Best Convertible and All-in-One Car Seats of 2021 – Independent Ratings and Expert Reviews

Simply put, this is one of the top rated car seats on the market today. A steel frame, impact-absorbing padding, 6 recline positions 10 position headrest, a 5-point safety harness, and a 1-second LATCH system have made it a favorite for ease-of-use, comfort, and safety.

Switching between car seat modes is easy, and each mode is truer to size than many other convertibles. It also comes in several colors to suit your particular taste. All Graco car seats meet or exceed the NHTSA’s Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 and they are tested with crash forces that are approximately 2 times the federal standard using the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) standards.

The dual cup holders help keep kids happy traveling long distances (just add a drink and some snacks), and the seat pad (comes in 3 parts) is machine washable for those inevitable accidents. The seat is also FAA approved for air travel.

This is not a small car seat and in some cars the rear-facing and booster positions prove to be a bad fit due to its larger size. You may not be able to fit it in a car with bucket seats, for instance. Legroom for front passengers may be an issue when this car seat is fully reclined for rear-facing.

One common complaint involved a rattling sound from the adjustable headrest. Other smaller issues include straps that can’t be removed for machine washing and some difficulty tightening the safety harness in rear-facing mode.

At the end of the day, this is one of the best convertibles on the market. Parents love how simple it is to install and use. The car seat has best in class durability, a proven crash safety record, and grows well with your children. This is truly a forever seat that will become a regular fixture in your car.

Not Quite Enough? Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Graco 4Ever DLX All-in-One

The DLX is very similar in size and design to the original 4Ever. It has the same height and weight ranges. This seat will cost you about $30 - $60 more than the original but come with 3 nice features:

1. Integrated seat belt lock-off - Makes installation with the vehicle seat belt easier.
2. RapidRemove cover - The car seat cover can easily be removed for washing in one minute or less without having to remove the harness OR car seat.
3. Fuss Free harness storage - Rubberized pockets on the side of the car seat hold the harness out of the way so you can get baby in and out easier.

This is an extremely versatile seat. The compact size provides good legroom for front seat passengers, even in rear-facing mode. The push-on LATCH system is simple and easy to use. Even better, the 10-position headrest allows for a great fit as your child grows. The seat itself has a 6-position recline as well. Included with this seat are Fuss Free Harness Storage Pockets, 2 crotch strap positions, a steel reinforced frame, InRight LATCH system, two cup holders, and a machine washable cover.

The Simply Safe Adjust harness moves the harness and headrest height in one motion; no rethreading of straps is required. It also has a fantastic steel frame that feels sturdy but is still comfortable. As far as safety goes, the performance is excellent, as parents have reported from real-life crash experiences.

The Extend2Fit is wider than some seats making it a bit bulky. If you need to fit three children in the back seat, this might not be the best choice. Also, the fit is great for toddlers but probably won't be snug enough for preemies or newborns under 7 pounds. The seat cover can be hard to remove and replace for cleaning as well.

Some parents had trouble getting the harness straps tight while others found seat belt installation in rear-facing mode to be quite difficult. There are some rules about weight, recline, and use of some features that differ when using the seat rear-facing vs. forward-facing. These can be confusing at times, so keeping the manual on hand is wise.

Overall, customers have been very satisfied with this product and highly recommend it, especially for extended rear-facing. It lacks an easy-to-remove cover, which is really the biggest downside, but the affordable price makes up for that if you're on a budget.

Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Graco SlimFit 3-in-1

Unlike the Extend2Fit, the SlimFit is a better choice for a 3-across car seat configuration, thanks to its slim design and rotating cup holders that reduce the width by 10%. While it does not have a leg extension panel, the SlimFit does include a belt-positioning booster mode for kids 30 - 100 pounds.

It will cost you about $20 more than the Extend2Fit. Size ranges are as follows:

1. Rear-facing: 5 - 40 pounds
2. Forward-facing: 22 - 65 pounds
3. Belt-positioning booster mode: 30 - 100 pounds

The SlimFit has 4 recline positions instead of 6. All other features are similar to the Extend2Fit.

The Grow and Go is a very budget-friendly car seat. Removable infant padding and a shoulder belt positioner maximize comfort and safety for newborn to booster-ready children. Many parents loved the color options and the no fuss seat cover for easy removal and washing. They also enjoyed the little details, including harness clip holders which makes getting your child in and out easier.

The slim design means that your car will be able to carry more people in the back seat comfortably. Most car seats are safer in the middle of the back seat, and if you have older children back there they won’t be as cramped on either side of this seat. In rear-facing mode it provides more front seat legroom than most other seats on the market. Two built-in cup holders come in handy for toddlers and beyond.

The amount of padding and the side impact protection far surpasses industry standards but can almost feel a bit too thick, especially for younger children. Some parents didn’t like the side cup holders because they added bulk and were not removable for easy cleaning. The seat and headrest covers are machine washable and dryable on a gentle cycle but unfortunately some parents have reported fabric discoloration after multiple cleanings.

With 3 recline positions and a rethread-only infant harness, getting your child strapped in correctly can pose a challenge. Some parents reported that the seat flopped around and they couldn’t get a proper incline angle to fully support the baby’s head when sleeping. This was likely due to the type of backseat (i.e. bucket seats), so if you have a sports or compact car, this car seat may not work well for you.

For new parents, this one may not be the best option. You might be happier starting with an infant seat, then switching to this one. It’s definitely a good option for toddlers and up. One mom even reported that her 18-month-old slept right through a scary 45 mph crash!

A steel frame, impact-absorbing tether, and energy absorbing base are all part of Britax’s exclusive SafeCell impact protection. The ARB (anti-rebound)version is top-rated by the NHTSA.

The ClickTight installation system is easy to use, or “idiot proof”’ as one parent noted, so you should have no issues with that. With the smooth, non-skid base, the seat won’t leave marks in your car as easily as some other seats do.

A full range of 7 color/pattern combinations is available, from pink to Azul and polka dots to cow patterns. It also has 14 harness strap positions and 7 recline positions to offer a comfy ride as your child grows.

The crotch straps may be too short for your child. Several parents reported they were too tight on their child's legs. However, it is an adjustable 2 position crotch buckle, so it could be that they were unaware of how to adjust the crotch position.

Instead of rear-facing top tethers, which are no longer included, Britax recommends an anti-rebound bar and now sells another version that comes with an anti-rebound bar. Or you can buy it separately. While not a necessity, it would be nice if they had included it from the get-go.

Other issues included harness straps that don't adjust to equal tightness, crumbs accumulating in the ClickTight release button, seat padding coming loose and an occasional jammed recline handle. How it fits in various vehicles is widely debated. It will depend on what mode you use and how big your car interior is.

Parents generally had positive reviews of this car seat. It's questionable as to which vehicles it may fit in, so you'll want to measure your car interior before purchasing. For a premium priced seat, the easy ClickTight installation and safety features make the ClickTight Marathon well worth your investment.

Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Britax Boulevard Convertible

The Boulevard has the same dimensions and child size ranges for rear-facing (5 - 40 pounds) and forward-facing (20 - 65 pounds) as its cousin, the Marathon. It does include a couple of added safety features that the Marathon lacks.

While the seats share the same energy-absorbing shell, the Boulevard also includes an energy-absorbing foam headrest. In addition, there is a Click & Safe Snug Indicator to help you better judge when the harness is tightened properly.

The Boulevard will cost parents about $20 more than the Marathon.

Almost all parents who have tried this seat rave about the no-rethread harness which makes it simple adjust the strap positions as your child grows. The LATCH system with push-on connectors also installs easily in many different types of cars - from SUVs to sports cars.

Converting, installing, cleaning, and even using the seat is pretty simple. Most of the adjustments can be done one-handed. For first time parents, this will be a huge benefit. The seat cover is easy to remove and machine washable. Everything else is wipe-clean.

When you don’t need the harness straps while in booster mode, you can store them in the harness storage compartment built into the seat so you won’t lose them. This is a high quality seat that provides good value for the money when compared to other seats.

Though this seat meets or exceeds all safety standards in the US, it is made in China, so there can be some quality control issues. Some parents noted that food can get caught in the harness tension latch, which could hinder proper tightening. Always check the latch and clean out any loose debris before using it. There is no backless booster mode, which some parents didn’t like.

It doesn’t provide as snug a fit for newborns and preemies as the 4ever. While the one-handed adjustments are great, some inquisitive kids can loosen the straps and the recline/headrest adjustments.

Overall, customers really loved this seat, and so did we. If you need to frequently transfer the seat from car to car or you will be using the seat on airplanes or trains, you may want to move onto something else since this seat is rather bulky and heavy.

However, for anyone who just needs a good convertible seat that will grow with their family, this could be the one for you.

Like other Diono seats, the narrow profile of the 3RXT allows for a 3-across car seat setup for most mid-sized vehicles. The low profile sides also make getting in and out easy for those independent toddlers. The steel frame and aluminum reinforced sidewalls with extra head support and EPS foam provide good side-impact protection.

The 12-position headrest, infant body support and memory foam help this seat grow comfortably with your child. This seat also supports extended rear-facing with a weight limit of 45 pounds. The premium plush fabric cover is easy to remove and machine washable. Installation is easy with the SuperLATCH system, which has an audible click so you know it’s secure.

This seat is quite heavy, close to 30 pounds, but that’s thanks to the solid steel frame. It does fold up for easy portability, but due to the weight, it’s not a great seat to transfer frequently from car to car. It’s more of an install it and leave it kind of seat.

As children grow the harness must be rethreaded when adjusting the shoulder strap height, which can be a pain. Due to the height of the seat, rear-facing may limit the front passenger legroom. Also, this seat may be too big to fit newborns correctly, plus it only has one recline angle, so babies’ heads may slump unless you have very flat car seats. Kids may also outgrow forward-facing and booster modes before the size limits.

Those with mid to large-sized vehicles appreciated the narrow profile for 3-across configurations. Parents really love that the seat can fold up and be carried like a backpack for easier travel through airports or for compact storage.

Some parents, however, said they needed two people to get it installed tightly enough and had issues with getting the straps tight enough. If you have a mid to large-sized vehicle, don’t need to move the seat often, and don’t have a tight budget, this one is a good option.

Take a Look At These Extended Specialized Editions:

Diono Radian 3R All-in-One

This is a more affordable version that will save you over $100 while still delivering many of the same features. However, the maximum weights are lower for both rear-facing and booster modes.

• Rear-facing 5 - 40 pounds
• Forward-facing: 20 - 65 pounds
• Booster mode: 50 - 100 pounds

Unlike the 3RXT, this seat does not come with an infant support cushion or a cupholder. Those accessoires can be bought separately.

Coming in at just under 25 pounds, this is a fairly heavy seat, but the steel frame provides plenty of sturdiness to keep it steady. The wide weight range helps keep your child secure longer than other seats and allows for extended rear-facing. An Infinite Slide harness system helps provide an accurate fit as your child grows.

The cover is machine washable and dryable (on low heat). The cover itself is durable, with high quality fabric that's very comfortable, especially with the thick padding beneath. Parents of older toddlers and school-age children will appreciate the two expandable cup holders that fit larger sippy cups and big drinks.

Installation is super easy for most parents with the Sure LATCH connectors that are self-ratcheting, so you won't have to tug and pull so hard to get it tight.

The size of the seat will likely make a 3 car seat configuration impossible. Your front passengers may also lose some leg room while in rear-facing mode. Your child may outgrow the maximum height of the booster mode sooner than the 110 pound weight limit.

While there aren’t a lot of problems with this seat, there have been a few reported issues. Some parents noted a lot of wear and tear on the straps after several months of use. Other parents had difficulty getting their child at the proper recline position in rear-facing mode, so their child’s head fell forward when sleeping. This is likely more the result of the specific vehicle seats and adjusting the installation angle with a pool noodle or towel is recommended in this situation.

Parents appreciated that the seat was made in the USA, which often means higher quality. Customer service is also based in the USA. Parents also loved the easy installation. Some of them were concerned with the recline angle in rear-facing mode.

A cup holder, comfy cushions and premium fabric ensure a great ride for those long road trips. Parents will also appreciate the added leg room for front seat passengers. FlexTech construction works well to distribute forces during a crash. With Air Protect side impact protection and thick padding, the Maxi-Cosi Pria meets or exceeds all US safety standards.

One huge advantage it has over other seats is that the seat pad and harness covers snap on and off easily without having to unthread straps or remove the seat. They’re both machine washable and dryer safe. Harness holders keep the straps out of the way so getting your child in and out is easier. The flip-away buckle and ClipQuik chest clip also make getting in and out quicker.

The inclusion of 2 infant inserts is somewhat rare among car seats, but a welcome benefit for parents of preemies. With a number of adjustment settings all over the seat, it’s easy to get the proper fit as your child grows.

Premium quality means premium price, so this seat may not fit into everyone’s budget. While the seat cover is stylish, the back of the seat isn’t covered at all, so you’ll see all the stickers and model info. Surprisingly, there’s only a line guide for leveling instead of a bubble level.

The wide profile can make adding additional car seats difficult and may prevent it from fitting well in smaller vehicles. Some parents couldn’t get the seat installed tightly enough in their cars and others had a hard time unbuckling the magnetic chest clip.

Sometimes you get what you pay for, but for some parents the Maxi-Cosi Pria isn’t that much better than some of the cheaper models. Other parents testify that the quality construction and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment. If you love it maybe keep an eye out for sales and special offers or add this one to your baby registry and ask your family and friends to buy it as a group gift.

The biggest advantage to the Chicco NextFit Sport car seat is the steel frame. The steel frame makes the seat very sturdy and provides stability in an accident. It also helps the seat stand up better to some of the abuse that comes with travelling, so if you are going to fly with the seat or take longer road trips then this might be a good option.

The SuperCinch latch tightener makes proper installation a breeze. Nine recline levels, a height-adjustable headrest and automatic harness adjustment makes this a true grow-with-your-child seat.

This child car seat is also quite easy to clean because the seat cover is machine washable. You can even get a manufacturers guide that shows you how to clean certain stains and spills.

The steel frame does make this a bit heavier (25 pounds) and bigger than your traditional car seat, so it’s better for those who don’t need to switch cars often. It will fit in smaller cars, but it won’t leave much room on either side. There is no booster mode with this seat.

Another sticking point for some parents is that it can’t be installed easily next to another car seat, but this is true with a lot of convertible seats. When rear-facing, it can take a while to install, which was a major issue for some parents who wanted something for cab and air travel. Others noted the seat cover was easier to remove than to replace.

Overall, users love the safety features of this seat. For parents who have one car or don’t intend to move it, it’s a great option. Some users complained that it was too big for smaller cars. For parents who have children close in age, they have appreciated the durability so they can use it as younger siblings come along. However, it’s not meant for newborns or preemies with the 12 pound minimum weight. It is on the high end for price, but it can be a good investment for the right family.

It has a reputation for being a very comfortable car seat for kids to sit in on long rides. The deluxe LATCH straps make this not only safer, but easier to use than other harnesses. This car seat is a good option for hot climates as the buckles and straps are well covered to avoid burning babies sensitive skin.

The conversion process is easier with a simple snap and twist motion. The 7-year expiration date means that it could last through a few children, but not as long as some of the 10-year models. The thing we liked most about it is that it stood up to several real-world crashes and kept each baby completely safe.

Criticisms vary but are fairly rare with this seat. Besides the higher price tag and shorter expiration date (7 years), some reported their child could easily unbuckle the harness while others had issues with the recline angles and bulk when placed beside other car seats.

The rear-facing belt path is unique and will take a little while to get used to, which also means that installation may take longer. Initially, tightening the harness is difficult because of the padding, though it should get easier with continued use.

Always do your research to make sure the seat will fit in your car or on an airplane seat, and thoroughly inspect all parts before using.

Oddly enough, there are some important spec misprints in the instruction manual (i.e. states 30 lbs as maximum LATCH limit, but it’s actually 40) and other typos from translation. Consult the website and call the company to confirm if you have any questions. It does have a holder for the manual so you can keep it with the seat at all times.

Overall, parents enjoy this convertible car seat. They say their children sleep better and that the ride is more comfortable. The typos in the manual annoy them, but they mentioned that there is an updated version on the website. It’s a pricey model, but we think it’s worth the investment if you have the budget for it.

The Clek Fllo is one of the best built narrow convertible car seats on the market. Its main attraction is being able to fit three across in most vehicles’ back seats.

Structurally, the car seat incorporates industry-leading safety features, like a steel anti-rebound bar, advanced side impact protection, and a patented energy management system to minimize energy forces from the impact of a crash.

It easily converts from rear-facing to forward-facing and is compact and light enough to move from one vehicle to another. The car seat is also FAA approved for air travel.

The seat’s pad is protected by a stain guard, so dirt and stains can be easily wiped off. Plus, the fabrics are free of brominated and chlorinated flame retardants. They also have a recycling program you can take advantage of when your seat expires.

Depending on vehicle type, fitting the car seat in the rear-facing position may require pulling the front passenger seat up, thus limiting legroom for that passenger. In some vehicles, the car seat may ride high in the back seat when rear-facing.

The release button for the harness strap isn’t in a very accessible spot and the harness itself is rethread style. Some parents report problems with the crotch strap fitting too tightly on their child. However, a longer crotch strap is available to purchase separately.

The biggest disappointment is the lack of a cup holder. It is only available as an add-on accessory purchased separately. Some other accessories are lacking too, including an infant insert that often comes included in other car seats.

Overall, the Clek Fllo is absolutely one of the safest and narrowest convertible car seats available to parents. Its versatility allows it to be used 3-across in most vehicles while still delivering top safety features. Plus, it is lightweight enough to move from one vehicle to another or to travel with on an airplane.

Parents appreciate the high quality and durability of the seat itself and the extended rear-facing capability. It is a sophisticated looking car seat built to take your child from baby to toddler.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 is one of the only car seats on the market recommended for premature infants. This is because it adjusts to an extremely small size without cutting back on protection or comfort. A spring-loaded leveling foot and two bubble levels ensure you get the right angle so baby’s head won’t slump.

Parents love this seat because it’s easy to install, and the instruction manual provides a lot of support and guidance. Many of the features are smaller, making this a more compact and easy to use seat, especially for petite parents. It’s small profile makes for an easier fit for smaller cars or side-by-side car seats. It’s compatible with all Chicco strollers.

One of the biggest disadvantages of this car seat is that the fabric, though easy to clean, does not breathe. If you live in a warmer climate and/or you don’t have a strong air conditioning system in your car, you may want to monitor your child for overheating. However, this is a very rare problem.

By far, customers love the easy installation and say it’s easier to use than other car seats they’ve tried. They report that it’s comfortable and appreciate the varied fabric color and pattern options. If you are stuck on your search, this one’s a real winner.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is one of the most popular options among families for quite a few reasons. It is certainly worth considering, especially if you are going to be in your car quite a bit.

The anti-rebound bar on the base is a unique feature that will provide extra protection if there is a front or a rear collision. If you drive in traffic that is stop and go, this can help stabilize the baby during sudden stops and starts.

Parents also appreciate that the seat is attractive and has some of the highest rated safety options. Color coded belt paths help ensure proper strap adjustment, and the side impact protection has 6 adjustment levels to protect baby’s head and shoulders, no matter their size.

Some parents have complained that the seat is uncomfortable to carry when the canopy is fully extended. Several noted that the material is a bit more difficult to clean, so if you plan on feeding your child in the car, this might not be a great option. (But feeding them in the car isn’t recommended anyway!) It may also not leave a lot of legroom for taller front seat passengers.

For parents who can afford to spend a little bit more for peace of mind, this car seat has almost always left them satisfied. If you do plan on frequent car trips, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is an option you will certainly want to think about.

The DLX includes a SafeZone Load Leg, which is an adjustable support leg that extends from the base down to the floorboard. It stabilizes the seat and offers up to 50% reduction in crash forces. A no-rethread harness and adjustable headrest keeps your growing baby comfortable.

Installation is easy with the SureSafe installation system which includes simple connectors and a set of LATCH guides. The base includes a pendulum level to make sure parents get the proper angle during installation.

Long car rides are more comfortable with ventilated FreeFlow mesh fabric that encourages air circulation for cooling.

This is a very popular seat and the criticisms from parents are few and far between. The load leg may take some time to figure out, but once you do, it is simple and provides additional protection in the event of a frontal collision. It can feel a bit heavy carrying this car seat around, despite the name, which you’ll notice as your child grows older. The buttons on the handle and the chest clip can be a bit difficult to use.

Most parents love this car seat. They like the added stability of the load leg and how it adds support to the car seat in case of an accident. They’re impressed with the colors of the fabric and the comfort of the padding. Very few families have had any issues with installation.

Extended & Specialized Editions:

Evenflo LiteMax 35

This version has been around a little longer than the DLX. It has the same weight and height ranges and basic features. It does NOT include a load leg but is just as lightweight and easy to install. This version is also more affordable, at about $80 less than the DLX. This seat is a great budget option for parents looking to save a little money without sacrificing safety.

Evenflo Gold SensorSafe SecureMax

The Evenflo Gold edition combines superior comfort and style with cell phone integrated technology. Extra cushioning and superior fabrics available in an attractive range of colors keep child and parent both happy. The smart chest clip and app integration notifies your cell phone in case your child unbuckles, gets too warm, or spends too much time without movement.

The large storage basket beneath the seat is accessible from both the front and the back. It also has a large canopy that protects your child from the elements. Setting up the car seat, whether in your car, in the stroller, or as a carrier, is extremely easy.

Parents love that it comes with accessories that are often sold separately with other travel systems. They really appreciate the parent tray for holding cell phones, drinks, etc. while out for a stroll at the zoo or mall.

Finally, the seat is much lighter (9 pounds) than other options in this category, perfect for parents who plan to take their baby shopping or those who have a long walk from car to home. The one-handed fold and carry handle makes transporting the stroller quick and easy, while the height-adjustable handle accommodates short or tall parents.

The car seat/stroller combo can be a bit difficult to maneuver until you get used to it. You have to use an attachment every time you put the car seat on the stroller, so if you lose it, you won’t be able to use the car seat with the stroller. A tray for toddler drinks and snacks is not included and can be pricey to buy.

The Chicco Bravo Trio has some great reviews because of its comfort and versatility. You can move this seat from car to stroller easily, which parents like. For parents who jog, they found it to be one of the easiest to maneuver. For parents who live in cities, this is one of the top choices.