Only 2 of 56 New Vehicles Ace Car Seat Test in Cars.com's 2026 Report
Cars.com's new report reveals only two out of 56 tested new vehicles achieved top marks for car seat fit and installation. The evaluation was released ahead of the back-to-school driving season.
Only two vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz GLS580 and the Volkswagen Tiguan, earned straight A's for car seat compatibility and installation in Cars.com’s newly released 2026 Child Car Seat Installation Report. The annual study assesses how well child car seats fit and install in the back seats of new vehicles.
The report evaluates a vehicle's ability to accommodate four different types of car seats: the infant seat, the forward-facing convertible, the rear-facing convertible, and the booster seat. These evaluations are critical for parents seeking safe and properly installed car seats for their children.
According to Cars.com, a significant number of vehicles struggle to accommodate car seats properly, leading to potential safety issues. The findings aim to guide consumers, particularly families, in making informed purchasing decisions.
In addition to the top performers, ten other vehicles were named to the "Top Finishers" list, indicating good performance but not perfect scores. All 56 evaluated vehicles and their detailed scores are available on Cars.com, providing a resource for parents as the busy back-to-school driving season begins.