Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. Century Drive On 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Century Drive On 3-in-1.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.65 4.69

Our Thoughts

When it comes to car seats for your precious little ones, the Britax Marathon ClickTight and Century Drive On 3-in-1 are both phenomenal choices, albeit for different reasons. Let's dive in to find out which one could be the best for your family.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight prides itself on its safety-first design and long-lasting use. It's a convertible seat, making a seamless transition from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing one for toddlers. The unique feature, ClickTight installation system, simplifies securing the car seat in a vehicle and has become a parent's favorite for the combination of safety, ease of use, and versatility it offers. Above all, it's engineered with a steel frame for enhanced safety, and it also offers superior side impact protection. Unfortunately, it may not be the best fit for larger children, according to some parent reviews.

On the other hand, the Century Drive On is a 3-in-1 car seat that accomodates children from 5-100 lbs and can also be used in three modes - rear-facing, forward-facing with a harness, and as a belt-positioning booster. What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability. The fabric contains recycled plastic, making it an eco-friendly option. Design-wise, it's compact and lightweight, an absolute boon for those with smaller vehicles or for parents who frequently switch it between cars. Parents also appreciate the no-rethread harness system that simplifies height adjustments as the child grows. Bear in mind, some parents found installation a bit challenging.

Now when comparing the two, the Britax Marathon ClickTight has a slightly larger maximum weight limit for the forward-facing configuration at 65 lbs compared to the Century Drive On’s 65 lbs limit. This means that your child can stay in the forward-facing configuration for a bit longer in the Britax Marathon ClickTight compared to the Century Drive On.

If affordability combined with sustainability is a concern, then the Century Drive On 3-in-1 may be a great choice as its fabric is made from recycled materials. However, if you're all about extended use, safety, and ease of installation and don't mind spending a tad bit more, then the Britax Marathon ClickTight is worth considering. Quite frankly, both are wonderful options that offer great value, depending on your specific needs and priorities.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight Drive On 3-in-1
Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Brand Britax Century
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.69
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $118.99 - $169.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

Offers durable construction and long-lasting use, justifying its price point.

Priced reasonably for a 3-in-1 car seat with sustainable materials.

Safety

Includes superior side impact protection and a steel frame for enhanced safety.

Several indicators of robust safety features and consumer trust.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

Unique eco-friendly fabric and multi-stage convertibility.

Installation

The ClickTight system simplifies installation, making it straightforward and reliable.

Some parents find the installation challenging.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

While not the most compact, its size is typical for convertible car seats.

Its compact design is advantageous for small spaces and portability.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Century Drive On 3-in-1. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Width 18.5 inches 13.0 inches
Height 23.0 inches 30.6 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 20.8 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 13.7 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight Century Drive On 3-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Century car seats
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Century Drive On 3-in-1