Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Grand 2-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 Safety 1st Grand 2-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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Type Convertible

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

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
In stock
$399.99
In stock
$79.99
Rating 4.88 4.70

Our Thoughts

When deciding on the best car seat for your child, safety, longevity, and convenience are crucial factors to consider. The Graco 4Ever DLX and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 are seat options which serve children through different phases of growth.

The Graco 4Ever DLX is a convertible car seat built to grow with your child from infancy through the grade school years. This seat's longevity is one of its major selling points, as it can transition seamlessly into five configurations: from an infant car seat, convertible car seat, highback booster, backless booster, and finally to a seat belt trainer. This versatile seat offers a substantial advantage as it eliminates the need for multiple purchases, providing safety-seeking parents with a seat that will last through multiple developmental stages. Boasting both side impact protection and a steel-reinforced frame, the seat has undergone rigorous crash testing to ensure child safety. It also offers convenient features such as the SnugLock system for a quick and secure installation and a cover that can be removed for washing in just 60 seconds. One of its highlighted features is the Integrated system, a single-motion operation which adjusts the harness and headrest as your child grows.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 is a practical choice for parents focusing on cost-effectiveness and basic reliability. This straightforward convertible seat supports children ages 1 to 10 years old and easily transitions to a belt-positioning booster for kids from 40 to 120 pounds. It covers the essentials with an adjustable headrest and meets standard safety requirements. Cleaning this seat is a breeze; the seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe. It has a unique design that's suitable for families with multiple children as it fits three seats across in most vehicles' back seats. One downside to this model is its lack of advanced safety features like a steel-reinforced frame and side-impact protection. The Grand 2-in-1 also lacks some of the comfort features provided by higher-end seats such as plush padding.

Looking at their FAA approval, both seats offer one or more travel-friendly modes. The Graco 4Ever DLX is approved for both forward-facing and rear-facing travel while Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 is only approved for forward-facing travel.

If you have the budget for it, the Graco 4Ever DLX is highly recommended. With its 5-in-1 adjustability and superior safety features backed by rigorous crash tests, it provides a long-lasting solution that grows with your child while ensuring maximum safety and comfort. However, if budget is a significant deciding factor, the no-frills Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 is a viable choice, offering safe, reliable, and straightforward service worthy of consideration.

Key Details

4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Grand 2-in-1
Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Brand Graco Safety 1st
Type Convertible

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

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.88 4.70
1 yr Price Range $288.87 - $399.99 $74.99 - $79.99
Current price
In stock
$399.99
In stock
$79.99
Value

Offers 5 stages of use at a reasonable price point.

The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time.

Safety

Steel-reinforced frame and extensive crash testing.

It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame.

Features

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

While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats.

Installation

SnugLock system ensures a quick, secure fit.

Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail.

Cleaning

Easy, 60-second cover removal for washing.

The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance.

Size

Slimmer design for a better fit in tight spaces.

The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car.

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 Safety 1st Grand 2-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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range
Weight Range 4 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 32 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 30 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Width 18.0 inches 19.6 inches
Height 26.2 inches 30.2 inches
Depth 19.8 inches 18.3 inches
Weight 24.1 pounds 12.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-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
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 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 Safety 1st Grand 2-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 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1
Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1