The Evenflo Triumph convertible has been around in various incarnations for many years. It’s been refreshed several times and continues to be a solid performer. The Triumph is easy to install, very easy to use correctly, comfortable and a good value. In a market dominated by very expensive, and very inexpensive convertible seats – the Triumph is reasonably priced somewhere in the middle. It’s not the cheapest convertible on the shelf but it’s certainly not the most expensive either.
The model I have for review is the Triumph “ProComfort” LX in “Hutchinson” green fashion which was a Target Exclusive.
Other retailers like Amazon and Walmart have their own versions of this seat. Walmart has the Triumph LX in Flynn and Everett. A non-exclusive Triumph LX version is also available at Amazon and other online retailers.
The Evenflo ProComfort model at Target offers buckle pockets and “Gel Matrix Technology” in the cover to reduce pressure points and improve child comfort. This review will focus on that particular model but most of the info listed applies to all Triumph LX models with a weight limit of 65 lbs. All the newest versions of this seat have dual integrated cup holders which makes it easy to differentiate the newest models from previous Triumph models.
Triumph Specs & Features:
- Rear-facing from 5-40 lbs.; 19- 37” tall and top of head is at least 1″ below top of carseat
- Forward-facing from 22-65 lbs.; 28-50” tall and at least 1 year old (AAP recommends rear-facing until at least age 2)
- “Infinite Slide” harness system
- 2 crotch strap/buckle positions
- Durable, energy-absorbing EPP foam
- Dual integrated cup holders
- Buckle Pockets (on certain models)
- FAA approved for use in aircraft
- Made in USA!
Triumph Measurements:
- Lowest harness height: 7″
- Highest harness height: 16″
- Crotch strap/buckle position: 7″ and 9″
- Seat pan depth (leg room/thigh support): 13″
- Overall internal height: 23″
- External width at widest point: 20″
- Width of base: 14.5″
- Weight: 18 lbs. (according to my digital bathroom scale)
Installation Comments:
With LATCH
Tether strap attached to tether anchor
The basic hook-style lower anchor connectors are relatively easy to work with although not as easy as Evenflo’s premium push-on “Quick Connectors”. The single lower LATCH anchor attachment strap must be manually switched between the rear-facing beltpath and the forward-facing beltpath. The tether strap is only for forward-facing. When the seat is installed rear-facing, store the tether hook in its designated storage area on the back of the shell.
LATCH can be used to install this particular seat until the child weighs 45 lbs. Once your child exceeds 45 lbs. you need to discontinue using the lower LATCH anchors and install the seat using seatbelt plus the tether strap. Always use the tether strap when the seat is installed forward-facing with LATCH.
With Seatbelt
Seatbelt installation is generally quick and easy too but this seat does NOT have a built-in lockoff device for installations with seatbelt so it’s very important to understand how your seatbelt locks if you’re going to install with seatbelt and not with LATCH connectors. Remember – once your child reaches 45 lbs. you must discontinue using the lower LATCH connectors and switch to a seatbelt installation (plus tether) instead. All vehicles made after 1996 have seatbelts that can lock in some way to hold a carseat tightly in place during routine driving. Most vehicles have switchable retractors but some vehicles or specific seating positions have locking latchplates instead. It’s important to know what your vehicle has and to understand how these features work before you install this carseat with a seatbelt. See your vehicle’s owners manual for specific information on how to install a carseat in your vehicle using the seatbelt. If you have questions, please visit our car-seat.org forum and we’ll be happy to help answer them.
Using the Tether
Do not use the tether strap for rear-facing but always use the tether strap when forward-facing if a tether anchor is available for the seating position being used in the vehicle.
Recline Positions
Triumph has 3 recline settings on the base. Recline position #1 (fully reclined) MUST be used when installing the seat rear-facing.
There is a level line (recline angle indicator) molded into the shell just under the opening for the rear-facing beltpath. Unless you’re looking for it – it’s very easy to miss. To be honest, even if you are looking for it – it’s still very easy to miss. On one side the words are in English and the other side is in French but thankfully arrow level lines are the same in any language. The arrow should be level to the ground (make sure you’re parked on level ground) when the seat is installed rear-facing. If an appropriate recline angle cannot be achieved using recline position 1 then you can increase the recline angle by adding a rolled up towel or foam pool noodle under the base.
Recline positions #2 (semi upright) and #3 (fully upright) can be used for a forward-facing child but you cannot switch back and forth between the two positions without uninstalling and reinstalling the seat.
Fit to Vehicle Comments:
The Triumph is wide but doesn’t take up a lot of space front-to-back when installed rear-facing. This is good news for parents who are tall and need a lot of leg room up front or for vehicles with smaller backseats. When the seat is forward-facing there are few compatibility issues – it tends to fit nicely in most vehicles.
Fit to Child Comments:
Newborns – average-sized newborns should fit well in this seat from birth although you might need to put a rolled up washcloth behind the buckle to “fill the gap” between the baby and the crotch strap.
The Triumph ProComfort model comes with a lower body insert and a head pillow insert. The head pillow insert pushed the doll’s chin towards the chest which isn’t what you want to see with a real newborn so I suggest ditching the removable head pillow if you’re planning to use the seat for a newborn. Both inserts can only be used for a rear-facing child.
Toddlers – toddlers and older kids will fit comfortably rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height limits (40 lbs., or 37” – whichever comes first). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children ride rear-facing until at least age 2. The 37″ stated rear-facing height limit is restrictive (many kids could fit rear-facing longer if Evenflo went back to only using the 1″ rule as a way to measure when the seat is outgrown by height in the rear-facing position) but according to the CDC growth charts, 37″ is a boy in the 95th percentile for height at 25 months old. Or a boy in the 75th percentile for height at 30 months. Or a girl in the 50th percentile for height at 35 months.
Forward-facing the Triumph is wide and comfortable and will easily accommodate kids until they reach the height limit (50″ tall or shoulders above maximum harness height). Almost all kids will outgrow the seat by height before reaching the 65 lbs. weight limit.
Ease of Use:
Because this seat has the “Infinite Slide” harness adjuster system, the harness tightens by turning the “Tension Right Knobs” on the sides of the seat. There are two knobs (one on each side) but you only need to turn the knob nearest to you to reel in the slack and make the harness snug on your child. To loosen the harness – press and hold the release mechanism located in the middle of the seat and pull the harness at the hip straps.
Comfort & Convenience:
One of the nicest features of this model is the ProComfort cover which uses gel matrix technology to relieve pressure points and keep your child very comfortable – even on long rides.
The buckle pockets are also very convenient as they hold the harness out of the way while you are loading and unloading your child. If you’ve ever had to fish buckle tongues out from under your child every time you put him or her in the seat – you know that gets old quickly. The buckle pockets are also helpful in shielding the buckle tongues from direct sunlight in hot weather. If you’ve ever touched anything metal that has been sitting in direct sunlight inside a broiling hot car you understand how helpful this added benefit can be.
Cover/Maintenance:
The Triumph cover is EASY to remove and replace which is very good news if you’ve ever struggled to remove, wash and replace a carseat cover. The cover is machine washable too! Machine wash separately – delicate cycle – cold water – mild detergent – tumble dry on low heat for 10-15 minutes and remove immediately.
FAA-Approval/Lifespan/Crash Guidelines/Inflatable Belts:
- FAA certified for use on airplanes
- 6 year lifespan before expiration
- Must be replaced after any crash
- Installation with inflatable seat belts is NOT allowed
Evenflo Triumph ProComfort Advantages:
- Relatively easy to install properly in most vehicles
- Can use LATCH up to 45 lbs.
- Moving the harness height as your child grows is a cinch with the infinite slide harness
- Doesn’t take up a lot of room front-to-back when installed rear-facing
- Plenty of thick EPP foam
- Fits most averaged-sized full term newborns well
- Harness straps are thick and not likely to twist
- Very generous crotch strap/buckle positions
- Buckle pockets hold harness out of the way while loading and unloading child
- Cover is easy to remove and machine washable
- FAA approved for use in aircraft
- Good value for the price
- Made in the USA!
Triumph Disadvantages:
- No built-in lockoff device to help with seatbelt installation
- Lacks harness strap covers (and none can be added)
- 37″ rear-facing height limit is lower than most other convertibles on the market
- Single LATCH strap must be manually switched between rear-facing and forward-facing modes
- Harness is not removable or replaceable
- Seat is wide (may be an issue if you’re trying to fit it next to another carseat)
Conclusion:
The Evenflo Triumph is a great value for families looking for a safe, comfortable and easy-to-use convertible seat that won’t force you to take out a second mortgage. It’s not the best option for families looking to rear-face their child significantly past age 2 but it should accommodate even the tallest kids in the rear-facing position until at least 24 months. The Triumph is sturdy and well-made and the fact that it it’s made in the USA and not in China is a huge bonus.
Updated May 2019
Thank you Evenflo for supplying the Triumph ProComfort used in this review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions expressed in this review are those of CarseatBlog.
Can anyone please send me a picture of the back opened of the evenflo triumph car seat I took mine apart now I can figure out how to put the harness back together with the string in the back
Anna, I’d suggest calling Evenflo if you haven’t yet. The back panel isn’t supposed to be removed.
Has anyone taken this seat on an airplane? How does it fit?
Lindsay, the Triumph is a very wide seat and might not fit in a coach/economy class seat. I would recommend getting a narrow, lightweight spare seat for traveling. We have a list of recommended seats for plane travel here: https://carseatblog.com/25408/recommended-carseats-for-airplane-travel/
The knobs on the triumph even flo car seat rear install – are not usable once you install the rear facing option. The knobs that tighten the straps on the baby can not be turned. Making the rear facing install on an outback unusable. Any suggestions?
Catherine, are you able to return the Triumph? Can you install the carseat in a different seating position? For instance, if it’s outboard right now, can you move it to the center? Unfortunately due to the position of the knobs, it works well in some vehicles and in others, like yours, not well at all.
Agree with this.. i thought it was just mine .. horrible seat for rear facing i wish i could return it!
I have this seat in my Odyssey and think its great. My son has been rear-facing in it for almost 2 years. I think the tension knobs are fantastic. It still takes some effort to tighten the straps, but WAY easier than trying to pull the crotch strap like on most other models, (including the other model I have in my van for my older son).
I have mine in a Honda Odyssey and I can turn the knobs with little effort. I think it will vary depending on the vehicle it’s installed in. 🙂
How do I insert the head pillow for a 16 month old girl?
Just wondering at what stage should the extra head support be removed?
Thanks!
Hi Caitlin, the lower body insert and the head pillow are only to be used for a rear-facing child. However, I didn’t care for how the head pillow pushed the head towards the chest on a young baby so I would suggest ditching the head insert for a child under 6 months to allow their head to lie back and keep that airway wide open. For older babies and toddlers, leave it in or take it out – it’s entirely up to you. HTH!