Cars With Built-in Booster Seats: Which Models Offer Integrated Options?
With three kids under 5, I find myself buying new shoes and clothes for their seemingly never-ending growth spurts. As kids grow, their needs for car safety change and before I know it, my oldest will graduate from a car seat to a booster seat. I'm deep down the rabbit hole of booster seat safety, and the compatibility of the devices with different vehicles, and I'm taking you with me.
There are tons of options for external booster seats, but only one car manufacturer offers an integrated booster seat in 2024 models.
What is an Integrated Booster Seat?
Apple Carplay and Lane Keeping Assist are technological add-ons that make my life easier and more enjoyable on the road. Like those blue-bubble iMessages seamlessly integrate with every iPhone, built-in booster seats are incorporated into the car's structure, streamlining child safety when you need it without compromising on sleek design.
In current models, these booster seats pop out of the car's rear seat and offer two different height options for fast-growing kids. And nothing beats the peace of mind that comes from knowing the booster is installed correctly and designed to work with the car's seatbelt system.
The seat easily folds out when needed and stows away with a click of a button— no juggling equipment into the trunk or squeezing grown adults between children's chairs.
When is it Time for a Booster Seat?
While the rules vary from state to state, most laws require children to ride in a booster seat if:
They are under the age of eight
They weigh between 40 and 80 pounds
They are shorter than four feet, nine inches tall
As a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), I know there are tons of regulations about car seats/boosters, and as a parent, keeping my kids safe is my top priority. With built-in booster seats, safe installation is guaranteed.
Don't take my word for it, though! Read your manuals for every car seat you purchase! No exceptions.
Don't Keep Me Waiting! Which 2024 Cars Offer Built-in Booster Seats?
Unsurprisingly, Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety, is the only manufacturer currently offering built-in booster seats.
While the first US law requiring seatbelt usage was still six years away, Volvo introduced the world's first booster cushion in 1978. In 1990, the brand launched another first— the integrated booster seat.
Volvo's integrated seats have a lower position for children between 50 and 80 pounds and an upper one for children between 33 and 55 pounds to accommodate all those growth spurts!
Which Volvo Models Have One Booster Seat?
The 2024 XC90 and XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid mid-size SUVs offer a single booster seat in the middle rear seat. This design leaves enough room for a car seat on either side of the booster for a not-too-squished sibling sandwich.
Do Any Models Offer More Than One Built-in Booster Seat?
The 2024 XC60 and XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid compact crossover SUVs and 2024 V90 and V90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid Cross Country wagons offer two built-in booster seats next to the rear row windows, with space for a car seat in between.
With this feature, you can easily transport elementary-aged siblings or say yes to a last-minute playdate without compromising anyone's safety.
With few models offering this feature, it's important that you go into your negotiations knowing what you need and what you're willing to pay. I've got your back with my "How to Save at the Dealership" course!
Used Cars Are My Jam. Which Past Models Offer Built-in Booster Seats?
I hear you! New is nice, but used vehicles are a great way to get the features you want at a price you can afford!
Used car lots have great deals on older-model vehicles. Look for these models with built-in booster seats:
Dodge Journey SUV - discontinued in 2019
Chrysler Town & Country - discontinued in favor of Super Stow 'n Go seats
Dodge Grand Caravan - discontinued in favor of Super Stow 'n Go seats
My Top Booster Seat Recomendations
Whether your car has built-in booster seats or not, your child still has to remain safe on the road. If you’re looking for a booster seat that is three car seats across tested, here are a list of my favorites:
Graco® TurboBooster® LX Backless Booster with Affix Latch
Evenflo Maestro Sport Harness Highback Booster Car Seat, 22 to 110 Lbs.
Graco Nautilus 2.0 LX 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat ft. InRight Latch
Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Backless and High Back Booster Seat
Clek Oobr High Back Booster Car Seat with Rigid Latch
To see a complete list of all my favorite booster seats, click here.
Do I Need a Car With a Built-in Booster Seat?
I'm going to level with you here. You do not need a car with a built-in booster seat. There are plenty of boosters that prioritize your child's safety and comfort at a reasonable price without requiring a new car purchase.
However, if you're already considering a Volvo XC90, XC60, or V90, the integrated boosters certainly "boost" this brand's child-friendliness.
From a financial perspective, I can’t recommend making a $50,000+ decision based on a piece of equipment that costs less than $100 to buy separately, but at the end of the day, integrated booster seats are a fun feature I hope is built into more cars in the future. It shouldn't be a deciding feature while buying a car, but if you've got it, use it!
Would you ever purchase a vehicle with built-in booster seats? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest vehicle features, check out my recent posts:
