Best Car Seats for Tesla Model 3 – Baby, Convertible & Booster Seats
Table of Contents
Overview of The Tesla Model 3 and Seat Dimension
The Tesla Model 3 measures 52.4 inches in width (internally) in the back seat, door-to-door (hip room). This leaves it with a limit of accommodating car seats that measure at most 52 inches (max width – 17.3 inches each).
While this article focuses on the best car seats for Tesla Model 3, including infant, convertible, and booster seats, another article covers the best car seats for Tesla Model Y.
Even though the Model Y and 3 are similar compact SUVs and almost the same width (model Y = 51.2 inches), the recommendations of car seats for each model are slightly different because of the interior designs of both vehicles (different release years for the model 3).
On the other hand, the Tesla Model X which is a mid-size SUV has a wider interior, but limited car seat options due to its interior design. You can read more on the best car seats for Tesla Model X.
If the S will be your choice Tesla EV, you can read the best car seats for Tesla Model S in detail.
Key Decision-making Factors in Choosing Seats for your Model 3
The LATCH installation feature, center console, and middle seat are crucial considerations that determine the car seats in Tesla model 3.
Notwithstanding, I have reviewed the following car seats to be the best for Tesla Model 3 based on the following circumstances:
- Crash & safety tests of the car seats
- Installation features in model 3
- Ease of installation
- Weight and dimensions of the seats to fit three car seats in Tesla model 3 (front-passenger seat considered)
- Middle vehicle seat
- Car seat features (ease of use)
- Car seat expiration for each recommended car seat
Based on the above factors, the car seat that stands out as unique is the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 car seat (review). The car seat has its footprint in being the best convertible car seat for small cars because of its unique compact, slim design, lightweight, comfortable materials, safety, and ease of use features.
Contending with the SlimFit3 LX is the Diono Radian 3QXT, known for its numerous safety features, luxury design, and high-end value. The car seat is slim but comparatively bulky and affects the front seat when rear-facing.
Related: Diono Radian vs SlimFit.
Beyond these two car seats are other convertible car seats, boosters, and infant seats that are best for rear-facing and fit 3 across in Tesla Model 3.
Here is a quick insight into all the car seats that fit in Tesla Model 3; (Infant, Convertible & Booster);
Infant Car Seats:
- PegPerego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido – fits 3 across
- Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller – fits 3 across
- Chicco Key Fit series – fits 3 across
- Graco SnugRide SnugFit series – barely fits 3 across
- Clek Liing Infant Car Seat – fits 3 across
Convertible Car Seats:
- Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Diono Radian seresi 3-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Clek Foonf 2-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Britax Boulevard 2-in-1
- Chicco NextFit 2-in-1
- Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1
Belt-positioning Booster Seats:
- Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Peg Perego Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus – fits 3 across
- Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat
- Cosco Finale Dx 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
- Diono Everett NXT Fix Highback Booster Seat
- Maxi Cosi RodiFix Highback Booster Seat
2 Diono Radians on the outboard and center rear, and
1 Britax B-Safe 35 elite in rear-facing on the other outboard seat.
All 3 seats installed using seat belt ff.
Tip: install the middle seat first, then install the outboards.
Photo credit: u/scksmith on Reddit r/teslamotors
By the way, this picture illustrates that the Model 3 can have three car seats across.
The good news is that there are slimmer car seats than the Diono Radians and Britax B-Safe 35 in this picture (lesser than 17 inches).
At A Glance, The Top Infant, Convertible, & Booster Seat For Tesla Model 3
Best Infant Seat
- Fits 3 across
- Rear-facing infant car seat
- 10-position metal load leg and built-in anti-rebound bar
- Recommended weight range: 4-35 lbs.
- Height limit: 32 in.
- Product dimensions: 28.5"D x 17.25"W x 26.5"H
- Product weight: 10 lbs. (infant seat)
- Expiration: 7 years from the date of manufacture
- FAA Approved
Best Convertible Seat
- Fits 3 across
- 3-in-1 convertible car seat
- Recommended weight range: 5-100 lbs.
- Height limit: 57 in.
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered (frontal, side, rear & rollover crash tested)
- Dimension: 24.5"Hx16.7"Wx20.7"D
- Weight: 19.2 lbs.
- Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture
- FAA Approved
Best BoosterSeat
- Fits 3 across
- 2-in-1 booster seat
- Recommended weight range: 40-100 lbs.
- Height limit: 57 in.
- Converts from highback to backless booster seat
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered (frontal, side, rear & rollover crash tested)
- "BEST Bet" Booster rating by IIHS
- Dimension:26.5"Hx16.2"Wx15.5"D
- Weight: 9.13 lbs
- Expiration: 10 years from the date of manufacture
Important Features to Note About the Model 3 and How it Suits your Car Seat Needs
Here are essential guides to note when fitting car seats in your Tesla Model 3:
- There are only two sets of lower anchors in the outboard seats
- The rear seats support the use of upper tether, which is suitable for three forward-facing car seats
- The center back seat supports ONLY seat belt installation
- Any of the three rear seats support seat belt installation
- Each of the outboard seats will support either seat belt or LATCH system in rear- or forward facing
- 3 car seats can be installed rear-facing using the seat belt all through
- 3 car seats can be installed forward-facing using the seat belt all through
- An infant seat is recommended to be installed in the center rear as rear-facing, using the seat belt.
- A booster seat can be installed in the center rear using the seat belt.
Rear-facing installation may affect the front passenger seat depending on the car seat dimension (height, H) and if it is the LATCH system used. Consideration was made based on this factor in this recommendation article.
As a plus, the seat belt can be easy to install and is equally secure as the LATCH, so you don’t have to worry that you’re installing with a seat belt instead of the LATCH.
Tip: if you are yet to order your Model 3, don’t go for the white interior/seat color. Otherwise, buy a car seat cover for the entire back seat (if you already have your model, also) to avoid color stains from some car seats and food crumbs getting in the seat crack.
Best Infant, Convertible & Booster Seats for Tesla Model 3 – Also Fits 3 Across
Because of the narrow center seat and the back seat in general, strict consideration was made for only slim car seats that would fit in the compact Tesla model 3 perfectly as infant, convertible, and booster seats.
Also, because of how tight the installation eventually becomes, you may have to consider not switching car seats between your cars. Buy and install once. Most of the car seats have 10 years to their expiration.
Best Infant Car Seats for Tesla Model 3
1. PegPerego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido - Fits 3 Across
PegPerego, the Italian-made car seat brand, offers a suitable premium super lightweight infant seat that fits 3 perfectly in a Tesla Model 3.
The infant seat measures 17.25″ in width, base inclusive, making it suitable to fit three across in a model 3.
Additionally, the PegPerego Primo Viaggio features an Anti-Rebound Bar and a Load Leg which the Model 3 supports in all its passenger seats. This wins the Primo Viaggio the top spot as the best infant car seat for Tesla model 3 for extra safety, providing balance and limiting rotation during collision or impact.
Overview Table:
| PegPerego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Primo Viaggio
- Fits 3 across - perfect for your Tesla Model 3
- Super lightweight at 10 lbs. for the carrier
- Easy to install
- Easy to change the recline angle
- The canopy covers most of the seat, though not 100%, but you would not be needing a blanket
- Its 7 years expiration gives you window to use it for coming newborns
- A bit pricey
2. Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller – Fits 3 across
The Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller made it as the best infant seat for model Y, but this time it ranks 2nd for model 3.
The double feature of an infant seat and a stroller gives it a comparative advantage over other infant seats on the market. Save you more money when you think of a travel system.
Beyond this convenience feature, the infant seat meets the highest safety and quality standards in the US and the EU.
At 17.3″ in width, the car seat will fit 3 across in your m3. And weighing just 10 lbs., you can quickly and conveniently carry the seat if you don’t want to use the stroller feature.
Overview Table:
| Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Doona Seat & Stroller
- Excellent for newborns (tiny babies from 4lbs.)
- Perfect all-in-one travel system
- Perfect stroller (with brakes)
- Easy to convert to stroller and back to the infant seat
- Easy to install
- Also easy to install in car-sharing rides like Uber, Lyft, etc. even without the base – it is legal
- Super lightweight (and with the adjustable handlebar, it does not get any easier)
- Compact – the wheels don't get in the way of others when strolling
- Ensure to pick the correct version – the US or European (not a CON, really)
- Depending on the edition you are buying, you may need to buy other accessories like the shade and a rain cover
- The handle extension may be too short for a tall parent (though it is adjustable)
3. Chicco KeyFit Car Seat series - Fits 3 Across
The Chicco KeyFit series, which features the basic KeyFit, KeyFit 30, and KeyFit 35 infant car seats, has a common assembled dimension. Measuring 16.5” in width, any of the KeyFit series will fit 3 across as rear-facing car seats in your Tesla model 3.
What differentiates each of these car seats is the weight limit for a toddler.
The basic KeyFit, KeyFit 30, and KeyFit 35, respectively, have a maximum weight limit of 22 lbs., 30 lbs., and 35 lbs., making the KeyFit 35 your best bet.
While the KeyFit and KeyFit 30 have a height limit of 30″, the KeyFit 35 have an extended limit of 32″.
Related: Chicco KeyFit 30 vs 35.
Overview Table:
| Chicco KeyFit | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Chicco KeyFit
- Fits 3 across - perfect for your Tesla model 3
- Super lightweight at 10 lbs. for the carrier
- Very sturdy
- Easy to install
- Well-padded and very comfortable
- The recline positions give an excellent option to reduce baby's head flopping down
- Relatively pricey
- The canopy is stiff and may be hard to pull forward when the handlebar is up
- Hardly a drawback about this infant seat
4. Graco SnugRide® SnugFit™ series - Barely Fits 3
The Graco SnugFit™ series, a product line of the Graco SnugRide®, are infant seat series that feature a combo of safety technologies and easy installation for both the seat belt and LATCH systems without compromising on your child’s comfort.
The series consists of the SnugRide 35 Lite LX, SnugFit 35 LX, SnugRide® SnugFit 35 DLX.
The SnugRide® SnugFit™ 35 DLX is the slimmest of the series, measuring 17.5″ in width (DLX). That is the recommended variant for your model 3.
However, it will barely fit three across in a model 3. The total width would be 52.5″ while your M3 is 52.4″ at the rear.
Nonetheless, it will be great in the center rare alongside other slim convertibles recommended in this list on the outboards.
Note: There is the SnugRide® SnugFit 35 Elite which is similar to the SnugRide® SnugFit 35 DLX. The only difference is the weight and price. The Elite is lighter in weight (10 lbs.) and more expensive (around $40 difference) than the DLX (16.2 lbs.). Other than these, the rest features and configurations are similar.
Overview Table:
| SnugRide® SnugFit | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the SnugRide® SnugFit™ 35
- Super easy to install
- Super comfortable
- Very comfy for a preemie
- None found really
5. Clek Liing Infant Car Seat - Fits 3 Across
Clek Liing, from the Canadian-based child safety seat manufacturer, Clek, measures 16.9″ in width, making it a perfect fit for 3 across in a model 3.
On the other hand, the car seat is super lightweight at 9 lbs. (newborn insert removed) and is compatible with many stroller brands that feature a ‘Click & Go’ feature.
Not neglecting the safety needs of parents for high-safety infant seats, this baby bucket features advanced side-impact protection with EPP foam to protect the head and body in the event of a crash.
Overview Table:
| Clek Liing Infant Seat | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Clek Liing
- Fits 3 across and takes less front-to-back space
- Easy to install with or without the LATCH using the belt-tensioning system
- Easy to install without the base when in car-sharing rides like Uber, Lyft, etc.
- Free of Halogenated flame retardants (safe alternatives are used) (70% Merino wool, 30% Tencel)
- Pricey
Best Convertible Car Seats for Tesla Model 3
Convertible car seats are child safety seats that can be used in two or more modes.
They can be used as rear-facing and then converted to forward-facing, hence the name.
However, there are all-in-one convertible car seats that has additional highback booster seat mode. In some cases, there may be a fourth mode, a backless booster seat.
This section covers convertible car seats that fit three across in model 3 and other regular convertibles.
1. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 – Fits 3 Across
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 car seat, specifically the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1, is a space-saving car seat that fits 3 across in a Tesla model 3.
Measuring 24.5″Hx 16.7″W x 20.7″D in dimension, the SlimFit3 LX is 16.7 inches wide and weighs 19.2 lbs.
The height gives it additional advantage for a model 3 when rear-facing. It will not affect the front passenger seat.
The SlimFit3 LX can be used in 3 seat modes – rear-facing (min. 5 lbs.; max. 40 lbs.), forward-facing (min. 22 lbs.; max. 65 lbs.), highback booster seat (min. 40 lbs.; max. 100 lbs.)
Overview Table:
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the SlimFit3 LX
- Fits 3 across - perfect for your model 3
- Super easy to install
- Very comfortable
- LATCH supports up to 45 lbs. limit before switching to seat belt
- Easy to remove the seat cover (RapidRemove Cover)
- Easy to clean
- 2 newborn inserts
- 2 removable cups (usable in 3 across)
- The level indicator may be inconveniencing to read while tightening the strap since it is on the other side of the strap.
- ONLY certified for use in the USA
2. Diono Radian 3QXT – Fits 3 Across, But Heavy and Takes Front Space
The Diono Radian car seat series can be confusing as there are many of them.
However, their dimensions are the same. One of the differences across the models is the weight. The least weight is 29.5 lbs., and the heaviest (3QXT+) is 34.2 lbs.
Nonetheless, any of the Radian R and Q series will fit 3 across in your Tesla model 3.
The 3QXT is recommended from the Radian series as it is the most advanced model, packed with thorough safety features and rigorous tests.
The Radian series takes front space when installed in rear-facing because of the height when reclined.
Overview Table:
| Diono Radian 3QXT | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Radian 3QXT
- Fits 3 across
- Easy to install
- Extended usage in rear-facing – up to 50 lbs.
- Very comfortable
- Packed with lots of safety features and testing
- Can be folded into a compact size for easy travel (depth becomes 11 inches)
- 2 newborn protection and support inserts
- Very heavy (32 lbs.)
- Does not have recline angles (need to purchase an angle adjuster)
- It takes up a lot of room space when rear-facing (the angle adjuster helps correct this)
- It is difficult to remove the seat cover and fit back
- When rear-facing, the car seat has to be uninstalled to take off the seat cover
- Comes with 1 cup holder, which has to be detached to fit 3 across
3. Clek Foonf 2-in-1 Car Seat - Fits 3 Across
Like the Liing from Clek, this is another from their product line, this time a 2-in-1 car seat that can be used as RF and FF, and with an extended usage when rear-facing, up to 50 lbs.
Measuring 16.9″ in width, the Clek Foonf will fit 3 across in a Tesla model 3.
However, it weighs 33 lbs., which is very heavy.
This car seat is not recommended for rear-facing in your M3 because of its height (28″).
Overview Table:
| Clek Foonf | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Foonf 2-in-1
- Fits 3 across
- Easy to install
- Free of Halogenated flame retardants (safe alternatives are used) (70% Merino wool, 30% Tencel)
- Pricey
- Very heavy
- You need to buy an infant-thingy insert sold separately
- May take up front-to-back space when rear-facing (28 in. height)
Suppose you wouldn’t need up to 3 car seats in your model 3 and want something comparatively wider but compatible with M3. In that case, the following are recommended for use on the outboard seats:
4. Britax Boulevard ClickTight 2-in-1 Car Seat
Another 2-in-1 convertible car seat from the Britax family is the Boulevard ClickTight, weighing 29.8 lbs. and measuring 18.5″ at the widest point.
However, they are similar in major features and configuration. The only difference is that the Boulevard has a double layer of side impact protection, while the Marathon is not double.
The Boulevard is best fitted on the outboard seats.
Related: Britax Marathon vs Boulevard.
Overview Table:
| Boulevard 2-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Britax Boulevard Car Seat
- Easy to transition from rear-facing to forward-facing
- FREE of flame-retardant chemicals
- Relatively easy to install
- Pricey
- It is bulky (consider this if you will be switching cars)
5. Chicco NextFit 2-in-1 Car Seat
Chicco NextFit, another car seat from Chicco, is a 2-in-1 convertible car seat that fits well in a Tesla Model 3 on the outboard seats as FF, with the width measuring 19″W.
This seat is recommended if you do not need up to three car seats in your model 3 or are not planning for a third child in an M3.
However, this car seat is best fit as forward-facing instead of rear. The NextFit at full recline measures 29″, which will affect either of the front seats when rear-facing.
While this NextFit may be confusing in choosing one because of its versatile variants, they all have the same configuration, and any will fit in a Tesla Model 3.
This tip can help you; the NextFit Zip, Sport, ClearTex, and Max, differ majorly by the following features:
- NextFit Sport: 1 cup holder
- NextFit Zip: 1 cup holder and Zip & Wash seat cover
- NextFit Zip Air: 1 cup holder, Zip & Wash seat cover, and 3D AirMesh
- NextFit Zip Max: 2 cups holders, Zip & Wash seat cover, 3D AirMesh, and Extended Leg Room.
Related: Chicco NextFit vs OneFit.
Overview Table:
| Chicco NextFit | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Chicco NextFit Car Seat
- Easy to install
- Very comfortable
- Easy to recline the car seat
- Reasonable weight, therefore, can be switched between cars
- Different variants with seemingly negligible differences at higher prices
6. Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1
The Extend2Fit is another model from Graco with a slim design, extended rear-facing usage, and an extended panel for extra legroom for your child.
This car seat measures 19 inches in width. Therefore, it will not fit three across the back.
However, it weighs (20.61 lbs.) which is less than many other convertibles recommended so far, and saves more space when rear-facing.
Related: Graco Extend2Fit vs Chicco NextFit.
Overview Table:
| Extend2Fit 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Graco Extend2Fit Car Seat
- Extended usage in rear-facing – up to 50 lbs.
- Extra legroom (only in RF) – up to 5 inches.
- Very comfortable
- Super easy to install (the level indicator is easy to read)
- LATCH supports up to 45 lbs. limit before switching to seat belt
- 6 recline positions (SlimFit3 LX has 4)
- 2 removable cups
- The seat has to be uninstalled before removing the seat cover
- The seat cover can be challenging to fix back
- Straps may be challenging to tighten
- The cup holders are square shaped
- ONLY certified for use in the USA
Thorough Comparison Among these Convertible Car Seats
With this long list of convertible car seats for Tesla Model 3, it may be difficult to make a choice.
Or, maybe you’re stuck between two choices.
Not to worry. Here are comprehensive comparison articles on different combinations of the recommended seats that can help you.
Diono Radian vs Graco SlimFit3 LX
Diono Radian vs Graco Extend2Fit
Diono Radian vs Britax Boulevard Clicktight
Diono Radian vs Clek Foonf
Best Booster Seats for Tesla Model 3
While getting an all-in-one convertible car seat is simply the best as it saves you money in the long run, with the option of using it as a booster seat later in the future, the need for a booster seat may arise anytime earlier, and that may be the time to get one.
The following are recommended booster seats for Tesla model 3 that may fit 3 across or will fit as a third car seat with other slim car seats already installed.
1. Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster Seat - Fits 3 across
The Graco TurboBooster LX is the slimmest 2-in-1 booster seat and that will fit 3 across in a Tesla model 3.
The slim design also gives it an advantage to be combined as a third seat with other car seats in the vehicle and can be installed in the center rear if the need arises.
Measuring 16.2 in. wide, it is super slim and will fit 3 perfectly. It can be used in highback booster mode and transformed into a backless booster as your child grows.
This wins it the best booster seat for Tesla model 3.
Overview Table:
| Graco TurboBooster LX | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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PROS & CONS
- Fits 3 across
- Easy to install and secure with the LATCH system (a very important safety feature)
- Easy to convert from highback to backless booster
- Easy to use the self-buckling feature by an 'independent' child
- Super lightweight
- Affordable pricing
- The cup holder is tucked away in a hidden manner on the bottom of the seat (easy to find eventually)
2. Peg Perego Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus Booster Seat - Fits 3 across
The Peg Perego brand took the top spot as the best infant car seat for Tesla model 3, specifically for its load leg and anti-rebound bar features.
This time around, the brand makes it to the top list of best booster seats, though not on the first spot, but this time for its diversity in safety, installation, and ease-of-use features, including BEST BET booster rating by IIHS.
The Peg Perego Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus is a 2-in-1 booster seat measuring 17″ in width, weighs 14 lbs., has a max weight limit of 120 lbs., height limit of 63″, and lifespan of 12 years, albeit pricey.
Good news! It will fit 3 across your M3, hence its second spot on the best booster seats for Tesla Model 3.
Overview Table:
| Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus Booster Seat
- It fits 3 across
- Packed with numerous features
- Super comfortable
- Super easy to install
- Very long lifespan – 12 years
- Relatively bulky for a booster seat (at 14lbs.)
- Very expensive for a booster seat (worth it, though)
3. Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster Seat
The Chicco brand makes it again on the list of best car seats for Tesla model 3, this time around, on booster seats for M3.
The Chicco KidFit is also a 2-in-1 booster seat like the Graco TurboBooster and Peg Perego Viaggio that can transition from a high back to a backless booster seat.
The KidFit’s slim design gives it its spot as a top booster seat for your model 3. However, measuring 19” in width, it will not fit three across.
Nonetheless, fitting two on the outboard seats or serving as a third car seat to either two SlimFit3 LX or any two of the infant seats (except Peg Perego Primo and Clek Liing) recommended earlier will fit 3 across in the back seat perfectly (max total width of 52.4″).
Overview Table:
| Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Booster | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Chicco KidFit Booster Seat
- Easy to install
- Easy LATCH release system (very important safety feature)
- Easy to convert to backless booster from highback
- Easy to remove seat cover ad fit back
- Lightweight
- Double cupholder
- Affordable pricing
- Not self-buckling like the TurboBooster LX
4. Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Booster Seat
The Cosco Finale DX is a 2-in-1 booster seat supposedly to fit three across in most vehicles.
However, at 19″W, that will not be the case in a Tesla model 3.
Notwithstanding, it will fit as a third car seat along with some infant and convertible seats recommended in this article. Just ensure the total width does not exceed 52.4″.
It is also a forward-facing car seat that transitions to a booster seat. Since it has a 5-point harness system, it can be used on an aircraft as a FF seat.
Overview Table:
| Cosco Finale DX | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Finale DX Booster Seat
- Super lightweight
- Suitable for air travel (5-point harness, FF & lightweight)
- Easy to install
- Supports usage in a 5-point harness system up to 65 lbs. (FF)
- The seat cover is easy to remove
- Quite comfortable
- The cup holder
- Affordable pricing
- Fabric is not very quality
- Not well cushioned
- The general quality is not top-notch
- Not a backless booster seat
5. Diono Everett NXT Fix Highback Booster Seat
Diono Everett NXT Fix Highback Booster Seat measuring 18.5″W is a slim booster seat but will not fit three across in your Tesla Model 3.
It has excellent ease-of-use features like the easy-click rigid LATCH connectors and easy one-hand headrest adjustment. It is a suitable option for you.
However, it does not feature a backless seat mode, which you may want to consider if you need that configuration.
The booster seat will fit as a third car seat with other slim car seats recommended in this article. Ensure the total width hovers around 52″.
Overview Table:
| Everett NXT Highback | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Everett NXT Fix Booster Seat
- Super lightweight
- Easy to install
- Easy to adjust headrest
- Easy self-buckling
- Extended usage as a booster seat up to 120 lbs. and 63."
- Relatively pricey for a highback booster seat
- There is minimal padding on the seat and the back – which may not be very comfy for a child
- It rattles even though it is easy to install
- No cupholder (you have to buy separately)
- Not a backless booster seat
6. Maxi Cosi RodiFix Highback Booster Seat
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Booster seat, a slim design highback booster seat, measures 18″ in width and therefore makes it to the list.
However, according to the internal width of the Tesla Model 3, the RodiFix will not fit three across in model 3.
Nonetheless, it can serve as a third car seat or pair with any two other seats from this article.
Overview Table:
| RodiFix Highback Booster | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the RodiFix Booster Seat
- It is super comfortable
- Packed with safety features
- Easy to install
- Relatively bulky for a booster seat
- Relatively pricey for a highback booster seat
- No cupholder
- Not a backless booster seat
Final Decision-making Factors and Recommendations Based on Performance & Possible Preferences
Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 takes the top spot for several reasons. It is the best car seat for Tesla Model 3 and other compact cars. The dimensions (width and height) offer it its unique advantage of fitting 3 across and not affecting the front passengers when rare-facing.
Not to mention its three-seat modes as rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes, and its 10 years expiration date.
On the other hand, it has high safety crash rating features, excellent installation features (seatbelt is super easy), lightweight, and convenient ease-of-use features.
The following will help you make a final decision based on your preferences and the car seats’ performance.
- If you need three rear-facing car seats in your Model 3, go for the top spot – Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido. It fits 3 across and has an anti-rebound bar and load leg, which your model 3 supports in all passenger seats.
- If you need a travel system without having to spend more on strollers, go for the Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller. The easy operation to convert to a stroller and back to an infant seat is super convenient and excellent. It also fits 3 across.
- If you need a combination of infant and convertible car seats, go for either the Viaggio 3-35 Nido or the Doona Infant seat and the Graco SlimFit3 LX. You should install the infant seat first and in the center rear before installing the others on the outboard seats. You can easily unclick the infant seat from the base while the convertibles on the outboards remain.
- If you need only convertibles and just two seats in rear-facing orientation, then either the Britax Boulevard, Chicco NextFit, or Graco Extend2Fit will be fine. The most preferred would be the Extend2Fit because of the extended usage in rear-facing and 4-inch panel for extra legroom. These seats have reasonable heights that will not affect the front passenger seats when RF.
- If you need just forward-facing convertibles, the Diono Radian 3QXT would be best. The second option will be the Clek Foonf. Both seats are tall (height) and will affect the front seat when RF, but they are great as FF.
- If you need a combination of car seats for different modes, have it in mind that you will install the infant seat in the center rear as RF. Then a booster seat can be behind the driver seat and the convertible behind the passenger. This is so either parent can have eyes on the outboard positions, and those same passengers can also look after their younger one in the center. Then, the center rear is the safest place for an infant seat. The top recommended seats for each seat type can be used.
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