The demand for child safety devices in cars has surged in recent years, as more families prioritize protecting their children during travel.
Alongside the popular detachable car seats available on the market, many parents wonder if there are any vehicles with built-in child seats or booster cushions directly from the manufacturer.
Volvo stands out as the nearly exclusive brand in Vietnam offering integrated booster cushions in the second row of seats. The Swedish automaker has long been synonymous with safety, making this feature a unique selling point. These booster cushions are suitable for children aged approximately 4 years and older, with heights ranging from 106 to 150 cm. When not in use, the cushion can be folded down, seamlessly blending into the seat for aesthetic appeal and flexibility.
Models like the Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90, available in Vietnam, come equipped with this feature. While not a complete child seat, the integrated booster ensures the seatbelt rests correctly on the child’s shoulders and chest, enhancing protection during collisions.
Despite the lack of built-in child seat options, Vietnamese drivers benefit from a more critical safety feature: ISOFIX anchors. Nearly all modern passenger vehicles, from compact cars to luxury SUVs, include at least two ISOFIX points in the rear seats.
ISOFIX is recognized as a highly effective safety standard, minimizing installation errors—a common issue when parents use traditional seatbelt-mounted car seats. The rigid ISOFIX connections securely attach the seat to the vehicle’s structure, ensuring stability during sudden stops or accidents.
The primary advantage of ISOFIX is its compatibility with a wide range of detachable car seats available on the market. Parents can easily select a seat tailored to their child’s age, height, or budget. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car seats fall into three main categories: rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats. Depending on the child’s age and size, parents can choose the appropriate type.
High-end car seats now incorporate advanced safety technologies, such as reinforced metal frames, shock-absorbing foam, anti-rotation mechanisms, 360-degree rotation, and side-impact collision sensors. In contrast, budget-friendly options typically rely on soft straps and lack additional protective materials, offering less safety.
Globally, built-in child seats or boosters were once featured in some models but have largely fallen out of favor. Chrysler and Dodge included these in minivans like the Chrysler Town & Country (1995–1999) and Dodge Grand Caravan, positioning them as highlights in family vehicles before the industry shifted to ISOFIX standardization.
In China, select premium versions of the Roewe RX5 and RX3 also offer integrated child safety seats. The RX5 Plus even includes both a booster cushion and a footrest for children measuring 90–150 cm. However, these features are optional and limited to specific configurations, not standard across the lineup.
Overall, integrated child seats are not a widespread trend in the global automotive industry, primarily due to high costs, limited demand, and challenges in accommodating various age groups.
