CYBEX Sirona S vs. UPPAbaby Alta: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the CYBEX Sirona S and the UPPAbaby Alta.

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 UPPAbaby Alta
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.03 4.59

Our Thoughts

The CYBEX Sirona S and the UPPAbaby Alta car seats offer distinct features suitable for different stages of a child's growth. Both emphasize safety and comfort, but they serve different age groups.

The CYBEX Sirona S is known for its innovative 360° swivel design; this feature is often praised by parents for its convenience. This convertible car seat can be used both rear and forward-facing, making it versatile for a child's growth. It accommodates children from infancy to toddler years with a maximum weight of 65 lbs in the forward-facing configuration. The seat provides advanced safety features, including SensorSafe technology, which offers critical alerts about potential dangerous situations. However, some parents have reported installation to be a bit challenging, and its size can cause issues in smaller cars.

The UPPAbaby Alta is a high-back booster seat designed for older children between 5 and 10 years old. It provides a spacious and thickly-padded seat ensuring comfort while maintaining tight security. It accommodates a weight range of 40-100 lbs and a height range of 38-57 inches, showing its broad range. The Alta is also equipped with unique safety features such as rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system. The majority of parents reported the installation to be simple. However, some parents pointed out that the shoulder belt tends to slip out of position and the cup holder's position interferes with closing car doors.

In comparison, both car seats uphold safety and comfort for children. The CYBEX Sirona S, however, has a higher capacity, accommodating a maximum weight of 65 lbs in forward-facing configuration, against the UPPAbaby Alta's 100 lbs maximum capacity as a booster. Neither of these seats are FAA-approved for travel, making them less ideal for families often on the go.

The choice between these two will largely depend on the age, weight, and height of your child along with the space available in your vehicle. I recommend the CYBEX Sirona S for those with infants or toddlers due to its innovative features and safety technology. It's also suited for parents looking for a long-term car seat solution from infancy to toddler years despite its heftier price. For older children, however, the UPPAbaby Alta is a good fit. Its design caters to a higher weight and height capacity, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride for your growing child at a more moderate price.

Key Details

Sirona S Alta
CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Brand CYBEX UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.03 4.59
1 yr Price Range $439.96 - $549.95 $179.99 - $179.99
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.

Priced consistently at $179.99, it aligns with the market average for high-back boosters with similar features.

Safety

Integrated with SensorSafe technology and enhanced side-impact protection, providing top-tier safety for children.

It's generally well-regarded by users for safety.

Features

The 360° swivel design, magnetic buckle holders, and adjustable recline options set it apart from standard car seats.

Offers unique features like rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system, which are not standard on all boosters.

Installation

Installation can be challenging, with some parents finding it complex and time-consuming.

Parents report easy installation, especially praising the rigid LATCH system, indicating a user-friendly experience.

Cleaning

The seat cover is removable and machine washable, simplifying the cleaning process.

The machine washable seat pad and removable cup holder are highlighted as positives for easy cleanup.

Size

While it’s not the most compact, its design accommodates growing children, balancing size with comfort and safety.

Its dimensions are standard for a high-back booster, accommodating the appropriate age and size range without being exceptionally compact or light.

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 UPPAbaby Alta. 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 UPPAbaby Alta
Height Range 17 - 49 inches
Weight Range 4 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Height Range 28 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Height Range 38 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Width 20.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 25.5 inches 33.0 inches
Depth 25.3 inches 20.0 inches
Weight 30.4 pounds 16.6 pounds

Core Specifications

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Model Year 2021 2019
Made In China China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 3-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

CYBEX Sirona S UPPAbaby Alta
Manufacturers Warranty Length 2 years 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all CYBEX car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the CYBEX Sirona S
Full review of the UPPAbaby Alta