Volvo's Booster Seat Problem: Comfortable, Practical, But Still Lowering Pro-Contras

JAKARTA - Volvo has long been known as a pioneer in auto safety, and one of the unique features it offers is an integrated high seat (booster seat). Volvo is the only car manufacturer that currently includes this feature directly from the factory within their lineup of models.

As children grow, their seating needs also change. Booster seat is designed for older children who have graduated from a larger baby seat and child seat. This seat ensures that the car seat is properly attached to the child's shoulders and hips, generally for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds (about 18-36 kg), under the age of 8, and high below 4 feet 9 inches (about 145 cm).

Jalopnik reported, Tuesday, December 2, in general, that the feedback from parents about this feature tends to be positive. Kelly Stumpe, known as @the_car_mom on Instagram, was so impressed that he called for a petition for more car manufacturers to adopt a built-in high seat. On the Reddit platform, a user with a vasar888 account praised the convenience of the chair, stating that this feature is very practical when needed to bring his child's friends. The comfort offered by this integrated feature is the main attraction for parents who travel frequently.

Volvo has included an integrated high seat option since the 1990s. Currently, the feature is available in a large SUV XC90 (as an option in the middle seat of the second row) and an XC60 midsize SUV (with two seats, each on the second row side). When not used, the chair is hidden and looks like an ordinary chair. To activate it, parents only need to pull the hook at the front of the lower seat bearing, which will lift the bearing and create a suitable altitude for the child. This feature even offers two options of height, which can fit for a wide range of child body sizes.

However, not all parents are fully satisfied. Some parents voiced concerns and preferred to use external seat booster products. A father in Swedish.com complained that his 4-year-old daughter could easily escape the chest of the seat belt. In addition, the design of this built-in seat is considered less adequate head support when the child falls asleep. Another complaint, such as from Mike_V at volvoxc.com, mentions that the chair is too narrow, causes the child to slip, and the placement of his seat belt is not as secure as a stand-alone product.

Seeing the mixed response, it is clear that the Volvo-integrated booster seat offers unmatched comfort, eliminating the complexity of installing additional seats. However, prospective buyers are advised to consider critical inputs highlighting potential safety concerns related to seat belt detention and support as children fall asleep. This unique feature marks Volvo's commitment to family safety, but it remains important for every parent to ensure the suitability and security of seat belts for their children individually.