Tynan Drive Guide: The Three Child Seat Challenge – Australia’s Best Family Cars

Think you need a people-mover or van once your family grows beyond three kids? Think again.

In this Tynan Drive Guide, the team at Tynan Motors explores the best cars in Australia for growing families — including SUVs, people-movers and vans that can safely fit three child seats, even in the third row.

With more Australian families needing extra seats for children, school friends or grandparents, choosing the right family vehicle has never been more important. Here’s what to look for — and which cars make family life easier.

Why More Australian Families Are Choosing 7- and 8-Seater Vehicles

Vehicles with more than five seats are becoming increasingly popular across NSW and Australia.

Whether you:

• Have more than two children
• Regularly carpool or transport extended family
• Need flexibility for school runs and weekend sport
• Or simply want to keep the kids separated for your own sanity

A six-, seven- or eight-seat vehicle can make everyday driving far more comfortable.

At Tynan Motors, we help families find practical, safe and future-proof vehicles that grow with them.

Tynan Drive Guide: What Is a Top Tether?

A top tether is a strap that connects a child seat to a dedicated anchor point in the vehicle. The tether usually loops over or behind the seat and clips into an anchor point located on the seatback, roof lining or cargo area.

Top tethers are critical for child safety — but they are also commonly misused. Common mistakes include:

• Attaching the tether to luggage hooks instead of anchor points
• Over-tightening (which can lift the seat base)
• Not tightening enough, allowing excess movement

Some tether points are hidden under trim, fabric or roof lining, so always check your vehicle’s manual or ask for help.

Australian Child Seat Laws Explained

Under Australian Design Rule 34, all children under:

• Seven years of age, or
• 145cm in height

must travel in an approved child seat that is anchored using a top tether.

This means:

• If a vehicle does not have top-tether points in the third row, children under seven cannot legally sit there
• Dual-cab utes are exempt as light commercial vehicles, though many still include tether points

When choosing a family car from Tynan Motors, it’s essential to check third-row tether availability, not just seat count.

Tynan Drive Guide: What Is ISOFIX?

ISOFIX anchors are metal attachment points built into the base of vehicle seats, usually in the outboard positions of the second row.

All new vehicles sold in Australia have had ISOFIX in at least two seats for over a decade — and some now include ISOFIX in the third row as well.

ISOFIX points are often hidden behind:

• Plastic flaps
• Fabric or leather covers
• Velcro panels or small zips

While ISOFIX isn’t legally required (seatbelt installation is still acceptable), many parents appreciate the added convenience and reduced chance of incorrect fitment.

Best People-Movers for Large Families — Tynan Drive Guide

People-movers and large family vans remain among the most practical choices for families needing space, comfort and flexibility. At Tynan Motors, we highlight people-movers that not only offer seating for up to eight but also support multiple top-tether points and ISOFIX anchors — crucial for safely installing child seats across more than one row.

Here are the Tynan Motors makes and models suited to the three child-seat challenge:

• Hyundai STARIA — 8 seats; 3 top-tethers (second row only); 2 ISOFIX (second row only)
• Kia Carnival — 7/8 seats; 5 top-tethers (three in second row, two in third); 5 ISOFIX (three in second row, two in third)
• LDV Mifa — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers (two in second row, one in third); 3 ISOFIX (two in second row, one in third)
• LDV Mifa — 8 seats; 4 top-tethers (two in second row, two in third); 4 ISOFIX (two in second row, two in third)
• LDV Mifa 9 — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers (two in second row, one in third); 3 ISOFIX (two in second row, one in third)
• Mercedes-Benz EQV — 7 seats; 5 top-tethers (three in second row, two in third); 4 ISOFIX (two in each row)
• Mercedes-Benz V-Class — 7/8 seats; 5 or 6 top-tethers; 4 ISOFIX (two in each row)
• Mercedes-Benz Vito/eVito — 8 seats; 6 top-tethers; 4 ISOFIX

These people-movers offer excellent flexibility for families and make it easier to fit child seats securely in more than one row — ideal for school runs, weekend outings or regional travel.

Best Large SUVs for the Three Child Seat Challenge — Tynan Drive Guide

Large SUVs have advanced rapidly, giving families more options that balance practicality with everyday usability.

Below are the Tynan Motors SUV models that deliver the space and seating flexibility needed for the three child-seat challenge:

• Chery Tiggo 8 — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers (second row only); 2 ISOFIX (second row only)
• Chery Tiggo 9 — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers (second row only); 2 ISOFIX (second row only)
• Hyundai Ioniq 9 — 6/7 seats; 4 or 5 top-tethers; 4 ISOFIX
• Hyundai Palisade — 7/8 seats; 4 or 5 top-tethers; 3 ISOFIX
• Hyundai Santa Fe — 6/7 seats; 4 or 5 top-tethers; 4 ISOFIX
• Jeep Grand Cherokee — 7 seats; 5 top-tethers; 3 ISOFIX
• Kia EV9 — 7 seats; 5 top-tethers; 4 ISOFIX
• Kia Sorento — 7 seats; 5 top-tethers; 4 ISOFIX
• LDV D90 — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers; 2 ISOFIX
• Mahindra XUV700 — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers; 2 ISOFIX
• MG QS — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers; 2 ISOFIX
• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers; 2 ISOFIX

These SUVs are designed to serve families needing multiple child seats without compromising on passenger comfort, luggage space or everyday usability.

Medium SUVs — Tynan Drive Guide

Medium SUVs can offer a step up in space from compact options, though not all models support child seats in the third row. Below are the Tynan Motors medium SUVs with the strongest third-row or child-seat compatibility:

• Mercedes-Benz EQB — 7 seats; 5 top-tethers (three in second row, two in third); 4 ISOFIX
• Mercedes-Benz GLB — 7 seats; 5 top-tethers (three in second row, two in third); 4 ISOFIX
• Mitsubishi Outlander — 7 seats; 3 top-tethers (second row only); 2 ISOFIX (second row only)

These models can be suitable for families where third-row seating is needed occasionally or for shorter journeys.

Choosing the Right Family Car with Tynan Motors

The number of seats alone doesn’t tell the full story. When choosing a family vehicle, it’s important to consider:

• Top-tether points in all rows
• ISOFIX availability
• Ease of access to the third row
• Boot space with seats in use
• Long-term suitability as kids grow

At Tynan Motors, we help NSW families find vehicles that are safe, practical and designed for real-life use — not just showroom appeal.

Drive Your Family Forward with the Tynan Drive Guide

From SUVs to people-movers, there are more family-friendly options than ever before.

The Tynan Drive Guide is here to help Australian families make confident, informed decisions — whether you’re upgrading for a new baby or planning ahead for a growing household.

Explore the range of family vehicles at Tynan Motors, or speak with our team to find the right car for your family’s next chapter.

Source: drive.com.au