Redesigned Backseat: Improved Family Functionality
The 2016 Chevrolet Volt's redesign brought significant improvements to its rear seating configuration, transitioning from a four-seat layout to a more family-friendly five-seat arrangement. While the new three-position bench offers increased versatility, our testing reveals important considerations for parents:
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Key Backseat Dimensions
- Seating Capacity: 3-position bench (2 comfortable car seat positions)
- Legroom Increase: +0.5 inches vs. 2015 model
- Middle Position: Narrow center suitable only for small children
During our evaluation, we found the additional half-inch of legroom makes a noticeable difference when installing rear-facing seats, which typically consume more front passenger space. The redesigned seat contours also better accommodate modern child restraint systems.
Car Seat Compatibility Assessment
Our certified technicians conducted rigorous testing using industry-standard child restraint systems to evaluate the Volt's family readiness:
Installation Success Rates
| Seat Type |
Installation Ease |
Fit Quality |
| Infant Seat (Graco SnugRide) |
Excellent |
Secure without front seat adjustment |
| Convertible Seat (Britax Marathon) |
Excellent (rear-facing), Good (forward-facing) |
Proper angle achieved with minor adjustments |
| Booster Seat (Graco TurboBooster) |
Excellent |
Stable base with easy buckle access |
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What Works Well
- Strategic Latch anchor placement deep in seat bight for secure connections
- Ample legroom for two car seats without compromising front passenger comfort
- Well-designed seat contours that naturally position booster seats
- Clearly marked tether anchors (though labeling could be improved)
Potential Challenges
- Angled seat bottom may require towel/noodle for proper infant seat recline
- Tether anchors located near similar-looking cargo hooks
- Center position too narrow for most car seats
Detailed Installation Analysis
Our team of certified child passenger safety technicians conducted comprehensive evaluations using three installation methods:
Latch System Performance
The Volt's lower anchors are positioned optimally—deep within the seat bight but accessible through designed slits in the upholstery. This placement provides:
- Minimal seat belt interference during installation
- Direct, straight path for secure attachments
- Reduced potential for incorrect installation angles
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Seat Belt Installation Considerations
For parents preferring seat belt installations or those needing to exceed Latch weight limits (65 lbs combined seat+child weight), we found:
- Locking retractors engage properly for forward-facing seats
- Belt path remains clear of obstructions
- Switchable retractors provide flexibility for different seat types
Tether Anchor Accessibility
The three upper tether anchors perform well but require careful identification:
- Located on rear of seatbacks (not package shelf)
- Clearly marked with standard international symbols
- Positioned to minimize strap twisting
Expert Installation Tips
Based on our hands-on testing, these recommendations can help parents achieve optimal safety:
For Rear-Facing Seats
- Use pool noodle or rolled towel if seat angle exceeds 45 degrees
- Position seat slightly toward center to maximize front legroom
- Ensure base is fully engaged with vehicle seat contours
For Forward-Facing Seats
- Always connect top tether to reduce head excursion
- Check for proper knee clearance over seat edge
- Verify harness straps at or above shoulders
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For Booster Seats
- Utilize deep seat pockets for stability
- Teach children to identify the rigid buckle stalks
- Regularly check seat belt positioning across lap and shoulder
Three-Car Seat Possibility
While Chevrolet advertises five-passenger capacity, practical car seat arrangements are more limited:
- Best configuration: Two car seats outboard + center booster
- Challenges: Narrow center makes proper installation difficult
- Alternative: Two car seats + small adult in center
The center position's 11.2-inch width (between hip room measurements) restricts most convertible seats, though some narrow-profile models may fit.
Safety Rating Breakdown
Using MotorVero's standardized evaluation criteria, the 2016 Volt earns strong marks:
| Category |
Score |
Notes |
| Latch Accessibility |
A |
Easy to locate and connect |
| Legroom Impact |
A- |
Minimal front seat adjustment needed |
| Tether Anchor Quality |
B+ |
Unmarked near cargo hooks |
| Three-Seat Fit |
C |
Center position too narrow |
| Booster Compatibility |
A |
Excellent belt positioning |
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Comparative Analysis
When benchmarked against other plug-in hybrids in its class, the Volt's child seat accommodations stand out:
Vs. Toyota Prius Prime
- Volt offers 1.2" more rear legroom
- Prius has better-labeled tether anchors
- Both struggle with three-across configurations
Vs. Ford Fusion Energi
- Fusion provides slightly wider center position
- Volt's Latch anchors are more accessible
- Fusion's seat contours less ideal for boosters
