Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Graco Contender 65.
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 Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Rating | 4.68 | 4.77 |
Our Thoughts
When choosing the right car seat for your child, two potential options to consider are the Britax Poplar and the Graco Contender 65. Both are convertible, taking your child from infancy through toddlerhood, which aligns with the philosophy of investing in longer-term items for your child's needs. However, they do differ in terms of design, features, and value, which can affect their suitability for your particular lifestyle and requirements.
The Britax Poplar stands out with its premium safety features, which have raked in top ratings. With reinforced steel for the frame, this car seat is built to last, providing robust protection for your child. It supports a higher rear-facing maximum weight limit at 50 pounds, compared to the Graco Contender's 40 pounds, allowing your child to ride in the safer rear-facing position for longer. Moreover, Britax Poplar’s ClickTight Installation System is appreciated for its simplicity and efficiency, ensuring the car seat is securely fastened to your vehicle with ease, for every ride.
However, the Graco Contender 65 shouldn't be overlooked. While it has a lower maximum weight for rear-facing configuration, the ease of installation and comfort are reported to be commendable. It offers multiple recline positions for comfort, and its harness system easily adjusts to suit your growing child. If the seat needs to be transferred frequently between different vehicles, the Graco Contender 65, substantially lighter than the Britax Poplar, could be a better pick. Also, for parents working on a budget, the Graco Contender 65 is less costly than the Britax Poplar.
However, the Graco Contender 65 does fall short in certain aspects. Users have mentioned difficulty with cleaning, compared to the easily removable fabric on the Britax Poplar, and discomfort with the straps where they may scrape against a child's neck.
In terms of longevity and exceptional safety, I would recommend the Britax Poplar if the budget allows for it. This car seat is certainly an investment in both safety and comfort due to its superior build and design features and ability to accommodate rear-facing position for longer. If budget is a constraint, or if the car seat needs to be frequently moved between vehicles, the Graco Contender 65 offers a good balance of safety, ease of installation, and affordability, despite minor inconveniences in comfort and cleaning. Always remember that the best car seat is not just about the price or brand name, but about the one that best suits your specific needs and ensures the safety and comfort of your child.
Key Details
Poplar | Contender 65 | |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Brand | Britax | Graco |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.68 | 4.77 |
1 yr Price Range | $299.99 - $299.99 | $118.99 - $249.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Value |
![]() Offers a robust set of features at a competitive price point, balancing quality and cost effectively. |
![]() Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families. |
Safety |
![]() Safety is a hallmark of Britax, and the Poplar is no exception, with its sturdy construction and reliable performance in safety tests. |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
Features |
![]() With its convertible design and user-friendly installation, the Poplar stands out in its category. |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
Installation |
![]() The ClickTight system is frequently praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, making installation a breeze. |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
Cleaning |
![]() The seat is designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents. |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
Size |
![]() The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety. |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
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 Poplar and the Graco Contender 65. 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 Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 50 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Britax Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
Britax Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
---|---|---|
Width | 17.0 inches | 20.3 inches |
Height | 20.5 inches | 24.8 inches |
Depth | 23.5 inches | 17.3 inches |
Weight | 27.2 pounds | 15.2 pounds |
Core Specifications
Britax Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2023 | 2021 |
Made In | USA | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Plastic |
Safety and Compliance
Britax Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Safety Standards | Does not meet standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
||||||||||||||||||||
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Britax Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
---|---|---|
Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Britax Poplar | Graco Contender 65 | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all Britax car seats | See all Graco car seats |
Full review of the Britax Poplar Full review of the Graco Contender 65 |