Graco Contender 65 vs. Safety 1st Crosstown: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Crosstown.

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 Safety 1st Crosstown are both convertible car seats well suited for the budget-conscious families. You'll be pleased to know that these options really prioritize your children's safety and grow along with them, cutting down on the need to purchase multiple car seats over the years. Having examined these two options thoroughly, there are key features to consider when deciding the right fit for your family.

The Graco Contender 65 is a reliable and adaptable car seat that goes from infancy to toddler stage. Its key features include an adjustable harness system and multiple recline positions, further enhancing comfort for your little one. Parents will appreciate its robust safety ratings and simple installation process. However, some users have noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover, making it a bit of a chore to maintain.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Crosstown shines due to its 3-in-1 design. This seat transitions from a rear-facing infant seat, to a forward-facing car seat, and finally, to a belt-positioning booster. This along with its extended rear-facing and forward-facing weight capacity, means this could potentially be the only car seat you'll need. A notable feature is the detachable and machine-washable seat pad, making cleaning simpler for parents. Although most parents found this car seat reliable, minor quality concerns were noted such as the perceived flimsiness of the plastic and difficulty in tightening the straps.

One crucial difference to note is the maximum weight allowed in forward-facing mode. The Graco Contender 65 allows for up to 65 pounds, while the Safety 1st Crosstown allows for the same. However, the Safety 1st Crosstown also allows for the child to transition to a High Back Booster mode, accommodating up to 100 pounds, giving it an advantage as it means the child can stay in the same car seat for longer.

Both car seats have the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) approval in its forward-facing and rear-facing configurations, which means they can be used securely during air travel. However, the Safety 1st Crosstown is not FAA approved in its High Back Booster mode.

In comparing the two seats, the Graco Contender 65's robust safety features and ease of installation make it appealing, but the Safety 1st Crosstown has more longevity with its 3-in-1 design and the added convenience of an easily removable and washable cover.

If longevity and ease of cleaning rank high on your list, the Safety 1st Crosstown would be a better choice. Its ability to transition to a High Back Booster mode gives it a longer lifespan than the Graco Contender 65, making it a more cost-effective option over the long run. If, however, safety features and installation convenience are your top priorities and you don't mind the extra effort in cleaning, the Graco Contender 65 would serve you well.