Family Travel Simplified: The Genius of Volvo's Integrated Booster Cushions

Travelling with children requires planning, patience, and often, a car full of accessories that consume valuable space. Among these necessities, child seating ranks as essential yet sometimes cumbersome equipment that families must transport, install, and sometimes transfer between vehicles. Volvo's integrated booster cushion system addresses this aspect of family travel, offering a solution built directly into select models.

This practical feature showcases Volvo's understanding of real family needs on Canadian roads. The integrated two-stage booster cushions in the outer rear seats provide a convenient alternative to separate boosters for children who meet the appropriate weight requirements, while maintaining the high safety standards Volvo has established over decades of safety research.

How Integrated Boosters Work

The effectiveness of Volvo's integrated booster system comes from its simplicity. With a quick pull of a handle at the front of the seat cushion, the booster rises from the seat base to create an appropriately positioned seating surface for children. The two-stage design accommodates different heights and ages, making it adaptable as your child grows.

In the lower position, the booster suits children between 115-140 cm tall (typically ages 7-10), while the upper position works for smaller children between 95-120 cm (approximately ages 4-6). This adaptability ensures proper seatbelt positioning across the child's lap and shoulder—critical for safety during sudden stops or collisions on Canadian roads.

The system integrates seamlessly with the vehicle's existing safety features, including side-impact protection and properly positioned seatbelt guides. When not needed, the booster folds completely flat into the seat, leaving no indication of its presence and maintaining the clean Scandinavian aesthetic Volvo is known for.

Daily Convenience for Canadian Families

For Canadian families juggling busy schedules across urban centres and suburban neighbourhoods, the practical advantages of integrated boosters for appropriately-sized children become apparent immediately. For children weighing at least 18 kg (40 pounds), the system eliminates the need to purchase, store, and transfer separate booster seats—a particular benefit during winter months when carrying extra equipment through snow or ice creates additional challenges.

The time saved during morning school drop-offs adds up significantly over weeks and months. No more searching for misplaced boosters or adjusting poorly fitting aftermarket options. The integrated system remains properly installed and ready within seconds, reducing stress during time-pressed family routines.

For families who share vehicles or have grandparents who occasionally transport children, the integrated system provides consistency. Everyone who drives the vehicle has immediate access to properly fitted child seating without transferring equipment or learning different installation methods.

Safety Without Compromise

While convenience drives the appeal of integrated boosters, safety remains the foundation of their design. Volvo engineers developed this system to address practical family needs while ensuring safety. The boosters are designed for children weighing at least 18 kg (40 pounds), positioning them at the optimal height for the three-point seatbelt to function effectively—across strong bones rather than soft tissue.

Proper use requires that the shoulder belt lies across the child's collarbone (not the neck) and the lap belt sits across the hips (not the abdomen). The head restraint should be adjusted to the same height as the child's head, ideally covering the entire back of the child's head for maximum protection.

If the shoulder strap doesn't position correctly despite using the appropriate booster stage for the child's height and weight, Volvo recommends using a properly secured child restraint instead. According to Transport Canada regulations, 18 kg (40 lbs) is the minimum weight requirement for any child using booster seats in Canada.

Models Featuring Integrated Boosters

Volvo offers integrated booster cushions in select models for the 2025 model year. The XC90 SUV features available integrated boosters in the second row, making it suitable for families with children who have reached the appropriate weight of at least 18 kg (40 pounds). The all-new EX90 electric SUV also includes this family-friendly feature, providing both conventional and electric options for Canadian families.

The system's availability as either standard or optional equipment varies by trim level. Many Canadian families specifically seek out this feature when purchasing a new Volvo, recognizing its daily value for family transportation when children reach the appropriate size.

For growing families, this feature adds convenience while complementing other child safety systems required for younger children.

Beyond Convenience to Peace of Mind

The value of Volvo's integrated booster system extends beyond simple convenience for parents of children who meet the weight requirements. It provides reassurance by ensuring that proper child seating is always available for children weighing at least 18 kg (40 pounds). Parents never face the situation of driving without appropriate child seating because a booster was left in another vehicle or at home.

Before each drive, a quick check confirms that the integrated booster is set to the correct position for the child's height and weight, the seat belt is properly positioned and taut, and the head restraint is at the appropriate height. This simple routine takes seconds but ensures optimal protection.

For Canadian families who frequently travel between provinces or take road trips, having built-in boosters eliminates one more item from the packing list for children who have reached the appropriate size and weight.

Family Safety Made Simple

Integrated booster cushions represent one more way Volvo designs vehicles with family needs in mind. For children weighing at least 18 kg (40 pounds), as required by Transport Canada regulations, these cushions combine safety and convenience to make daily life easier.

Ready to see how the 2025 XC90 or EX90 can simplify your family's travel? Drop by Volvo Cars Villa and ask about these integrated features that grow with your children. Our team can help you find the right safety solutions for your family's specific needs.