA impressively shows that all children literally fit under one roof, whether in the M or XL length versions for the e-Berlingo or L1 and L2 for the e-Rifter.

In general, the two have the same innards, because PSA relies primarily on its EMP2 platform. Very exemplary: The group relies on the power of electricity for all of them – all-electric is the order of the day.

However, caution is advised when deciding to buy the three Isofix seats: Citroen only offers this treat as standard from the Shine equipment line! Otherwise, the two are bursting with variability: The seats can be folded, removed, reinserted and brought into the basic position - that's exemplary.

However, it remains to be seen whether everyone likes the boxy high-roof station wagon look. In any case, there are some alternatives for the VW Caddy. The fact that you have to spend a little more money for the Rifter than for the Berlingo is probably due to the more extravagant design. 

VW Caddy

The VW Caddy is a real all-rounder and can no longer be understood only as a commercial vehicle, but also as a family car. The new generation was introduced in 2020 and comes in the 5-seater version with "only" 2 Isofix brackets on the two outer seats of the 2nd row. But watch out: If you opt for the 7-seater version, there are even four Isofix options, namely two in the second row and another two in the third row.

Visually, you can still see its origins as a commercial vehicle, but the design has also become more modern. The safety equipment is also more modern. In the NCAP crash test, the Caddy received a full 5 out of 5 stars overall. In the case of occupant protection for children, it was able to achieve a great 82 percent and 79 percent was awarded for the safety features.

 

Cars with Isofix on the passenger seat and 2 rear seats

Even more difficult than three Isofix brackets is to find one on the passenger seat and two in the back. But there are a few models, we have selected three for you:

VW Tiguan

Der VW Tiguan zählt zu den beliebtesten Familien-SUVs in Deutschland – und das aus gutem Grund: Er bietet nicht nur viel Platz, sondern auch eine hervorragende Sicherheitsausstattung. Besonders hervorzuheben sind die drei Isofix-Anschlüsse, die sich an den beiden äußeren Rücksitzen sowie am Beifahrersitz befinden. Damit ermöglicht der Tiguan den sicheren und normgerechten Einbau von bis zu drei Kindersitzen – ein entscheidender Vorteil für Familien mit mehreren kleinen Kindern oder Großeltern, die regelmäßig Enkel transportieren.

In addition to the Isofix points, the Tiguan scores with a generous luggage compartment volume of up to 615 litres with the rear seats up, which offers enough space for prams and shopping. Thanks to the elevated seating position, getting in and out of the car is easy – for both parents and children. The wide rear door opening also makes it easier to fasten and install the seats.

Skoa Enyaq iV

The Skoda Enyaq is a modern electric car with a good price-performance ratio – so it's actually perfect for families who want to take care of the environment. The space is ample and the range should also be sufficient for everyday use. Overall, the Enyaq iV is very much designed for practical use and, of course, equipped with the usual Skoda Clever details.

There is enough freedom for the head, shoulders and legs and Skoda emphasizes that the Isofix bracket on the passenger seat is standard for the Enyaq iV. For most other Skoda models, this can be ordered as an option. In addition, child seats with Isofix can be mounted on the rear outer seats.

Volvo EX30

The Volvo EX30 can also be retrofitted with the Isofix bracket for the passenger seat. It is not installed as standard, but two are installed on the outer seats in the rear. The Volvo EX30 offers good comfort and, above all, excellent safety equipment – just as you would expect from Volvo.

You drive safely in any case, but you can't go more than 180 km/h – Volvo has imposed this on itself for even more safety.

Cars to attach 3 child seats side by side on the back seat

It is usually best if the child seats can be attached to the rear seat and both adults have space in the front. However, three Isofix brackets on the rear seat are really not often found. Here are a few models with this feature:

Audi Q7

If you have a little more money on the high side and don't feel like a typical family car, the Audi Q7 is the right choice. Because the beefy, yet stylish SUV is available at carwow from 67,760 euros. For this price, there is obviously something on offer: premium feeling, high-quality materials, modern and proven VW technology, endless space in the trunk, and, and, and.

But the most important thing is still missing, namely the fact that the premium SUV accommodates an impressive three child seats, and that too with Isofix. This means that the luxury galley also turns out to be a first-class family car, in which the kids can occupy the back seat and at the same time the buggies can be accommodated in the huge trunk.

Citroen e-Spacetourer

The Citroen e-Spacetourer is suitable for really large families due to its huge amount of space. Up to 9 people can be transported and the minibus is still very flexible and offers good value for money.

In addition to a huge trunk, there is also space for three child seats on the rear seat, all of which can be attached with Isofix brackets. It is also environmentally friendly, because the Spacetourer is only available as an electric model with a range of up to 322 kilometres.

VW Touran

A van like the Touran is the perfect companion for a family. At the latest, when child number three is announced, you can't get past the Touran. It offers everything a family needs: space, safety and a lot of practical use. The Touran is also available as a 7-seater if there is not enough space.

Für das, was der Touran bietet, ist das Preis-Leistungsverhältnis durchaus angemessen. Neben guter Ausstattung und allerhand optionale Details, die den Van noch komfortabler machen, gibt es drei Isofix-Halterungen auf der Rückbank. Kinder eingepackt und los geht’s.

Peugeot 5008

Der Peugeot 5008 ist einer der wenigen SUVs auf dem Markt, die serienmäßig mit drei vollwertigen Isofix-Anschlüssen in der zweiten Sitzreihe ausgestattet sind – und das auf allen drei Plätzen. Das bedeutet: Eltern können drei Kindersitze nebeneinander befestigen, ohne auf Adapterlösungen oder komplizierte Gurtsysteme angewiesen zu sein. Besonders für Familien mit mehreren Kleinkindern oder für Tageseltern ist das ein echter Pluspunkt, denn nur wenige Modelle bieten diese Flexibilität bei der Kindersitzmontage.

Es gibt allerdings ein Aber: Das gilt nur für die vorherige, 2. Generation – die aktuelle Version verfügt nur noch über zwei Anschlüsse.

 

Gebrauchtwagen mit Vorrichtungen für 3 Isofix-Kindersitze

Gerade als Familie greift man gerne zu günstigeren Gebrauchtwagen – und auch hier gibt es einige interessante Modelle, die über Vorrichtungen zum Anbringen von 3 Isofix-Kindersitzen verfügen. Hier eine Auswahl an Gebrauchtwagen:

Seat Alhambra

With the Seat Alhambra you have a practical shape and two sliding doors – good factors to make an excellent family car. Especially as a used car, it is a good choice, it is relatively cheap for what it offers: diesel and gasoline engines, plenty of space, plenty of storage space and safety - and of course the possibility of three child seats.

Ford S-Max

If you want a relatively modern-looking van, then the Ford S-Max is a good choice – in addition, it is really cheap as a used car for its size and great space. It drives safely and the space is really enormous. It is also very variable and all possible seven seats can be used well. The range of engines is also good – so the S-Max is a solid car for families.

Opel Combo

Visually, the Opel Combo may not be the most modern, but it offers a huge trunk, good safety equipment and up to seven seats. In addition, of course, you also have three Isofix preparations with you to be able to transport all children safely. Of course, you don't get a luxury vehicle here, but you get a good and cheap family car.

Dacia Lodgy

If you want a cheap but very everyday family car, then you should take a look at the Dacia Lodgy. It is available as a used car from less than 13,000 euros and can be equipped with up to three child seats. It is also optionally available as a seven-seater – depending on the variant. Overall, the Lodgy offers a lot of space and a very good price-performance ratio.

 

What is Isofix in the car?

When mums and dads are looking for a vehicle that meets the demands of their child, their eyes should light up brightly at one term in particular: namely Isofix, the gold standard among the variants of child seat attachment. These are small brackets that are usually embedded in the transition from seat to backrest.

The child seat is connected to the body with the help of these brackets, so that skidding or slipping in the event of an accident is ruled out. Some child seats also require the installation of a Top Tether, which must be attached to the upper edge of the seat with an anchor point in the trunk or to the rear of the rear seats as an additional tether.

Which cars have Isofix?

The best way to find out whether your dream car has Isofix mounts is to read the vehicle description. If you look at the vehicle on site at the dealership, you will see the eyelets – if present – protruding between the seat and the rear seat backrest. Often the word "Isofix" can also be found or a small child seat picture.

Does the Tesla Model 3 have Isofix?

The Tesla Model 3 only offers Isofix brackets on the two outer seats of the rear seat. If you want to install belt-based child restraint systems, you can do so on all seats.

Is there an SUV for 3 child seats?

Yes, there are some SUVs that have space for three child seats. In our article, we presented the Audi Q7, the VW T-Cross, the Skoda Enyaq iV and the Volvo EX30.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of Isofix

If you are unsure whether you need Isofix mounts in your vehicle at all, you can take a look at the following compilation of advantages and disadvantages of the Isofix belt system.

Pros

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

Cons

❌ not every Isofix child seat is approved
❌ for every car, in contrast to conventional child seats expensive
❌, only top tether seats are universally applicable

Caution with Universal Isofix adapters

The Federal Motor Transport Authority has issued a warning for universal adapters for Isofix retrofits. Please only use retrofit kits that are approved by the manufacturer itself. If your car does not have Isofix points, it is better to attach the child seat elsewhere - because universal adapters may endanger the child's life. You can find the entire article here.