Only two vehicles earned top marks in Cars.com's 2026 Car Seat Report, revealing that some models are better equipped than others to meet the needs of families.
The details: The report, compiled by certified child passenger safety technicians over 12 months of hands-on testing, found that only the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS580 and the 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan earned straight A's across every car seat category.
Ten additional vehicles (listed below) were named "Top Finishers," ranging from the 2025 Acura ADX to the 2026 Volkswagen Atlas, with each earning A's in every category but one.
2025 Acura ADX
2025 and 2026 Chevrolet Blazer EV
2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid
2026 Honda Passport
2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
2025 Jeep Wagoneer S
2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid
2025 Lexus LX 700h
2026 Subaru Outback
2026 Volkswagen Atlas
To receive all A's, a vehicle must accommodate car seats without compromising front-seat legroom, feature easily accessible Latch anchors, and have seat belt buckles that children can grasp and use independently.
"A vehicle that makes car seat installation difficult creates more than daily frustration: it can affect how securely a child is restrained,” said Jennifer Geiger, Cars.com news editor and certified child passenger safety technician, per a press statement.
Why it matters: Family-friendly design can influence purchase decisions, giving dealers another way to highlight practical safety and convenience features that matter to shoppers with young children.
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By the numbers: The global family vehicle market is projected to reach $2.3 trillion by 2032 as automakers expand technology, connectivity, and safety features to meet the needs of modern families.
Plus, kid-focused vehicle features are becoming increasingly important, with millennial mothers and fathers spending 12% and 6% more time caring for their children, respectively, than their Gen X counterparts, according to The Economist.
"A family vehicle is a major financial investment, and it's also an investment in a family's safety and peace of mind," added Geiger.
For dealers: As family buyers continue to prioritize safety and everyday usability, vehicles that make child seat installation easier without compromising safety can be a meaningful selling point and help differentiate models in an increasingly competitive market.
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