Cars.com 2025 Best Cars For Car Seats Winners

I hear from parents in the market for a new vehicle that have more than just horsepower and infotainment to consider—child seat safety and the ease of use for the kiddos are often top priorities. For those shoppers, Cars.com has named its 2025 Best Cars for Car Seats after conducting 55 Car Seat Checks across the latest model-year vehicles. Just seven vehicles made the final cut by earning straight-A grades in all evaluation categories:

Straight As Recipients:

• 2025 Genesis GV80 SUV/Coupe
• 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
• 2025 Lexus RX 450h+
• 2025 Mercedes-EQ EQS 450+ Sedan
• 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
• 2025 Subaru Crosstrek
• 2025 Volkswagen Atlas

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid earned praised for its easily accessible LATCH anchors, removable head restraints that support secure seatback placement, and a rear seat that accommodates car seats without compromising front-row legroom. Cars.com noted that even with a 6-foot-tall adult in front, the Tucson Hybrid provided enough room in back for rear-facing child seats without requiring seat adjustment—something many parents will appreciate.

Another strong performer is the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, which joins the list for a second straight year. The Pathfinder earned high marks for thoughtful packaging, intuitive anchor placement, and versatile seating options that made securing different types of child restraints easier for caregivers. Its third-row access and generous cabin space also helped it stand out in this year’s testing.

Nearly Straight As

Cars.com also recognized 11 “almost perfect” vehicles. Each of these earned all As except for one B grade in a specific row or seat type, reflecting excellent overall performance with only minor usability issues. The 2025 Nissan Rogue, which I reviewed this week, was recognized among the group:

• 2025 Buick Envista
• 2025 Cadillac Lyriq
• 2025 Ford F-150
• 2025 GMC Sierra 1500
• 2025 Honda Odyssey
• 2025 Mazda CX-70
• 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• 2025 Nissan Rogue
• 2025 Subaru Forester
• 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
• 2025 Subaru Forester

Each vehicle was evaluated for its ability to accommodate an infant seat, rear-facing convertible seat, forward-facing convertible seat, and a booster seat. Technicians reviewed not only installation ease but also how well the seats fit within the vehicle’s design, seat belt configuration, and head restraint compatibility.

According to Cars.com, the Car Seat Checks are conducted by a certified child passenger safety technician, using real-world methods and popular car seat models. The process is designed to simulate what parents and caregivers experience daily—installing and removing car seats, connecting top tethers, managing LATCH anchors, and ensuring proper fit and stability.

For busy families and expectant parents, and even grandparents who tote the grandchildren, the list offers guidance that goes beyond spec sheets and showroom impressions. It’s about how a vehicle works when real-life parenting logistics come into play.