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!
I’d still love to see the Foonf in recline 2 added to the list since position 2 is approved for rear facing in the US. I tested out a Foonf and Fllo this weekend and with Foonf in recline 2, it made a huge difference for required depth. With ARB use for both Foonf and Fllo, Foonf in recline 2 was much more compact than recline 3 and much more compact than Fllo. I did not compare Fllo without ARB.
Did Clek ever okay this officially? In other words, is it in writing anywhere? I have asked in the past and was told that it wasn’t an official recommendation so I didn’t want to promote it. But I haven’t asked recently so perhaps they have changed their stance?
This post is great! I’m looking to move my LO out of her infant seat and I’m pretty overwhelmed by all of the choices. I also have some issues – I drive a two door (cringes) Ford Focus hatchback, and I have a 6’4″ DH. All of which means I need a seat with as small a footprint rear facing as possible, but ideally, I’d like to find something that will last a long time so I’m not constantly buying seats. The Evenflo infant seat we use right now makes it so I, at 5’5″, can just barely ride comfortably with her behind me (if DH is in the car it can’t be in the middle). Currently I’m broke, so I’m hoping that Christmas will buy my car seat. 😉 If I could only choose one. LO is on the smaller side if that helps, 25th percentile or thereabouts. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! To my knowledge, there isn’t anywhere around here for me to try out the seats before buying. I was looking at the Pria but now I’m not sure – it looks like it’s either a really good or really bad choice based on the comments? Thank you!
any suggestions for a VW bug?
Great review. I have a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 door). Baby is 3 months old and I want to get a convertible seat for my car. So most important is that it will fit when in rear facing infant position. The back seats in the Jeep are relatively shallow and do not recline or move back/forward so I thought your review for smaller cars was appropriate. Any feedback for the Jeep Wrangler specifically?
Weez – I’m guessing your backseat looks like this? https://carseatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/SR40-too-much-overhang1.jpg
That is a pic of the Graco SnugRide 40 base installed in a 2010 Unlimited. The real problem in this vehicle is overhang because of the shallow backseat cushion. In general, you must have at least 80% of the base or bottom surface of the carseat over the vehicle seat cushion. In other words, no more than 20% of the base or bottom “footprint” of the carseat can hang over the edge. As you can see with the Graco SnugRide 40 base in the picture above – there is too much overhang. If I remember correctly, the Unlimited is a 5 passenger vehicle which means you have a center seating position back there. Is that correct? If so, your best bet would be a Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 (minimum weight rating of 9 lbs.) that would go rear-facing in that center seating position. If you’re lucky – it will “clear” the 2 front seats. You can even use LATCH to install the Pria in that vehicle because Maxi-Cosi allows you to use LATCH in the center with “non-standard spacing”. Your other options that would probably fit rear-facing with little or no overhang would be the Britax G4.1 Convertibles – Marathon, Boulevard, or Advocate. NOT the Britax ClickTight convertibles. That’s a different beast and that base is much longer and won’t fit. However, Britax no longer allows center installation with LATCH if you have non-standard spacing (which you do) so if you go with a Britax G4.1 convertible you will have to install with seatbelt. Regardless of what you wind up with – I recommend finding a certified CPS Tech that can look things over. Good luck!
Dad is 6’4″ and drives in front of the Clek Fllo WITH the Anti-rebound bar in our Odyssey. He’d put the seat back more, but he can’t of course. But still, it’s not terrible at all.
Many of the seats that also look good only go to 40 lbs. RF If Britax could make theirs go to 50, they’d ROCK the market!!!! We did not consider Britax simply because of the 40 lbs limit. 45 would probably be enough for us, honestly.
Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 as good for saving space as the 70? I’m interested in getting one of these seats for RF up to 40lbs but if the 85 is much bigger than the 70 it may not fit in my car.
Hi! The Pria 85 is the same size and installs exactly the same way so there will be zero difference between the two models in terms of rear-facing space. You can read more about the differences between the Pria 85 and Pria 70 here: https://carseatblog.com/32323/maxi-cosi-pria-85-convertible-review-safety-comfort-style/
Thank you sooo much for this! I used this last year and decided on the PRIA 70 for my first one. I amm now looking for a seat for my second baby and am looking at either the Foonf or the FLLO. I have 2 questions:
1 – Any idea when the FLLO will be added to this list?
2 – Similar to the PRIA, the Foonf does allow the recline position 2 for rear facing. Your review only provides measurements for recline #3. Any idea how recline #2 impacts the depth?
I needed to get new car seats for the grandkids and after a lot of comparison I went with the Size4Me 65. I drive a Prius and I thought this would be one that would fit better than previous ones and give more room to move the front seats back. Unfortunately, there is less room to move the seat back now than there was before with the convertible child restraint seat in the rear facing direction. I am disappointed with this, and wondered if I was reading the information wrong. I just checked several sites again and found that it is compact and reported to fit in small cars well. Maybe forward facing instead of rear facing? I’m wondering about returning them but have no idea what might be better, as I was sure after all the comparison I did that this one would be great.
Thank you very much for taking the time to create this chart! It was very helpful in deciding what car seat I’m going to get. I have a Honda Civic and I appreciate any extra space I can gain after I put the car seat. Super helpful. Thanks, again.
@Carolinadaisy – thanks for the heads-up! It’s updated now.
I’d love to see Clek’s new Fllo reviewed!!
Kecia, the chart needs corrected for the Boulevard click tight rf limit. It’s listed as 1″ from top of shell instead of the 1″ rule from top of headrest when fully extended rule.
Thanks for such a great update!
Thanks for all your hardwork in this post. You are definitely not kidding about the difference of the angle adjuster with the Diono. I have the Pacifica, and had a friend tell me that it would fit my subaru legacy without issue and without the angle adjuster. I don’t know what planet she is on…. it fits horribly in my car. I just ordered the angle adjuster – I am looking forward to getting some space with my car back. We just installed both the Britax Pavilion 70 in my husband’s car and the Diono Pacifica in my car… time will tell what we like better but I am preferring the Britax already and wish I went with that with my car and not my friend’s recommendation.
Would you add the Scenera to the chart, for comparison purposes? I know it doesn’t fit the bill of long-lasting RF seats, but it would be really interesting to see how it compares. It seems like it takes up a LOT of room with that recline line properly positioned.
We have the Pria and just got a corcorro for our 19 month old, in part because the front passenger seat was so far forward. I read your paragraph about the recline/level line not being straight. I didn’t want to take that risk. How do we know that it’s just a comfort issue for the kid? They’re crash testing the seats (we hope) in the correct install positions. To the above commenter who said she’s doing something wrong with the Pria – she’s not!! If someone is fortunate enough to have a car where position #2 can be used, great, then it does get an A. But for everyone else, it’s a D.
Hi there!! I love this comparison but also need a width measurement. We have a small car and will have three kiddos in the back. Overall “compactness” is important to me. Do you have a chart for “widths” that I can compare to this chart as well?
Thanks!!
This is really helpful – not just for space purposes, but comparing the flexibility and ease of RFing installations. I find that many convertible seats really seem to be designed with FFing as the primary mode, and RFing is somewhat of an afterthought (hence having to use pool noodles/rolled towels to achieve proper angle). But for extended RFing kids, the convertible seat will most likely be used much longer for RFing than FFing.
Would you be able to tell me in the picture with the diono on the angle adjuster the distance from the back of the diono to the back of the seat it is sitting on?
A great help. Thank you!
What kind of carseat is that installed in your white Prius? We have that exact Prius and would LOVE to have that much room in a passenger seat!
TIA
@Mike, it’s unfortunate that your observation is true. However, if you watch sale prices, you can get a Britax Roundabout pretty close to the $100 mark and Britax has also discontinued the “Classic” line, so you may be able to find those seats on deep discount. If you shop at Kohl’s, I think you can use their Kohl’s Cash on the Graco convertible seats they sell online, on which they occasionally have sales.
Great comparison, only thing is that all of the CR’s that “gain” any room are all on the pricey side. Any suggestions in the budget price range (around $100)? We are looking for a second seat (main seat is Evenflo SymDLX) for our Mazda 3 (SMALL AMOUNT OF SPACE!). The SymDLX fits, but leaves anyone in the front passenger seat making out with the dash…
Thanks
Did you measure the Safety first Guide 65 too? I’d be interested to know how it compared in the most upright position.
Wow that was a lot of work! Thank you! Always have been and always will be a Recaro fan. I would love to see where it measures up as compared to these models! Thanks again!