Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y and Carseats
Tesla vehicles can be very frustrating to work with when it comes to carseats. The head restraints are just big enough to push carseats forward, and the flush seat belt buckles are difficult for booster riders.
One issue all Tesla models have had is narrowness between the seat belt anchors and buckles that are flush with the seat cushion; it’s very difficult for booster riders to buckle up.
Note about model year: Tesla vehicles aren’t updated on the traditional model year schedule; a model year for a Tesla runs January 1-December 31. Tesla regularly releases software updates. Physical updates, called “refreshes,” are often made mid-year but can happen any time. I label the vehicles by model year but only to give a date to them. Some have mid-year back seat refreshes but they are still considered the same “model year.”
Did you know CarSeatSite has a YouTube page? I’m looking for suggestions for videos—if you have questions about a Model 3 or Model X carseat installation, please email me and I’ll try to get something recorded if I have the carseat available (I have quite a collection!). Also, please subscribe to the YouTube page so you can see videos as they’re posted!
Terms used on this page:
Bight: the seat crack
Head Restraint: the vehicle’s device for keeping you from safe from whiplash in a crash
Outboard: outside, next to the door; behind the driver or behind the passenger
Model S
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 the Model S 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. The top tether location has not changed through updates in vehicle seats. 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.
All Model S Model Years:
For carseat installations, there are 2 dedicated lower LATCH locations in the outboard seating positions in the back seat and 3 top tether locations for all seating positions. Cars with Gen 1 seats (see below) have center LATCH. If your Model S doesn’t have center lower LATCH anchors, use the seat belt to install your carseat.
LATCH locations are based on model year (MY). All vehicles have lower LATCH anchors in the outboard positions.
2012-2014 (through Q4; AKA Gen 1 Seats):
The original Model S vehicle seat design was very carseat-friendly as the seats were relatively flat and the head restraints were little more than nubs. Tesla updated the design in 2014, improving the head restraints for adult passengers and kids riding in backless boosters.
The back seats are flat with bolsters on the outside at each door that can push a carseat toward the center. The head restraints are small and flat. Lower LATCH anchors are in outboard positions, with one (1) LATCH anchor in the middle that, when combined with an outboard anchor, creates a center LATCH position (phased out during late MY ’14, so some vehicles may not have it; I was not able to find any MY ’14 pictures with a center LATCH anchor, so I believe it is uncommon).
When using a tether for a forward-facing carseat, the tether is routed over the top of the head restraint. If the tether is V-shaped (Britax), the tether straps go around the head restraint.
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.
2014-2015 (Gen 2 Seats):
The back seats are still relatively flat but have a little more contour to them and the head restraints are taller and angled forward. Because the head restraints are angled forward, taller carseats or seats with adjustable headwings will have problems with installation.
When using a tether for a forward-facing carseat, the tether is routed over the top of the head restraint. If the tether is V-shaped (Britax), the tether straps go around the head restraint.
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.
2015-2016 (Gen 3 Seats or Next Gen Seats):
The back seats have more contour to them than before and the head restraints are flat.
When using a tether for a forward-facing carseat, the tether is routed over the top of the head restraint. If the tether is V-shaped (Britax), the tether straps go around the head restraint.
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.
A much less common type of back seat design is the Executive Seat, which has a permanent center console making the Model S a 4-seat vehicle. Designed for the Chinese market where chauffeurs are common, these seats still have the FMVSS 225-required 2 sets of LATCH.
2017-2021 (Gen 4 or Tesla Premium Seats):
Beginning in July, 2017, Tesla updated the rear seat so that the center seating position is raised; it’s more like there are 3 separate seating positions. Lower LATCH anchors are in outboard positions only, top tethers are in all 3 seating positions.
When using a tether for a forward-facing carseat, the tether is routed over the top of the head restraint. If the tether is V-shaped (Britax), the tether straps go around the head restraint.
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.
Black Tesla has an excellent video detailing the history of Model S vehicle seats. If you’re interested in viewing it, please click here.
2021-Current:
Not much has changed in the overall design of the shape of the Model S back seat since 2017; however, the most noticeable is that the release of the Plaid version prompted a change in the center seating position head restraint. It’s about half-size now, which will factor in for taller kids using a backless booster. Make sure their ears don’t go over the top so they have whiplash protection.
Lower LATCH anchor locations differ slightly as well. On all iterations of the Model S, except Plaid, through 2021, lower LATCH anchors are higher in the vehicle seat bight (crack). Beginning with the Plaid version and starting in 2022, lower anchors are lower in the bight and you must lift a flap to reveal them.
Model S Carseat Pics
For best viewing and pic descriptions, please click on the gallery:
Model 3
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 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. 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.
All Model 3 Model Years:
For carseat installations in the Model 3, there are 2 dedicated lower LATCH locations in the outboard seating positions in the back seat and 3 top tether locations for all seating positions.
When using a tether for a forward-facing carseat, the tether is routed to the door side of the head restraint. If the tether is V-shaped (Britax), the tether straps go around the head restraint. In the center seating position, the tether is routed over the top of the head restraint when it’s in its lowest position.
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) is phasing in a head height limit of 5″ to vehicle roof to 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 3 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 3 can be challenging. I recommend using a carseat that has a belt-tensioning device, such as a Britax Boulevard or Marathon ClickTight (not the Poplar, which won’t work forward-facing with the headrests)*, Chicco Fit360, Clek carseat, an Evenflo LiteMax DLX 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.
*As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you so much for supporting CarSeatSite if you choose to make a purchase! I truly hope you’ve found my page helpful and will share it!
Model 3 Carseat Pics
For best viewing and pic descriptions, please click on the gallery:
Model X
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). In the captain’s chairs, the lower LATCH anchors are hidden by a lift-up flap of upholstery located below the LATCH identifier buttons.
For carseat installations in the Model X, you may install a carseat 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. 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.
There are multiple seating trim lines for 5-, 6-, and 7-seat options. The 5-seat trim line has a bench seat option permanently affixed to the floor of the MX and can fold flat; it lacks a 3rd row seating option. The 6-seat trim line has 2 captain’s chairs in the 2nd row on monoposts that can slide forward to allow access to the 3rd row. The 7-seat trim line has 3 separate captain’s chairs on monoposts that can slide forward to allow access to the 3rd row. There’s also an option for a fold-flat bench seat introduced in July 2017.
2nd Row
3rd Row
Model X Carseat Pics
For best viewing and pic descriptions, please click on the gallery:
Britax V-tethers will slip off the sides of the monopost seats in the 2nd row. Here’s a quick video on how to fix that problem with the tether extender accessory from Britax:
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.
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 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. 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) is phasing in a head height limit of 5″ to vehicle roof to 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 DLX 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.
*As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you so much for supporting CarSeatSite if you choose to make a purchase! I truly hope you’ve found my page helpful and will share it!
Model Y Carseat Pics
For best viewing and pic descriptions, please click on the gallery:
