Can you fit 1 adult and 2 car seats in 4Runner 2nd Row?

Please forgive me if this has been answered elsewhere but I have searched and cannot find an answer to my specific question.

I want to purchase a vehicle that allows seating of 1 adult and 2 car seats in the second row. The adult would be a woman (5'3"). I have read articles that implies the 4Runner isn't a good solution for my requirement but I am seeking confirmation. I am wondering if there is a combination of specific (narrow) car seats that would make it possible? I would like to get a 4Runner because it meets all other of my requirements. The maximum length of a trip would be about 2 hours. I know that the 4Runner has an option for a 3rd row but it appears that cargo volume is reduced to the point where it is unusable when you have 3 adults and 2 car seats in the vehicle.

If you have any insight about which car seats to purchase, that would also be greatly appreciated!


I would appreciate any real world advice you can provide. Again, sorry if I missed this discussion elsewhere! Thank you!

 

As long as the adult is fairly narrow, it should be fine. It's not the widest vehicle, but it's roomy enough for two normal adults and a smaller one back there. So two car seats and an adult should be okay. Not sure how comfortable it would be for long distances, but at least you have built-in arm rests.

Getting in and out might be a bit of a struggle. But if you're using a quick-disconnect car seat, mounting one, loading adult, then mounting the other shouldn't prove too difficult.

 

Yes you can.

I gave a ride to a couple who's Land Rover broke down on a nearby trail. They had 2 kids in car seats. The wife sat in back with the kids and the husband road up front with me. I don't recall the wife being tiny or skinny. Pretty sure they used the middle seat in the back for one of the car seats.

A guy in an old Pathfinder beat me to the recovery...

 

I have a 5th Gen with a 3rd row. We have had an adult sit between the 2 car seats in the middle row. It isn’t the most comfortable and wouldn’t want to do it long term. But it is doable. This really depends on the car seats as well. Some are wider and some are more narrow.

 

Thank you so much for your replies! I appreciate it! Have a great day!

 

Yes, grandkids were here last week, 2 car seats with mom in the middle