Three-row mid-size SUVs are great for hauling families and their stuff, and knowing those families’ kiddos are going to be safely ensconced in child safety seats is definitely desirable. That’s why Schomp Nissan is so happy that our 2025 Nissan Pathfinder got straight As in the Cars.com “Best Cars for Car Seats” awards.

These awards, are based on year-long data gathered in evaluations by two Cars.com certified child safety seat technicians, Jennifer Geiger and Jenni Newman. They tested 55 different vehicles offered by manufacturers: 

What Gets Checked?

The Cars.com experts – both mothers – put particular focus on the vehicles’ LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children). These are where the seats are hooked up inside the vehicle, and if you’ve ever installed a car seat, you know what a pain they can be to use! 

Their verdict on the Pathfinder three-row SUV LATCH system: “In the second row, there are two sets of lower anchors that are easy to access. Two top tether anchors sit midway down the seatback; they’re clearly marked and easy to use.” Grade “A.” The test vehicle had second-row captain’s chairs, handling two safety seats.

They also rated each type of car seat:

• Infant Seat: Grade A – “... easy to install, and our 5-foot-7-inch front passenger had enough legroom in front of it.
• Rear-Facing Convertible: Grade A – “... the rear-facing convertible went in easily and fit well.
• Forward-Facing Convertible: Grade A – “...In the second row, the forward-facing convertible was easy to install and fit well. The Pathfinder’s second-row head restraints are removable, so the convertible fits flush against the seatback.
• Booster Seat: Grade A – “...The booster also fit well in the second row thanks to the Pathfinder’s removable head restraints and wide, flat seats. The seat belt buckle sits low in the seat, but it’s stable and sticks up just enough for small hands to be able to grasp independently.

 

Learn more about how Cars.com conducts Car Seat Checks.

 

Buckle in or Face Fines

 

Parents, obviously, want to do whatever they can to keep their children safe in the case of an accident, but the State of Colorado has some pretty stringent regulations, including fines, to persuade us to comply: 

 

• Under 1 year and less than 20 lbs – rear-facing car seat and located in the rear seat if there is one.
• 1-4 years between 20-40 lbs – rear-facing or forward-facing car seat located in rear seat if available.
• 4-8 years – booster seat located in rear seat if available.
• 9-18 years – properly fitted seat belt or child restraint system.

 

Schomp Nissan is proud to offer the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder as a Cars.com “Best Cars for Car Seats” to parents wanting the ultimate in child safety. It doesn’t hurt that it’s beautiful, comfortable and handles well, too! Visit us and see for yourself!