Century Drive On 3-in-1 vs. Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-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 Century Drive On 3-in-1 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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster Seat Belt Trainer
Current price
In stock
$149.00
In stock
$399.99
Rating 4.69 4.88

Our Thoughts

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 are two versatile, convertible car seats that aim to accompany your child from their infant years to their pre-teen years.

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 Car Seat is a sustainable option made from recycled materials, fitting into the eco-friendly lifestyle. This lightweight and compact design of this seat makes it an optimal choice for families with small cars or who move the seat between vehicles frequently. Its no-rethread harness makes the adjustments easier as the child grows. The downfall, however, is the challenging installation process some parents have reportedly faced, especially in securing the seat tightly. Moreover, this safety seat can accommodate a child up to 100lbs in its booster mode and received approval for travel in both the rear-facing and forward-facing configuration.

Meanwhile, the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Car Seat offers more features allowing it to convert to a seat belt trainer, reaching capacity all the way to 120lbs in its booster mode. It also provides safety features such as side impact protection and a steel-reinforced frame. The installation of this seat, as opposed to the Century seat, is significantly easier due to the SnugLock system. Nonetheless, it may take up more space in the back of cars, which could be a drawback for parents with compact cars. It is also FAA-approved in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. It’s worth mentioning that the fabric on this model deteriorates quickly, as noted by some parents, which could potentially compromise the overall lifespan of the car seat.

Taking into consideration all of its features and benefits, if the intention is to look for a seat that offers prolonged use and effortless installation, the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 would be a better option. This seat not only offers added convenience but also a higher threshold for booster weight, winning out in longevity. It's indeed pricier, but its multiple functions and extended usability may justify the higher cost. On the other hand, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 would be a great choice for those who value sustainability and portability, assuming they don’t mind the slightly challenging installation process.

Key Details

Drive On 3-in-1 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Brand Century Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster Seat Belt Trainer
Weighted Rating 4.69 4.88
1 yr Price Range $118.99 - $169.99 $288.87 - $399.99
Current price
In stock
$149.00
In stock
$399.99
Value

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

Offers 5 stages of use at a reasonable price point.

Safety

Several indicators of robust safety features and consumer trust.

Steel-reinforced frame and extensive crash testing.

Features

Unique eco-friendly fabric and multi-stage convertibility.

Innovative 5-in-1 design and side impact protection.

Installation

Some parents find the installation challenging.

SnugLock system ensures a quick, secure fit.

Cleaning

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Easy, 60-second cover removal for washing.

Size

Its compact design is advantageous for small spaces and portability.

Slimmer design for a better fit in tight spaces.

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 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Height Range
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Width 13.0 inches 18.0 inches
Height 30.6 inches 26.2 inches
Depth 20.8 inches 19.8 inches
Weight 13.7 pounds 24.1 pounds

Core Specifications

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In China China
Frame Material Unknown Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
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
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Seatbelt Trainer
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
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 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 7 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Century car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Century Drive On 3-in-1
Full review of the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1