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The 2024 Rivian R1S can accommodate up to two car seats comfortably, but fitting three is not recommended. Based on our assessment experience with this three-row electric luxury SUV, the second and third rows offer easy-to-access LATCH anchors and score well for installation ease. However, the vehicle's primary limitation for families is limited third-row legroom and a second-row bench that becomes cramped with multiple child restraints. This detailed car seat check breaks down the installation process for each seat type and row to help you determine if the R1S meets your family's needs.
The Rivian R1S earns a top score for its Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system accessibility. The LATCH system is a standardized set of anchors in vehicle seats designed to simplify and secure child safety seat installation without using the seat belt.
In the second row, the two sets of lower anchors are positioned about an inch into the seat bight (the crevice where the seatback and bottom cushion meet), making them straightforward to find and use. Three top tether anchors are located at the top of the seatbacks and are clearly marked. In the third row, the two sets of lower anchors are even more accessible, sitting less than an inch deep, and the two top tether anchors are positioned midway down the seatbacks.
| Seat Location | Lower Anchors | Top Tethers | Overall LATCH Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Row | Two sets, easy access | Three, well-marked | A |
| Third Row | Two sets, very easy access | Two, well-marked | A |
The second row provides a generally positive experience for installing various car seat types, though some compromises on front passenger space are necessary.
Infant Seat (Grade B): Installation using the seat's rigid LATCH connectors was simple. However, the front passenger seat had to be moved forward to accommodate the rear-facing infant seat. A 5-foot-7-inch passenger had adequate legroom, but taller passengers will find space tight.
Rear-Facing Convertible Seat (Grade B): To connect the skinnier, hook-like connectors, we slightly reclined the vehicle's seatback to expose the lower anchors. Similar to the infant seat, this installation reduces legroom for the front passenger.
Forward-Facing Convertible Seat (Grade A): This setup fit perfectly. Leaving the seatback in a reclined position aided installation, and routing the top tether strap over the head restraint was straightforward.
Booster Seat (Grade B): The booster seat itself fit well, and the second-row head restraints can be removed for an ideal fit. A minor issue is that the seat belt buckles are floppy, which could make it difficult for a child to fasten themselves independently.
Yes, you can install car seats in the third row, and the LATCH system is excellent. However, practicality is limited by space constraints.
Accessing the third row is manageable via a button that folds and slides the second-row seats forward. The step-in height is significant without running boards, and the passageway is narrow, though fine for children. Once there, installing a forward-facing convertible seat (Grade B) is easy due to the wide seats. The main drawback is that the non-removable head restraint can push the car seat away from the seatback, creating a less secure fit. Furthermore, when the second row is pushed all the way back, third-row legroom is extremely tight, making it suitable only for very occasional use with a child seat.
Installing a booster seat (Grade B) is also straightforward, with the same head restraint issue. On a positive note, the third-row seat belt buckles are stable, unlike the floppy ones in the second row.
While the R1S has three rows of seating, our testing confirms that it cannot safely or comfortably accommodate three car seats simultaneously. The attempt to install three seats across the second row—a booster, an infant seat, and a forward-facing convertible—was unsuccessful. The primary reason is the physical space limitation; the bench becomes too crowded, compromising the integrity of each installation. The vehicle is best suited for a configuration of two car seats, potentially with one in the second row and one in the third, allowing the other second-row seat to be folded or used by an adult.
Beyond the specific grades for the R1S, parents should keep several general best practices in mind:
For families requiring space for two car seats, the 2024 Rivian R1S is a compelling option with its accessible LATCH system and premium features. However, for families needing to regularly transport three or more children in car seats, the limited third-row space and cramped second-row bench make other large three-row SUVs a more practical choice. The key is to prioritize a proper fit for your specific child restraints above all else.
