2017 Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Carseats
These new SnugLock 35 models will be available 1st qtr 2017. There will be various “trim” models with different features. All models will have front harness adjusters. There will be an “Elite” model ($219 Amazon), an “Elite with Safety Surround” model ($219 Target exclusive) a “Platinum” model ($219 BRU exclusive) and a “Platinum XT” model ($249 BuyBuyBaby exclusive). These will have minor variations.
SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Specs & Features
- Rear-facing only 4-35 lbs. and up to 32″ tall
- No-rethread harness
- 4-position premium SnugLock base with belt tensioner/lock-0ff
- Safety Core energy-absorbing feature
- “Texas-sized” Canopy
- MSRP $219
Graco SnugRide SnugLock Elite Carrier:
The carrier for the SnugRide SnugLock Elite is basically a SnugRide 35LX ClickConnect with a Rapid-Remove cover. The SnugLock carrier will also feature a new “Texas-sized” canopy that glides open and closed almost silently.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock Base:
We were very impressed with this base. To achieve a secure install, you simply thread through and attach the lower anchor strap or seatbelt, and just remove any excess slack. Then you can easily push down on the large lever, which tightens the belt and serves as a lock-off. (Always check for less than an inch of movement at the beltpath to make sure.) We were able to install the base properly in less than 30 seconds.
If you need to uninstall the seat, unlocking the lever is a snap…but it won’t snap your fingernails. Kecia referred to it as “manicure-friendly.”
You can see our installation video here:
The base features a 4-position spring-loaded recline foot and a bubble level indicator. It also has a honeycomb-like “Safety Core” to help absorb energy in a crash. A handy storage slot allows the manual to be stored inside the front of the base, and it can be accessed without needing to uninstall the seat or remove the carrier.
If you need an extra base for your SnugRide SnugLock or any existing SnugRide Click Connect model, the SnugLock base will be available separately for $89. (A more simplified base with a similar but smaller “arm” will retail for $59. That base will also be available with a lower-priced carrier.)
The SnugRide SnugLock 35 models will be available in early 2017. Graco is working on certification in Canada.
Hi. I like that this seat is pretty lightweight, easy to install, and a potential for a 3 across situation, but I’d really love to know how smooth the harness system is when tightening. My older daughters both hated the car seat as babies, and I found that any difficulty in strapping them in made things worse. I had the Chicco Keyfit 30 with my other kids and often had issues with the straps being uneven when I was tightening, making it really difficult to get them strapped in correctly. Can you let me know how the Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 is with being smooth and even when tightening? Thanks so much!
Can SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat uses SnugRide SnugLock 35 DLX car seat base?
Yes, as long as it’s a ClickConnect version.
Thanks for all of this info! We got a Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX for the baby we’re expecting. A friend has two traditional Snugride bases that she purchased a year ago, and she’d like to give them to us to use as extra bases if needed. Will the car seat also work with the older Snugride Click Connect bases?
Hi Leigh. Yes, SnugLock infant seats are compatible with ClickConnect bases.
How do these seats (specifically the Snuglock 35, Snuglock 35 DLX) do in a 3-across setting? I’m looking to get one but may need to fit three across in our Honda Fit if we have a third child.
Do you know the differences between the Snuglock 35 and Snuglock 35 DLX?
Thanks!
Hi Loren, the width and dimensions are the same for all Click Connect & SnugLock SnugRide models. They are all equally wide because the widest point is at the hubs for the handle of the carrier, not on the base. It is unlikely that you will be able to get 3-across with typical carseats in a vehicle as small as a Fit. It might be possible if one kid is old enough to use something like a BubbleBum or Ride Safer Travel Vest. Good luck!
Loren, the difference between the SnugLock 35 and SnugLock 35 DLX is in the base. The 35 comes with the regular base, which has a less robust version of the SnugLock arm, while the DLX has the deluxe SnugLock arm. The infant padding is also different.
Hi, I’m debating between the graco snugride snuglock 35 and the maxi cosi mico max 30. What do you think the biggest differences are, and which do you prefer? Which one do you think is easiest to install?
Hi Bonnie, the Mico Max 30 is a typical installation with LATCH but not always ideal for an installation with seatbelt because it lacks a lockoff on the base. The SnugRide SnugLock is crazy easy to install with either seatbelt or LATCH, Honestly, it’s a dream. For me the choice would be SnugLock but Mico Max isn’t bad as long as you’re planning to install the base in a seating position that has LATCH anchors. HTH!
What’s the best stroller frame this car seat is compatible with? I want to get the Uppababy vista but want to make sure they’re compatible. Please HELP ( I have the Snug ride Snug lock 35 DLX)
Hello I tend to have smaller babies do you happen to know how low the lowest harness level is?
Hi Lacey, there are different versions of SnugRide SnugLock models and some may be better for smaller newborns than others. If you purchase a SnugRide SnugLock model that has a no-rethread harness feature you are guaranteed to get a good fit for a preemie or smaller full-term newborn. Graco calls this the “Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System”. The following models have this feature:
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Platinum XT (available at BuyBuyBaby)
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Platinum (available at Babies R Us)
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Elite with Safety Surround (available at Target)
SnugRide® SnugLock™ 35 Elite (available at Amazon)
Hope that helps! 🙂
What exact model is shown in the picture with the Texas sized canopy?
I have narrowed my infant carseat search down to to the Graco Snugride Snuglock and the Chicco Keyfit 30. I was wondering in your opinion how you think they compare. I like the ease of installation with both, though Graco’s new snuglock technology seems a bit easier than the Chicco. Safety is obviously the most important concern, and I can’t find any crash test information for the Gracos with snuglock, do you know how it compares in terms of safety to the Chicco?
Amanda, I haven’t installed the SnugLock yet, but I imagine it will be very easy like the KeyFit. There aren’t any crash tests released to compare safety ratings, so we can’t judge the seats that way. Consumer Reports does their own testing, but they don’t run the same tests as the government.
As long as you can install the seat tightly in your vehicle and use it correctly each ride, it should be a safe seat for you and your child.
When comparing the Chicco Key Fit with the Graco Click Connect 30/35, the drawback with the Graco seems to be that it lacks side impact protection. While comparing this Grace SnugRide Snuglock with the Chicco Key Fit at Target, they both say they have side impact protection. Is that new for the Graco SnugRide SnugLock? And do you think that makes it comparable to the Chicco KeyFit, as far as safety? Thanks!
Hi Natalie, there is no standard for side-impact protection at this point in time so we have no way to compare if seat A is really any better than seat B in protecting the head in a side-impact crash. Currently all major manufacturers like Graco and Chicco conduct their own side-impact testing but we don’t know how similar or how different those tests may be. Honestly, I would trust both of those seats to protect my baby well in a crash so look for other factors and features when making your final decision. Good luck!