So, how many car seats can you fit in an Outlander? It depends on the type of car seat you have. Plus, it's helpful to understand how the seats are laid out in the seven-seat Outlander and the car seat anchors it includes. Here is a row-by-row summary to help you visualize potential car seat placement:
If you have little ones, one of the first questions you'll likely ask during your search for a vehicle is, "How many car seats will this thing hold?" We know how vital space, comfort, and safety are to parents. So, our team at Boardman Mitsubishi has broken down all the important information regarding car seats for the Mitsubishi Outlander, including a few helpful tips for making road trips more enjoyable for the whole family.
What Is the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a sport utility vehicle (SUV) available in various trims, colors, and engine configurations. The sport model has five seats, while the traditional and electric versions of the SUV have seven seats. The Outlander, especially the seven-seat model, is a great vehicle option for families since it offers many seating options and ample cargo space.
How Many Car Seats Can You Fit?
- First row: The front row seats are not car seat compatible, as is true in most vehicles. There are no upper or lower anchors in the passenger seat.
- Second row: The middle row has three seats — two wider seats next to the doors and one narrow seat in the middle, connected to the wider seats. The two outside seats have a lower and an upper anchor, while the middle seat only features an upper anchor.
- Third row: The back row has two seats and no lower or upper car seat anchors.
Typically, installing infant and rear-facing convertible car seats requires lower anchors. In contrast, you can install forward-facing convertible car seats and some booster seats using the upper anchor. Some booster seats don't need any anchors and simply buckle in using the built-in seat belt.
So, it's theoretically possible to put five car seats in the Outlander: any car seat in the second-row outside seats, a forward-facing convertible car seat or booster in the second-row center seat, and two seat belt only boosters in the two third-row seats.
What Are the Best Car Seat Configurations?
While you can put five car seats in the Outlander, that only works if you have the right seats. Here are a few other configuration options based on the number of car seats:
- Five car seats: As mentioned, five car seats only work if you have two children in booster seats (which don't require anchors) and at least one child in a forward-facing seat. You'll also need to have relatively slim car seats for them to physically fit three across, but it is doable.
- Four car seats: The four-car-seat configuration is similar to the five-car-seat configuration, but you have a bit more flexibility depending on the seat type. Remember, only the two outside seats in the second row can accommodate infant or rear-facing car seats, while the middle seat can handle a front-facing car seat. If you have two kids in boosters, they can ride in the third row.
- Three car seats: With three car seats, you have more flexibility. Again, it depends on the type of car seats. For example, suppose you have one rear-facing car seat, one forward-facing, and one booster. In that case, you could easily put the rear-facing and forward-facing in the two outside second-row seats and the booster in the third row to give everyone plenty of space.
- Two car seats: If you only have two car seats to arrange, the best configuration is to use the two outside seats in the second row. You can put any type of car seat in those two seats, and parents have easy access to the kids from the front row if needed.
- One car seat: With just one car seat, you can choose which outside seat in the second row works best for your family. Some parents prefer to have their children right behind the driver. For others, it's easier to have them behind the passenger seat. Again, since both outside second-row seats have lower anchors and an upper anchor, they're compatible with any car seat.
Tips for Driving With Kids
Road-tripping with kids is a great way to travel and make memories. Here are some pointers you can use to keep the little ones happy for long stretches on the road:
- Bring snacks: The best way to keep your kids happy is to ensure they're well fed. With its spacious interior, there's plenty of room behind the Outlander's front row to keep a small cooler and snack bag to pass back when the little ones get peckish.
- Pack toys: If you embark on a long road trip with your kids, consider packing their favorite toys. Consider including a few new surprises as well because novelty can do wonders to keep children's spirits up.
- Play music: With crystal clear Bose speakers, everyone in the car can sing along to their favorite songs while you count down the miles to your destination.
- Get a sunshade: For young kids who like to sleep in the car, a sunshade can help keep them cool and comfortable. We can add sunshades designed specifically for the Outlander to your car purchase.
- Plan stops: Getting out and moving around is a great option when your children get restless or bored. Use the built-in navigation system to find playgrounds, restaurants, and other necessary road-trip stops.
As you can see, the Mitsubishi Outlander is an excellent choice for families with kids. Able to accommodate up to five car seats, it can be a game changer for a large family looking for the right vehicle. Call or stop by our Boardman Mitsubishi dealership today to see one in person and take it for a test drive.
Image Credits: Interior of 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander via mitsubishicars.com