Graco Contender 65 vs. Maxi-Cosi Pria Max: Which is Better? (2024)

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

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.