Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 vs. UPPAbaby Alta: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 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

Our Thoughts

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 and UPPAbaby Alta are both excellent options in the realm of children's car seats. However, they are designed for different stages of your kiddos’ growth and offer varying sets of features that may come in handy under miscellaneous scenarios.

Let's start with the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1. It is a convertible car seat designed to transport your child from the early months through elementary school. It can comfortably hold a child from as little as 4 lbs up to a hefty 120 lbs. With its capability to switch between rear-facing, forward-facing, high back booster, and backless booster modes, parents appreciate its ability to grow with their child and last for an impressive 10 years. Other top-notch elements include superior safety features like a steel-reinforced frame, convenience aspects such as an easily detachable and machine-washable cover, and the overall ease of installation, thanks to the Graco's Click Connect feature. The car seat has got some quirks as well, though. For instance, its size may pose challenges fitting into smaller cars or side-by-side with additional car seats; moreover, there have been complaints about the fabric wearing out quickly and the fit issues for infants and younger toddlers.

On to the UPPAbaby Alta now. Unlike the Graco 4Ever DLX, the Alta is a high-back booster seat, designed specifically for older children, who weigh somewhere between 40 and 100 lbs. Its design emphasizes comfort and safety, featuring rigid LATCH connectors for easy installation, a SecureFit belt routing system for proper seat belt positioning, and side impact protection pods on the seat shell for absorption of crash forces. Parents also love the machine-washable seat pad and removable cup holder for easy cleanup. However, similar to the Graco, there are a few downsides as well. The shoulder belt slipping out of position seems to be a recurrent issue, and if you have a smaller vehicle, the cup holder may obstruct closing the car's door given how far it sticks out.

Comparing these car seats head-to-head, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 definitely offers more versatility due to its ability to accommodate children as young as newborns, as well as transition smoothly through various stages of a kid's growth. Meanwhile, the UPPAbaby Alta remains a secure and comfy option for older kids who have outgrown their forward-facing seats.

As a recommendation, if you are considering a one-time investment that offers a reasonable price tag for longevity and the ability to adapt with your child's growth, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 may be the superior option (with a consideration that you may face some fitting issues with younger kids). However, if you already have a car seat for younger children and are now looking to transition them into a booster seat, the UPPAbaby Alta is a good bet for bigger kids who want a roomy, cushy seat that doesn't compromise on safety. But do remember to consistently double-check the shoulder belt positioning to avoid any mishaps due to its quirks.