Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Nuna Pipa.
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 | Nuna Pipa | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.77 | 4.80 |
Our Thoughts
When deciding between the Graco Contender 65 and Nuna Pipa, there are quite a few key factors to weigh. Both car seats stand strong with their 4.8 out of 5 ratings, and possess notable features that make them excellent choices for parents. However, their functions and advantages differ in certain ways that could make one more suitable than the other for your specific needs.
The Graco Contender 65, for instance, is a convertible car seat that covers a broad weight range from 5 to 65 pounds with an adjustable harness system and a variety of recline positions. It offers both forward-facing and rear-facing configurations, making it grow effortlessly with your child from infancy through their toddler years. This car seat shines in the rational balance it achieves between functionality, safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, despite some challenges with regard to cleaning the seat cover, the overall success in robust safety features and easy installation make the Graco Contender 65 a practical choice for parents who prioritize an adaptable and reliable car seat that won't break the bank.
On the other hand, the Nuna Pipa is strictly a rear-facing infant car seat, designed to provide optimal safety and comfort for newborns and infants up to around 32 pounds. What sets the Nuna Pipa apart is its emphasis on safety, design, and innovative features, such as its sturdy base with a load leg for extra stability, a reinforced steel frame, and compatibility with many strollers. While regarded as a bit more pricey, Nuna Pipa's premium materials and quality construction offer considerable value, making it a worthwhile investment for parents who not only value safety, but style as well.
Notably, there are distinctive differences in the maximum weight allowed for both car seats. The Graco Contender 65 outshines the Nuna Pipa with a forward-facing maximum weight of 65 pounds as compared to Nuna Pipa's rear-facing maximum weight of 32. This could ascertain a longer lifespan for the Graco Contender 65.
If you see a long-term car seat investment in your future that will grow with your child while maintaining safety, comfort, and convenience at an affordable price, the Graco Contender 65 is worth looking into.
However, if your immediate needs revolve more around the baby stage, and you don't mind investing in a valuable piece that combines safety, innovation, and design in its features, then the Nuna Pipa might be just the choice for you. Additionally, if you intend to frequently switch the car seat between vehicles or attach it to a stroller, the Nuna Pipa leverages its easy installation process and compatibility with various strollers to your advantage.
Key Details
Contender 65 | Pipa | |
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Brand | Graco | Nuna |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.77 | 4.80 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $249.99 | $400 - $425 |
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. |
![]() While the price point is on the higher side, the quality and safety features present in the Nuna Pipa offer considerable value. |
Safety |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
![]() The car seat's reinforced steel frame and load leg provide excellent stability and safety. |
Features |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
![]() The car seat offers a range of fabric choices and is compatible with many strollers, although it lacks some additional features like cup holders. |
Installation |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
![]() With the LATCH system, base, and seatbelt options, the car seat offers a versatile and user-friendly installation. |
Cleaning |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
![]() The removable cover is a plus; however, there is no specific mention of ease of cleaning in comparison to other models. |
Size |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
![]() While not the lightest option available, the compact dimensions ensure it fits well in most 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 Nuna Pipa. 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 | Nuna Pipa | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 32 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 4 - 32 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 | Nuna Pipa | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
Graco Contender 65 | Nuna Pipa | |
---|---|---|
Width | 20.3 inches | 17.5 inches |
Height | 24.8 inches | 23.0 inches |
Depth | 17.3 inches | 25.2 inches |
Weight | 15.2 pounds | 7.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco Contender 65 | Nuna Pipa | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2021 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Plastic | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
Graco Contender 65 | Nuna Pipa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Graco Contender 65 | Nuna Pipa | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Base Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. |
No cup holders |
Warranty and Durability
Graco Contender 65 | Nuna Pipa | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 2 years |
Lifespan | 7 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Graco car seats | See all Nuna car seats |
Full review of the Graco Contender 65 Full review of the Nuna Pipa |