Family First: Cars.com Survey Finds Over 60% of Parents Purchase a Vehicle Based on Car Seat Needs

Core Insights - Cars.com reports that over 60% of parents consider car seats crucial in their vehicle purchase decisions, with 84% of those who test fit a car seat at the dealership finding the process effective [1][2]. Group 1: Best Cars for Car Seats - The 2024 Best Cars for Car Seats Report evaluated 52 model-year 2023-25 vehicles, identifying only six SUVs as top performers, with Volkswagen securing half of these spots [3]. - The report serves as a resource for current and expecting parents to identify vehicles that accommodate car seats safely and easily [2]. Group 2: Family Budget Considerations - Five of the six top vehicles are also recognized in Cars.com's 2024 American-Made Index, with the Volkswagen ID.4 noted for a 21% decrease in price, making it appealing for families seeking affordable electric vehicles [4]. - The starting prices for five of the six Best Cars for Car Seats models are around $40,000, while the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek starts at approximately $25,000, significantly below the median price for compact SUVs [4]. Group 3: Methodology - The report is based on 12 months of comprehensive Car Seat Checks conducted by certified child passenger safety technicians, evaluating the installation of three types of car seats and the vehicle's Latch system [5].