Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max.
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 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.77 | 4.43 |
Our Thoughts
The Graco Contender 65 and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max are both remarkable car seats, each with its distinctive strengths. The Contender 65, manufactured by Graco, is designed for simplicity and practicality. It can accommodate children weighing from 5 to 65 pounds, providing both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. The focus for this seat is safety, comfort, and convenience, featuring an adjustable harness system, multiple recline positions, and user-friendly installation. However, some parents find its cleaning process slightly troublesome due to the seat cover.
On the other hand, the Pria Max by Maxi-Cosi brings a level of versatility and comfort to the table. This all-in-one car seat offers a rear-facing position, a forward-facing plan, and even a booster mode, making it suitable for kids from infancy to older ages. With added safety measures, such as advanced side-impact protection and a secure harness system, the Pria Max assures the safety of children. Its comfort and convenience appeal to parents; however, it's slightly bulky, making it less ideal for smaller cars or frequent transfers between vehicles.
Looking into the specifics, it seems that the Contender 65 and the Pria Max are closely matched when it comes to their maximum weight capacity for both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. However, the Pria Max takes a step further by providing a High Back Booster mode for a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds, which the Contender 65 lacks. Therefore, the Pria Max can serve your child for a longer period, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Additionally, both seats are approved by FAA for travel in forward-facing and rear-facing configurations.
While the Contender 65 is made in China, the Pria Max is proudly made in the USA. Both products offer a one-year warranty, which indicates confidence in their build quality and durability. Moreover, both seats meet Federal Safety Standards, which means they have been extensively tested for safety.
Despite these similarities, the price difference between the two seats is considerable. The Graco Contender 65 is indeed a more affordable option, yet the added features and the long-term usability of the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max justify its higher cost.
In light of these factors, if you're seeking an economic, straightforward, and reliable car seat, the Graco Contender 65 is an excellent choice for you. However, if you don’t mind spending a little more for a car seat that offers advanced safety features, comfort, ease of cleaning, and notably, the capacity to grow with your child for many years, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max would be a wise investment.
Key Details
Contender 65 | Pria Max | |
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Brand | Graco | Maxi-Cosi |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.77 | 4.43 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $249.99 | $259.99 - $319.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families. |
![]() Slightly higher price justified by its long-term usability and robust features. |
Safety |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
![]() Equipped with advanced safety features and sturdy construction. |
Features |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
![]() Offers unique features like a magnetic chest clip and easy strap adjustment. |
Installation |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
![]() Installation process is straightforward but can be time-consuming. |
Cleaning |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
![]() Easy-to-clean fabric and machine washable cover. |
Size |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
![]() Bulky design may not be ideal for smaller cars or frequent transfers. |
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 Maxi-Cosi Pria Max. 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 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 19 - 40 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 4 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 29 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Graco Contender 65 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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Height Range | 43 - 52 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Graco Contender 65 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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Width | 20.3 inches | 20.0 inches |
Height | 24.8 inches | 30.5 inches |
Depth | 17.3 inches | 25.0 inches |
Weight | 15.2 pounds | 23.0 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco Contender 65 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2022 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Plastic | Plastic |
Safety and Compliance
Graco Contender 65 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Not rated by NHTSA. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Graco Contender 65 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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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 | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 7 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Graco car seats | See all Maxi-Cosi car seats |
Full review of the Graco Contender 65 Full review of the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max |