The Recaro ProSport Combination Harness To Booster seat is the new combination seat from Recaro, essentially replacing the YoungSport. It offers increased weight ratings over the previous model, from 20 to 90 pounds in harness mode and 30 to 120 pounds in booster mode. It also is a little roomier overall and adds a nice, no-rethread harness height adjustment system. It accommodates kids from 27 to 50 inches in harness mode and 37 to 59 inches tall in booster mode. New for 2011 are “luxury” fashions, Envy and Hanna (named after its designer, Hanna Cushing).
Recaro touts its key features such as Side Impact Protection (it passes the European standards, since there is no USA standard). In addition, there are EasyGuide, color-coded belt paths, the EasyAdjust 5-point harness system, the ErgoShell structure for comfort, a SoftTouch seat cushion insert and EPS foam throughout. I’ll add to that list with some things I like.
As I mention in the video, Recaro uses a premium, smooth-adjusting harness system as well as LATCH components from SafeGuard/IMMI. That’s always a plus, in my opinion. They include an adjuster for each side of their LATCH attachments, making installations even easier. The ProSport feels very solid all around, with no loose or flimsy parts. It’s assembled in the USA, too. The weight limit of 90 pounds is very generous, especially for big kids. Most kids will outgrow it by height long before 90 pounds, but the top harness height setting is just under 18.5 inches and should get most kids past 6 years old in the harness and some well beyond that. There are also three adjustments for crotch strap depth. The outermost adjustment is very generous at almost 8.5″, equal to the best in this segment! 
As a booster, it received a “Best Bet” rating from the IIHS, given to models that should provide a good lap and shoulder belt fit for various sized kids in a variety of vehicle types. Also, the top tether can be used in booster mode (but not the lower LATCH attachments). So, what more can you ask for?
Okay, there is more. In addition to the luxury fashions already mentioned, the standard fashions, like the Blue Opal I received, are very stylish with durable fabrics that don’t appear to pill or snag. You also have the softer “Misty” gray suede fabric and the very plush “Midnight” black in the microfiber fabric many parents love. The comfort is quite good with generous padding, especially when used with the SoftTouch insert (optional in either harness or booster mode). Similarly, the harness comfort pad covers are also optional in harness mode. The handle at the top is great for carrying such a large seat. The LATCH system can be used until 52 pounds (see installation section below). Finally, a recline foot is attached to the base and may be moved to a more upright or more reclined position in either mode, as desired.
What’s not to like? Very little, really, and mostly minor nit-picks! As with any large combination seat, it is bulky and heavy (22 lbs.). That can be an issue for travel, though it is FAA certified for airplane use when using the 5-point harness. As mentioned, the top harness height setting that is over 18″ is very reasonable, though it is not the highest on the market. Similarly, the head restraint does not adjust as high in booster mode as some other options. Parents should expect that the 90 pound harness weight limit will only be reached by kids that tend to be well above average in weight, but not in height. 
Even though no harness strap rethreading is required, like many combination seats, the harness height adjustment must be done from behind. So, the ProSport must be uninstalled to raise or lower the harness or head restraint. The 6-year lifespan is a lower than some competitive products, especially at a price point of around $279. And last, and probably also least, there is no cupholder. Not a big deal, in my opinion, as most vehicles have plenty of them. There are a couple mesh pockets for other items.
Installation was generally not a problem in the vehicles I tried, including a 2006 Honda Odyssey, a 2010 Toyota Prius, a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and a 2011 Toyota Highlander. With dual adjusters on the LATCH system, it was very easily installed everywhere I tried. In a couple cases, the LATCH adjuster had to be rotated slightly to allow it to move past a corner of the shell as I was pulling the strap. The only real quirk is with a lap and shoulder belt installation. I was able to get an acceptable fit in all cases, though it usually required a little more effort. Also, the belt path for both lap and shoulder belt sections is behind the padding and looks like it could push forward a bit on the child. The lap belt is right at the level of the small of the back so that doesn’t appear to be an issue, but I’m not sure if this is any kind of comfort concern long-term or not. The LATCH strap has the same routing, but seems even less of a potential issue as it appears to be slightly narrower and more flexible than the seatbelt, plus it is behind a layer of the fabric cover.
There is a lot of unnecessary confusion among all the child seat manufacturers, auto manufacturers and advocates about limits of the lower anchors and tethers right now. The ProSport is no exception. The LATCH system can only be used until 52 pounds, unless otherwise limited to a lower weight by the vehicle owner’s manual. According to Recaro, “The LATCH and top tether MUST be used at the same time“. In other words, once you reach the 52 pound limit, you may continue to use the ProSport in harness mode, but only with a 3-point lap and shoulder belt installation. The shoulder belt is routed such that it restrains the top section of the seat. They clairfy, “If you have a top tether anchorage, it can ONLY be used for children weighing less than 52 pounds” (page 32 in the manual). Yes, that means you must remove the top tether at 52 pounds, even though this may seem counter to safest practice. In the case where a shoulder belt is not available, “The top tether anchorage MUST be used with your lap belt (2 point) system for children weighing less than 52 pounds“. So, if you have only a 2-point lap belt system, the ProSport may not be used at all for children 52 pounds or higher.
Here are a few photos showing some general dimensions. You can find more information at the Recaro website.
Overall, I like the ProSport. In fact, we will feature it again in a followup review later this summer, so stay tuned! I think it offers a great alternative to other combination seats on the market. The harness limits are enough to last many kids well beyond 6 years old. It will be the last seat many kids ever need, as they will continue to use it in booster mode once they’ve outgrown the harness. Taller kids may not quite yet fit into the vehicle seatbelt without a booster once they have outgrown the ProSport, though this will depend a lot on the child and vehicle. Othewise, I think most parents will be very happy with the Recaro ProSport, too!
Thank you to theidagency (and Recaro) for providing the ProSport used for this review.
Hi Cecilia,
On my ProSport, it is a tall label on the back. You can see it at the bottom left of this image:
https://carseatblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/P1010992.jpg
The aircraft portion is in red print.
Honestly, the ProSport is very bulky and heavy and not very practical for airline use. What about something like a Cosco Scenera? For $40 at Walmart, it’s relatively light and compact for a 17-month old. A CARES harness may be suitable if your daughter is in the weight range, but you’d likely still need to check a carseat for use on the other end of the flight.
Hi,
I just purchase this carseat for my 17 month old daugther and we are planing to flight to florida this month (i’m taking the car seat on the plane ) do you know where is the FAA approved sticker on the carseat? the airline website says that they need to see the sticker, Im looking all over and cannot find it. I will also like to know if you have any experience taking this carseat on a plane?
thank you
I wanted to purchase this car seat. When I was looking at the different colors, each on has a different description and dimensions. Do you know if they all have different dimensions or are all the colors the same?
Thanks.
Hello
Any reviews on RECARO Euro Convertible Seat? I just purchased it and, although I read very good reviews online, I’d like to know if you’ve had a chance to review it.
thanks!
Hi,
I have a 2 year old boy who is 26 lbs. I have an Evenflo and need a 2nd car seat. i HAVE A lEXUS and the evenflo is a tight fit. I think the Safety first alpha-omega and first years true fit are supposed to fit compact cars better. any recomendations would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
I am trying to decided between the ProSport and the FR85 just like many others on this board. My son is about 33″ and 27lb currently and will be three in about 2 months. We have a Nissan Pathfinder which we have found to not be the most spacious of vehicles. I can not determine which car seat would be best for it. I also am not sure which will work best for my “little” man. Any suggestions?
So my son is 9 months, 21 lbs and almost 28″. We currently have the Chicco Keyfit 30. I’m trying to find a car seat that he can move to and stay with until he no longer needs a car seat. Is this possible? I’m thinking of keeping him in the Chicco as long as possible, which puts him in the weight/height range for the ProSport or Frontier 85, but then he won’t be rear-facing as long as he should be. Any advice?
Has anyone seen/heard about the new prosport model. Is it out? If so when is manufacturing date for those. If not anyone know when it’s coming?
I notice that in official specs, the Recaro claims a 19 inch base width, but in your photo it looks like a 17 inch base width. Can you confirm which it is? I am trying to find three 3-in-1 or harness-booster seats to fit across a 52 inch wide back seat, and it’s been tough to find any seats worth having that are under 18 inches wide. I have 3 kids ages 3, 4 and 5, all thin but tall. I need something they can all use.
I have a 2006 Volvo xc90 and am amazed at how shallow the back seats are in this vehicle. Has anyone installed either the frontier 85 Sict or the recaro prosport in this vehicle? This is likely to be my deciding factor between these models
Hi Lacie, the main advantage of the Frontier 85 is the increased height limits for harness and booster mode. For a child over 2 years and 25 pounds, I would not be concerned at all about the Frontier’s minimum ratings. Britax did this to encourage parents to keep children under those minimums in a rear-facing seat.
The one thing with Honda is the ambiguous nature of their tether limits. This may be an issue, as the ProSport, Frontier 85 and Frontier 85 SICT all have varying requirements that may affect your choice. In terms of safety, I don’t think you can go wrong with either model. Installed and used correctly, both will be very safe. For many buyers, it may come down to personal preference. With the Frontier, a lot of that may involve how comfortable you are installing with the reverse or long belt path. That usually results in a very good installation, but it does tend to be a little more difficult to accomplish.
Hello,
I cannot decide for the life of me between the Recaro Prosport and the Britax Fronier 85. Can you help me? I’m shopping for an almost 3 year old whose tall and skinny. 38″ and 26 lbs. I like the lower minimum weight on the Recaro, but I just don’t know as much about them since they’re not super popular in the US. I’ve buckled her into the Frontier and she looked comfortable, but being so close to the 25 lb lower weight limit makes me nervous. I have several minor pros and cons to each seat but what it boils down to is safety. Since I think you (Darren) reviewed both of them, can you make a suggestion or recommendation for me? I drive a 2010 Honda Pilot, not sure if that matters. Thank you so so much for any imput.
Lacie
CHILDSEATMOM- THANKS!! I was searching for EXACTLY that! I have the Recaro ProRide and LOVE it. However, since I now have 2 kids, I want a ProSport for my older one when my younger moves out of our Chicco KeyFit30 and into the ProRide. I have time to wait if better features are coming. Hope when it comes out, its easy to shop for the new features online (stores nearby don’t carry Recaro seats- its a pity).
Since owning a Recaro seat, I will only buy Recaro. The negatives were minor when taking in to account just how surdy and safe I feel my kids are in these (just my opinion from comparing what I see in stores to what I own- the difference is astonishing).
The only concern of mine was that I read about the harness straps not being long enough (just found out about the crotch belt adjustment being hard). Thank you Recaro for listening. I will wait to buy one with the longer straps and easier adjustments.
If you are considering any of Recaro’s seats, you will NOT be disappointed in their quality! LOVE THIS COMPANY! (I have NO affiliation to Recaro, I just feel that strongly after owning a ProRide). I have gotten nothing but compliments on my seat– Especially due to the straps staying twist/ tangle free and easy to adjust to fit the child from the front 🙂
I’m in the market for the newest ProSport (June 2011) as referenced by Kat_momof3 but when I asked Elite Carseats about when they’d have it in they said that they had called Recaro and had been informed that there “is not going to be a 2011 version of the ProSport coming out. There may be new fashions but nothing definite as of now.”
Is the longer harness a “new fashion”? How will I know if I’m purchasing a ProSport with that feature as opposed to an older model?
Has anyone used the ProSport on an airplane? I love it in the car, and know it is heavy (aren’t they all?), but looking for the best option for my 2 1/2 year old (38 lbs). We’re in the market for another seat, and I would buy another ProSport unless we would do better with a Frontier or Radian on the plane. We also have the CARES harness, but would need a seat anyway at our destination, and feel that he would probably sleep on the plane better in a seat.
Just to give you some info on the ProSport upcoming changes – a new longer harness is coming out in June, the new manual will allow the latch and the top tether to be used in booster mode (this is RETROACTIVE as well), finally, the crotch belt removal and installation instructions have been changed. There is no need for a screw driver, the 3 bar metal piece just slides out by hand and snaps back in.
I hope that helps!
Karen, while the frontier goes taller, it’s not necessarily going to still fit height-wise in those taller settings. My advice is to come on the board and see if anyone has used the frontier in the same vehicle you have and see if they can tell you how well it does once the child is taller and using it in the taller booster settings.
Ah! I am having such a hard time choosing between a ProSport and another FR85. I like the booster fit on the ProSport better but it is shorter…
LOVE my ProSport! Did you have any issue with the shoulder belt interfering with the harness? I have mine installed with LATCH, but it does interfere with the harness if installed with the seatbelt. If I were to use it that way, I’d rethread the harness so the shoulder belt could lie between the 2.
Jess, thank you for reminding me! I need to check that in the lower harness settings, as I was using the top one when I did the shoulder belt install. I did not have a problem at the top setting.
That’s interesting- I’ll have to try it again. I had the impression that it was a bit easier to change crotch strap positions than the Frontier 85, where the fabric always seems to bunch up and keep the metal from going through the slot unless you do it *just* right.
We own the ProSport and LOVE it. We won it through a contest on Recaro’s facebook page. My only complaint that you didnt mention was I find the crotch strap extremely hard to move, harder than any seat I have used. Even with a screwdriver (which the manual recommends) it took me a while to get it to budge (not to mention I was scared stabbing at the seat with a screwdriver lol). It works well in our three across too! Here is a picture of my daughter in it. She is 3 year 4 months, 38 lbs, 37″. She is just about AT the second harness slots, will probably move up in the next month or so.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e201/carseatgeek/nanseat-1.jpg
Yes, it doesn’t make a lot of difference once compressed, maybe a quarter of an inch? Incidentally, ,y measurements were to the main seat padding behind or without the insert, compressed as much as possible at the base.
did you try him in it with the harness without the extra seat pad? I wonder how much more height room he had without it.