Does the 2021 Tesla Model S Accommodate Car Seats Easily?

Installing car seats in the 2021 Tesla Model S is a challenging process due to difficult-to-access lower Latch anchors, heavily bolstered seats, and fixed head restraints, resulting in mediocre grades across most car seat types. Based on our assessment experience, the sedan does not fit three car seats across its second row, and booster seat installation is particularly problematic.

What Are the Overall Car Seat Check Grades for the Model S?

The 2021 Tesla Model S received mixed results in our Car Seat Check, conducted by certified child safety seat installation technicians. The evaluation uses a standard set of seats: a Chicco KeyFit 30 infant seat, a Graco Contender 65 convertible seat, and a Graco TurboBooster. The grading scale ranges from A (plenty of room, easy connection) to F (does not fit or is unsafe). Here’s a summary of the findings:

How Does the Model S's Latch System Perform?

The Latch system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is a standardized system designed to make car seat installation easier. In the Model S, there are two sets of lower anchors and three top tether anchors on the seatbacks. However, accessing the lower anchors is complicated by the seat design and a protective flap, leaving barely enough clearance for connection. The three top tether anchors are clearly marked. For installation, a dual top tether strap must be positioned on either side of the head restraint, while a single tether should go on the outside (nearest the window). A center installation requires the strap to go over the head restraint.

What Challenges Arise with Different Car Seat Types?

• Infant Seat: The infant seat’s rigid Latch connectors made connection slightly easier than with the convertible seat's floppy connectors. On a positive note, the front passenger had ample legroom with the seat installed behind them.
• Rear-Facing Convertible: Our technicians had significant issues connecting to the lower anchors, a process that was described as difficult and time-consuming. Passenger legroom, however, was not an issue.
• Forward-Facing Convertible: The challenges with the lower anchors persisted. A major issue was the fixed head restraint, which prevented the car seat from sitting flush against the vehicle's seatback as required for optimal safety.
• Booster Seat: The booster seat installation was the most problematic. The outboard seats have large side bolsters that narrow the seating area, making it too small for the booster to sit flat. This caused the booster to be pushed inward, covering the flush-mounted seat belt buckle and complicating access for a child. The result was a booster that sat at an unsafe angle.

Will Three Car Seats Fit in the Second Row?

No, the 2021 Tesla Model S does not fit three car seats in the second row. When attempting to install the forward-facing convertible in the center with the booster and infant seats in the outboard positions, the configuration was unsuccessful. The narrow seats and bolsters, combined with the booster's fit issues, made it impossible to achieve a safe installation for three seats.

For parents considering the 2021 Tesla Model S, the car seat installation process is more difficult than in many rival vehicles. Key takeaways include:

• Prepare for a challenge when connecting to the lower Latch anchors due to the seat design.
• The fixed head restraints are a significant hindrance for forward-facing car seats.
• The booster seat compatibility is poor; families with children in boosters should carefully assess the fit.
• Remember that you can use the vehicle's seat belt instead of the Latch system to install a car seat, which may sometimes be easier. It is also critical to remember that Latch anchors have a weight limit of 65 pounds, which includes the combined weight of the child and the car seat itself.