Pros and Cons of Current Revolving Car Seat Models
Kids love to spin—think of the beloved Sit ‘n Spin toy that virtually every family has had at some point. Or the putting your forehead on a baseball bat and spinning around, then trying to run off (oh wait, I think that’s a backyard drinking game). Parents love to spin their kids too, especially if it means hefting those tiny humans into their carseats will be an easier daily task.
Swiveling carseats are convenient for everyone, but they can play an especially important role in helping parents and caregivers with bad backs or other physical limitations to place a child more easily into their carseat. Rotating carseats have been popular in Europe for years, but they’ve finally made their way here to the U.S. and it’s definitely become the new, hot trend!
We have a comparison chart below that lays out all the specs on the different revolving (rotating? swiveling?) carseats. Whatever you prefer to call to this new category of seats, you’re probably wondering if there’s more to it than just numbers? The answer is a resounding, YES! This is a category where there’s more than meets the eye and it definitely pays to do some research before tossing money at seats with price tags that can make your head spin. 😉
2023 Rotating Car Seat Comparison Chart
*Note: Only the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend Model has been included to represent the R360 lineup. For a complete breakdown of all Evenflo Revolve360 models see our separate Revolve360 Comparison Chart!
Baby Jogger City Turn
Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)
MSRP: $549.99
Pros: 4-50 lbs. rear-facing, 49” or less height limit; RAPIDLOCK™ seat belt tensioning device for easy and secure installation is also a true lockoff for seatbelt installations; smooth revolving mechanism; COOLMAX® fabrics are designed for moisture-wicking and temperature control; dishwasher-safe cup holders; FAA-approved for airplane use (but only forward-facing)
Cons: The rear-facing installation isn’t intuitive and it’s possible to make critical mistakes if you aren’t following the directions; in its upper headrest positions the top part of the cover doesn’t completely extend down to reach the bottom part of the cover, leaving a gap of about 2″ of uncovered plastic which some kids may notice; the back padding can bunch up if the caregiver isn’t careful when adjusting the headrest position up and down; must re-install City Turn when transitioning to forward-facing.
Best For: The City Turn is designed to bring a child closer to a caregiver when rotated; however, the seat only rotates in rear-facing mode. This carseat may be best for caregivers who want to load/unload their rear-facing child in a more accessible, extended position, closer to them. Moisture-wicking, temperature-controlling fabric is a nice touch for kiddos who get hot in rear-facing carseats.
Comments: Baby Jogger is a premium brand and the City Turn is a premium rotating carseat that functions exceptionally well. However, it’s also the second most expensive seat in this comparison. This is strictly a harnessed car seat that cannot be used as a booster. While we don’t buy into the hype of “All-in-One” carseats because we understand that they won’t be the only car seat your kid will ever need (despite the marketing that tries to convince you otherwise), it’s worth noting that this seat does not transition into a booster despite being one of the most expensive seats on this list. Also, as we have mentioned previously, when the City Turn is installed forward-facing with the tether attached, it cannot be rotated.
Cybex Sirona S
Rotation: 360° but tethering the seat when it’s forward-facing impedes the seat’s ability to rotate
MSRP: $549.99
Pros: 4-50 lbs. rear-facing, generous height limits; load leg and anti-rebound bar; EasyLock™ seat belt tensioning device; SensorSafe technology with app; Linear Side Impact Protection (L.S.P.); magnetic buckle holders
Cons: Must remove tether to rotate when forward-facing; belt-tensioning feature is not a lockoff so seatbelt installations still require locking the shoulder belt at the retractor; installation is not intuitive and can be tricky
Best For: Meticulous personalities who aren’t intimidated by a seat that has a learning curve and who will always remember to reattach the top tether if it’s detached to allow for forward-facing rotation. Also ideal for parents and caregivers who want technology that can relay alerts about a child left behind in the vehicle or an unbuckled chest clip. Sirona S is for the caregiver who wants all the bells and whistles and isn’t afraid to spend some time learning to install and use an atypical carseat.
Comments: Sirona S is the only convertible carseat in the U.S. market to have a load leg. This energy management feature delivers a safety benefit by transferring energy to the vehicle floor. Sirona S must be in the most upright position before it can rotate. There are lots of moving parts in the belt path between the belt-tensioner and the belt path cover, which can make the installation finicky. In some vehicles or seating positions, there may be compatibility issues.
Evenflo Revolve360 | Revolve360 Extend | Revolve360 Slim
Rotation: 360°
MSRP: $329 – $449
Pros: All models have really tall top harness height which means that kids will fit in the harness longer before outgrowing it by height. Extend & Slim models are rated up to 50 lbs. rear-facing. Revolve360 & Revolve360 Extend are All-in-One models so they can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster. All models feature an anti-rebound base design, LockStrong™ bar belt-tensioning device and on-the-fly recline. All models are easy to install securely if you are following the directions.
Note: To rotate the Revolve360 into forward-facing mode, the seat must be in its most reclined rear-facing position. Trust us when we say that everyone gets flustered the first time they make the mistake of trying to rotate completely (when it’s in a different rear-facing recline position), and the seat seems to get stuck! It’s not broken—just put it back in the rear-facing position and adjust the recline mechanism to its full recline setting before trying to swivel into forward-facing mode. The recline adjustment mechanism is on the back of the seat, above your child’s head, so not in a traditional place.
Cons: LockStrong™ bar is a robust belt-tensioning device but is not a seatbelt lockoff, so if you are installing with seatbelt you still need to lock the shoulder belt at the retractor; original Revolve360 model has a 40″ rear-facing height limit; new Extend model is heavier than the original and Slim models and therefore has lower LATCH weight limits.
Best For: The Revolve360 is the best all-around rotating carseat at the moment. It rotates easily in either direction and the since the tether is attached to the base, instead of on the back of the seat, it still spins even though the tether is attached. It will fit a wide range of kids for a long time in both harness and booster mode and it’s not as expensive as most of the other rotating seats on this list. Because it fits a wide range of kids and easily rotates 360°, it’s great for caregivers who transport multiple kids of different ages and sizes.
Comments: All models of Revolve360 disengage from their base for easy installation; however, unlike an infant seat that separates from its base, you cannot purchase extra Revolve bases for other vehicles. All Revolve models must be used with their base, which is why the bottom of the seat is shaped like a Weeble (🎵 Weebles wobble… and in this case, the Revolve360 will fall down if you try to use it without its base! 🎵).
Benefits of Evenflo Gold: Products in the Evenflo “Gold” line offer a limited lifetime warranty on the carseat, free crash replacement, premium fabrics, a dedicated customer service team, and some models feature the SensorSafe technology smart chest clip and app.
Revolve360, Revolve360 Extend & Revolve360 Slim: Specs and Features
Revolve360 (Original Model): Rear-facing 4-40 lbs. (17-40”), forward-facing 22-65 lbs. (28-49”), booster 40-120 lbs. (44-57”); Base R360 model with hook-style LATCH connectors is now a Walmart exclusive. Original R360 Gold models are on sale at Amazon and other retailers because they are being phased out and replaced by the new Extend & Slim versions.
Revolve360 Extend: Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. (17-48”), forward-facing 22-65 lbs. (28-49”), Booster 40-120 lbs. (44-57”); FAA-approved; tether use in booster mode is allowed
R360 Extend trim levels:
- Elevated, which includes push-on lower LATCH connectors and a Quick Clean zip-off cover (Revere, Rockland, and Rowe fashions); MSRP: $399.99
- Premium (Gold version), which includes push-on lower LATCH connectors and SensorSafe™ (Moonstone, Sapphire, Onyx, and Opal fashions); MSRP: $429.99
- Eco, part of the Evenflo’s Gold line, it includes push-on lower LATCH connectors and SensorSafe™, as well as a Green & Gentle Fabric that’s free of added chemicals and made from 26 recycled plastic bottles; MSRP: $449.99
Revolve360 Slim: Rear-facing 4-50 lbs. (17-48”), forward-facing 22-65 lbs. (28-49”); no booster mode option; ultra-slim at only 16.7” wide
R360 Slim trim levels:
- Base Model, which includes standard hook-on lower LATCH connectors (currently a Target exclusive); MSRP: $329.99
- Elevated, which includes standard hook-on lower LATCH connectors and a Quick Clean zip-off cover (Stow, Salem & Sutton fashions); MSRP: $349.99
- Premium (Gold version), which includes push-on lower LATCH connectors and SensorSafe™ (Amethyst, Pearl, and Obsidian fashions); MSRP: $379.99
Prefer graphics? Click here for our Revolve360 Comparison Chart!
Graco Turn2Me
Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)
MSRP: $449.99
Pros: 4-40 lbs. rear-facing, generous height limits; All-in-One model so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a booster; SnugLock® seat belt-tensioning and lockoff device
Cons: Despite a panel that opens for access, the rear-facing belt path is small; the seatbelt webbing slides through the closed lockoff so we recommend locking your seatbelt at the retractor in addition to using the SnugLock lockoff, or better yet, skip the seatbelt install and use lower LATCH anchors for rear-facing installations; cup holders are difficult to attach properly and may rub against vehicle seat back when rotating; booster mode will be outgrown fairly quickly and like most All-in-One seats it’s difficult for an older child to buckle themselves; must re-install Turn2Me when transitioning to forward-facing.
Best For: The caregiver who wants an All-in-One seat with SnugLock installation and doesn’t care about the rotation feature when forward-facing. Turn release is an easy 2-step trigger lever just behind each cup holder, but only one side needs to be pressed to turn the seat.
Comments: Turn2Me has some potential rear-facing installation issues that can be avoided by using lower LATCH anchors to install instead of seatbelt for kids under 35 lbs. (which is the rear-facing LATCH weight limit). It allows the use of a rolled towel or pool noodle under the base when in *forward-facing* mode if this is necessary in order to achieve an appropriate forward-facing recline angle as per the level indicator. This is highly unusual (although there are some Canadian Evenflo carseats that require forward-facing leveling), but thankfully you probably won’t need to do this unless you have very sloped vehicle seats.
Maxi-Cosi Emme
Rotation: 360°
MSRP: $449.99
Pros: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing; it’s an All-in-One so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing and as a booster; anti-rebound base; belt-tensioning device; on-the-fly recline; magnetic chest clip; lots and lots of padding; PureCosi flame-retardant free fabrics
Cons: 40″ rear-facing height limit and relatively low top harness height mean it will be outgrown by height sooner than other rotating seats with taller harness heights; very heavy; low LATCH weight limits
Best For: Caregivers who want a rotating carseat with ALL the padding and inserts—seriously, Maxi-Cosi is well-known for the amount of pillowy padding and inserts they use in most of their seats. Emme is also the only rotating carseat that comes with Maxi-Cosi’s unique magnetic chest clip.
Comments: All PureCosi machine-washable and dryable fabrics meet flammability standards without added flame retardant chemicals. Chest clip has a magnet in it, so if child has an implanted medical device, they should consult their physician before using this carseat or choose the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 version instead (see below).
Nuna Revv
Rotation: 360°
MSRP: $650
Pros: Smooth turning feature; anti-rebound base design; fits newborns very well, GREENGUARD GOLD certified
Cons: Only rated to 40 lbs. (both rear-facing and forward-facing); very low top harness height means it will be outgrown quickly by height when forward-facing; cost to use ratio is a consideration: it’s a very expensive seat for the amount of time a child will be able to fit in it.
Best For: Caregivers who want to start with the REVV from birth, then move up to the Nuna EXEC; it’s also good for someone who wants great ease-of-use and GREENGUARD GOLD certification, and who doesn’t mind having to buy a new harnessed seat for their child after a few years. If you plan to pass it down to a younger child after a few years, the price tag can be a little easier to justify.
Comments: It’s a Nuna, so it’s an expensive, beautiful, work of art and function; however, this is really just an infant/toddler seat due to its low weight and height limits. Newest Revv models have gone on a diet and lost a few pounds. This weight loss has allowed Nuna to increase the LATCH Weight limits on Revv to 35 lbs. rear-facing and 40 lbs. forward-facing (previously the LATCH weight limits were 30 lbs. RF & 35 lbs. FF). Nuna has also recently increased the forward-facing weight minimum on Revv from 25 lbs. to 30 lbs. Neither of these updates are retroactive. Follow the labels on your Revv model.
Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat G5
Rotation: 180° (Rear-facing only)
MSRP: $480 + $180 for base
Pros: Can use the Toddler seat on Orbit G5 or X5 Jogger stroller frames and switch easily between vehicles that have the G5 SmartHub base in them; attaches to G5 SmartHub base from any angle; can travel without the base by using the Side Impact Braces for installation; Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabrics
Cons: 15-35 lbs. rear-facing; cost to use ratio is a consideration: it’s a very expensive seat for the amount of time a child will be able to fit in it; minimum rear-facing weight limit of 15 lbs. means you must use an infant seat first (or have a 15 lbs. baby 😳) and it’s the only convertible carseat on the market with a maximum rear-facing weight limit of just 35 lbs. Must re-install when transitioning to forward-facing.
Best For: If you start out with the Orbit Baby G5 Infant Seat, this is the natural progression since you already own the base and likely the stroller too. The Orbit G5 Toddler Seat gives a caregiver the ability to move the convertible seat from the car to the Orbit stroller, just like they did with the infant seat.
Comments: A truly innovative seat when it hit the market in 2010, the Orbit Toddler Car Seat hasn’t made any major updates to keep up with their competitors or with consumer demand for higher rear-facing weight limits. If you’re past the infant seat stage and want a revolving carseat, the Orbit Toddler Seat may not be ideal since you’d also have to buy the base ($180) in order to make use of the revolving aspect of the carseat.
Safety 1st Turn and Go 360
Rotation: 360°
MSRP: $299
Pros: 5-40 lbs. rear-facing, All-in-One model so it can be used rear-facing, forward-facing and as a booster; anti-rebound base design; belt-tensioning device; on-the-fly recline; lots of padding; reasonable price
Cons: 40″ rear-facing height limit and low top harness height for forward-facing means the harness will be outgrown sooner than with other revolving carseats; very heavy; low LATCH weight limits
Best For: Caregivers who want a rotating carseat priced under $300
Comments: This is a clone of the Maxi-Cosi Emme 360, but with a couple of tweaks. The cup holders are the first noticeable difference and the chest clip is a standard chest clip instead of the magnetic ClipQuik™ chest clip featured on the Emme.
With so many choices in his new carseat category, we hope that providing you with the pros and cons of each rotating seat will help you to narrow down your options and make an informed decision!