Graco Vs Evenflo Convertible Car Seat Comparison (Tested)

 

Car seats are one of the higher ticket items on any baby registry, so it’s important to get the safest and best quality option on the market within your budget. There are so many factors that go into your decision; safety, ease of use, budget, you name it!

Do you want a car seat that will extend in size and last for years? Do you want an infant car seat that is portable, but will need to be replaced with a larger car seat in a few months? The considerations are endless, and yes, I’m here to help.

Regardless of style preference, there are two name brands that stand out the most when it comes to car seats. Their car seat models line the aisles of every store that offers baby products. You see them in almost every parents car and find them readily available on the most popular baby product websites.

Graco and Evenflo are the most popular car seat brands offering the best convertible options, but what is better? Read along and let’s compare the best car seats within the $200-$300 range; Graco versus Evenflo!

 

 

 

Infant car seat vs convertible car seats

First, let’s discuss what a convertible car seat is in comparison to infant seats.

 

 

Infant Car Seats

Pros: Infant car seats are more compact which makes them much more portable and lightweight than a convertible seat. They are designed to be removed in and out of a vehicle with ease and are perfect for transport.

You will also find that many infant car seats have an attachment that not only clicks in to a car base, but to a stroller as part of a travel system. Long strong short- infant car seats are smaller, more lightweight, and more travel friendly than a convertible car seat.

Cons: With a smaller size, comes limited use. Most infant car seats will max out at about 30 lbs and a 30 inch height limit. This typically translates to 6 months to 12 months depending on the size and growth of your baby. It also means that a second car seat will need to be purchased once baby hits the height/weight limit so budget accordingly!

 

 

Convertible Car Seats

Pros: Convertible car seats are known to extend in length to accommodate a growing child. They also have a much higher weight limit reaching about 50 pounds on average although some can safely transport a heavier child.

Keep in mind that booster seats are appropriate for children 40 pounds and heavier, so you shouldn’t need a car seat for a 50 pound child (unless they’re very short, that is)! Most convertible car seats can also flip from rear facing to front facing based on your child’s needs.

Cons: Since convertible car seats are larger, they are not as transportable. They do not come with the handle to pull them easily in and out of a car and cannot clip into a stroller. They are also bulkier in size and heavier in weight.

 

In this post, we are reviewing the best (and affordable – no $500 car seats here) convertible car seat only. However, brand quality speaks for itself and can be applied to all of their car seats.

We are not going to be covering infant car seats in this post, but the best infant car seat that is also a budget-friendly option is the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite. It’s lightweight with a beautiful design and safe for baby!

 

 

 

Where to Buy Car Seats

I live in New England, and let me tell you, there is definitely a shortage of baby supply stores in recent years. I’ve had the most luck with Target if I prefer in store shopping. Some new parents are lucky enough to live near a Buy Buy Baby where the most car seat options can be offered. Walmart is another option, but their selection is very limited.

If you are ok with purchasing online without seeing the car seat in person, going to the manufacturer’s website is always a great option. Both Graco and Evenflo offer discounts for new customers which can be a HUGE savings for parents who have never purchased from them directly before. I definitely used this code to save some serious bucks! Graco offers 20% off and Evenflo offers 15% (20% for first responders, veterans, healthcare workers, teachers and students).

I know some parents like to reuse baby products as their families grow, but please evaluate your car seat before using it again for a second child. Car seats expire after a few years! After the expiration date, your little ones safety can no longer be guaranteed when it comes to the vehicle accidents.

 

 

Graco Convertible Car Seats

Did you know that Graco was originally a metal manufacturing company founded in 1942? Because I certainly didn’t! They began their journey into the baby world in 1955 when they developed a baby swing, and from there, the baby product company bloomed.

Graco today is known for a variety of standard baby products such as highchairs, strollers, pack and plays, car seats, and much more. Throughout time, I have noticed that the quality of their products has gotten better and better.

I remember when I was a teenager having a baby brother and noticing that the Graco products always seemed lightweight and made of a thinner plastic so I naturally shied away when I became a new mom. But not today! I own the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. We liked it so much that we purchased a second for my husbands’ car.

 

 

 

Quality and Design

As I mentioned earlier, I noticed a huge improvement to the quality of Graco car seats. One standard that the company implemented was extreme temperature testing. We all know that car interiors can get EXTREMELY hot during the summer months (especially here on the humid east coast). The extreme temperatures can sometimes degrade the structural quality and reduce integrity of the car seat. Graco exposes their car seats to extreme temperatures to ensure their quality standards.

Now, design. I was first drawn to the Graco Extend2Fit based on how nice and modern yet comfortable it looked. They also had this beautiful sage, greenish-blue color that I really wanted that other brands did not offer. I loved how it is gender neutral so that when I welcome my second child, it can be used (as long as the expiration date permits).

 

 

The Graco car seats are designed with inserts that make for easy cleaning. I was easily able to remove the shoulder strap padding as well as the car seat lining to throw in the washing machine. The side cushioning and fabric is not removable, but I was able to easily clean it with my portable steam cleaner. Don’t have one? That’s fine! I was able to clean spit ups from the fabric easily with just a damp cloth with a little bit of detergent.

 

 

Safety Features

The first thing you will notice on many of the Graco convertible car seats is their promotion of “Trueshield side-impact” safety features. Graco adheres to all national highway traffic safety administration guidelines. This essentially keeps baby safe from side collisions when it comes to car accidents.

 

 

One thing I DIDN’T know is that the United States only recently added a requirement to test for side crashes. I’m talking 2022. Wait.. what?! Side collisions are the second most common type of vehicle collisions! Luckily, Graco does test for this and ensures all car seats are safe and tested against this specific type of crash.

Graco car seats also implement safety features for head protection. Since car accidents commonly cause head injuries, it is important to make sure there are safeguards in place. Their “Safety Surround” technology ensures this by surrounding babies head with a durable cushion.

“Rollsafe” testing is another safety standard Graco implements when it comes to safety features. The 5 point harness system and structural integrity of the car seat is truly put to the test when faced with a simulated rolling car accident. As you probably assumed, all car seats brought to market are required to successfully pass this test.

Last, Graco puts their car seats to the extreme test by exposing it to the force of a car crash at twice the impact of the United States car seat crash safety requirement. I honestly can say that given the rigorous testing standards that Graco implements, as a nervous momma who does her research, I feel comfortable with my child’s safety when using their products.

 

 

Ease of Installation

Graco uses what is called a LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) which allows for the tethering of the seat with metal anchors to hooks found in your vehicle seats. Other than that, it can be installed with your seatbelt running through the back and clipping it. I found it super easy to install.

The seatbelts extend with the height of the car seat. You will see a pull handle at the very top of the car seat above where babies’ head will be. Pull on it to raise the height and the seatbelt length will increase along with it.

To tighten the seatbelt, pull the belt that is sticking out at the bottom. It will be between the legs where babies feet should be under the cushion.

Now, let’s look at the 2 best models of convertible car seats Graco has to offer! Prices listed are what the current prices are at the time of this post in 2024 and may change.

 

 

 

Best Graco Car Seat – Graco Extend2Fit

Price: $199.99

 Pros: I love the color and how easy it is to install. It is lightweight although it appears heavy in the photos. Cozy cushioning that is removable can be washed in a washing machine.

Cons: Although easy to clean, the fabric that can’t be removed is prone to staining. The seatbelt is sometime difficult to extend or tighten.

 

 

 

 

Best Graco Car Seat Runner Up – Graco SlimFit

Price: $199.99

Similar to the Extend2Fit, but designed for smaller cars. Can accommodate up to 65 lbs.

Pros: Takes up less space in a vehicle. More lightweight than the Extend2Fit with same cozy cushioning.

Cons: Child seatbelts can jam up easily. Cup holders are bulky which defeats the purpose of being a space saver.

 

 

 

 

Evenflo Convertible Car Seats

Evenflo started as a company in the 1920’s as a baby feeding supply brand. Since then, they have clearly expanded their range of baby products! Evenflo is known for their travel systems, strollers, highchairs, and baby gates among much more. I own quite a few of their products myself.

 

 

Quality and Design

When it comes to Evenflo car seats before I did my review, I honestly knew little about them. I knew they existed but had never tried one. Let me tell you – I wish I had considered them sooner! Evenflo makes some GOOD quality car seats. They are super sturdy, have great cushioning, and really feel like they can last quite a long time.

You know what I found the most amazing about this brand? They offer an affordable rotating car seat that can easily become forward facing. When I say affordable, I understand Graco has one for around $400 which is a bit out of budget for most families. They have one model of their Evenflo Revolve 360 range that is about $70 cheaper making it great value.

Car seats with the rotating feature are much easier to get children in and out of since they can easily be rotated to face you during loading and unloading. It is also the best option for parents who frequently need to turn their children around momentarily to offer food/drinks during long trips.

 

 

To touch on affordability once more, Evenflo has many more affordable car seat options in comparison to Graco. Some are even around $100!

Last, let’s discuss their fabric. It feels more thick and durable than Graco which is one thing I noticed in my comparison right off the bat. Graco car seats have a more silky, thinner fabric covering their cushioning. Evenflo car seat fabric definitely feels more stain and tear resistant.

 

 

Safety Features

The Evenflo car seats essentially mimic every form of testing described above in the Graco car seat review. They adhere to all of the required Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and perform more testing than is required to ensure product safety. Flammability and heat resistance is tested to ensure a quality car seat.

What I also really like about Evenflo is their testing of ingredients. They look at every ingredient used in the manufacture of their car seats to ensure no chemical being used is toxic to children. As a paranoid mom with material safety experience herself, we love this!

Also like Graco, Evenflo really pushes their car seats to the limit when it comes to crash testing. They ensure their car seats can withstand twice the federal car impact standard and also ensures front and side impact testing. Rollover impact is also a standard the company meets to ensure your little one is kept safe in the unfortunate event of a car accident!

 

 

 

Ease of Installation

Evenflo car seats have an exceptionally easy installation process. It’s a simple strap of the seat belt through the car seat and you’re set! They also give a sense of added security as the base connects to the seat very securely. No wiggling or sliding.

To tighten the straps, pull on the strap in between babies feet. This is the same as the Graco convertible car seats mentioned above. Super easy, quick, and convenient.

 

 

 

Best Evenflo Car Seat: Evenflo All4One DLX Convertible Car Seat

Price: $249.99

Pros: Good weight and very sturdy. Feels as if it can withstand a great amount of force and still keep baby safe. More comfortable than most car seats. Easy to clean.

Cons: Reclining back to the 2-3 position does not secure completely. Some children can unclip the belt on their own which is a safety concern.

 

 

 

 

Best Evenflo Car Seat Runner Up: Evenflo Revolve 360 Slim 2-in-1 Rotational Car Seat

Price: $329.99

Pros: Fits very easily into small cars. Easier to get children in and out when the car seat can rotate from a rear-facing position to forward facing. Easy to install. Available in store.

Cons: Very heavy. Cushioning should be hand washed which can be inconvenient. Expensive.

 

 

Overall, choosing the right car seat is SO important when it comes to making an informed decision for your little one and their safety. Graco and Evenflo are among the most popular brands when it comes to car seats, and for good reason. From their rigorous safety testing standards to their product quality guidelines, I will always be happy to recommend these brands to anyone in search of new baby gear. Happy shopping!

 

 

 

Please note this post may contain affiliate links for some of my favorite products. I hope you love them as much as I do!