Britax Poplar vs. Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-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

Our Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a car seat, you likely have two main non-negotiables in mind: safety and longevity. On these fronts, both the Britax Poplar and the Graco 4Ever DLX shine, yet they hold individual strengths and advantages that set them apart.

The Britax Poplar is a convertible car seat designed for parents who prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of use. A highlight is the unique ClickTight Installation System, which makes securing the seat within a vehicle straightforward. What stands out about the Britax Poplar is its commitment to extending rear-facing time, supporting rear-facing up to 50 pounds. This promotes safer orientation for a longer period, aligning with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation of keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible. Furthermore, the Poplar accommodates children up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height in forward-facing mode, appropriate for your child's growth from birth. It should be noted, however, that some parents have found the Poplar slightly bulky and heavy to move between multiple vehicles frequently.

On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever DLX offers a comprehensive 5-in-1 design that will grow with your child from infancy right through to the grade school years. It serves as an infant car seat, convertible car seat, highback booster, backless booster, and even a seatbelt trainer for older children. It supports rear-facing up to 40 pounds and transitions to forward-facing up to 65 pounds, similar to the Britax Poplar. But where the Graco 4Ever DLX truly excels is its booster capabilities, supporting children from 40 to 120 pounds and up to 57 inches in height—this range equity is a significant benefit for families seeking a long-term car seat solution.

In terms of installation, both car seats come highly rated—with the Britax Poplar featuring the ClickTight installation system and the Graco 4Ever DLX offering its SnugLock system—for quick, secure fitting.

Finally, let's talk about travel. For families on the go, both car seats are approved for air travel in rear-facing and forward-facing modes. However, the Graco 4Ever DLX's high back booster, backless booster, and seatbelt trainer modes are not FAA approved, so it's something to bear in mind for frequent flyers.

So, which one should you buy? If your goal is to minimize the purchases and transitions between car seats and boosters as your child grows, go for the Graco 4Ever DLX. However, if your focus is on extending rear-facing time and you appreciate the extra assurance in installation promised by the ClickTight system, the Britax Poplar would be an excellent choice. Keep in mind that both options are more expensive than other models on the market, but given their range and feature set, the investment is well justified.