I have one kid that's 3 yrs old and I put the seat in the center section. I am not sure of the space but maybe you can fit one in the middle and the other car seat behind the passenger side.
I am able to put two car seats and a wife in the back of our Patriot (one front facing one rear), and we have fit 3 across (front facing in the middle, rear facing on either side) what car seats are you using, and do you have the bases installed?
Well, I wanted to double check one last time and try to get two car seats to fit in the patriot.
I went by a local baby store (Baby Phases) that has been super helpful. I had their certified car seat installer come out to the patriot and try to get two car seats in the patriot.
I thought about trying to install the seats without the bases, but she said that the new car seats aren't supposed to be installed with out their bases. I thought I might be able to save a little space sans base, but that didn't work out.
Next I put my seat all the way forward and installed the car seat. I slid the driver seat back and tried to fit behind the wheel. I had about an inch clearance between my knees and the bolster/dash. After hearing the car seat installers story of her emt boyfriend responding to an accident that involved the victims femurs going through the dash I quickly ruled out this option.
Finally, I tried to install one car seat in the middle and the other behind the passenger seat. This fit, but was really tight. The car seats were touching and were canted at a slight angle. She then gave me the 'as a certified car installer I can tell you that that they can't touch each other and they need to be straight, but as a parent you have to do what you think is best...." Basically she was saying that it wasn't real safe but better then throwing the kids on a blanket in the back.
It was too "squished" (wife's term) and not safe enough in my opinion. So I opted to buy a different car.
It's good to know that there is some space issues for car seats. I'm 6'0, but I have little short stubby legs. Since my wife are dealing with infertility issues, twins, or even triplets, is a huge possibility for us. Now I know what to expect...kinda. I hope this works out for your riot.
My wife and I have fertility issues and conceived with the help of some fertility treatments. It took three year but finally happened!
