Is it possible to fit 3 child seats + 2 adults in a V60?

[mcooke999]

So we have a Volvo V60 Ocean Race which suits our family of 4 perfectly so far... However, with a 3rd little one on the way, I'm starting to stress out that the V60 might not be big enough for us all!

I'm not fussed about trying to get 3 car seats across the back row, but it needs to fit us all in comfortably as we use the car for day trips & long trips on holiday etc.

We have a roof box which expands our luggage capacity for long trips so I've no worries there, it's basically passenger space that I'm worried about.

Children's ages & seat combinations will be:

5.5 years - booster seat
3 years - high backed booster seat (forward facing)
0 years - carrycot car seat (rearward facing)

Basically my question is, has anyone else got any experience of trying to fit 3 children + 2 adults into a V60 or is it a futile exercise altogether?

If not then would a V70 or XC70 (or V90) be much better. Obviously these are bigger cars but are the back seats any wider (enough to make a real difference anyway) than our V60?

Any real world experience of trying to fit 3 young kids into a Volvo would be appreciated!

[Swedishtimemachine]

I have a 2011 S60 so effectively the same rear seat arrangement. Assuming you are using Isofix for the 2 outside seats the question will be does the booster fit between them and can you/they access the seat buckle. We have 3 kids who are now a little older and whilst when they were in seats as younger kids its doable, there was a constant moan about shouldler space give the child seat designs. The other issue is the outer 2 seats are angled so you naturally slide to the middle creating further arguments.

We have managed with the s60 as a second car for emergencies but its far from ideal.

[Swedishtimemachine]

Just to add, have a look at the rear of the xc60. Its the same width but the seat angle creates more space. Its a dilemma I have right now whether to stick or twist

[Sotosound]

The rear seats are the same width in the V60 and V70, both at their narrowest point (where the b*ms go), and at their widest point.

(We have a V60 and a V70, both of which I have just measured.)

The V70's rear seat is, however, set higher and less contoured, which might be of marginal help.

For me, the V70 is the better family car, with a much larger luggage compartment, with a slightly more upright stance, a roomier front passenger compartment and with all-round easier access.

The XC60 offers the normal SUV features of greater ride height, a complementary stepladder ( ), and higher costs, starting with purchase price. I also found the one XC60 that I have test driven to have a smaller interior than the V70, especially in the front. In FWD form it also had notable understeer.

[Swedishtimemachine]

Thanks for the insight, i did spend (too much) time measuring the distance between the ISOFiX points of a number of car previously. My S60 was amongst the most generous compared to larger cars such as 5 series and E Class but more practically the contouring of the seat and their angle has become more of a factor as the outer seats seem to lean into the middle. My FIL XC60 whilst being the same size at the back appears flatter creating fewer arguments in the back. Sadly if you want 3 individual seats at the back you enter into MPV territory and our Smax is better suited for the 3 in the back for longer journeys.

[Sotosound]

Originally Posted by Swedishtimemachine

Thanks for the insight, i did spend (too much) time measuring the distance between the ISOFiX points of a number of car previously. My S60 was amongst the most generous compared to larger cars such as 5 series and E Class but more practically the contouring of the seat and their angle has become more of a factor as the outer seats seem to lean into the middle. My FIL XC60 whilst being the same size at the back appears flatter creating fewer arguments in the back. Sadly if you want 3 individual seats at the back you enter into MPV territory and our Smax is better suited for the 3 in the back for longer journeys.

I've always liked the look of the S-Max. It successfully walks that fine line between utility and style. Plus it isn't an SUV.

[mcooke999]

Originally Posted by Sotosound

I've always liked the look of the S-Max. It successfully walks that fine line between utility and style. Plus it isn't an SUV.

Yes I agree, the S Max is probably the only 'MPV' worth having if you enjoy driving... it's a car that I have thought about incase we can't manage with the V60.

They do some decent engine options too I believe...

And it not being an SUV is a massive bonus for me, I hate the damn things. Although I do condone XC60's and XC90's for those who need that kind of space/car lol

[mcooke999]

Originally Posted by Swedishtimemachine

Just to add, have a look at the rear of the xc60. Its the same width but the seat angle creates more space. Its a dilemma I have right now whether to stick or twist

Ah right that's interesting, I'd assumed the XC60 was identical to the V60 inside but it sounds like it's a bit wider/flatter across the back?

[mcooke999]

Originally Posted by Sotosound

The rear seats are the same width in the V60 and V70, both at their narrowest point (where the b*ms go), and at their widest point.

(We have a V60 and a V70, both of which I have just measured.)

The V70's rear seat is, however, set higher and less contoured, which might be of marginal help.

For me, the V70 is the better family car, with a much larger luggage compartment, with a slightly more upright stance, a roomier front passenger compartment and with all-round easier access.

The XC60 offers the normal SUV features of greater ride height, a complementary stepladder ( ), and higher costs, starting with purchase price. I also found the one XC60 that I have test driven to have a smaller interior than the V70, especially in the front. In FWD form it also had notable understeer.

Wow the V60 & V70 being measuring the same across the back is t something I expected. I always thought the V70 rear seats looked wider?

I think our issue will be access to the buckles as all our car seats are non-isofix as our other car is a 1999 Honda Civic so we just got seats that would work in both cars...

But even with isofix seats, the gap between them in the middle seat of the V60 looks really tight to me...

[Swedishtimemachine]

Originally Posted by mcooke999

Yes I agree, the S Max is probably the only 'MPV' worth having if you enjoy driving... it's a car that I have thought about incase we can't manage with the V60.

They do some decent engine options too I believe...

And it not being an SUV is a massive bonus for me, I hate the damn things. Although I do condone XC60's and XC90's for those who need that kind of space/car lol

We went for the Smax as it was the best of the bunch 8 years ago and has certainly served us well during that time. We have a 2.0 TDI with 140 bhp and will make its way down the mway at speed if pushed. As the kids have got older and moved into bigger seats the larger rear space means they become more independent when getting into the car rather than me crawling across to sort a belt out.