Thinking to buy a CX-9 GT (used) and question about child car seats

[valuebuyer]

Hi CX-9 experts
My research for a used SUV has led me to this great forum. I am thinking to purchase a used CX-9. I love what I have read about the car and there some nice deals to be had on pre-owned CX-9s.
Our key reason to buy a SUV is a need to fit 4 adults and a toddler (2.5 yrs) comfortably in a car. We currently drive Infiniti G35 and the back seat gets pretty tight for 2 adults with a front facing car seat in the middle. We are hoping that we could fit a car seat in the middle seat of CX-9's second row and still have sufficient room for 2 adults.

Will there be comfortable seating for 2 adults (abt 5ft 7 inches and normal built )with a front facing toddler car seat in the middle in CX-9? We want to really avoid making one adult seat in the 3rd row or even have our daughter there.

I know I could just go to a dealer and check it out, but was just wondering if anyone can share some of their thoughts. Also wife is very clear on car seat being in the middle seat (lack of latches wouldnt be a big trouble).
Thanks in advance.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have done the two adults plus full car seat in the middle. It works. I wouldn't want to put large adults in the middle row outboard seats for such an arrangement but passengers around 5'7" and normal build should not be an issue. In fact, that is about the only comfortable arrangement for three passengers in the middle row. The middle seat in the the middle row is by far the least comfortable in the vehicle (less padding and support) so using it as a base for a car seat is fine. The arrangement also works fine with a booster seat in that middle position.

 

[sjg]

Your arrangement would be fine. We often have to car seats + 1 adult in the second row and that gets a little tight but you should be fine with just one car seat.

 

[Wisconsin Proud]

Funny, as a kid I rode STANDING UP in the front seat of my Dad's '62 Chevy - and I survived!!!

 

[mrsdubose]

I can definitely attest to the middle seat being UNCOMFORTABLE for an adult. I sat there when we were test driving (my 4 year old and 6 month old infant were in the outer seats and I'm 5'5''). Put the toddler in the middle definitely and the adults on the outer seats..We just but a used 08 GT and LOVE IT!!

 

[valuebuyer]

I can definitely attest to the middle seat being UNCOMFORTABLE for an adult. I sat there when we were test driving (my 4 year old and 6 month old infant were in the outer seats and I'm 5'5''). Put the toddler in the middle definitely and the adults on the outer seats..We just but a used 08 GT and LOVE IT!!

Thanks a lot all. This is very encouraging as compared to some other cars I am looking at as well.

 

[tyles]

You might have a slight issue installing your carseat, the space between the buckles is a bit narrow in that narrow position. Not saying it can't be done, just a tad tricky. It didn't work well for my son's booster so we reserve that middle section for one of the older kids if needed. I've had my 08 GT for just over a month and I love it. I have a Marathon installed middle row driver side and a Parkway booster either third row passenger side or middle row passenger side.

 

[vikefan7]

Are there even latch points for the middle seat or would you have to use the belt? We also have two car seats and leave the middle open, but it's not very comfortable for the person riding there, at least not for long distances. But that's just because of the crowding from the kids. I've never put a car seat in the middle seat before in mine.

 

[sjg]

There are no LATCH anchors in the center seat of the CX9. You can used the seatbelt or maybe the inboard anchors from each outboard seat (although I'm sure that's not recommended). I have read that using a seatbelt to install a carseat is actually more secure than LATCH but that there is a greater possibility for incorrect installation. Depending on the car and the carseat, sometimes I find the seatbelt installation easier.
To the original post, you might want to try different locations for your carseat. If you have a narrow one (like the Sunshine Kids Radian) you might want it in the middle. If you have a bulkier one, you might want it in an outboard position and put one of the adults in the center. In any case, I'm sure you'll all be more comfortable than in the G.