Century Drive On 3-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Crosstown: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Crosstown.

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

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 car seat and the Safety 1st Crosstown both offer multi-mode convertibility, allowing the seats to grow with your child from infancy to the booster stage. There are some distinct differences between the two that are worth considering when making a selection.

Century Drive On 3-in-1 is a standout product from Century’s Happy Planet collection. Its major advantage lies in its commitment to eco-friendliness by incorporating fabric assembled from recycled materials into the design. The Drive On stands out for its lightweight and compact design. It weighs just 13.7 pounds, making it easier to transfer between vehicles. Its size measures 13.0 in width, 30.6 in height, and 20.8 in depth, a terrific option for accommodating smaller cars. However, this seat may pose some installation challenges as reported by some parents, so a little patience might be required during the setup process.

On the other hand, Safety 1st Crosstown is a budget-friendly option that does not compromise on comfort or safety. It is larger and a bit heavier than the Century Drive On, with a width of 19.3 and height 28.8, and a weight of 15.4 pounds. The Crosstown boasts user-friendly installation and easy cleaning, which will be appreciated by busy parents. However, some users have reported issues with flimsy plastic and problems tightening the straps.

When we analyze the car seats' specifications and limits, both can accommodate rear-facing mode up to 40 pounds and forward-facing mode up to 65 pounds. The booster mode allows for a maximum weight of 100 pounds. Regarding traveling feasibility, both the seats are FAA-approved for Forward-Facing and Rear-Facing modes, but not in High Back Booster mode.

If your priority is the environmental benefits and lightweight, compact design favorable for smaller vehicles, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 is a solid choice despite its somewhat tricky installation. However, if budget-friendliness, ease of installation and cleaning take precedence for you, the Safety 1st Crosstown creates a more appealing proposition, provided you are willing to overlook minor quality concerns. Both car seats meet Federal Safety Standards and are designed to offer reliable child security on your road journeys.