Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 vs. TriRide 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 and the Graco TriRide 3-in-1.

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

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster Seat Belt Trainer
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
In stock
$379.99
In stock
$169.99
Rating 4.88 4.68

Our Thoughts

As a parent, safety and convenience are always top priority when shopping for car seats for our little ones. The Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 and the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 offer compelling and somewhat different solutions on these fronts.

The Graco 4Ever DLX delivers an incredibly versatile, innovative 5-in-1 design. This feature-rich model grows with your child from infancy to the grade school years. It begins as an infant car seat, then transitions to a convertible car seat, highback booster, backless booster, and finally, a seat belt trainer. This all-in-one seat eliminates the need to purchase multiple seats as your child grows, providing longevity and value in the long run. Also, it stands out for its slim design, helping it fit better in backseats. Specially designed for easy installation, the 4Ever DLX introduces the SnugLock system which uses either the LATCH system or vehicle seat belt. This ensures stable and secure installation in 60 seconds or less.

On the other hand, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 offers its own set of advantages. This versatile car seat transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing harness to high-back booster mode. The TriRide is a more wallet-friendly option, providing solid safety and comfort features at a lower price point. However, while it provides three-mode adjustability compared to the 5-in-1 adjustability offered by the 4Ever DLX, it maintains a comparable range of weight accommodation.

Nonetheless, there are some important differences in their weight limits. Notably, the Graco 4Ever DLX accommodates a maximum weight limit of 120 pounds in booster mode while the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 has a lower maximum limit of 100 pounds. With a higher weight limit, the 4Ever DLX offers more flexibility to accommodate growing children.

Both car seats have been designed with safety foremost in mind. The 4Ever DLX comes packed with safety features like side-impact protection and a steel-reinforced frame. It's been rigorously crash-tested to protect children in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. The TriRide, while not as feature-rich, still employs Graco's ProtectPlus Engineeredâ„¢ system, indicating a strong commitment to safety.

When balancing these considerations, my recommendation leans towards the Graco 4Ever DLX. This car seat not only boasts the versatility of five riding options to grow with your child, but it's also rich in safety features. It offers a higher weight limit and easier fit for families with smaller cars. However, families on a tighter budget who are still seeking a safe, comfortable, and adaptable car seat may still find the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 to be a satisfactory option. Both car seats are worthy options, and the final decision primarily depends on your budget and specific needs.

Key Details

4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 TriRide 3-in-1
Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Brand Graco Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster Seat Belt Trainer
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.88 4.68
1 yr Price Range $288.87 - $399.99 $132.99 - $189.99
Current price
In stock
$379.99
In stock
$169.99
Value

Offers 5 stages of use at a reasonable price point.

Offers versatile, long-term use at a competitive price point.

Safety

Steel-reinforced frame and extensive crash testing.

Equipped with Graco's ProtectPlus Engineeredâ„¢ system for enhanced safety.

Features

Innovative 5-in-1 design and side impact protection.

Basic features suitable for its price range but lacks premium options.

Installation

SnugLock system ensures a quick, secure fit.

Installation can be tricky; not ideal for frequent vehicle changes.

Cleaning

Easy, 60-second cover removal for washing.

Machine washable seat pad simplifies maintenance.

Size

Slimmer design for a better fit in tight spaces.

Comparable in size and weight to similar models in its category.

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 Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 and the Graco TriRide 3-in-1. 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

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Height Range
Weight Range 4 - 40 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Width 18.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 26.2 inches 23.2 inches
Depth 19.8 inches 20.0 inches
Weight 24.1 pounds 18.4 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In China China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Seatbelt Trainer
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Full review of the Graco TriRide 3-in-1