What is the LATCH System and How Is It Evaluated for Ease of Use?

At Land Rover Southampton, we understand the important role safety plays in all of our vehicles. One of the most important safety features is the Lower Anchor Tethers for Children or LATCH feature. To give you a better understanding of this standard safety system and how it is evaluated, we are offering this in-depth look.

The LATCH system is designed to help secure attachments for child restraints. While you can use a vehicle's safety belts to secure your child seats to your vehicle, the LATCH system is designed to make the process easier. Not only that, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has concluded that child safety systems are more likely to be securely attached with the LATCH system is used.

Each vehicle's LATCH systems are rated by the IIHS according to 3 criteria. First, the accessibility of the lower anchors is evaluated. Next, the force needed to attach the lower anchors is examined. Finally, the clearance angle is measured. By examining these three criteria, the IIHS ensures that a LATCH system is easy to apply by just about any adult.