Speaking of three-across car seats

Right now, the minivan is really convenient, but I don't love it. But, I can't fathom driving a big ol' honkin' SUV either -- part of the reason I don't love the minivan is because it's too big to park!

We have the kids in two Radians and a Graco Nautilus. Are there any medium-sized SUV's that might fit the three of these across?

 

I have the 'honkin' Expedition and it barely fits three across. It works, but it's a squeeze...

 

I had a Volvo XC90 with the following combinations:
- 1 ff Marathon + 2 rf Graco infant seats (side by side)
- 2 rr Marathons (side by side) + 1 ff Radian 65
- 2 ff Marathons + 1 ff Radian 65 (in the middle)

The Radians are super narrow and great for fitting 3 across. They also have high weight limits, high top slots, a long life span so you'll get plenty of use out of it. My almost 5 yo (and 95% for length) still has space to grow!

I didn't find the Volvo very large at all. We shipped it to Europe, where parking spaces are smaller, etc. but didn't have problems at all.

We once rented a RAV4 but that didn't work (I had to put my oldest in the Safe Rider Vest in the middle because her seat didn't fit).

 

I have fit 3 across in a Saturn Ion and a Ford truck :lol:. It's a tight squeeze but it's doable. I have a minivan now though too and can't wait until we can downsize.

 

You're in good shape since you already have 2 Radians, those are the best for three across. However, if you are planning on keeping the new car for a while, you may run into trouble later if you get something that requires the thinness of the Radians for it to work. You'll need more space once your twins bump up to the Nautilus, especially if your oldest is still in a booster at that point.

As for an actual car that would work, check this thread at car-seat.org for successful 3 across installations http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=33226. You might get some ideas from it. From my own experience, I know that you'll need something bigger than a CRV (2006). That is what we have and I don't believe it would fit two Radians and Nautilus. Also, some sedans are pretty roomy, so you may not have to get an SUV. You'll also want to try the car seats in the car before you buy. The Radian can be pretty finicky to install in some cars, particularly with the seat belt (which you'll have to do after your kids are over the lower latch weight limit).