Best Car Seats for Tesla Model X - Second & Third Rows
Table of Contents
Overview of The Tesla Model X and Seat Rows' Dimension
While choosing a car seat might be the most daunting task as a new parent or growing family, choosing a specific car seat that meets peculiar needs, like a car model, can be even more demanding.
The Model X, a 2015 release electric vehicle of the Tesla brand, is a mid-size SUV, unlike other Tesla models like the 3, Y and S that are compact, giving you more room space and more options for a car seat in its 7-seater variant, but that isn’t the case exactly.
This model X has some limitations when it comes to car seat choices, such as rear-facing & front passenger seats distance (room space), accessibility to the middle seat (3 seats across in the second row) and the leg room in the third row.
This article focuses on the best car seats for Tesla Model X, including infant, convertible and booster seats and what fits in the second and third rows, including 3 across.
Because of the limitation of the Tesla Model X regarding child safety seats, despite having a wider interior, the best-recommended child restraint systems are the slim car seats that can also fit 3 across (under 17 inches wide).
Earlier, I also reviewed the best car seats for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. You can check them out.
Decision-making Factors to Consider in Choosing Car Seats for your Model X
The compelling factors to consider in choosing the Tesla Model X vehicle if you’re planning to buy one, or car seats for your MX if you already have one, lie on various reasons such as;
- Family size
- Car seat needs
- Children age
- Interior space
- Car seat type
Although the Model X is bigger than the Model Y and 3, and with an additional 3rd row, there are still limitations on the type of car seat you can install.
The Model X measures 59″ in the rear seat and 38.5″ in the third row (hip room, door to door).
- Family size – depending on the size of your family at the moment and what it’ll be in the next feature, you want to plan well for how fit the Tesla Model X will meet your family’s needs in terms of car seats. You may want to consider spacing your children pretty well so you don’t have to use similar car seats at the same time.
- Car seat needs – while car seat laws vary from state to state, you want your infant to ride rear-facing as long as possible before transitioning to forward-facing. But that leaves you with slimmer choices as a rear-facing seat may affect the front passenger seat depending on your height and the car seat dimensions.
- Children’s age – this relates to your family size and car seat needs. Depending on your state’s car seat laws, the age of your child and the type of car seat they should ride in will also affect your decision-making.
- Interior space – above all, the interior of the model X greatly affects the type and number of car seats you can install. While the 6-seater variant has a middle space that grants you easy access to the third row, the 7-seater doesn’t, especially when car seats are installed.
- Car seat type – ultimately, do you need a rear-facing infant seat, a forward-facing convertible or a booster seat? Either of these car seat types determines where you can install them for easy access for your children and yourself.
Based on these factors, careful consideration was made to select the best car seats that fit well in the Model X and recommendations on where to install each car seat type.
Nonetheless, the best choices of car seats for the Tesla Model X fall best on compact car seats to give you the best fitting.
Here is a quick insight into all the car seats that fit in the Tesla Model X; (Infant, Convertible & Booster):
Essential Features to Note About the Model X, how it Suits your Car Seat Needs and Other Limitations to be Aware of
The Tesla Model X has specific features that make fitting a car seat peculiar in the second or third row.
Here are essential guides to be aware of when installing a car seat in your Model X:
- A Tesla Model X is either equipped with second-row monopost seats (6-seater) or second-row bench seats (7-seater)
- The Easy Entry into the third row must be disabled in monopost seats when installing a car seat in the second row.
- The Easy Entry into the first row must be disabled in bench seats when installing a car seat in the second row.
- If a child seat is installed behind the driver seat, do not use the Easy Entry to automatically move the driver’s seat to the full rearward position.
- The button setting that allows the second-row outboard seat to move forward for easy access into the third row should be turned OFF when a child is seated in the second-row monopost seat.
- The button on the backrest of a second-row outboard bench seat should not be used when a child is seated in the second row.
- The rear center seat is equipped with only seat belts (there is no LATCH/ISOFIX system).
- All passenger seats are equipped with seat belts.
- The outboard seats are equipped with 2 sets of lower anchors and an upper tether.
- The third-row seats are not equipped with lower anchors.
- The second and third-row seats support the use of upper tether straps (if required by the safety restraint manufacturer’s instruction).
- The first and second-row passenger seats of the Model X support the use of a child safety seat equipped with a safety leg
Other Limitations to be Aware of
As much as the Tesla Model X has seat doors that open upwards and make installing or getting child restraint seats in and out of the vehicle easy, accessing the middle seat, especially if rear-facing and 3 seats installed, can be challenging.
Also, installing a rear-facing car seat behind the driver’s seat may not be recommended if you’re tall.
Accessing the third row by an independent child may be tight when there are 3 seats installed across the second row. However, children at their relatively small size should be able to pass through.
There is little legroom available in the third row. This becomes more of a challenge when the child seat is high and bulky. As such, a forward-facing car seat with low height clearance, and more preferably, booster seats, be installed in the third row.
You may need to use a seat protector on the back of the front passenger seats, behind, and under your child safety seats to prevent scratching and stains on your vehicle seats.
However, after going through some of the limitations to what is expected in a Tesla Model X, the following recommended car seats have been assessed to overcome some of these limitations, if not all. And further recommendations have been made on where best to install any of them in your MX.
Safe to say, the following are the best car seats for Tesla Model X, and you can trust these recommendations based on the practical assessments made earlier.
Best Infant, Convertible & Booster Seats for Tesla Model X
Here is a quick insight into all the car seats that fit in the Tesla Model X; (Infant, Convertible & Booster);
Infant Car Seats:
- PegPerego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido – fits 3 across
- Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller – fits 3 across
- Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat – fits 3 across
Convertible Car Seats:
- Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Diono Radian 3QXT 3-in-1 – fits 3 across
- Clek Foonf 2-in-1 – fits 3 across
Booster Seats:
Tesla Model X 3rd Row Car Seat
To further simplify the best car seats for your Model X, the following are highlighted as preferable seats for the 3rd row as either forward facing or booster:
- SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 (convertible as ff & highback booster)
- Diono Radian 3QXT (convertible as ff & highback booster)
- Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 (as highback & backless booster)
- Peg Perego Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus (as highback & backless booster)
Tesla Model X Second Row Seats
The following safety seats are best suited in the second row as infant, convertible or booster seats:
- Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido (as infant seat – rf)
- Doona Car Seat and Stroller (as infant seat – rf)
- KeyFit 35 (as infant seat – rf)
- SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 (convertible; as rf, ff & booster)
- Diono Radian 3QXT (convertible; as ff & booster)
- Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1 (booster)
- Peg Perego Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus (booster)
At A Glance, Top Spot Infant, Convertible, & Booster Seat For Tesla Model X
Best Infant Seat
- 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 Booster Seat
- 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
Infant Car Seats for Tesla Model X
1. PegPerego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido - with safety leg
The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is an Italian-made infant child safety seat that features a safety leg (load leg) that is compatible with the first and second rows of the Model X.
However, installing an infant seat in the front passenger seat is highly not recommended.
The safety leg of the Viaggio 4-35 Nido and its compatibility with the Tesla Model X wins it the spot as the best infant seat for MX.
On the other hand, the infant seat is slim and has compatible dimensions that make it fit well as a rear-facing seat without affecting the front seat.
The PegPerego is best installed in the second row and the middle seat with the vehicle seat belt. It may also be installed on the monopost or bench seat behind the driver.
The following table shows the specifications and features of the infant seat, including the safety, installation and ease-of-use features:
| PegPerego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Primo Viaggio
- 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
The Doona infant car seat & stroller serves a double function as both an infant seat and a stroller.
It can be used as an infant seat and converted to a stroller and back to an infant seat in a single easy operation.
This double feature saves you more money in the long run and extra space in the trunk, not to mention convenience.
While you may doubt about the safety of the infant seat because of the double feature, the seat meets the highest safety and quality standards in both the US and the EU.
Nonetheless, the Doona car seat and stroller is very slim, with a convenient dimension that doesn’t take up room space when rear-facing.
This seat is best installed in the second-row center seat. Because of the convenience of the Tesla Model X door and the easy-to-detach infant seat base, you will be able to detach the infant seat even if it is in the center seat.
The following table shows the specifications and features of the Doona infant seat, including the safety, installation and ease-of-use features:
| 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 35 Infant Car Seat
The KeyFit 35 infant car seat belongs to the Chicco KeyFit infant safety seat series that have a common assembled dimension and measures 16.5″ in width.
It is the highest amongst the series with a maximum weight limit of 35lbs. and an extended height limit of 32″.
The KeyFit 35 fits well in a Tesla Model X and is best installed in the second row’s center seat. It can also be installed on either the monopost or bench seats.
The following table shows the specifications and features of the KeyFit 35 safety seat, including the safety, installation and ease-of-use features:
| Chicco KeyFit 35 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Chicco KeyFit
- 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
Convertible Car Seats for Tesla Model X
1. Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat
The SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 safety seat (review article) has featured on the top spot of convertibles consecutively for every Tesla model (Y, 3 and S).
Safe to say, the Graco SlimFit3 LX is specially designed as a compact car seat that fits in a wide range of vehicles.
It measures 16.7″ in width, making it a perfect fit for your Model X in the second-row and third-row seats.
However, if you need a convertible car seat as rear-facing, the SlimFit3 LX is still a good choice for the second row. Its adaptive height of 24.5″ gives it a comparative advantage to fit as RF and not affect the front passenger seat.
It is also the best choice seat to use as RF, and that fits 3 across; say you have triplets.
This advantage wins it the top spot as the best convertible car seat for a Tesla Model X.
You will find the specifications and features of the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 safety restraint, including the safety, installation and ease-of-use features, in the table below:
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the SlimFit3 LX
- 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
- 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 3-in-1 Car Seat
The Diono Radian 3QXT is the most advanced of the Diono R and Q series, which are all similar in dimensions.
The significant differences in the series are the safety features and some ease-of-use features, with the 3QXT being the most advanced. However, the 3QXT+ is the premium variant with a negligible difference from the 3QXT.
On the other hand, the Radians measure 17″ in width but are quite bulky. At the same time, they measure a whooping 28.5″ in height, making them unfit as rear-facing in the second row.
The Diono Radian is better fitted as a forward-facing or booster seat in either the second or third row of your Tesla Model X.
| Diono Radian 3QXT | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Radian 3QXT
- 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
The Clek Foonf, a Canadian-made child safety restraint, is a convertible car seat that can be used as rf or ff.
However, due to its bulky build and height (28″), it is better fitted as a forward-facing seat in either the second or third row.
On the other hand, due to its pricey tag and somewhat limited usage in a Model X, you may want to reconsider this seat as it doesn’t give the full worth of its money.
You will find the specifications and features of the Clek Foonf 2-in-1 in the table below:
| Clek Foonf | Overview | Specifications | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the Foonf 2-in-1
- 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)
SlimFit VS Diono Radian
The Graco SlimFit and Diono Radian being the most popular slim convertible car seats, makes it a hard choice picking one.
Here is a comprehensive comparison both seats that can help you make a choice easily – Diono Radian vs Graco SlimFit3 LX.
Booster Seats for Tesla Model X
The recommended booster seats in this article are super slim seats with low seat height clearance that fits best in the third row.
The third row is ideal for booster seats, while your younger ones can ride in the second row.
As such, only two child safety restraints are recommended as Tesla Model X booster seats;
- Graco TurboBooster LX 2-in-1
- Peg Perego Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus
1. Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster Seat
The TurboBooster LX, another child seat from the Graco brand, is a 2-in-1 booster seat that can be used in highback and, later, backless mode.
Measuring 16.2″ in width, it additionally has a low seat height which makes it a good fit for the third row. Its slim design also makes it a perfect fit and will fit well with any of the convertible car seats recommended earlier.
| Graco TurboBooster LX | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the TurboBooster LX
- 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
Another child safety seat from the Italian-based restraint system manufacturer, Peg Perego, is the Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus booster seat, a 2-in-1 booster that transitions from highback to backless.
The seat measures 17″ wide and has a low seat height clearance which makes it suitable for the third row in your Tesla Model X.
On the other hand, it has a maximum weight limit of 120lbs., a height limit of 63″, and a lifespan of 12 years, which are comparatively higher than the Graco TurboBooster, however, at a higher price.
| Viaggio 2-3 Shuttle Plus | Overview | Specifications | Features |
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Benefits and Drawbacks of the PegPerego Viaggio 2-3 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)
Final Decision-Making Factors - Recommendations Based On Tesla Model X & Possible Preferences
As mentioned earlier, deciding on a car seat for a specific vehicle model can be challenging. Tesla Model X makes it even more difficult because of the nature of the interior design despite the expansive room.
At this very moment, the heavy duty has been taken off you and the work done for you.
Making a final decision at this stage comes down to two things:
- Car seat performance, and
- Personal preference
Based on car seat performance, all the car seats recommended in this article have been thoroughly considered to meet the particular needs of a Tesla Model X based on the vehicle’s interior. On the other hand, these car seats have high safety and crash ratings and are super comfortable for a child. Therefore, any of the car seats are great for you.
Based on personal preference, this shouldn’t be a tough call anymore. The following from early in the article can help you make a decision:
- Family size – depending on your family size at the moment, you may want to start with any of the rear-facing infant seats. Let your newborn ride as long as possible in the center rear, which is the safest spot in a car. Then you can get a convertible seat that you can still use in the second row, this time on the outboard seats. You can then plan on expanding your family again.
- Car seat needs – if presently your family is quite a number, say three children or more, you may want the oldest (or two oldest) to ride in a ff or booster seat in the 3rd row while the younger ones ride side by side in the second row, depending if your Model X is the 6 or 7 seater.
- Children’s age – the recommendation here follows that of car seat needs. Your child’s age determines the type of car seat they will ride in. So, if you have up to three kids or more, you may want to follow the previous recommendation.
On the other hand, if you do have triplets, you can install 3 seats across the second row. The Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 will be the best choice because of its slim design, low rear-facing height clearance, and ease of access to the middle seat.
With this in mind, I do hope I have been able to help you choose a car seat for your Tesla Model X.
If you have a question, you can leave it in the comment box, and I’ll do well to attend to it.
Cheers to happy parenting!
You can read up on car seats for other Tesla models here:
Best car seats for Tesla Model 3
