Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Chicco NextFit Zip.
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
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
| Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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| Rating | 4.69 | 4.79 |
Our Thoughts
As a parent, the safety and comfort of your child are of paramount importance. Choosing the right car seat can be a daunting task, given the multitude of options available on the market. Let's discuss two popular choices: The Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Chicco NextFit Zip.
The Century Drive On 3-in-1 car seat is an eco-friendly, compact, and lightweight seat designed to meet the needs of growing children. From rear-facing to forward-facing and finally to a booster seat, it's designed to accommodate kids from 5 to 100 lbs. Parents have praised its minimal weight and compact size, making it perfect for smaller cars or frequently switching the seat between vehicles. It has a maximum weight allowance of 65 lbs in forward-facing mode and 100 lbs in the booster mode, meaning it can stay with your child for longer. However, the installation can be tricky, and you may need to spend extra effort to ensure it's secure. It's also made with recycled fabrics reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability.
On the other hand, the Chicco NextFit Zip is a convertible car seat focussed on safety, comfort, and easy cleanup. With a sturdy build and high sides, parents love and trust its protective design. It is designed for rear-facing and forward-facing configurations and can be used for a child from 5 to 65 pounds. Unlike the Century Drive On, it does not offer a booster mode. The highlight of this seat is the Zip & Wash seat pad, which is machine washable for straightforward cleanup. The installation is made easier with the SuperCinch LATCH tightener. Nonetheless, due to its robust design, it may take up more space in the car which can limit front passenger legroom.
Based on the benefits, if you're environmentally conscious and prefer an easy-to-transport, compact design, you might find the Century Drive On 3-in-1 is a great fit. It's affordable and its three modes adapt to your child's growth. However, if safety, ease of cleaning, comfort, and a straightforward installation are your top priorities, you should consider investing in the Chicco NextFit Zip. It is more expensive, but its innovative features provide a long-lasting, comfortable, and safe journey for your child. Whichever you choose, remember that secured installation and the correct usage are key to make any car seat effective.
Key Details
| Drive On 3-in-1 | NextFit Zip | |
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| Brand | Century | Chicco |
| Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
| Weighted Rating | 4.69 | 4.79 |
| 1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $169.99 | $199.81 - $319.99 |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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| Value |
Priced reasonably for a 3-in-1 car seat with sustainable materials. |
Offers extended use with convertible features, justifying its price point. |
| Safety |
Several indicators of robust safety features and consumer trust. |
With high sides and a sturdy build, parents feel confident in its protective design. |
| Features |
Unique eco-friendly fabric and multi-stage convertibility. |
The Zip & Wash seat pad and multiple recline positions add convenience and comfort. |
| Installation |
Some parents find the installation challenging. |
Equipped with SuperCinch tightener and LockSure belt-tightening system for secure installation. |
| Cleaning |
No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
Zip-off seat pad simplifies maintenance and cleaning. |
| Size |
Its compact design is advantageous for small spaces and portability. |
Fits in compact cars, but its sturdy build may take up more space and limit front passenger legroom. |
| 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 Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Chicco NextFit Zip. 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
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 0 - 43 inches | |
| Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
| Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 43 - 57 inches | |
| Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 13.0 inches | 19.0 inches |
| Height | 30.6 inches | 26.0 inches |
| Depth | 20.8 inches | 21.0 inches |
| Weight | 13.7 pounds | 25.0 pounds |
Core Specifications
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2021 | 2022 |
| Made In | China | China |
| Frame Material | Unknown | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
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| NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
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| Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
| Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
| Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
| Century Drive On 3-in-1 | Chicco NextFit Zip | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
| Lifespan | 7 Years | 8 Years |
Additional Links
| See all Century car seats | See all Chicco car seats |
| Full review of the Century Drive On 3-in-1 Full review of the Chicco NextFit Zip |