Being the parent of a number of young children, one of the biggest problems may simply be how to accommodate all of their car seats in your car. For parents with three kids, this typically means asking, Can 3 Car Seats Fit in a Jeep Grand Cherokee? The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a spacious SUV, but fitting three car seats can be tricky depending on the type and size of the seats.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that affect whether it’s possible to fit three car seats comfortably in the back of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and share helpful tips to make it work.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Overview of the Vehicle’s Interior Space
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is renowned for the huge interior capacity, but how comfortable is it for child car seats, especially when you have to fit three across the back seats? With a 56-inch wide back seat and ample leg space, it offers ample room, although the comfort also depends on the seat sizes and configurations.
a. Interior Dimensions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee‘s interior is roomy, measuring 123 inches in length and 76.5 inches wide. These dimensions provide sufficient space for both the passengers and luggage, but fitting three car seats at the back requires extra care of the back seat space.
b. Rear Seat Width and Legroom
The rear seat of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is about 56 inches wide, with legroom ranging from 38.6 to 40.3 inches. This is quite spacious for adult riders, but when fitting more than one car seat, the width becomes the most critical. Legroom can be spacious for taller travelers, but car seats take up valuable space.
c. How These Dimensions Contribute to the Fit of Car Seats
The width of the rear seat is also crucial to fit more than a single car seat because various car seats vary in size. The thinner seats can take up a tighter space, and bigger and bulkier ones may struggle to take up three car seats. Rear legroom provides extra room for comfort but isn’t a straight-forward concern for car seat fitting unless the seats do enter the legroom space.
2. Car Seat Sizes and Storing Them within the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Not all car seats are the same, and understanding the types of car seats will enable you to determine whether three will accommodate in the rear of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Our infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats vary in size, with the narrower ones being the ideal choice for accommodating multiple seats.
a . Infant Seats, Convertible Seats, and Booster Seats
Infant seats are rear-facing and most appropriate for newborns, with a small size. Convertible seats can be utilized from infancy to toddlerhood, which are converted from rear-facing to forward-facing. Older children who have outgrown convertible seats use booster seats, lifting them up so that they may safely use the vehicle’s seatbelt.
b. Average Width of Each Type of Car Seat
Infant seats: Generally between 17 and 19 inches wide, which is the widest of all of the categories.
Convertible seats: Generally 18 to 22 inches wide, model-dependent.
Booster seats: Generally 18 to 20 inches, usually wider than infant seats but narrower than convertible seats.
c. Key Factors of a Car Seat That Influence Fitting into a Car
The design of the base, side wings design, and the general shape of the car seat all play a significant role in determining how well it will fit into the vehicle. Narrower bases and narrow side wings are ideal for smaller spaces. The seat’s padding and recline angle can also have a big impact on how well it fits, especially when installing more than one seat.
3. Will 3 Car Seats Fit in the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Though three car seats can fit in most cars, the specific size of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the specific kind of car seats you are using will dictate whether or not this is feasible. The rear seat width and the size of the car seats become the factors in how it is feasible.
a. Rear Seat Width and How It Fits Three Car Seats
Jeep Grand Cherokee offers 56 inches of rear seat width, which will accommodate three car seats. This can be tight depending on the size of the seats. Slenderer car seats will fit better, but thicker or larger ones may make the space cramped, minimizing the available space.
b. Fitting Options: Center vs. Outboard Positions
The center seat tends to offer the greatest room for accommodating a third car seat. Outboard locations are generally narrower because of the side bolsters on the vehicle. Utilizing the mid-position for one seat can accomplish balancing out the space, but seat selection needs to be done with caution in order to create a tight, secure fit.
c. Possible Issues with Various Car Seat Models
Different car seat models also vary in size, and some are too wide to fit three comfortably. Infant seats are usually narrower, but convertible and booster seats are wider. Car seats with large bases or side wings are space-makers and may make the outboard position fit difficult.
4. Professional Views: What Do Car Seat Technicians Think?
According to car seat technicians, three car seats do not only require space but proper installation too. They recommend using either the LATCH or seat belt system to secure safe fittings. Technicians emphasize firm installation of each seat without any gap or movement and compliance with safety procedures to maximize protection.
a. Child Passenger Safety Technicians’ Recommendations
Child passenger safety experts recommend employing the LATCH system or seatbelts for proper and safe installation to ensure all car seats fit snugly into place. They recommend consulting the car seat manual for proper installation directions and placing seats in positions that allow for the safest and most secure fit.
b. Tips for Proper Installation
To prevent improper installation, always follow your car seat and car manual instructions by the manufacturer. Make sure that the car seat is well-positioned with minimal movement. For rear-facing seats, ensure the recline position is suitable and for forward-facing seats, double-check whether the harness straps are in position and snug.
c. Safety Problems Installing Multiple Car Seats
It is unsafe to install more than one car seat when not properly installed. Overcrowding the back seat can prevent seats from being securely buckled and shifting in a collision. Misaligned car seats also can obstruct airbag deployment or safety belt positioning, increasing the risk of injury.
5. Tips for Fitting 3 Car Seats in a Jeep Grand Cherokee
To fit three car seats in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, choose slim-profile car seats designed for narrow spaces. Place one seat in the center position for better space distribution. Ensure proper installation by using the LATCH system or seat belts, and check that each car seat is securely fastened.
a. Choosing Slim-Profile Car Seats
To maximize space, opt for slim-profile car seats that are narrower in width. Brands like Diono, Clek, and Maxi-Cosi offer models designed for tight spaces. These seats typically provide a more efficient fit, allowing for easier installation of three seats in the back of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
b. Using the Middle Seat Position for Better Space Distribution
Placing one car seat in the middle position often allows for better space distribution. The middle seat is generally more spacious and can provide a more even fit, especially if the outboard positions are narrower. This setup can help you accommodate three seats more comfortably.
c. Tips on Installation and Safety
Ensure each car seat is securely installed using the LATCH system or seat belts. Tighten each seat to minimize movement, and double-check the harness straps for a snug fit. If possible, have a certified car seat technician inspect the installation to ensure optimal safety, especially when fitting multiple seats.
6. Alternative Solutions if 3 Car Seats Won’t Fit Starting
If you find that three car seats simply won’t fit comfortably, there are alternative options that might work better for your family’s needs. Consider using a narrower booster seat, opting for a convertible car seat, or exploring a 7-passenger vehicle with more spacious seating configurations.
If three car seats won’t fit comfortably, consider these alternatives:
- Explore a different vehicle or car seat combination for better compatibility.
- Utilize a car seat rental service or seek expert fitting assistance for proper installation.
- Upgrade to a larger vehicle if necessary for added space and comfort.
FAQ’s
1. Can you fit three car seats in a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Indeed, a Jeep Grand Cherokee can accommodate three car seats, but it largely depends on the size and type of car seats. Narrower car seats or booster seats tend to work better in the back seat, and you may need to test different configurations to ensure a secure fit.
2. What type of car seats fit best in a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Narrower, convertible, or slim-profile car seats are ideal for fitting three across in the back seat of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Some booster seats are also designed to be more compact, making them easier to fit alongside infant or convertible seats.
3. Is it possible to use a car seat in the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s front passenger seat?
It is not recommended to install car seats in the front passenger seat, especially for infants and toddlers. For safety reasons, the back seat is the safest place for all car seats. Always follow manufacturer guidelines regarding car seat placement.
4. What if three car seats don’t fit in the back seat of my Jeep Grand Cherokee?
If three car seats won’t fit comfortably, consider using a narrower booster seat, a more compact car seat model, or consult with a car seat technician for expert fitting. You might also want to explore larger vehicles with more spacious back seats.
5. Can I get expert help to ensure my car seats fit properly?
Yes, many car seat rental services and certified child passenger safety technicians offer fitting assistance. They can help ensure that your car seats are installed correctly and securely in your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
6. Should I upgrade my vehicle to fit three car seats?
If fitting three car seats in your Jeep Grand Cherokee is difficult, you might consider upgrading to a larger vehicle, such as a 7-passenger SUV or minivan, which may provide better space and ease of installation for multiple car seats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fitting three car seats in a Jeep Grand Cherokee is possible, but it depends on the size and type of car seats you choose. While the vehicle offers a decent amount of space, it’s important to consider the car seat models, configurations, and compatibility to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for your children. If necessary, explore options like narrower car seats, using expert fitting services, or even upgrading to a larger vehicle for added convenience.
Hello there, this is Thomas Byrd. I am a professional car mechanic who leads a team of junior mechanics in a repair and restoration shop. In the beginning, I used to work for a jeep service center as a basic worker. From there I keep learning, changed my job 2 times and now I am a professional who leads a group of mechanics. Though a have expertise in the jeep, I know very well about all types of cars. To share my knowledge and skills with others I have created this blog website. Whenever I get free time from work I give my time to my blog.