Britax Poplar vs. Graco Contender 65: Which is Better? (2024)

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

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.