Chicco KeyFit 30 vs. Graco Contender 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Chicco KeyFit 30 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 evaluating the Chicco KeyFit 30 and the Graco Contender 65 car seats, a few prominent differences and key aspects emerged.

Starting with the Chicco KeyFit 30, this infant car seat particularly impresses with its highly praised safety features, scoring a solid 5 out of 5 for safety, as well as its ease of installation. It's ideal for newborns and smaller babies, supporting rear-facing configurations up to 30 pounds. KeyFit 30's compact size and light weight, only 9.5 pounds without the base, make it a suitable option for smaller cars and for parents who might need to move the seat around more frequently. Its removable cover makes the cleaning process fairly manageable, despite minor issues with the canopy and straps. Also, this car seat's compatibility with Chicco strollers can be a significant advantage to parents who already own or plan to invest in them. KeyFit 30 has been recognized widely for its solid build and comfort that guarantees peaceful car rides.

On the other hand, the Graco Contender 65 caters to a wider age range as a convertible car seat, offering both rear and forward-facing configurations. The Graco seat can accommodate children up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing mode, and up to 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode. This versatility allows the car seat to accommodate a child's growth, providing a long-term, practical option for parents. The Contender 65 has been admired for its ease of installation, adjustable harness system, and multiple recline positions that enhance the comfort for the child. However, some users have noted challenges with cleaning the seat cover and the comfort of straps, potentially detracting from the overall user experience. The Graco seat also weighs more, at 15.2 pounds without the base, which might portability slightly more challenging.

Keeping in mind these differences, my recommendation would lean towards the Chicco KeyFit 30 for parents who desire a high-quality, easy-to-install, and reliable infant car seat known for its superior safety characteristics. This seat might be a bit more expensive, but its solid reputation, ease of use, and compatibility with Chicco strollers arguably justify the added cost.

However, if you are on the lookout for a cost-effective, versatile car seat that will grow with your child, the Graco Contender 65 is a worthy contender. While it has room for improvement in strap comfort and cleaning convenience, this car seat offers adaptability over a wide age range, ensuring that you get a good return on your investment in the long run.