Is your vehicle’s front-to-back space limited? Are you and/or your partner tall or just leggy? Or maybe you just want the ability to stretch out a little bit more on a long ride. Regardless of why you need a compact rear-facing carseat, the reality is that you’re not alone. It seems like everyone is looking for a good quality, higher-weight-harness convertible that will keep their child happy and comfortably seated in the rear-facing position while still allowing the front seat driver and/or passenger to be safe and comfortable too. Because you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your comfort or safety just to accommodate junior, who is riding rear-facing behind you!
Tall people problems
As a mom and a Child Passenger Safety Technician-Instructor, I know space issues play a role for many parents in their decision to turn their child forward-facing. Hopefully, this blog can help by giving parents some useful info on which rear-facing convertible seats take up the least amount of room so you can keep your child rear-facing longer.
Before we go any further, I must stress that every vehicle is different and our measurements may not translate exactly to your vehicle. For example, if you are installing in a center seating position or have a larger vehicle, you may have plenty of room – even for the space hogs on this list. Since there are too many variables from vehicle to vehicle and even from one seating position to the next within the same vehicle, I can’t and won’t tell you that seat X or Y is going to be the best choice for your child in your vehicle. However, I can tell you that seat X takes up 3″ less room when rear-facing than seat Y when installed properly in the same seating position. The rest of the factors (specs, features, price, etc.) are going to be up to you to take into account. Because even though size matters, it’s not the only thing that matters!
For this project, I chose convertibles that are either on our list of Recommended Seats or just popular higher-weight models. I did not include small convertible seats like the Cosco Scenera Next or Evenflo Tribute because I know that most of our readers are looking for seats that can be used for extended rear-facing. The Scenera Next and the Tribute are great compact little convertibles that don’t take up much room when rear-facing and they are fairly narrow, too. That’s a huge bonus in compact cars. The trade-off is that they are only rated to 40 lbs. and won’t fit many kids past age 3.
Britax Emblem Rear-Facing in Toyota Prius
While this list does include many current convertible models, it is NOT intended to be an all-inclusive list. I was limited to what I had available or had access to during the project period. More models may be added in the future.
Seats have been given letter grades for simplicity. This “Space Grade” relates only to the amount of room that the seat takes up when rear-facing as compared with the other seats on this list. Keep in mind that even seats with an “A” rating aren’t guaranteed to fit rear-facing or install properly in the back seat of your vehicle but they’re a good place to start if you’re on a quest to find a rear-facing convertible or All-in-One that doesn’t take up a lot of room. By the same token, just because a seat has a “C” rating doesn’t mean it won’t fit well rear-facing in a smaller vehicle. There are just so many variables in each specific situation that you really never know for sure until you try it.
The fine print – My installation method for each seat was pretty basic. I didn’t use any tricks to try to get the seats more upright or anything like that. I used the lower LATCH anchors for each install (with the exception of the Britax Boulevard ClickTight) just to be consistent, and because it was easier in most cases. Each seat was installed properly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, I didn’t need any pool noodles to increase the recline angle – but there were a few exceptions. Normally, I like to get behind the rear-facing convertible and use my hips or mid-section to compress the seat down and into the vehicle seat cushion, leaving both hands free to tighten the seatbelt or latch strap. However, I couldn’t do that with these installs because that would have required moving the front seat forward to get my body back there, and that wasn’t an option. The front passenger seat stayed in its precise position throughout the project period. I set the front passenger’s seat in a fixed position and it was reclined to a point where an adult could sit comfortably. I didn’t want the front seat to be too upright because that wouldn’t be realistic. Then, in each case, I measured the distance between the convertible and the point on the back of the front passenger seat or head restraint that was likely to make first contact. That “contact point” varied depending on the height and contour of the car seat. So, this means that these measurements can, and probably will, vary in different vehicles based on the contours of your front seat and the geometry of the head restraints in your vehicle.
In other words – your mileage may vary!
In cases where the convertible had a height-adjustable headrest (HR), I took separate measurements with the HR flush with the shell and also with the HR extended to the maximum rear-facing height allowed. If the convertible allowed more than one recline position on the base to be used for rear-facing, I installed the seat using the different recline positions as long as it installed within the acceptable recline angle range on the angle indicator.
Okay, enough rambling… this is what you’re here for! Below is a table comparing the various convertibles and listing their respective SPACE GRADES. Again, just to be very clear, this grade is based on the amount of space gained in relation to the most space-consuming convertible I tested – which happened to be the Diono Radian without the optional angle adjuster accessory.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2020
*Tip: when viewing on your phone – turn it sideways to see all 4 columns.
| Convertible Carseat Model (Details) | Space Grade | Space Gained | RF Weight Max | RF Height Limits & Interior Height Measurement |
| Britax Boulevard ClickTight (More upright angle; HR fully extended) | A | +5″ to +6″ | 40 lbs. | 1″ rule with HR fully extended; 28.5″ tall |
| Britax Emblem | A | +5″ | 40 lbs. | 1” rule with HR fully extended; 25.5” tall |
| Chicco NextFit Zip (More upright angle; HR fully extended) | A | +5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 43″ max and 1” rule with HR fully extended; 26” tall |
| Diono Radian 3R *with* optional Angle Adjuster (sold separately) | A | +5″ | 50 lbs. | Child height 44″ max and 1.5″ rule from top of shell; 25″ tall |
| Graco Extend2Fit (HR flush with shell; No leg rest extension) | A | +4.5″ to +5.5″ | 50 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Size4Me (HR flush with shell) | A | +5″ | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible (HR flush with shell) | A | +5″ | 45 lbs. | 1” rule with HR in max RF ht position (7th notch); 24” tall |
| Evenflo Triumph | A- | +4.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 37″ max; 1” from top of shell; 23” tall |
| Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible (HR extended to max RF height position) | A- | +4.5″ | 45 lbs. | 1” rule with HR in max RF ht position (7th notch); 24” tall |
| Safety 1st Guide 65 (Most upright recline angle, HR fully extended) | A- | +4.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max; 24.5” with HR fully extended |
| Evenflo Symphony All-in-One (HR extended to max RF height position) | B+ | +4″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40″ max; 1” rule with HR in 2nd height setting; 23” tall |
| Graco 4Ever All-in-One (More reclined, HR flush with shell and more upright HR fully extended) | B+ | +4″ | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All-in-One (More upright, HR flush with shell, no legrest extension) | B+ | +4″ | 50 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Milestone All-in-One & Graco Landmark All-in-One (More upright angle; HR fully extended) | B+ | +4″ | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Contender & Graco Admiral (HR flush with shell) | B | +3.75 | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Chicco NextFit Zip (Max recline angle; HR flush with shell) | B | +3.5 | 40 lbs. | Child height 43″ max and 1” rule with HR fully extended; 26” tall |
| Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All-in-One (Max recline angle; HR flush with shell AND more upright; HR fully extended; legrest extended 1 notch) | B | +3.5 | 50 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Milestone All-in-One & Graco Landmark All-in-One (Max recline angle; HR flush with shell) | B | +3.5 | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 (Max recline angle; HR flush with shell) | B | +3.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max; 25” with HR fully extended |
| Safety 1st Guide 65 (Max recline angle, HR flush with shell) | B | +3.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max; 24.5” with HR fully extended |
| Safety 1st Go & Grow (Very upright angle for children who can sit up unassisted, HR fully extended) | B | +3.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max; 27” with HR fully extended |
| Clek Fllo (without optional anti-rebound bar) | B | +3.25″ | 50 lbs. | Child ht 43” max and 1” rule from top of HR when fully extended; 26.5” tall |
| Britax Boulevard ClickTight (Max recline angle, HR flush with shell) | B- | +3″ | 40 lbs. | 1″ rule with HR fully extended; 28.5″ tall |
| Clek Foonf (with required anti-rebound bar) | C+ | +2.5″ | 50 lbs. | Child ht 43” max and 1” rule from top of HR when fully extended; 26.5” tall |
| Evenflo Sonus & Sonus 65 | C+ | +2.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max and 1” rule; 25” tall |
| Evenflo Stratos | C+ | +2.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max and 1” rule; 25” tall |
| Evenflo SureRide | C+ | +2.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max and 1” rule; 25” tall |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go (Moderate recline angle for children who can sit up unassisted; HR fully extended) | C | +2″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max; 27” with HR fully extended |
| Clek Fllo (with optional anti-rebound bar) | C- | +1.5″ | 50 lbs. | Child ht 43” max and 1” rule from top of HR when fully extended; 26.5” tall |
| Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit (max upright; HR fully extended; leg rest fully extended) | C- | +1.5″ | 50 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Extend2Fit (More upright; HR fully extended; legrest fully extended) | C- | +1.5″ | 50 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Size4Me (HR fully extended) | C- | +1.5″ | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco Contender & Graco Admiral (HR fully extended) | C- | +1.25″ | 40 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All-in-One (more upright; HR fully extended; legrest fully extended) | C- | +1″ | 50 lbs. | 1” rule from headrest adjustment lever when HR fully extended; 27.5” tall |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go (Max recline for babies who can’t sit up unassisted yet, HR flush with shell) | D | +0.5″ | 40 lbs. | Child height 40” max; 27” with HR fully extended |
| Diono Radian 3R | D | +0″ | 50 lbs. | Child height 44” or less and 1.5” rule from top shell; 25” |
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Interior Height Measurement refers to the measurement of the car seat from the bottom of the seated area to the top of the restraint in its maximum rear-facing height position. The overall “Child Height”, or standing height limit is also noted for seats that list one in their owner’s manual. The “1 Inch Rule” also applies to some carseats. In these cases, the child has outgrown the seat by height when there is only 1″ of shell or adjustable head support structure above the child’s head (this varies from seat to seat so check the notes in the chart above).
Breakdown of each carseat model tested with additional details:
Britax Boulevard ClickTight (results also apply to Marathon ClickTight & Advocate ClickTight)
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from top of headrest when fully extended; RF seated height 29″; FF 20-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A (when installed at a more upright recline angle)
Space Gained +5″ to +6″ depending on recline angle for toddlers or older kids (the more upright the seat, the more space is gained)
Space Grade: B- (when installed at a more reclined angle appropriate for a newborn or young baby)
Space Gained +3″
Notes: Any of the 7 recline positions on base may be used to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding a suitable recline angle and taking up less space. Britax Boulevard CT review here & Marathon CT review here.
Britax Emblem (results also apply to Britax Allegiance model)
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit: 1″ rule from top of headrest when fully extended; RF seated height 25.5″; FF 20-65 lbs or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A
Space Gained +5″
Notes: Only 1 recline position (#3) allowed for rear-facing installation. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base.
Chicco NextFit Zip (results also apply to NextFit Sport model)
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit: 1″ from top of headrest when fully extended and child height 43″ or less; RF seated height 26″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall. NextFit Sport model omits the newborn insert and is therefore rated from 12-40 lbs. rear-facing.
Space Grade: A- (when installed at a more upright recline angle with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +4.5″
Space Grade: B (when installed at a more reclined angle appropriate for a newborn; headrest flush with shell)
Space Gained +3.5″
Notes: Any of the 9 recline positions on base may be used to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding a suitable recline angle and taking up less space. Chicco NextFit Review Here.
Specs: RF 14-50 lbs.; RF height limit: 1″ from top of headrest when fully extended and child height 43″ or less; RF seated height 26.5″ tall; FF 20-65 lbs or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade without Anti-Rebound Bar: B (same grade with headrest flush or with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +3.25″
Space Grade with Anti-Rebound Bar: C- (same grade with headrest flush or with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +1.5″
Notes: Single recline position for rear-facing installation. Anti-rebound bar is optional. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a tightly rolled towel (pool noodles are prohibited) under base. Clek Fllo Review Here.
Specs: RF 14-50 lbs.; RF height limit: 1″ from top of headrest when fully extended and child height 43″ or less; RF seated height 26.5″ tall; FF 20-65 lbs or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: C+ (same grade with headrest flush or with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +2.5″
Notes: Single recline position (position #3) for rear-facing installation. Must use rear-facing base and anti-rebound bar for rear-facing installations. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Clek Foonf Review Here.
Diono Radian 3R (results also apply to Radian 3RX & 3RXT models)
Specs: RF 5-50 lbs.; RF height limit: 1.5″ from top of shell and child height 44″ or less; RF seated height 25″; FF 20-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade with angle adjuster (sold separately): A
Space Gained +5″
Space Grade without angle adjuster accessory: D
Space Gained +0″
Notes: The only way to adjust the rear-facing recline angle is with the optional angle adjuster (foam block) which is sold separately. The Radian installs very upright with the Angle Adjuster accessory. Angle adjuster allowed only if the child has complete head control and can sit up unassisted. Without the angle adjuster, the Radian takes up more room than any other seat in this comparison. Diono Radian RXT Review Here.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs; 19-37″ tall; RF seated height 23″; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A-
Space Gained +4.5″
Notes: Only 1 recline position (#1) allowed for rear-facing installation. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Triumph Review Here.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; 19 – 37″ tall and 1″ from top of headrest in second height setting; RF seated height 23″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: B+
Space Gained +4″
Notes: 2 lowest headrest height positions may be used for RF. Only 1 recline position (#1) allowed for rear-facing installation. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Evenflo Symphony Review Here.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit: 1″ from top of shell and child height 40″ or less; RF seated height 25″ tall; Sonus FF 22-50 lbs.; Sonus 65 FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 54″ tall.
Space Grade: C+
Space Gained +2.5″
Notes: Sonus has single position recline stand for rear-facing installation. Sonus 65 has dual position recline stand. If necessary, recline may be increased further by using a tightly rolled towel under recline stand.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from top of shell and child height 40″ or less; RF seated height 25″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 54″ tall.
Space Grade: C+
Space Gained +2.5″
Notes: Stratos has dual-position recline stand. If necessary, recline can be increased further by using a tightly rolled towel under recline stand.
Evenflo SureRide (results apply to Titan 65)
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from top of shell and child height 40″ or less; RF seated height 25″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs or up to 54″ tall.
Space Grade: C+
Space Gained +2.5″
Notes: Single position for rear-facing installation. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a tightly rolled towel under recline leg (pool noodle won’t work in this case). Results also apply to Evenflo Titan 65. Full SureRide review here.
Specs: RF 4-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from bottom of plastic headrest adjustment lever when headrest fully extended; RF max seated height 27.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: B (when installed more reclined with headrest flush with main shell)
Space Gained +3.5″
Space Grade: B+ (when installed more upright with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +4″
Notes: Recline positions 1, 2 or 3 on base may be used to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding an appropriate recline for your baby or older RF child. Full Graco 4Ever Review Here.
Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit All-in-One
Specs: RF 4-50 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from bottom of plastic headrest adjustment lever when headrest fully extended; RF max seated height 27.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: B (when installed with no legrest extension; head rest flush with shell; using max recline position #1 on base OR when installed with legrest extended 1 notch in recline position #2 which is more upright); Space gained +3.5″
Space Grade: B+ (when installed with no legrest extension; head rest flush with shell; using recline position #2 on base); Space gained +4″
Space Grade: C- (when installed with max legrest extension; head rest fully extended; using recline position #3 or #2 on base); Space gained +1″ to +1.5″
Notes: You may use base positions 1, 2, 3 or 4 to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding a suitable recline angle and taking up less space. Once you start using the legrest extension feature, the seat definitely takes up more room. I lost about 2.5″ of space in my vehicle when I extended the leg rest – even though I was making the seat more upright at the same time. See Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit: Rear-Facing Space Comparison article for additional details and pictures.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from bottom of plastic headrest adjustment lever when headrest fully extended; RF max seated height 27.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: B (when installed more reclined with headrest flush with main shell)
Space Gained +3.5″
Space Grade: B+ (when installed more upright with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +4″
Notes: Recline positions 1 or 2 on base may be used to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding an appropriate recline for your baby or older RF child. Full Graco Milestone Review Here.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from bottom of plastic headrest adjustment lever when headrest fully extended; RF max seated height 27.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs or up to 52″ tall.
Space Grade: B (when installed with headrest flush with main shell)
Space Gained +3.75″
Space Grade: C- (when installed with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +1.25″
Notes: Only 1 base position (#1) allowed for rear-facing installation. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Full Graco Contender Review Here.
Specs: RF 4-50 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from bottom of plastic headrest adjustment lever when headrest fully extended; RF max seated height 27.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A (when installed with no leg rest extension; head rest flush with shell; using recline position #1 or #2 on base)
Space Gained +4.5″ to +5.5″
Space Grade: C- (when installed with max leg rest extension; using recline position #3 or #4 on base)
Space Gained +1.5″
Notes: You may use base positions 1, 2, 3 or 4 to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding a suitable recline angle and taking up less space. Once you start using the leg rest extension, the seat definitely takes up more room. I lost about 3″ of space in my vehicle when I extended the leg rest – even though I was making the seat more upright at the same time. Full Graco Extend2Fit Review Here.
![DSCN5842[1]](https://carseatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSCN58421.jpg)
![DSCN5846[1]](https://carseatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/DSCN58461.jpg)
Specs: RF 4-40 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from bottom of plastic headrest adjustment lever when headrest fully extended; RF max seated height 27.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A (when installed with headrest flush with main shell)
Space Gained +5″
Space Grade: C- (when installed with headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +1.5″
Notes: Only 1 base position (#1) allowed for rear-facing installation. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Full Size4Me Review Here.
Specs: RF 14-40 lbs.; RF height limit: Child height 40″ and top of head below top of headrest; RF max seated height 25″ tall; FF 22-85 lbs. or up to 52″ tall.
Space Grade: B (when installed in recline position #3; headrest fully extended)
Space Gained +3.5″
Notes: Recline position #3 (full recline) or #2 (semi-reclined) may be used to achieve an appropriate RF recline angle as per the level-to-ground-line angle indicator. These options create more potential for finding a suitable recline angle and taking up less space. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Full Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Review Here.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 5-70
Specs: RF 5-45 lbs.; RF height limit 1″ rule from top of adjustable headrest when extended to 7th height setting; RF max seated height 24″ tall; FF 22-70 lbs or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A (when installed with headrest flush with shell)
Space Gained +5″
Space Grade: A- (when installed with headrest extended to max RF height setting)
Space Gained +4.5″
Notes: Only 1 base position allowed for rear-facing installation. Headrest height positions 1-7 may be used for RF. Positions 8, 9 & 10 are FF only. Recline may be increased, if necessary, by using a pool noodle or tightly rolled towel under base. Full Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible Review Here.
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit is child height 40″; RF max seated height 27″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs., at least 2 years old, up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: B (when installed using base position #2 for children who can sit upright unassisted; HR fully extended), Space Gained +3.5″
Space Gained: C (when installed using base position #3 for children who can sit upright unassisted; HR fully extended), Space Gained +2″
Space Grade: D (when installed at recline angle for babies who cannot sit up on their own yet; base position #3 plus pool noodle; HR flush with shell), Space Gained +0.5″
Notes: Even with the base in recline position #3 (most reclined), I still needed to add a pool noodle to achieve the necessary recline angle for a baby who can’t sit up on their own yet. Children who can sit up unassisted (which is most babies over 7 months old) may have the seat positioned more upright using either position #2 or #3 on the base to achieve a recline angle that is consistent with the child’s comfort. These options create more potential for finding a suitable recline angle and taking up less space.
Safety 1st Guide 65 (results also apply to Eddie Bauer XRS)
Specs: RF 5-40 lbs.; RF height limit is child height 40″; RF max seated height 24.5″ tall; FF 22-65 lbs. or up to 49″ tall.
Space Grade: A- (when installed at most upright angle allowed for children over 22 lbs.; HR fully extended)
Space Gained +4.5″
Space Grade: B (when installed at max recline angle for babies under 22 lbs.; HR flush with shell)
Space Gained +3.5″
Notes: Single recline position for rear-facing installations. This carseat has a dual level-line indicator for rear-facing. Babies under 22 lbs. should be positioned at the max recline angle. Children over 22 lbs. who can sit upright unassisted may have the seat positioned more upright as long as the angle is still within the dual line indicator. Even at the most upright angle this seat would have required the use of a pool noodle or thin rolled up towel to achieve an appropriate recline. Several noodles would have been necessary to achieve the maximum reclined needed for babies under 22 lbs.
Conclusion:
There are so many variables that go into every carseat/vehicle compatibility scenario that it’s impossible to accurately predict which seat is going to be the “best” convertible for rear-facing *your* child in *your* vehicle. The complexity of the situation is amplified by the plethora of options and features available on various convertibles. Still, it was our intention here at CarseatBlog to put together a comprehensive comparison that would serve as a resource for parents and caregivers searching for an extended-use convertible that would keep their rear-facing toddler or older child safe and comfortable without sacrificing the safety and comfort of the driver and/or front seat passenger.
As always, the best advice for any carseat purchase is to “try before you buy”. However, in cases where that isn’t possible then the next best thing is to order from someplace with easy, free returns in case it doesn’t work out. For example, Amazon offers a wide selection of carseats at competitive prices and they offer free shipping AND free returns on all seats that they sell directly.
We hope this info was helpful to you! It was an exhausting but enlightening process for me too!
Check out our other blogs on the subject of rear-facing convertibles:
Best Convertible Carseats for Extended Rear-Facing: the definitive guide for savvy shoppers!
Comparison of Budget-Priced Convertible Carseats under $100
Compare Convertible Carseat Specs, Measurements & Features
See our Extensive List of CarseatBlog Carseat Reviews for additional information!
The Foonf allows recline position 2 to be used rear facing in the US. Any idea how recline #2 impacts the depth? The pictures and details only show the fully reclined position #3.
Thank you so much for doing all this work putting the list together. We purchased the Maxi Cosi Pria for our Prius C (subcompact–smaller than your Prius) and it have us even more room than the Roundabout that we borrowed from our other car. Looking at them side by side in the store, you would think they were the same depth, but once you actually isms tall it, you can see there is just so much more room. I can actually push my seat all the way back with the Pria in position #2! So glad I read your blog post!
Hello, Looking to purchase a convertible car seat that will last for a while. My son is 9 months old. Safety is number one, comfort, various postions are helpful and fabric. I am looking at the NEW Evenflo. Are there ant other suggestions? Some of the car seats , I have never even heard of. ??We drive a GMC, Envoy. Please help!!! I have reviewed your sitr however, I am a little overwhelmed.
This just further confirms my feelings that I must be doing something “wrong” with my Pria. I bought it because it supposedly took up less front-to-back room than most convertibles, and yet it only barely, maybe fits in the center seat of my Camry without touching the front seats. There’s no way we could have installed it behind an actual seat unless we wanted our knees up to our ears. 🙁
wow so much more helpful that britax customer services. thank you!!!!! 🙂
This is a great resource! I was just wondering if there is a comparison of the space an infant seat takes up (we have the Chicco Keyfit30) vs. a RF convertible seat? I can’t seem to find that info anywhere. I am leaning toward the Diono RadianRXT or the Chicco NextFit. The adjustor will be used since he will be over a year old. I guess I’m just wondering if we are going to lose room or if it will be about the same.
Thank you!
@ Emily – apologies for the delayed reply – I’m just seeing your comment now. If you’re going to BRU I’d suggest trying a Britax convertible, a Chicco NextFit and a Graco MySize. Good luck!
@ Jeni – there is only one rear-facing position on the Size4Me/Headwise/Clones and in my experience installation tricks are unreliable. Sometimes you can get it a few more degrees upright and it will stay that way – other times the CR just slides back into the more reclined position after a while. And I agree that most parents will never use this seat rear-facing with the headrest extended all the way but I needed to treat each seat equally for the sake of this comparison.
@ Anna – none of these seats click into a base. Convertible seats stay installed the car. There actually is one seat that can do that – but it’s a beast and takes up a LOT of room when installed rear-facing. It’s the Graco Smart Seat and we have a review (see the link at the top of the blog page for “Carseat Reviews”) but it will NOT fit well in a Corolla. Your best bet would be one of the seats above with an “A” or “B” grade. HTH!
This is a great review! I’m a first time mom to a very tall (99th percentile) boy who is about to outgrow his infant seat at 6 mos old. He is average weight, and I think his height is more in his torso than his legs. We are looking for a convertible seat that will accommodate his height and fit in our corollas. A question I’ve had trouble figuring out is whether any of these convertible seats come with click-in designs like infants seats, or will we need to buy a separate seat for each of our two cars? If we need to buy two of them, we might have fewer options because of price!
Just a note about the Graco Size4Me (HeadWise, MySize, etc) – it would take a child wearing approximately size 8 shirts rear-facing to need the headrest fully extended. Most families will be able to take advantage of the more compact option of the Size4Me by not fully extending the headrest while rear-facing.
I’m not sure whether you addressed the range of rear-facing angle allowed by the seat, but hopefully older and taller rear-facing children would also be able to tolerate a more upright install by leaning weight where the child’s feet go when securing the seat in order to install it more upright.
Thanks for a great review!
Hi. I’m a pregnant mama with 2 Lo. My son is forward facing, while my daughter is rear facing. She’s now outgrown her infant seat and we need to upgrade to a rear-facing convertible. I hated how my son’s seat fit rear facing, not even a little person could sit in the front seat. I usually don’t drive so I’m sitting passenger and my daughter sits behind me. We have a Tahoe. Do you have any seat recommendations that would leave enough room for me to be very pregnant and her seat to continue to be rear facing behind the passenger seat? I’ve read over your list and done a lot of research about CR. With my husbands’ job (he works graves) and my 2 very busy lo, I’d love for 2-4 suggestions I can give a try at Babies R Us (sometime I can trick someone to babysit). Thank you.
@Kecia- Thank you!
@Teekadog – for what it’s worth, I did measure the Coccoro even though I didn’t include it. It definitely took up the least amount of space of all the convertible seats I tried but it’s also no bigger than a SnugRide 35 LX Click Connect infant seat.
I refer to this blog post more than any other ever! My one wishy-washy is that it would include the Coccoro simply for comparison’s sake, though I wholeheartedly agree it was a good choice to leave it out.
@Melissa – of course I believe that! Lol. Let’s just say you’re in good company around here! 🙂
@Kecia – totally fair. And I must say that I LOVE our two primary seats now, chosen with the help of this site: Nextfit and Symph e3. Can you believe we’re about to own five convertibles for one kid?
@Melissa C – I don’t necessarily disagree but I chose not to measure it without the upper headrest portion for several reasons. First and foremost, this was a space comparison and if you’re going to buy a True Fit and need it to fit in a smaller space then you need to be prepared for the reality of how much room it may take up with the upper portion attached in either recline position. If you can only fit it in your vehicle RF without the upper headrest then this isn’t going to be a good choice for you.
Secondly, the biggest difference between the True Fit and the other convertibles with height-adjustable headrests is that it’s all or nothing. If you have a Chicco NextFit or a Graco Size4Me then you will move the headrest up incrementally as the child grows. In some cases (like with the Size4Me) you’ll take up a little bit more RF space room with each click upward because you can’t adjust the recline angle like you can with the NextFit or Pria. Plus, it’s very possible that you will turn the child FF before you actually reach the max RF height adjustment.
I did consider just measuring the True Fit in the toddler recline with the upper headrest on but then I figured that there would be instances where someone would need the infant recline and the upper headrest portion so I decided to cover that too.
For as much as I don’t care for our TFP for other reasons, I think it’s not fair to compare the infant recline WITH headrest if the other seats have their headrests flush when measured at infant recline. An average size baby hits 22lbs around 11mo, at which point they certainly can be comfortable and safe in the less reclined position.
Thank you for that awesome comparison! Great rundown to share with someone needing help with rf in a smaller car. Thanks! 🙂
This is amazing! Thanks for all your hard work! This is a great guide for shoppers to narrow down the options, although, as you mention, it may differ somewhat in different cars. Moving from our classic to the RA55 gave us a couple more inches for our front seat passenger and offered my DD higher RFing height limits than all those seats that claim to be taller, but have a 40″ RFing height limit.
@Aporthole – I wish I had a Foonf and an Orbit Toddler to compare but I didn’t have access to either so they weren’t included. I didn’t even think about the Guide 65, sorry! But my hope is that with the 14 seats that are included that consumers will be able to piece together enough comparative info to determine how other seats would have fared.
Bookmarking this one to share. I’d love to see a Foonf and the Safety 1st Guide 65 thrown in there as well. I know the Foonf sits really high, but in recline #2 appears to not be too massive for front to back space.
Wow, this took a lot of work! Great job!
WOW! That took a lot of time and patience to do….thank you! This is definitely getting bookmarked and I know many will be referencing it for a long time to come! Great job!
Wow! What a great comparison post. Thank you. Bookmarking this! 🙂