WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL THE GRACO CONVERTIBLE CAR SEATS?

As we saw in the “What’s the difference between all the Graco infant seats?” blog, Graco tends to have an extensive line up of car seats for every stage. They pride themselves on being a more budget friendly option with varying price points to suit a wide range of parents. Several convertible car seats that we will feature below just meet all the safety requirements required by federal guidelines, while others exceed the regulations and are more rigorously tested in front/rear/side impact collisions. Keep reading to learn the difference between all the Graco convertible car seats.

What is a Convertible Car Seat?

In a nutshell, convertible car seats convert from rear-facing to forward-facing to accommodate a growing child. They do not have a detachable base, so the seat stays in your car at all times, while only your child is removed during errands. They are not portable like infant car seats but will typically be the seat you use for the longest time, so take your time figuring out which one is best for you and your family. If you want a more detailed description of all the types of car seats, see our blog at the end of this article.

Let’s Compare!

	EXTEND2FIT	EXTEND2FIT PLAT.	CONTENDER 65	SEQUENCE 65	SEQUENCE 65 PLAT.	SIZE4ME 65 RAPID REMOVE	SEQUEL 65	ADMIRAL 65	MYRIDE 65
INSTALL:
LATCH			*	*			*	*	*
1-SEC. INRIGHT LATCH	*					*
EZ TIGHT LATCH		*			*
LEVEL INDICATOR	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
SAFETY:
STEEL REINFORCED	*	*		*			*
EXTENDED REAR FACING	*	*
BELT LOCK-OFFS
EXPIRATION	10 years	10 years	7 years	10 years	10 years	7 years	10 years	7 years	7 years
REAR-FACING	4-50lbs	4-50lbs	5-40lbs	4-40lbs	4-40lbs	4-40lbs	4-40lbs	5-40lbs	5-40lbs
FORWARD-FACING	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs	22-65lbs
COMFORT:
REMOVABLE INFANT INSERT	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
ADJUSTABLE HEADREST	10 postitions	10 positions	8 positions	10 positions	10 positions	8 positions	10 positions	8 positions	5 positions
HARNESS COVERS		*		*	*	*	*
EXTRA REAR FACING LEGROOM	5″	5″
CONVENIENCE:
ADJUSTABLE RECLINE	6 positions	6 positions	3 positions	6 positions	6 positions	3 positions	6 positions	3 positions	3 positions
CUP HOLDER	2	2	1	2	2	1	2	1	2
NO-RETHREAD HARNESS	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*
RAPID REMOVE COVER		*			*	*
REMOVABLE SEAT PAD	*	*	*	*			*	*

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What Does This Mean?

This is a lot of information to take in and digest, and many things might be new to you. Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of LATCH to help you figure out which seat is best for you.

What is LATCH:

LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren. The installation mechanism allows for an easy, snug fit and if usually desired by parents. Graco has designed several options beyond the basic hook closure, to help parents get an even tighter, safer install. There are several types that Graco utilizes:

• Hook Closure LATCH: This is the most basic of LATCH systems and it offers a hook closure that secures onto the lower anchors that are located between the seat and seat back in your vehicle. This type of LATCH is hard to secure and VERY hard to remove. Typically, the most budget friendly seats have this type of LATCH.
• 1-Second INRIGHT LATCH: This type of LATCH is a push-button mechanism that attaches easily to your vehicle’s lower anchors. Just like a seat belt, pressing the red button will disengage the LATCH and the seat can then be easily removed from your vehicle. Premium car seats will feature this LATCH type.
• EZ Tight™️ LATCH: This is Graco’s solution to making car seat installation even easier. They’ve created a 3-step system to ensure a tight and secure fit every time: Release and attach LATCH, Retract the EZ Tight™️ LATCH and Tighten by pressing on the center of the seat!

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Want More?

Car Seat 101 – The Difference Between an Infant Bucket Seat, Convertible Car Seat, All-in-One, Harness to Booster and Belt-Positioning Booster Seat