Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the CYBEX Sirona S 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
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.03 | 4.77 |
Our Thoughts
When choosing a car seat for your little one, the decision often comes down to balancing safety, convenience, longevity, and cost. Two significant contenders are the CYBEX Sirona S and the Graco Contender 65.
The CYBEX Sirona S is a high-end convertible car seat, known for its innovative features. The seat employs SensorSafe technology, which connects to your smartphone to alert you of potential unsafe situations, offering additional peace of mind. The car seat's unique 360° swivel feature greatly enhances convenience when placing and removing your child from the car, making it a perfect choice for parents with back issues or those who frequently park in tight spaces. It's built to accommodate growing children, accommodating a max weight of 65 pounds in the forward-facing mode and 50 pounds in the rear-facing mode. However, some parents find the initial installation somewhat complex, and it's on the bulkier and pricier side compared to other options.
On the other hand, the Graco Contender 65 offers robust safety features and excellent versatility at a more affordable price point. The seat grows with your child, as it's suitable for children weighing between 5 and 65 pounds in both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. Compared to the CYBEX seat, the Graco seat installation is widely regarded as straightforward, making it a practical choice for parents. On the downside, some parents have voiced difficulty in cleaning the seat cover and discomfort with the straight straps potentially scraping against the child's neck.
Both car seats have established high safety ratings and meet federal safety standards, so you can feel confident in your child's protection in both models. The Graco seat is also approved by the FAA in both forward and rear-facing configurations, while the CYBEX seat is not FAA-approved in any configuration. So, if frequent travel is a consideration, this may sway your choice.
In terms of recommendation, it genuinely depends on what you prioritize as a parent. If you value advanced features, the innovative swivel design, and don't mind the higher price tag and a bit of a tricky installation, the CYBEX Sirona S may be the best fit for you. However, if you're looking for a practical, budget-friendly car seat that is easy to install and is FAA-approved for air travel, the Graco Contender 65 could be the one. Remember, the most crucial aspect is that your child is comfortable and safe in whichever car seat you choose.
Key Details
Sirona S | Contender 65 | |
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Brand | CYBEX | Graco |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.03 | 4.77 |
1 yr Price Range | $439.96 - $549.95 | $118.99 - $249.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Offers advanced features and long-term use from infancy to toddler years, making it a cost-effective option despite its higher price point. |
![]() Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families. |
Safety |
![]() Integrated with SensorSafe technology and enhanced side-impact protection, providing top-tier safety for children. |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
Features |
![]() The 360° swivel design, magnetic buckle holders, and adjustable recline options set it apart from standard car seats. |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
Installation |
![]() Installation can be challenging, with some parents finding it complex and time-consuming. |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
Cleaning |
![]() The seat cover is removable and machine washable, simplifying the cleaning process. |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
Size |
![]() While it’s not the most compact, its design accommodates growing children, balancing size with comfort and safety. |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
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 CYBEX Sirona S and the Graco Contender 65. 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
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
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Height Range | 17 - 49 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 4 - 50 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
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Height Range | 28 - 49 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
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Width | 20.0 inches | 20.3 inches |
Height | 25.5 inches | 24.8 inches |
Depth | 25.3 inches | 17.3 inches |
Weight | 30.4 pounds | 15.2 pounds |
Core Specifications
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2021 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Plastic |
Safety and Compliance
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
CYBEX Sirona S | Graco Contender 65 | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 2 years | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all CYBEX car seats | See all Graco car seats |
Full review of the CYBEX Sirona S Full review of the Graco Contender 65 |