November 2022
Convertible Car Seats: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Convertible Car Seat rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2022.
Summary
As of 4 Nov 2022, Nuna RAVA takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed convertible car seat with 7 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 7 recommended it as the '#1 convertible car seat' this month. It is followed by Britax Boulevard ClickTight and Britax One4Life , with 4 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - November 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Convertible Car Seat |
Healthline
|
Good Housekeeping
|
Parenting Pod
|
babylist
|
Strolleria
|
BabyGearLab
|
Parents
|
Verywell Family
|
what to expect
|
Best Products
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Nuna RAVA
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
5
|
|
2
|
- | $320 |
Britax Boulevard ClickTight
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $400 |
Britax One4Life
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $231 |
Graco 4Ever DLX
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
5
|
- | $490 |
Clek Foonf
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Cosco Scenera Next
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Graco Extend2Fit
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $370 |
Graco 4Ever TrueShield
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $200 |
Chicco NextFit Zip
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $280 |
Graco SlimFit3 LX
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | Check price |
Safety 1st Grow and Go
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | Check price |
Evenflo Tribute LX
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $330 |
Diono Radian 3RXT
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $450 |
Cybex Sirona S SensorSafe
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
15
|
- | $350 |
Evenflo Gold Revolve360
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
|
16
|
- | $350 |
Britax Boulevard Clicktight ARB
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $198 |
Cybex Eternis S
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | Check price |
Evenflo Symphony DLX
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $340 |
Britax Marathon ClickTight
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
- | $350 |
Uppababy Knox
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
- | $350 |
Chicco NextFit Zip Max
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
24
|
- | $390 |
Maxi-Cosi Magellan
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
6
|
|
25
|
- | Check price |
Nuna EXEC
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Nuna RAVA #1 in November 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Nuna RAVA as #1.
Good Housekeeping
Best Luxury Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
50 pound rear-facing weight limit
Retractable cupholders
|
Cons
More expensive than other options
|
BabyGearLab
Best for Quality
|
Pros
Top-quality
Better crash analysis
Easy to install
|
Cons
Heavy & wide
Expensive
|
Verywell Family
Best Splurge
|
Pros
Modern, sleek design
Easy seat belt installation
Added legroom for comfort
|
Cons
Recline too upright for some children
Difficult reassembly after washing
Certain colors may fade over time
|
what to expect
Most Splurgeworthy Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Stylish
comfortable fabric helps kids stay cool
made without flame-retardant chemicals
|
Cons
Expensive
heavy
|
Best Products
Chemical Free
|
Pros
Multiple safety indicators
Long rear-facing window
Chic aesthetic
|
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
|
We ranked Britax Boulevard ClickTight #2 in November 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Britax Boulevard ClickTight as #1.
Healthline
Best Convertible Car Seat for Easy Install
|
Pros
A steel frame makes this car seat an excellent choice in terms of safety.
It’s designed for easy installation, with no rethreading and audible click tightness indicators.
The removable cover can be machine washed.
It has a narrow profile, at just 18 inches wide.
|
Cons
This car seat can’t accommodate children larger than 65 pounds.
At just over 29 pounds, this is the heaviest car seat on our list.
|
what to expect
Easiest Convertible Car Seat to Install
|
Pros
Clicking sound gives you peace of mind that you've installed it correctly
|
Cons
Heavy
straps may get twisted in forward-facing belt path
|
Best Products
Best Overall
|
Pros
Easy to install
Great safety indicators
Multiple positions
Easy to clean
|
Cons
Heavy
Rarely goes on sale
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Convertible Car Seats.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Convertible Car Seats, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for November 2022 ranking
Healthline
Good Housekeeping
Parenting Pod
babylist
Strolleria
BabyGearLab
Parents
Verywell Family
what to expect
Best Products
We ranked Britax One4Life #3 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Britax One4Life as #1.
Parenting Pod
Best Overall
|
Pros
used for babies and children between 5 and 120 pounds
It also has a 15-position headrest and harness
nine recline positions
You can also purchase (separately) an anti-rebound bar
It has a one-year warranty.
|
Cons
doesn’t offer a backless booster option
|
We ranked Graco 4Ever DLX #4 in November 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best Convertible Car Seat for Lasting Use
|
Pros
Can be used in children from 4 pounds up to 120 pounds.
Features a 4-position extension footrest panel for comfortable extended rear-facing mode.
Good for up to 10 years of use.
|
Cons
This is a heavier car seat, so it’s not something you’ll want to move in and out of multiple vehicles.
Multiple layers may be difficult to clean.
|
Parenting Pod
Best for Low-Weight Babies
|
Pros
easier-to-remove fabric cover
one-step LATCH installation
|
Cons
This car seat’s rear-facing weight limit is 40 pounds
it only has a year-long warranty
|
Best Products
Most Popular
|
Pros
Reasonably priced
Slim
Two cupholders
|
Cons
Not dryer-safe
Cupholders not removable
|
We ranked Clek Foonf #5 in November 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Good Housekeeping
Best Constructed Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Very narrow
Recycling program for car seats near expiration date
|
Cons
Rethread harness requires manual harness adjustments
Requires infant insert for use from birth
|
BabyGearLab
Best for Narrow Seat Width
|
Pros
Easy installation
Comfortable
Additional safety features
|
Cons
Harder to use
Heavy
Expensive
|
Best Products
Best Narrow Car Seat
|
Pros
Impressive safety features
Durable and tough against stains
Sturdy
|
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
|
We ranked Cosco Scenera Next #6 in November 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Good Housekeeping
Best Value Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Features machine washable seat pad and dishwasher safe cupholders
Certified for airline use
|
Cons
Only approved for children up to 40 pounds
|
Parenting Pod
Best for Budget
|
Pros
The seat’s fabric is both washer- and dryer-safe
the seats comes with detachable cup holders
has a one-year warranty
price tag is low
|
Cons
With a forward-facing weight limit of just 40 pounds
no booster option
this car seat probably won’t fit your child past preschool
|
Verywell Family
Best for Travel
|
Pros
Easy to travel with
Three buckle locations
Available in variety of colors/patterns
|
Cons
Not very comfortable
Lacking features
Rear- and forward-facing have same weight limit
|
what to expect
Best Lower-Priced Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
More affordable than other convertible car seats, extremely lightweight
|
Cons
Low weight limit of 40 pounds in the forward-facing position
thin padding
|
We ranked Graco Extend2Fit #7 in November 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Graco Extend2Fit as #1.
Parenting Pod
Best Extended Rear-Facing
|
Pros
Easy LATCH installation
High rear-facing weight limit
Fits babies weighing 4 lbs and up
|
Cons
Seatbelt installation can be difficult
Does not convert to a booster seat
|
BabyGearLab
Best Crash Test Result
|
Pros
Best crash test results
Rear-facing for longer
Reasonable price
|
Cons
Average quality
Harder to install with the vehicle belt
|
what to expect
Best Convertible Car Seat for Rear-Facing Toddlers
|
Pros
High weight limits for both height and weight in rear-facing position
|
Cons
No seatbelt lockoff devices, so you'll need to read your car's manual to figure out the seat belt installation process, harness can be tricky to tighten
|
We ranked Graco 4Ever TrueShield #8 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Graco 4Ever TrueShield as #1.
Verywell Family
Best Overall
|
Pros
Can be used for up to 10 years
Easy to use straps
Quick installation
|
Cons
Tough to fit in small vehicles
Heavy
Infant insert and shoulder pads easily lost
|
what to expect
Best Convertible Car Seat Overall
|
Pros
Easy to install
plush fabric feels cozy
|
Cons
Harness can be difficult to tighten
straps can be tricky to loosen when you're in a rush to get out of the car
|
We ranked Chicco NextFit Zip #9 in November 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best Easily Washable Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Features NextFit Zip technology to “zip” off layers and convert to the next stage.
Can be used for children up to 65 pounds.
Has machine-washable fabric for easy clean-up.
|
Cons
Can’t covert to a high-back booster.
Can’t accommodate children over 66 pounds.
|
Parenting Pod
Best Belt Tightener And Zip-Off Fabric
|
Pros
seat pad is comfortable
it’s easily adjustable
offers nine reclining positions
zipper feature allowing you to easily remove the fabric for washing
has many safety features such as a Superior DuoGuard protection with a deep rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam, plus a steel frame (or rather steel-reinforced frame).
|
Cons
it’s not clear what the warranty is.
|
what to expect
Most Foolproof Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Bubble indicator takes guesswork out of installation
|
Cons
High minimum weight limit (12 pounds) means you can't use it from birth
|
We ranked Graco SlimFit3 LX #10 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Graco SlimFit3 LX as #1.
Good Housekeeping
Best Overall Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Slimmer than other options
Transforms from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster
|
Cons
Some children won't appreciate the snugness
|
We ranked Safety 1st Grow and Go #11 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best User-friendly Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
The car seat features three-position recline for more comfortable seating.
It can accommodate children from 4 to 100 pounds in different stages.
The seat pad is removable and machine washable.
|
Cons
This car seat can be challenging to clean.
Some reviewers say it’s tough to secure using the anchor.
|
Verywell Family
Best 3-in-1
|
Pros
Budget-friendly
Lightweight
Machine washable pads
|
Cons
Installation can be tricky
Buckle difficult to unbuckle for some
Not much cushioning
|
We ranked Evenflo Tribute LX #12 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best Budget-friendly Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
The Tribute 5 is made in the United States.
At under $80, this car seat comes at an affordable price.
This car seat weighs less than 10 pounds, making it relatively lightweight and a great choice for travel.
|
Cons
It can only be used for children up to 40 pounds.
There is no adjustable recline on this seat.
|
BabyGearLab
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Pros
Super inexpensive
Better crash test results
Narrower width
|
Cons
Lower quality
Harder to install
|
Verywell Family
Best Budget
|
Pros
Good for travel
Body cushion for extra support
Four shoulder strap positions
|
Cons
Not as comfortable as other options
Height allowance
Low weight limit
|
We ranked Diono Radian 3RXT #13 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Can be used for children 5-120 pounds.
Fits 3 across in narrow vehicles.
Folds flat for travel and transfers.
|
Cons
A heavier car seat at 28 pounds.
The headrest may not accommodate taller children.
|
Parenting Pod
Best For Travel
|
Pros
The Radian can rear-face up to 45 lbs
its cover is machine washable
It has a one-year warranty
this seat is suited for infants as well
|
Cons
seat is hard to install
heavy
|
We ranked Cybex Sirona S SensorSafe #14 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Good Housekeeping
Best 360 Convertible Car Seat with Built-In Sensor
|
Pros
360 degree rotation
Equipped with SensorSafe which sends safety alerts to your phone if child becomes unclipped
Load leg offers better stability
|
Cons
Bulkier design
Expensive at $500
|
Best Products
Best smart car seat
|
Pros
Tons of safety features
Multiple modes of installation
Luxe, machine-washable fabrics
|
Cons
Pricey
Can be glitchy and give false alarms rarely
Not airline-certified
|
We ranked Evenflo Gold Revolve360 #15 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Best Products
Most Convenient
|
Pros
Easy to put baby into and take out of
Machine-washable cover
All-in-one
|
Cons
Hard to clean
Not airline-certified
|
We ranked Britax Boulevard Clicktight ARB #16 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Good Housekeeping
Best Durable Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
14-position adjustable harness
Anti-rebound bar
|
Cons
Heavy and bulky
|
BabyGearLab
Best for Easy Installation
|
Pros
Foolproof installation
Easiest to use
Comfortable
|
Cons
Average crash test results
Higher Price
|
We ranked Cybex Eternis S #17 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best convertible car seat with hot car technology
|
Pros
The smart chest clip syncs to an app on your phone to alert you of potentially unsafe situations, such as an unbuckled child or extreme temperatures.
The car seat can be used for up to 10 years, starting when a child is 4 pounds all the way up to 120 pounds.
It features a reclining headrest.
|
Cons
The price of this car seat is on the higher end.
Some reviews mention issues with the software giving false alerts.
The size and frame may not be comfortable for tall children, according to reviewers.
|
We ranked Evenflo Symphony DLX #18 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Parenting Pod
Best Value for The Money
|
Pros
offers cup holders and has a sleeve to cover the buckle so it won’t get too hot.
the seat has shoulder strap indicators
both to fit your child and the seat’s orientation
its Infinite Slide harness adjusts easily
|
Cons
This seat doesn’t have seatbelt lock-offs
it only has a 90-day warranty
|
Verywell Family
Best All-in-One
|
Pros
Easy to use
Simple installation
Has recline options
|
Cons
Large in size
Some sippy cups won't fit in cup holder
Harness straps may move easily
|
We ranked Britax Marathon ClickTight #19 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Parenting Pod
Best Without Booster
|
Pros
comfortably padded and shaped
It also uses the least amount of flame retardant chemicals
offers easy cleanup, and is just 1.5 inches wider than the Clek seat
making it one of the easier convertible car seats to fit in a back row with three-car seats.
|
Cons
This car seat can’t be used as a booster, and it rear-faces only to 40 pounds, not 50. Also, its fabric isn’t machine washable.
|
Verywell Family
Most Comfortable
|
Pros
Easy to install
No rethread required
Plush foam padding
|
Cons
No booster seat option
Difficulty cleaning in cracks/crevices of seat
Heavy
|
We ranked Uppababy Knox #20 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Good Housekeeping
Best Convertible Car Seat for Switching Cars
|
Pros
SmartSecure System changes colors when properly installed
Side impact pods help absorb and avert crash forces
|
Cons
Installation is more complicated than other options
Not suitable for newborns
|
We ranked Chicco NextFit Zip Max #21 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Good Housekeeping
Easiest to Clean Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Washable zip-off seat padding
3D AirMesh for comfort and ventilation
|
Cons
A bit larger than other options
|
Best Products
Best Cover / Best Seller
|
Pros
Washable
Easy-to-remove cover
Extra legroom
Breathable
|
Cons
Takes a bit to install
Quite large
|
We ranked Maxi-Cosi Magellan #22 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
what to expect
Longest-Lasting Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
Serious longevity
sleek
sophisticated look
|
Cons
Expensive
installation not the simplest
|
Best Products
Best All-in-One
|
Pros
Comfortable
Easy to clean
Adjustable head-to-torso side-impact protection
|
Cons
Bigger than most
Heavy
Small cupholders
|
We ranked Nuna EXEC #23 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Convertible Car Seats” rankings.
Healthline
Best Splurge-worthy Convertible Car Seat
|
Pros
This is a luxury car seat with top-tier comfort and safety features, such as all-steel frame and side protection pods.
The car seat’s 18-inch width means not only will it fit most vehicles, but you could fit three of the seats across in some cars.
The seat can convert to a booster to be used for children that weigh up to 120 pounds.
|
Cons
The Nuna Exec, while luxurious, comes with a luxury price tag, too.
Some reviews mention the crotch buckle cover falls off in rear-facing mode.
|