How to Pick a Lexus Car Seat
Local and national guidelines will help you pick the right car seat for your Lexus, and the owner’s manual will contain directions on how to install it.
Written by Jacqulyn Graber
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Table of Contents
- How to choose a car seat for a Lexus
- Installing a car seat in a Lexus
- The best family Lexus for car seats
- Car seat laws by state
- How to find affordable Lexus insurance
- FAQ
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Choosing the right car seat for your
Lexus
is essential for your child’s safety. Refer to local and national guidelines when shopping, and then check the Child Restraint section of your vehicle’s owner manual for installation directions. So much goes into preparing for your new baby’s arrival, and choosing a car seat is one of the most important tasks. When shopping, you’ll encounter a variety of safety ratings, price points, and aesthetics, and weeding through your options can start to feel overwhelming.
Fortunately, car insurance comparison and broker app
Jerry
is here with a handy guide intended to make picking out a car seat for your Lexus a much easier process. We’ll cover how to choose and install your baby’s car seat and make sure your selection is up to your state’s standards! How to choose a car seat for a Lexus
The first step in choosing a car seat is considering your child’s age, weight, and height. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
provides standards on car seats for children aged 0 to 12 years, and the exact car seat they recommend will vary depending on your child’s age and size. Generally, you can expect that the NHTSA will recommend a rear-facing seat until approximately three years of age, when children typically outgrow the manufacturer’s maximum height and weight restrictions. Then, children between four and seven will typically fit into a front-facing seat. Finally, booster seats are recommended for kids until the age of 12, or until they’re taller than 4 feet 9 inches. Convertible car seats are a great option if you want something that will grow with your child.
Category | Age groups | Features | Types |
|---|---|---|---|
Rear-facing | 0-12 months and up to three years | Protects neck and spinal cord during crashes | Infant car seat, convertible seat (for 12+ months), or all-in-one seat (for 12+ months) |
Forward-facing | Four to seven years OR over manufacturer’s weight and height limits for rear-facing seats | Uses a harness and tether to limit forward movement during crashes | Convertible seat, all-in-one seat, or combination seat |
Booster seat | Seven to 12 years OR over manufacturer’s weight and height limits for front-facing seats | Raises the child so the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly | Combination seat, all-in-one seat, high back booster seat (for cars without headrests), or backless booster seat (for cars with headrests) |
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The best car seats for Lexus owners
You’ll have to consider a variety of factors to select the best car seat for your Lexus, including checking the dimensions of your car’s rear seat, but here are some favorites among Lexus owners:
Still not sure what to pick? Use NHTSA’s
Car Seat Finder
! You can compare specific seats based on the category you need for your child. If you’re specifically shopping for booster seats, check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) booster ratings
to make sure you’re buying a booster that offers top-notch protection. Installing a car seat in a Lexus
Once you pick the perfect car seat, the next step is to install it safely into your Lexus. Every Lexus includes an owner’s manual with a Child Restraint section that specifically outlines how to properly install a seat into your specific model.
Depending on your Lexus model, you may have to purchase a Child Restraint System Kit (which includes a top tether anchor bracket, bolts, and locking clip) from your local Lexus dealer.
Installation steps may vary depending on what type of seat you’re putting into your vehicle—you can find
detailed instructions
from the NHTSA—but these basic steps will always be the same:- Carefully read the instruction manuals for your vehicle AND the car seat you purchase
- Use the seatbelt or the ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchors to securely attach the car seat or seat base to your car’s seat
- Ensure that the seat is secured snugly—when testing, it shouldn’t move more than an inch
- Buckle your child into the seat and make sure the straps fit securely
But exactly where should you install a car seat? Your intuition may tell you that the middle rear seat is the most insulated during a crash, but experts actually recommend putting the car seat behind the front passenger seat. Here’s why:
- You’ll find the required standardized ISOFIX attachment anchors in the outer rear seats. Middle seats likely won’t have these anchors, and installing a seat without them may be less safe.
- By installing the car seat behind the front passenger seat, you’ll be able to easily glance back at your child, even when sitting in the driver’s seat.
- You’ll be able to safely take your child in and out of the car seat, even when parked on the side of the road, as the passenger side is typically parked away from traffic
It’s important to never install the car seat in the front passenger seat. This may seem like you have easy access to your baby, but rear-facing car seats are not designed for the front seat, and this spot actually poses the greatest danger.
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The best family Lexus for car seats
You may already have a Lexus that you’re looking to add a car seat to, but if you’re shopping for a car that’s specifically designed with families in mind, consider the following three options:
Lexus UX
Starting price: $32,000 MSRP
NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
IIHS safety rating: Good (2021 Top Safety Pick)
IIHS LATCH ease of use: Good Plus
The Lexus UX Crossover features a bold urban design and unmistakable strength. Your family will stay comfortable in the ergonomic interior and enjoy advanced technology like Amazon Alexa and fast-charging USB ports. As far as safety goes, you’ll benefit from the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, as well as 10 total airbags..
Lexus NX
Starting price: $36,485 MSRP
NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
IIHS safety rating: Good (2021 Top Safety Pick)
IIHS LATCH ease of use: Acceptable
Slightly roomier than the UX, the Lexus NX is another compact crossover SUV that’s perfect for families. You’ll love the ample cargo space and foldable rear seat, as well as the panorama moonroof and overall sporty design. All-wheel drive offers all-weather safety and performance, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes class-leading safety equipment.
Lexus GX
Starting price: $52,355 MSRP
NHTSA safety rating: 5 stars
IIHS safety rating: Not tested
IIHS LATCH ease of use: Acceptable
The Lexus GX is the largest SUV on this list, offering maximum comfort and capabilities. Perfect for off-roading as well as the carpool lane, you’ll benefit from three rows of seats and flexible cargo space. You’ll have plenty of room for a car seat (or car seats!) and even a few guests. The Lexus Safety System+ and advanced technological features also provide a secure and luxurious driving experience.
Car seat laws by state
Want to make sure your Lexus car seat is in compliance with your state’s laws? Jerry’s got you covered. Check out the table below and click your state’s name for more detailed regulations.
State | Minimum requirements for adult seat belt | Maximum base fine |
|---|---|---|
6+ years | $25 | |
7+ years OR 57 inches or 65+ pounds | $50 | |
5+ years AND 57+ inches | $50 | |
6+ years OR 60+ pounds | $100 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $100 | |
8+ years | $81 | |
8+ years AND 60+ pounds | $50 | |
8+ years OR 66+ pounds | $25 | |
6+ years | $60 | |
57+ inches | $50 | |
4+ years AND 57 inches or 40+ pounds | $100 | |
7+ years | $79 | |
8+ years OR 40+ pounds where only a lap belt is available | $75 | |
8+ years | $25 | |
6+ years | $25 | |
8+ years OR 80+ pounds OR 57+ inches | $60 | |
57+ inches | $50 for children restraint, $30 for booster seat | |
9+ years OR above manufacturer’s height and weight restrictions | $100 | |
57+ inches OR 80+ pounds | $50 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $50 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $25 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $10 | |
8+ years AND 57+ inches | $25 | |
65+ pounds OR 57+ inches | $25 | |
8+ years OR 80+ pounds OR 57+ inches | $50 if child is under 80 pounds or 57 inches; $10 for others | |
6+ years | $100 | |
8+ years | $25 | |
6+ years | $500 | |
7+ years OR 57+ inches | $50 | |
8+ years or 57+ inches | $75 | |
7+ years | $25 | |
8+ years | $100 | |
8+ years OR 40-80 pounds in seats without shoulder belts | $25 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $25 | |
8+ years | $75 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $50 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $115 | |
8+ years | $75 | |
8+ years OR 80+ pounds OR 57+ inches | $85 | |
South Carolina | 8+ years OR 57+ inches *only if* belt fits correctly | $150 |
5+ years OR 40+ pounds | $25 | |
9+ years or 57+ inches | $50 | |
8+ years | $25 (minimum) | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $25 | |
8+ years AND 20+ pounds | $25 | |
8+ years | $50 | |
57+ inches OR 4+ years where only a lap belt is available | $124 | |
8+ years OR 57+ inches | $20 | |
8+ years OR 80+ pounds and 57+ inches | $75 | |
9+ years | $50 |
MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids
How to find affordable Lexus insurance
A car seat isn’t the only layer of protection you’ll want to add to your family’s Lexus—you’ll also want the best car insurance policy possible. Fortunately, Jerry makes saving on
car insurance
quick and easy.It’s this simple: download the
Jerry
app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies, and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request. No long forms. No calling around. No hard work. Just savings. The average Jerry user **saves $887 a year** on car insurance.
“When we added a new car to our family, we were shocked at how high our current insurer was going to hike our rates. We usedJerryfor some comparison shopping and are now saving around $1000 a year. Thank you, Jerry!” —Darius P.
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FAQ
Does Lexus have Isofix?
Every new Lexus vehicle is equipped with ISOFIX child seat mounting points. Depending on your Lexus’ year and model, you may have to purchase a Child Restraint System Kit (which includes a top tether anchor bracket, bolts, and locking clip) from your local Lexus dealer.
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