Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Grows4Me 4-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 Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Rating | 4.77 | 4.88 |
Our Thoughts
As a parent and author with expertise in car seating, it's important to choose a seat that ensures the safety, comfort, and convenience of your little ones during travel. Among the wealth of options available today, two products stand out: the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1.
The Graco Contender 65 is a convertible car seat designed to accommodate children from infancy to the toddler stage within a weight range of 5 to 65 pounds. This seat emphasizes safety with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. It is also famed for its comfort and convenience, featuring an adjustable harness system and multiple recline positions for added comfort during long rides. Though installing this seat is generally an easy feat, a reported downside is the difficulty in cleaning, as some users have noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover.
On the other hand, the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 offers a substantial return on investment with four modes of use. It transitions seamlessly from rear-facing to forward-facing, to high-back booster, and then to a backless booster. This versatile seat accommodates a broad weight range from 5 to 110 pounds, allowing for extended use as your child grows. The Grows4Me is designed with a steel-reinforced frame for added security and a 6-position recline for comfort. A feature that could be improved, according to some users, is its latch/hook system for installation, which may pose some challenges.
In comparing the two, both seats have their strengths. The Graco Contender 65 shines in its ease of installation and overall functionality. The Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1, however, offers a longer lifespan with its 4-in-1 design and a higher maximum weight limit in its booster function. Also, it's worth noting that both seats are FAA-approved in rear-facing and forward-facing modes, which means you can take them aboard planes for travel.
As for our recommendation, if ease of installation and day-to-day convenience is your top priority, the Graco Contender 65 may seem more attractive. However, if you're looking for a car seat that offers a wider range of use over the years, and you don't mind a bit of a struggle during installation, the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 would be a fit for your needs. It's just as safe, has a superior weight limit in its booster mode, and can transition through multiple stages of your child's growth, which makes it more cost-effective in the long run.
Key Details
Contender 65 | Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
![]() |
![]() |
|
Brand | Graco | Graco |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.77 | 4.88 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $249.99 | $195.99 - $279.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
Value |
![]() Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families. |
![]() Offers 4-in-1 functionality, reducing the need for multiple purchases. |
Safety |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
![]() Steel-reinforced frame adds robustness and security. |
Features |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
![]() Versatile 4-in-1 design with a 6-position recline and adjustable harness system. |
Installation |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
![]() Installation process can be frustrating without the InRight Latch system. |
Cleaning |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
![]() The seat has a removable cover, but no specific features that make it easier than average to clean. |
Size |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
![]() The seat is somewhat bulky, which may be challenging for smaller cars. |
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 Contender 65 and the Graco Grows4Me 4-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 Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Graco Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 43 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 110 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Graco Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
---|---|---|
Width | 20.3 inches | 21.5 inches |
Height | 24.8 inches | 24.0 inches |
Depth | 17.3 inches | 20.0 inches |
Weight | 15.2 pounds | 22.5 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2021 | 2019 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Plastic | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
Graco Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
||||||||||||||||||||
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
|
Not rated by NHTSA. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Graco Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-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 Contender 65 | Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 7 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Graco car seats |
Full review of the Graco Contender 65 Full review of the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 |