A few have models options for metal crash-tested screens to safely keep the cargo from coming into the passenger area – these include those made by Volvo and Saab.

Typically 5. A few wagons (Volvo) have options for a third row seat. This third row seat can be problematic from a safety perspective on many levels. 1. The child is riding in the cargo area – so unless the cargo area is completely empty (highly unlikely) the child is at risk of being severely hurt by flying cargo. 2. Since this vehicle seat is rear-facing, you can not install a car seat or booster seat here. Finally, there is a maximum weight limit on these seats (usually around 80 pounds) – so many of the kids that technically fit on these seats can not ride there, because they still need car seats/boosters to ride safely.

Total size of the vehicle is not a good indicator of the roominess of the back row. The biggest factor is how close to the doors (as opposed to the center of the vehicle) the lower LATCH anchors or the vehicle’s safety belts are anchored, as these greatly affect where the car seat must sit. Deep sculpting of the vehicle’s seat back – usually on the sides closest to the door – will force the car seat to sit closer to the center of the vehicle, leaving less room for other passengers/car seats. If you have 2 car seats and want to fit an adult in the back seat, you can maximize space by placing the 2 car seats side by side and allowing the adult to sit on the other side. While this is ideal, it is not possible to SECURELY install two car seats side by side in many sedans. With 2 car seats – one on either side - in the back seat, there is often not enough room for an adult to sit comfortably (or at all). A vehicle with 3 separate LATCH positions (like the Dodge Magnum) is likely to have the roomiest back seat.

Low. Wagons are built on a car chassis, which means they have low centers of gravity and are therefore less likely to rollover than an SUV. Due to its low center of gravity, it becomes more stable the heavier it becomes.