Rear seat. room for 3 kids? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Jrblanke · 12-28-2022, 09:15 AM

Good morning guys, I just had a quick question. I had a 3rd gen about 5 years ago but it got totaled. I replaced it with an avalon, but was thinking about getting back into a 4runner. Ive had 2 kids since I last drove a 4runner and I cant remember if the rear seat has seat belts for 3 or seat belts for only 2. The reason I ask is because currently my avalon can be used as the backup "car pool" car in case my wife's car goes down. Just wondered if there was seat belts for 3 in the back or not. I think the answer is no, but I wanted to make sure.

Thanks yall!

james

JZiggy · 12-28-2022, 10:09 AM

There are three seat belts in the back. The center is a lap belt. I have had 3 adults in the back for short trips and it’s fine but not comfortable.

phattyduck · 12-28-2022, 02:03 PM

2 outers are 3-point, 1 inner lap-only with no headrest.
2000+ will have upper tethers in all 3 locations.

I wouldn't want to use it as the daily driver for 3 kids, but it is doable. We have done a few road trips with 5 of us (3 kids 5 and under right now) in the 4Runner. You'll need/want narrow car seats if they are in seats/boosters - and need/want good behavior if they aren't.

If you end up doing research on other vehicles (for younger kids), search google with "thecarseatlady" and the vehicle name. Here's the info for 4Runners:

The Car Seat LadyToyota 4Runner - The Car Seat Lady

-Charlie

spartacus · 12-28-2022, 03:23 PM

I've had 3 car seats in the back. Also 2kids and an adult in the back. there is a lap belt for the middle seat. it's snug with every one back there.

JoeT4R · 12-28-2022, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

I've had 3 car seats in the back. Also 2kids and an adult in the back. there is a lap belt for the middle seat. it's snug with every one back there.

Dayum! I have two car seats in the back of mine right now and I feel like I couldn't fit one in the middle. I'd love to see pictures of that, lol.

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spartacus · 12-28-2022, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeT4R

Dayum! I have two car seats in the back of mine right now and I feel like I couldn't fit one in the middle. I'd love to see pictures of that, lol.

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Sorry no pics. Full disclosure, one of em was a booster seat. but I've had two (Chico seats) pretty wide and my mother in law sit back there. Had to close the passenger door like it was an overstuffed suitcase.

Jacobchris19 · 12-28-2022, 06:06 PM

Yes it is

Pyral · 12-28-2022, 06:32 PM

The back seats are a 60/40 split bench with 3 seat belts, the middle one is a lap belt. I've had 3 adults in the back, the headroom is fine, the legroom should be fine for kids on long trips because there is no hump that robs legroom, but it's pretty narrow.

As a backup vehicle the 4runner will do fine. It feels like it's designed to seat 4 people regularly, and 5 people on occasion.

snydmax · 12-28-2022, 08:43 PM

We alternate kiddy carpool duty with the neighbors… Normally i use the f150 but occasionally that means the 4runner has 3 kids in the back. The bodies fit fine but backpacks, clarinets, etc. can make for a struggle.

They all fit though and I’d never admit to the kids that the car is at fault!

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gamefreakgc · 12-28-2022, 11:23 PM

Piece of cake.

Pyral · 12-29-2022, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamefreakgc

Piece of cake.

Genius, I never thought of adding car seats to double the number of rear cupholders

Jrblanke · 12-29-2022, 07:44 AM

Thank you guys very much for the information. The main reason for needing the option to have 3 seats is because if my wife's vehicle goes to the shop for repairs, she will need a vehicle to pick up the kids for car pool. The two oldest are in boosters. I think I have enough information to make a decision to move forward on a purchase. I test drove a sienna....my soul died a little bit during the test drive. I just couldn't do it.

JoeT4R · 12-29-2022, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyral

Genius, I never thought of adding car seats to double the number of rear cupholders

I got a good laugh out of this, very well played sir.

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phattyduck · 12-29-2022, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyral

Genius, I never thought of adding car seats to double the number of rear cupholders

Cupholders add a ton of width to car seats (and boosters)... made that mistake and now the seats I thought were going in the 4Runner are in the (much wider inside) van...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrblanke

I test drove a sienna....my soul died a little bit during the test drive. I just couldn't do it.

Heresy to say on a Toyota forum, but try out an Odyssey. Since 2011 or so, the transmission issues are basically fixed (you still have to change the fluid regularly) and the major issue of the variable cylinder management (VCM) system can be eliminated pretty easily by disabling it. Vans truly are the best overall vehicle - but it just sucks that they are vans. Think - sedan fuel economy, speed and comfort, full size truck room.

-Charlie

Pyral · 12-29-2022, 03:15 PM

I got to go in a new Sienna for an uber, it was fantastic. Comfortable, spacious, and quiet. Everyone knows they're the best family vehicles all round because they are very popular as rentals.

My friends family had a 1st gen Sequoia growing up. They were a family of 5 and it was a good car for them.

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