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 2027 models.

Quick Answer: Which Cars Have Built-In Booster Seats?

As of the 2024 model year, Volvo is the only automaker that offers factory-installed integrated booster seats.

Current models include:

• Volvo XC90
• Volvo XC90 Recharge
• Volvo XC60
• Volvo XC60 Recharge
• Volvo V90 Cross Country
• Volvo V90 Recharge Cross Country

If you're shopping used, there are a few discontinued models that also offered built-in booster seats.

What is an Integrated Booster Seat?

A built-in booster seat (also called an integrated booster seat) is a booster that's built directly into the vehicle's rear seat rather than installed separately.

Instead of carrying a removable booster from car to car, the booster folds out from the seat when needed and folds flat when it's not in use.

Because they're designed specifically for the vehicle, you also don't have to worry about installing the booster incorrectly. The booster works with the vehicle's seat belt system exactly as intended.

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When is it Time for a Booster Seat?

Every state has its own booster seat laws, but legal requirements aren't always the same as best practice. As a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), I recommend looking beyond your child's age or size.

A child may be ready for a booster seat when they:

• Meet the minimum height and weight requirements listed by the booster seat manufacturer
• Can sit upright without slouching or leaning for the entire ride
• Keep the seat belt properly positioned across their shoulder and hips at all times
• Can buckle and unbuckle themselves correctly

If your child isn't consistently able to do those things, they're likely not ready for a booster yet—even if they technically meet the minimum requirements.

I have a full blog post here about booster seat readiness! It's worth the read!
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Which Cars Have 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 Reccomendations

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 
• Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat, Backless and High Back Booster Seat

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: