Best Cars for Twins: The List Of Cars I Would Consider
Just to clarify - I’m pregnant with just ONE baby, but this topic has been on my mind for some time!
If you’ve found this post I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’re currently expecting twins to join your family. Let me help check one thing off your massive to-do list and help break down specifically what to consider when looking for the best cars for twins.
Without any further introduction, let’s dive in and break down exactly how to choose the perfect family car when expecting twins.
Kelly, I'm Expecting Twins... Can I Make My Current Vehicle Work?
Expecting twins is exciting (and a little scary), but it might make you wonder if your current car can handle it. If your twins are the first babies in your family, almost every car can fit two car seats. On the other hand, if you already have kids and now you're expecting twins, this is where things get a little more difficult.
The best way to set your car for twins is typically one twin on each outboard seat- I would avoid putting a twin in an outboard and one in the middle because transferring an infant seat to a middle seat can be difficult and get heavy. The outboard seats in cars will be equipped with lower anchors so you will have the choice based on your car seat preferences to install with seatbelt or latch.
If your current car doesn't have enough space for your growing family, you might need to consider getting a larger vehicle. This is especially important for safety reasons. You'll need enough room for everyone to travel comfortably and securely.
Think about what your family needs. Do you need extra seats for older siblings or more room for baby gear? If so, a bigger car might be the best option. But if your current car already fits your family well, you might be able to make it work with some adjustments. Just make sure everyone has enough space and stays safe on the road.
I know these are a lot of questions to consider, so to help I have a complete post breaking down your Family Forecasting Needs. With my Family Planning Map, you will have a better idea if your current vehicle will work or not.
Best Cars For Twins: What To Consider If You’re In The Market
Bench seat vs. captain's chairs
Vehicle size
Trunk space
Are Captain's Chairs or Bench Seating Better With Twins?
When it comes to deciding between captain's chairs and bench seating for twins, I prefer the bench because you can sit between each baby and provide equal attention. However, if you already have multiple kids, captain's chairs can be the better option because they offer easier access to the third row, especially in larger vehicles.
If you're really not sure which will work best for you, consider factors like your daily routine, the ages of your kids, and how frequently you'll be using the third row. To read the pros and cons of each second row seating option, read my guide on Bench Seating vs. Captains Chairs here.
What Size Vehicle Is The Best For Twins?
When considering what size vehicle is best for twins, it's important to think about your family's specific needs, especially when it comes to the third row. If you need the third row all the time, a larger SUV will be more suitable.
However, if you're only planning on having your two twins and don't need the additional third row space, a smaller vehicle will work just as well.
Twins come with double the gear, especially car seats, so you'll need enough room to accommodate them comfortably. If you only have two kids, size might not be the biggest concern. However, if you have three or more children, you'll likely need a larger vehicle to fit everyone securely and have space for all the necessities on a daily basis.
If you want a full-size SUV, have you considered an extended wheelbase?
Let’s talk about trunk space. With twins, you are going to need a double stroller in the trunk, which typically calls for one of the largest trunks in the market.
If you’re already in the market for a large SUV, consider an extended wheelbase. A larger trunk is essential for hauling double the gear, so if you anticipate needing even more trunk space, I’d HIGHLY recommend skipping right to the extended wheelbase.
An extended wheelbase provides extra space for both passengers and cargo, making it ideal for larger families.
If you want to learn more about the details of an extended wheelbase, check out my post breaking down Regular vs. Extended Wheelbases here.
Best Cars For Twins:
Any minivan, specifically the Honda Odyssey
Volkswagen Atlas
Honda Pilot
Chevy Traverse
Lexus TX
Any full-size SUV, but I’d consider an extended wheelbase
All of the vehicles I consider specifically for twins come from my comprehensive guide on the Best Cars for Families. If you’re not sure where to start when shopping for a family car I highly recommend starting with this post.
Minivans
If you’re looking for the ultimate family hauler, minivans are the best choice. I absolutely love any of the four minivans on the market for their family-friendly features, but each have their own unique pros and cons. To see a complete guide to each minivan out there, check out my Minivan Showdown Guide here!
After surveying twin moms the number one recommendation was the Honda Odyssey with the magic slide (found in the 2017s and above). The Honda Odyssey is always a top rec for the car mom community but Odyssey Moms with Twins felt very passionately about this car! Read my complete post here to learn more!
Midsize SUVs
There are only a few vehicles I recommend for twins and it depends on if you really want the captain’s chairs or bench seat in your second row.
If you want a bench seat, the Volkswagen Atlas (the 2023 Car Mom Car of the Year) and the Honda Pilot are my top choices. These are the only midsize haulers with a bench I can fully plant my flag in as family vehicles that will grow with you. They both offer a ton of space and excellent bench seats for twins and other children as well. Both cars have excellent car seat set ups that will allow for versatility as the twins or your family grows. Tether anchor placement is something we took heavy into consideration when complying this list. The Atlas and Pilot offer tether anchors in every seat which will be helpful when the twins are forward facing!
If you decide on captain chars, the new Chevrolet Traverse and new Lexus TX would be my top recommendations. These are both vehicles on the larger midsize SUV end, with the cars having great trunk space. Both options give you that much-needed space to accommodate a double stroller and any other gear you need. They also have good tether anchor placement in the the third row, The Chevy Traverse offers them on all three seats in 3rd row and the TX offers them in both of the seats found in the third row. This will be an important considers has the twins transition into forward facing car seats and tether anchors are required.
Full-Size SUVs
Full-size SUVs are the larger option to a midsize SUV with that third row included. Although there are several on the market to consider, manufacturers aside they are more alike than different.
To see the ultimate breakdown of every full-size SUV on the market, read my Full-Size SUV Showdown Guide here!
Car Seat and Stroller Recommendations
When you’re thinking of a family car, the topic of car seats and strollers are often not far behind. While I am in no means more partial to one seat / stroller over another, here are my recommendations for strollers and seats I’ve tested time and time again that work great in almost every vehicle out there:
Mockingbird Single-to-Double stroller + Mockingbird car seat adaptor (use code: CARMOM for a free cupholder)
Best Cars For Twins: Wrap Up
When you’re looking into the best cars for twins, the only two things to consider are your family’s needs and budget. Your current car is the perfect fit if it fits everyone safely and securely. That being said, a new car for twins can really help make your daily routine easier, especially if you consider your second row set up and trunk space.
If you have any further questions on the best cars for twins, please ask me in the comments! And to keep up with the latest car buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:
