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Model Y

Tesla Model Y: Carseats that Fit (and Don’t Fit) in the Model Y

There are 2 trim lines for the Model Y: a 5-seat version and a 7-seat version. The 2nd row of the 7-seat version is on rails and can be moved forward or backward to adjust for more or less legroom for the 3rd row. This will obviously affect positioning of rear-facing carseats in the 2nd row.

The 3rd row is small and uncomfortable for tall teens and adults.

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) Locations

The lower anchors secure the bottom of the carseat to the vehicle while the tether secures the top of a forward-facing carseat (and in some rare cases, a rear-facing carseat).

You may install a carseat in outboard seating positions in the Model Y using either LATCH connectors or the seat belt, but not both at the same time (there are exceptions, so be sure to read your carseat manual and vehicle manual, which is occasionally updated). The LATCH connectors are on the carseat and the anchors are in the vehicle’s seat bight.

The top tether is used with ALL forward-facing installations, LATCH or seat belt, and some rear-facing carseats use it in a technique known as Australian-style tethering. Tesla prefers that you route the top tether strap toward the door side of the vehicle headrest, but it can also be routed underneath. Vehicle headrests can be removed if they interfere with the carseat installation. If leaving headrests installed for carseat installation, adjust to lowest position.

Lower LATCH anchor installations are limited by the child’s weight; check the labels on your carseat or your carseat’s LATCH installation section for weight limits.

Very tall carseats and boosters installed in outboard positions may not be able to have headwings extended to their full height because of the slope of the vehicle roof. Check your booster instruction manual too. Dorel (Cosco, Maxi-Cosi, Safety 1st) requires 5″ between the vehicle roof and its boosters to prevent head injuries due to roof crush in rollover crashes. While Tesla vehicles are unlikely to roll due to the battery weight creating a low center of gravity, owners are still instructed to not go against carseat instruction manuals for their children’s safety.

Trying to fit 3-across a Model Y is difficult but can be done with the correct carseats. You must use the seat belt for all three carseat installations for maximum flexibility in installation; using LATCH locks the outboard carseats into that 11″ space directly in front of those lower LATCH anchors. Using the seat belt allows you to slide the carseat over a bit, tighten the belt, and lock it into position.

Installing a carseat in a Model Y can be challenging. I recommend using a carseat that has a belt-tensioning device, such as a Britax ClickTight*, Chicco Fit360, Clek carseat, an Evenflo LiteMax NXT or Evenflo Revolve360, or a Graco SnugLock. Be sure to read the instruction manual since not all belt-tensioning devices will lock the seat belt.

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