2024 GMC Acadia Car Seat Compatibility & Safety Review

Redesigned for Families: What’s New in the 2024 Acadia

The 2024 GMC Acadia is more spacious than its predecessor, designed with family functionality at its core. The Denali trim, tested in our review, offers seven-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs, smart third-row access, and a robust set of safety tech. However, when it comes to car seat compatibility, there are both high and low points worth unpacking.

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Does It Fit Three Car Seats?

No, not in this specific configuration. The model tested includes second-row captain’s chairs, which restrict the possibility of securing three child seats across the row. Families needing this flexibility may want to consider bench-seat configurations or different trims that support three-across seating.

LATCH System Access & Usability

Grade: A

GMC delivers a user-friendly LATCH experience in the second row. Lower anchors are fully exposed, making it easy to connect car seats securely without wrestling with upholstery. Additionally, the two top tether anchors are clearly marked on the seatbacks and intuitive to use, streamlining installation for both novice and experienced caregivers.

Infant Car Seat Installation

Grade: A

The infant seat installation process was smooth and effortless. Notably, even with the car seat in place, the front passenger (5-foot-6-inches tall) retained ample legroom, showcasing the SUV’s optimized cabin layout and thoughtful seat engineering for parents of young children.

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Rear-Facing Convertible Seat

Grade: A

This seat also installs without issues, with no negative impact on front passenger legroom. The rear-facing position maintains a stable and secure fit, which is ideal for toddlers transitioning from infant carriers.

Forward-Facing Convertible Seat

Grade: A

By adjusting the head restraint upward, the forward-facing seat fits flush against the backrest. Connections to both the LATCH anchors and top tether were seamless, emphasizing Acadia's attention to car seat safety in its design.

Booster Seat Compatibility

Grade: A

After lifting the head restraint, the booster seat aligns correctly. Thanks to sturdy, upright buckle stalks in the second row, children can easily secure themselves, promoting both independence and safety.

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Third-Row Access Convenience

Grade: A

The second-row captain’s chairs offer one-touch lift-and-slide functionality, creating a wide and accessible pathway to the third row. An additional open space between the seats enhances this access, making it especially useful for parents managing multiple kids or car seats.

Forward-Facing Convertible in Third Row

Grade: C

There are no LATCH anchors in the third row, so installation relied on the seatbelt. The middle seat, with an adjustable head restraint, was the only feasible position. Outboard seats, with fixed restraints, pushed the seat forward. The buckle, mounted from the ceiling, can obstruct rear visibility and presents usability issues.

Booster Seat in the Third Row

Grade: C

The fixed head restraints again hindered a proper booster fit, preventing flush alignment with the seatback. Additionally, the floppy buckle design in this row makes it harder for children to operate without adult help, reducing practicality for daily use.

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Summary of Car Seat Grades

• LATCH System: A
• Infant Seat: A
• Rear-Facing Convertible: A
• Forward-Facing Convertible: A
• Booster Seat (2nd Row): A
• Third-Row Access: A
• Forward-Facing Convertible (3rd Row): C
• Booster Seat (3rd Row): C

MotorVero’s Final Verdict

The 2024 GMC Acadia, especially in its Denali trim, is a family-friendly midsize SUV that excels in second-row car seat safety, accessibility, and ease of use. However, third-row limitations—especially the absence of adjustable head restraints and secure buckles—impact its full family versatility. Still, for most growing families, the Acadia delivers a smart mix of comfort, safety, and practicality.

How We Conducted This Car Seat Check

Our MotorVero car seat evaluation team uses real-world tests with top-rated models: Chicco KeyFit 30 infant seat, Graco Contender 65 convertible, and Graco TurboBooster. The test simulates a 6-foot driver and a 5-foot-6-inch passenger, reviewing compatibility, LATCH access, and safety across multiple configurations. We assess fit, impact on legroom, tether accessibility, and child usability for each seat.

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