While all car seats meet the same safety standards, their designs and sizes vary, making some more suitable for certain cars than others.
For parents with compact cars, the challenge is finding a car seat that fits well in the limited space of the backseat, especially when considering rear-facing seats, which typically require more room.
To help you find a compact car seat for your small car, we have compiled a list of car seats that are designed to fit most small vehicle backseats.
In This Guide
Compact Infant Car Seats | Compact Convertible Car Seats | Compact Booster Seats | Compact Travel Car Seats
Top 3 Compact Car seat for Small Cars
Best infant car seat for small cars
1. Chicco Keyfit 30
Overall Score: 7.8
Tested With Scoring System 1.0 
8
Safety features
8.5
Ease of Installation
6.5
Comfort
8.5
Weight & Portability
6
Flexibility
5
Durability
8
Ease of Cleaning
6
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Compact & Slim design
Lighweight
3 across friendly
Easy installation
Average Quality
Specs & Features
Rear-facing only (4-30 lb, 32 in)
27.5L x 16.75W x 24H in
Weight: 9.5 lbs (Carrier only)
Recline leveling foot
Built-in lock-offs
Why it’s best
Chicco Keyfit 30 is one of our favorite infant car seats. It combines safety, comfort, and a perfect fit in small cars.
In addition to its compact design, the Keyfit 30 is lightweight (9.5 lbs only) and offers hassle-free installation.
And not to forget about strollers, the Keyfit 30 is compatible with Chicco strollers, and a variety of other popular strollers such as Mockingbird and Uppababy Vista
2. Clek Liing
Overall Score: 8.8
Tested With Scoring System 1.0
9.5
Safety features
8.5
Ease of Installation
9
Comfort
8.6
Weight & Portability
7.5
Flexibility
8
Durability
8
Ease of Cleaning
9
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Compact & narrow design
Lighweight
Easy installation
Expensive
No-rethread harness
Specs & Features
Rear-facing (4-35 lb, 32 in)
26L x 17W x 26H in
Weight: 9 lb (Carrier only)
Stability Load leg
Side impact protection
Why it’s best
The Clek Liing is one of the most compact car seats from front to back. It’s also light, weighing only 9 pounds.
The Clek is a premium car seat that’s very easy to install.
It has lots of features for safety and comfort, including a strong metal base, a support leg for extra stability, several recline options, and a flame-retardant-free fabric option.
Best convertible car seats for small cars
1. Graco Extend2fit 2in1
Overall Score: 7.8
Tested With Scoring System 1.0
8.5
Safety features
7
Ease of Installation
7.5
Comfort
6
Weight & Portability
7.5
Flexibility
9
Durability
8
Ease of Cleaning
7
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Compact front-to-back
Extended rear-facing
Reasonably priced
Bulky side-to-side
Heavy
Specs & Features
Rear-facing (4-50 lb, 42 in)
Forward-facing (22-65 lb, 42 in)
21.5L x 19.5W x 23.5H in
Weight: 19.25 lb
Steel reinforced frame
Why it’s best
The Graco Extend2fit 2-in-1 is an excellent car seat for a small car. It’s the most font-to-back compact convertible seat on the market.
It supports extended rear-facing up to 50 pounds. This is made possible by Graco’s extension foot panel, which can provide an extra 5 inches of space for your child.
However, the Extend2fit can be quite bulky side-to-side. This means it’s not the best car seat for 3 across in your small car.
2. Graco Slimfit3 LX 3in1
Overall Score: 7.8
Tested With Scoring System 1.0
8.5
Safety features
7
Ease of Installation
7.5
Comfort
6
Weight & Portability
7.5
Flexibility
9
Durability
8
Ease of Cleaning
7
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Best for 3 across
3 car seats in 1
Reasonably priced
Breathable fabric
Not suitable for newborns
No rear-facing belt lock-off
Specs & Features
Rear-facing (5-40 lb, 42 in)
Forward-facing (22-65 lb, 42 in),
Booster Mode (40-100 lb, 42 in)
L20.7 x W16.7 x H24.5 in
Weight: 19.2 lb
Steel reinforced frame
Forward-facing Belt Lock-Of
Why it’s best
Pulling off 3 across in a small car can be a real pain. Luckily, we have the the Graco Slimfit3 LX 3in1. Measuring only 16.7 inches wide, the slim design of this car seat will take full advantage of the limited space in your small car. It’s also compact front-to-back.
The best part? The Graco Slimfit3 LX is a 3 car seat in 1. It can transition from a rear-facing to a forward-facing as your baby grows, and even into a booster seat when your child is ready.
Also, the Graco Slimfit3 LX doesn’t skimp on comfort. It comes with a comfortable insert and a breathable mesh fabric which makes one our favorite car seat for hot weather.
3. Nuna Rava
Overall Score: 8.7
Tested With Scoring System 1.0
9.5
Safety features
9
Ease of Installation
10
Comfort
5
Weight & Portability
7.5
Flexibility
9
Durability
8
Ease of Cleaning
8
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Compact front-to-back
Easy installation
Extended rear-facing
No flame retardants
Heavy
Expensive
Specs & Features
Rear-facing (5-50 lb, 49 in)
Forward-facing (30-65 lb, 49 in),
L16 in x W19 in x H31 in
Weight: 27.7 lb
Steel reinforced frame
Forward-facing Belt Lock-Of
Why it’s best
Nuna Rava is another compact convertible car seat. The Nuna Rava is a compact convertible car seat that is the smallest in front-to-back size on our list, yet it is also one of the most costly.
It offers your child an extended rear-facing up to 50 pounds and 5 different recline options when facing the rear.
There is no level indicator, This means you can adjust it to be as upright as possible as long as your child is able to sit by themselves.
Also, the Nuna Rava is easy to install using a seat belt, and all the fabric options are free of flame retardants, making it a safer choice.
Best Booster car seats for small cars
1. Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120
Overall Score: 7.8
Tested With Scoring System 1.0
8.5
Safety features
7
Ease of Installation
7.5
Comfort
6
Weight & Portability
7.5
Flexibility
9
Durability
8
Ease of Cleaning
7
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Best for 3 across
Super lighweight
Foldable backrest
No backless booster
Expensive
Specs & Features
High Back Booster (40-120 lbs)
L22 x W17.25 x H26.75 in
Weight: 14 lb
Aluminum reinforced backrest
4D Total Adjust Technology
Why it’s best
Peg Perego Viaggio Flex is the perfect booster seat for small cars and also cars with bucket seats. The lack of armrests makes it super slim and perfect for 3 across.
One of Peg Perego’s standout features is the 4D Total Adjust feature, which allows you to adjust the headrest, backrest, side wings, and seat independently to provide a customized fit for your child. It also features fold-away cupholders and stain-resistant fabric.
The best part? This seat is foldable for travel or storage.
Best travel car seats for small cars
1. Wayb Pico
Overall Score: 8.7
Tested With Scoring System 1.0
8.5
Safety features
7
Ease of Installation
8.5
Comfort
10
Weight & Portability
7.5
Adjustability
9
Quality & Durability
8.5
Ease of Cleaning
9
Aesthetics
Pros & Cons
Foldable & Portable
Super lighweight
3 across friendly
Breathable fabric
No rear-facing option
Expensive
Specs & Features
For 2 years old and up
Height, Weight limit: 30-45″/ 22-50 lbs
L15.2″ x W14.5″ x H27.8″
Weight: 8 lb
Aluminum reinforced frame
5 point harness
Why it’s best
The Pico car seat is designed for easy travel and fits well in small cars. It is very light, weighing only 8 pounds, and can be folded to a smaller size.
When you install the Pico car seat in your car, it takes up little space. This is helpful for 3 across installations.
The Pico car seat is more expensive but, it is a good choice if you travel often or if you need a car seat that does not take up much space in a small car.
How to choose a car seat for Your small car
The safety of a car seat is determined by the following factors:
- How well it fits your child ( considering the age, weight, and height)
- How properly it fits in your vehicle
- Whether you can install and use it correctly every time.
Age, weight, and height fit
Before you buy a car seat consider your child’s current age, weight, and height. This will help you determine the car seat type and if the car seat is a suitable fit for your child.
There are different car seat types you can choose from depending on your child’s stats, infant car seats, convertible car seats, combination seats, and booster seats.
Each of these car seat types is designed to keep your child safe and comfy when chosen wisely.
We have different car seat guides that help you choose a car seat for your child’s age.
To do that head to the best car seats by age group.
You can also check our car seats by types, which provide a curated list of the best car seats based on different types.
For a specific car seat type, check:
- Best infant car seats
- Best convertible car seats
- Best booster car seats
- Best all-in-one car seats
Fit in your compact car
Car seats do not fit every car. Compatibility depends on the car’s size, as well as the seat’s size, design, and installation requirements.
Before choosing a car seat, measure the available interior space in your small car to determine the maximum dimensions that the car seat should have to ensure a proper fit.
This will help you narrow down your options and choose a seat that fits your backset well.
When measuring, consider both the width (hip room space) and depth of the backseat of your car.
You can also check our best car seats by vehicle round-ups.
These round-ups provide curated lists of car seats that are known to be a good fit for different vehicle models.
Our guides take into consideration factors such as the size and dimensions of the car seats, compatibility with the vehicle, and overall safety and ease of installation.
Safe Installation & use
Buy a car seat that you can install and use properly and confidently.
A car seat with a complicated installation that you can’t figure out can be a danger to your child.
When buying a car seat, look for features such as a LATCH system and seatbelt lock-offs for a secure and snug setup in the car.
Also, a car seat with clear indicators and instructions can help you get the correct positioning in the car.
Adjustable harnesses also help get a snug and proper fit, while side-impact protection is a recommended feature for enhanced safety.
FAQs
Unfortunately, not all small cars have enough space to accommodate three car seats side by side. Check your car specs before you buy 3 car seats.
Car seats that are slim and designed for 3 across are the best car seats to choose from for small cars. Clek Liingo, Peg Perego Primo, and Slimfit3 LX are a few to consider.
No, child car seats do not fit every car. Compatibility depends on the car’s make, model, and year, as well as the seat’s size, design, and installation requirements. Always check the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle’s owner manual to ensure a proper fit.
