2025 Volvo XC90

The XC90 accommodates two car seats well and can work for three with the right setup. The bench option offers three-across potential as a 7-passenger configuration, while a 6-passenger captain’s chairs option is also available.

It’s very important to note that the 7-passenger (bench) configuration does not have any tether anchors in the third row. This means there is no way to properly install a forward-facing car seat in the third row using a top tether. The tether is critical for safety—it helps reduce head movement in a crash and can prevent a child’s head from moving forward 4–6 inches and striking the vehicle interior.

With the captain’s chairs configuration, Volvo includes a third (federally required) tether anchor on the passenger-side third-row seat. However, with the bench option, all three tether anchors are located in the second row, leaving none available in the third.

Before planning to install car seats in both the second-row captain’s chairs and the third row, be aware that access is very limited. Third-row access in both configurations requires a tilt-and-slide or fold-flat function, and you cannot access the third row with a car seat installed in an outboard seat. If you’re considering placing a booster in that position for easier removal and access, know that your options are extremely limited. The forward-angled head restraints create a gap with most booster seats. For this reason, I recommend opting for the 7-passenger bench and building a three-across setup instead.

Built-In Booster Seat

One of the most unique and family-friendly features of the XC90 is the optional built-in booster seat. The second-row center seat includes an integrated booster that folds up into position, creating a safe and convenient seating option without needing a separate seat.

I highly recommend this feature for families transporting children. It makes three-across or two-adjacent installations significantly easier and improves buckle access since the child isn’t reaching around traditional booster armrests.

LATCH + Third Row Considerations

Lower anchors are available only in the second-row outboard seats; there are none in the third row.

The third row also sits slightly higher, which can make it less comfortable for larger passengers or children using certain booster seats. If you plan to use the third row for a child in a booster, choose a low-profile option to maintain adequate head clearance and avoid contact with the vehicle roof.

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Head Restraints + Seat Compatibility

All head restraints in the XC90 are forward-angled and non-removable. This is not an issue for rear-facing car seats but can create challenges for forward-facing seats and boosters.

Car seats that tend to work well with these head restraints include:

• Nuna Rava
• Nuna Exec
• Nuna LUMN
• Clek Foonf
• Clek Fllo
• Graco SlimFit3 LX

For boosters, good options include:

• Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120
• Nuna AACE
• Evenflo GoTime

With the exception of the Rava, AACE, and GoTime, all of the above can also work well in three-across configurations in this vehicle.

Three-Across + Access Strategy

If you need to access the third row while using a car seat in the second-row center position, you’ll need an extremely narrow seat. The Clek and Graco models listed above work well for this, as does the Nuna Exec. (Or, of course, the built-in booster.)

Fit + Spacing Considerations

Second- and third-row legroom and clearance are somewhat limited. Bulky car seats will not fit well in either row, and most rear-facing seats will not fit in the third row at all.

For taller drivers or passengers, I recommend more compact seats like:

• Nuna Rava
• Nuna Exec
• Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 (also works well forward-facing)

Rotating car seats tend to be bulkier than traditional options, but some more compact models—like the Cybex Callisto G 360 and Britax Galaxy—may work for certain families in both rear- and forward-facing modes.

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