Proud parents of naughty little ones and a Ford Explorer ready to explore the world? Don’t go anywhere without grabbing the best car seat for Ford Explorer from our list below
As soon as you become parents in the US, you need to install a car seat in your car. It has been made compulsory by the government, and it also keeps your child safe while you are busy driving. I recently moved to the US, and I come from a country where installing a car seat is still not mandatory. With no prior knowledge selecting a car seat became a daunting task for me. But by spending a few days and investing time in comparisons and research, I was able to choose the five best car seats for my Ford Explorer.
My selection criteria were based on the safety, material, compatibility, adjustability, and other necessary features for a car seat. Since I needed a car seat for my seven-month-old, I selected all the convertible car seats I could use for years without worrying about my child’s safety.
In my research, I have also included:
- Answers to some questions related to car seats.
- In-depth review of products that provides for their features and their benefits.
- Lastly, things to consider before buying a car seat for Ford Explorer.
Take a look!
How to select the best car seat for Ford Explorer?
Installation
A car seat comes in an unassembled form, and you need to assemble it and install it in your car. A car seat must come with a user manual and well-labeled instructions to build and install it properly.
Also, a car seat with a LATCH system is easy to install and uninstall. Hence you must think about buying only a car seat with a LATCH system. All the car seats on my list are easy to assemble and come with a LATCH system.
Also read: Which car seats are ideal for a Honda Civic?
Safety
Safety is the most crucial part of a car seat. If a car seat is not efficient enough to keep your kids safe during high-impact collisions, it is a waste of money. Go for a car seat that is FAA-approved.
Also, it should pass all the safety tests such as side, front, rear, and rollover crash tests. The seat must come with a 5-point harness to hold your child firmly and other belts to keep them safe.
All the car seats on my list meet or exceed federal safety standards and promise to keep your child safe even during a car crash.
Adjustability
A car seat with adjustable features enhances the comfort of your kids, which is a must as they spend hours on it during a long journey. Hence a car seat must have an adjustable headrest and reclining backrest.
An adjustable headrest ensures that your child can use the seat as they grow; therefore, the higher the headrest, the better it is. A reclining backrest ensures the most comfortable positions for your kids. The seats on my list are embedded with adjustable features.
Also read: Which car seats work best in a Ford Focus?
Material
The car seat material plays a prominent role in keeping your kids safe and comfortable. Hence make sure that it’s made up of solid metal alloy or steel inforced frame. Such frames can stand firm even during the hardest collision.
Also, a high-quality plastic body ensures its stiffness. The upholstery material must comprise soft and plush material such as polyester and must be removable and machine washable. All the seats on my list are embedded with this great feature.
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Compatibility
A car seat is an expensive investment; hence we all wish to use it for a more extended period. Therefore look for a car seat that has several modes.
You must select a convertible car seat that can be used in rear-facing, front-facing, and harness booster modes. In short, it must grow with your child. All the car seats here are convertible and offer multiple modes set up.
Other features
Look for some additional features if you wish to buy the best car seat. Features such as removable and washable cup holders, removable and washable seat pads and inserts, and harness holders are a must in a car seat. All seats here have these additional features as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Ford Explorer good for car seats?
Ford Explorer comes with a six-seater model and a seven-seater model, each having two rows of seats behind the driver’s seat.
You can easily install two car seats in every row; however, installing three car seats at the rear of the 7-seater model will be challenging. So, yes, Ford Explorer is an excellent car for car seats.
Also read: Will Dodge Rims Fit on a Ford?
2. Can you put a car seat in the third row of a Ford Explorer?
Yes, you can quickly put two car seats in the third row of a Ford Explorer. The third-row seats have LATCH anchors, and the space is best for a booster seat. These latches are easily accessible, and there is plenty of legroom left even after installing two car seats.
3. Is it better to have a car seat behind the driver or passenger?
If you have the 7-seater model of Ford Explorer, you must install the car seat on the center seat. If you have the 6-seater model, it makes no difference where you place them.
But I would suggest you put it behind the passenger seat to check on your child from time to time if you are driving solo.
4. Is Ford Explorer a good family car?
Certainly. In fact, the Ford Explorer is probably among the top family cars in the vast lineup of SUVs, trucks and cars that Ford has. It has three spacious rows of seats and a lot of space in the boot.
I don’t need to tell you how important boot space if you are taking your tiny tots with you. From their diaper bags to their toys, everything must go in the car with them. And with so many seats, you can easily accommodate grandpa and grandma in your family trip as well.
You might also like to read: The Best Car Seat For Ford Focus: Our Top 6 Choices (With Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)
#1 Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Installation: 9.9/10
- Safety: 9.6/10
- Adjustability: 9.7/10
- Material: 9.8/10
- Compatibility: 9.6/10
- Other features: 9.7/10
Technical specifications
- Orientation: Rear-facing and forward-facing
- Maximum weight capacity: 4 to 65 pounds
- Modes of use: 2 modes
- Headrest positions: 10 positions
- Reclining positions: 6 positions
- Installation type: LATCH system
Bottom line
This car seat by Graco comes with some fantastic adjustable features. Its headrest can be adjusted in up to 10 different positions. Hence it will not be wrong to say that it grows with your child. Also, you don’t need to rethread to adjust it. The backrest can go up to 6 reclining positions so that your child can stay in a comfortable place as long as they are using the seat.
Pros
- It comes with ten headrest positions.
- It offers a no-rethread, simply-safe adjusted harness.
- You can store the harness in a separate storage unit.
- The frame consists of reinforced steel.
- The seat is FAA-approved.
- Protects the child from the side, frontal, rear, and rollover crashes.
- A removable head and body insert to keep your child comfortable.
- It offers additional 5 inches of legroom.
- The LATCH system makes it easy to install it.
Cons
- Some users complained that the material was a bit flimsy.
- Some people had issues with the installation system.
Features in detail
- Installation: the seat can be easily installed with the help of the LATCH system. I could easily install it in my Ford Explorer without any external help. The InRight LATCH makes it simpler for the users to install or uninstall it.
- Safety: The seat is FAA-approved and meets or exceeds all the federal road safety standards. It is ProtectPlus engineered and tested for side, rear, front, and rollover crashes. Also, its reinforced steel body adds to its safety features. I was pretty confident while using it that it would keep my child safe.
- Adjustability: Its headrest can be adjusted in up to 10 different positions. The backrest can be adjusted up to 6 reclining positions so that your child can stay in a comfortable position as long as they are using the seat. Also, the 4-position extension panel adjusts to provide 5 inches of additional legroom. Hence your child can safely ride rear-facing. Therefore it will not be wrong to say that it grows with your child.
- Material: The seat’s body comprises reinforced steel that makes it a sturdy and safe car seat. It also includes high-grade plastic that gives it its shape and design. Also, the upholstery is soft and plush, which keeps your child comfortable. My child was very comfortable as she slept for long hours in it.
- Compatibility: The seat is adjustable into two modes rear-facing and forward-facing. Your child can use the rear-facing mode until they do not reach a maximum of 50 pounds and the forward-facing till 65 pounds. Hence, you can use it until your child is all grown up.
- Other features: The seat comes with a removable and washable body and head inserts. Also, it comes with two cup holders. In the storage pockets, you can conveniently hold the harness.
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#2 Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Car Seat
Features
- Installation: 9.5/10
- Safety: 9.4/10
- Adjustability: 9.3/10
- Material: 9.4/10
- Compatibility: 9.3/10
- Other features: 9.2/10
Technical specifications
- Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
- Maximum weight capacity: 5 to 100 pounds
- Modes of use: 3 modes
- Headrest positions: adjustable positions
- Reclining positions: 3 positions
- Installation type: LATCH and a belt system
Bottom line
The safety features of this car seat are unique and shall keep your kids safe even during a high-impact crash. The seat holds your child firmly and prevents them from falling. The seat is an FAA-approved car seat and has been tried and tested for significant impacts such as front, side, rear, and rollover.
Pros
- The seat comes with three rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes.
- It comes with a removable and washable cup holder.
- It has a great weight holding capacity.
- The Grow and Go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe.
- The seat comes with a harness holder.
- It’s easy to adjust the headrest and the backrest.
Cons
- Some users complained that the seat does not have many reclining positions.
- Some had issues installing it in their SUV.
Features in detail
- Installation: The Safety 1st car seat comes with two options for installing the seat. The first is the LATCH system, and the second one is the belt-in system. It is pretty easy to install the seat in both these ways. I had no issues installing the car seat in my car.
- Safety: I trust this car seat more due to its safety features. The car, first of all, meets or exceeds all the federal safety standards, and to top it all, it is FAA-approved. Also, it has been tried and tested for all the major crashes. Hence I can drive my car without worrying about my child’s safety.
- Adjustability: the adjustable features of this car seat are not as good as the other seats on the list, but still, it offers flexible features that are still up to the mark. You can adjust the headrest with a no-rethread hassle, and the backrest is also reclining in several positions.
- Material: The seat comprises a sturdy metal frame and high-quality plastic that holds the seat firmly during a collision. Also, the pads and upholstery are made of high-quality fabric that doesn’t bruise your baby’s skin.
- Compatibility: the seat comes with three modes; hence it is very compatible. You can fit a baby weighing 5 pounds to a 100 pounds adult child in it. The seat, while rear rear-facing, can hold 5 to 40 pounds. It can hold 22 to 65 pounds at forward-facing, and at the belt-positioning booster, 40 to 100 pounds. Hence I can use it for years before my baby grows up.
- With the QuickFit Harness, you can adjust both the headrest and harness in a straightforward step. Other features: the seat comes with two cup holders and a baby pillow that grows with your baby. Also, you get extra 7 inches of legroom at the rear position for extra comfort.
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#3 Disney Baby Grow & Go 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Installation: 7.9/10
- Safety: 7.8/10
- Adjustability: 7.7/10
- Material: 7.6/10
- Compatibility: 7.5/10
- Other features: 7.8/10
Technical specifications
- Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
- Maximum weight capacity: 4 to 100 pounds
- Modes of use: three modes
- Headrest positions: multiple adjustments
- Reclining positions: three positions
- Installation type: LATCH system
Bottom line
This car seat is built to grow with your child for more prolonged use through 3 stages: belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds, rear-facing 5-40 pounds, and forward-facing 22-65 pounds. Hence I can use it till my baby grows into an adult.
Pros
- The 3-position recline makes it easy to get a good fit in your car.
- The seat comes with two removable dishwasher-safe cup holders.
- It is built to GROW for extended use through 3 stages.
- With the help of the harness holder, it’s easy to get your child in and out of the seat without any hassle.
- You can adjust the headrest in multiple positions by using just one hand.
- It exceeds all the federal safety standards.
Cons
- Some people had issues installing it.
- Some people complained that the size of the seat is not very comfortable.
Features in detail
- Installation: This car seat features a lower LATCH belt and a top Tether anchor with hook-like connectors. The latch strap will connect on each side but can only be adjusted on one side. All these installation features help to install the seat in the car easily.
- Safety: the car seat has an IIHS Good Bet rating for use in booster mode. Also, it meets or exceeds all the federal safety standards, and it is an FAA-approved car seat. It has also been tested for side-impact protection.
- Adjustability: The seat comes with several adjustable features. The headrest and the backrest are easily adjustable. This feature makes the seat even more comfortable for the child.
- Material: The main frame of the seat comprises metal alloy that makes it a lot sturdier than its counterparts. The structure can easily withhold huge impacts and keep the child safe. Also, the top polyester upholstery is very comfortable and easy to maintain. You just need to wipe it with a wet cloth to clean it.
- Compatibility: This car seat is built to GROW for extended use through 3 stages: belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds, rear-facing 5-40 pounds, and forward-facing 22-65 pounds. Hence I can use it till my baby grows into an adult.
- Other features: the seat comes with grow-with-baby pillows for a comfortable ride. The seat pads are machine washable and dryer safe.
#4 Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Installation: 7.4/10
- Safety: 7.5/10
- Adjustability: 7.4/10
- Material: 7.3/10
- Compatibility: 7.2/10
- Other features: 7.3/10
Technical specifications
- Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
- Maximum weight capacity: 5 to 65 pounds
- Modes of use: two modes
- Headrest positions: 9 positions
- Reclining positions: 7 positions
- Installation type: LATCH system
Bottom line
The seat’s ease of use makes it one of the best car seats in the lot. First, the LATCH system has a click-on attachment and push-button release for easy installation. The Force-multiplying tightener ensures easy, secure LATCH installations. One-pull harness tightener, no-rethread harness adjustment, and easily removable and washable seat covers and cup holders add to the ease with which I use the car seat.
Pros
- This seat is an FAA-approved car seat that ensures your child’s safety.
- The seat cushion comes with Zip-off technology, easy to remove and clean.
- It comes with a cup holder that is easy to remove and wash in a dishwasher.
- It offers multiple headrests and backrest adjustments for added comfort.
- The car seat lasts for up to 8 years.
- The innovative SuperCinch tightener increases force when pulling on the LATCH straps, making it easy to install.
- The Superior DuoGuard with a deep ridged shell offers head and body support.
Cons
- The seat is heavier than its counterparts.
- Some users complained that the seat fabric was not very breathable.
Features in detail
- Installation: this car seat is embedded with a SuperCinch tightener which multiplies the force when pulling the LATCH straps. It’s easy to install and position this car seat with less pushing, pulling, bending, and stooping. The great news is that your parents or grandparents can easily install it with little to no external help, just like me.
- Safety: this car seat meets or exceeds all the federal safety and crash test standards. The Superior DuoGuard with a deep ridged shell offers head and body support. It comes with additional padding in the head area. The body comprises reinforced steel and is filled with energy-absorbing EPS foam, enhancing your child’s safety.
- Adjustability: the headrest of the seat is adjustable at nine different positions that provide support and safety to your child as they grow. You can position it according to your child’s comfort. Also, there are nine reclining positions.
- Material: the mainframe of the seat comprises reinforced steel that makes it durable and long-lasting. Also, the inner is filled with EPS foam, which is energy-absorbing material and gives support and comfort. The upper upholstery is comfortable and ensures your child sleeps peacefully, just like mine.
- Compatibility: You can adjust the seat in two modes. In the rear-facing mode, you can use it for kids weighing somewhere between 5 to 40 pounds. At the forward falling, you can use it for kids weighing 22 to 65 pounds. Hence you can use it for your older child also.
- Other features: The seat cushion comes with Zip-off technology, easy to remove and clean. It comes with a cup holder that is easy to remove and wash in a dishwasher. It offers multiple headrests and backrest adjustments for added comfort. The car seat lasts for up to 8 years. All these features make it a great deal.
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#5 Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Installation: 7.5/10
- Safety: 7.4/10
- Adjustability: 7.3/10
- Material: 7.2/10
- Compatibility: 7.1/10
- Other features: 7.2/10
Technical specifications
- Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
- Maximum weight capacity: 4 to 100 pounds
- Modes of use: 3 modes
- Headrest positions: 5 positions
- Reclining positions: 3 positions
- Installation type: LATCH system
Bottom line
If you are looking for the most comfortable car seat for your little one, you must not miss upon Maxi-Cosi 3-in-1 car seat. The seat comes with Soft-To-Touch cushions with premium fabrics and padding that keeps your child comfortable for long hours. The harness comes with five adjustable headrest positions for a comfortable and customized fit. It also comes with an infant wedge pillow that offers support and promotes proper alignment of your child.
Pros
- The seat is a 3-in-1 car seat; hence you don’t need to replace it when your child needs a booster seat.
- The superior side impact protection ensures safety.
- It offers five headrest positions.
- LATCH connectors make it easy to install.
Cons
- The car seat is pretty heavy.
- It is not a very pocket-friendly product.
Features in detail
- Installation: I like that this car seat comes with One-Click LATCH connectors that make it easier and safer to install your car seat securely. The Quick-Fit Shoulder Harness automatically adjusts to comfortably fit your child’s growing height.
- Safety: the seat meets or exceeds the federal road safety standards. It is an FAA-approved car seat and has been tried and tested for all the impacts of car crashes. Hence like me, you can also rest assured that this car seat will take proper care of your child. The GCell protects your child’s head when needed most in a side-impact crash.
- Adjustability: you can easily adjust the headrest with the no-rethread hassle, and the reclining positions are also adjustable. It is also not difficult to transfer the seat from rear-facing to harness booster and forward-facing mode. All these adjustable features enhanced my child’s comfort.
- Material: the seat comprises metal alloy, making it a rigid car seat that lasts for ten years. Also, the pillow pad and the seat cover are very soft and plush.
- Compatibility: the seat suits kids of 4 pounds weight to 100 pounds. You can use it for your child at rear-facing, weighing from 4-to 40 pounds. At forward-facing, you can use it up to 65 pounds; and up to 100 pounds in Booster mode
- Other features: the seat comes with cup holders that are removable and washable. You can easily remove the seat cover, which is machine washable, without uninstalling the car seat. It comes with an infant wedge pillow that offers support.
A Few Final Words
You should never be careless while selecting a car seat for your child. The seat must be the best in the market, which does not compromise on quality. Hence if you don’t know where to look for the best car seat, then my reviews will certainly help you as I have tried and tested all the features from scratch.
If you still have any confusion, you can check my top 3 products:
The best option is the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. This is because it offers some fantastic adjustable features. Its headrest can be adjusted in up to 10 different positions. Hence it will not be wrong to say that it grows with your child. Also, you don’t need to rethread to adjust it. The backrest can go up to 6 reclining positions so that your child can stay in a comfortable place as long as they are using the seat.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Car Seat is another great choice. This is because the safety features of this car seat are unique and shall keep your kids safe even during a high-impact crash. The seat holds your child firmly and prevents them from falling. The seat is an FAA-approved car seat and has been tried and tested for significant impacts such as front, side, rear, and rollover.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the , which offers the car seat has an IIHS Good Bet rating for use in booster mode. Also, it meets or exceeds all the federal safety standards, and it is an FAA-approved car seat. It has also been tested for side-impact protection at a very reasonable price point.
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