Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-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 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.77 | 4.70 |
Our Thoughts
As parents, we all want a car seat that's not only safe but also comfortable and practical. The Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 are two models that fit that bill, each offering its own unique strengths and areas of improvement.
The Graco Contender 65 is a convertible seat designed for children from infancy up to the toddler stage, supporting between 5 and 65 pounds. Its standout feature is its adjustable harness system and multiple recline positions. This seat prioritizes safety with a robust and impact-resistant design, making it a reliable choice for parents. However, some users have found cleaning this seat a challenge due to difficulties in removing the seat cover. If ease of cleaning is crucial for you, this might be a consideration.
On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 shines in its longevity. It can comfortably accommodate children from 30 to 65 pounds in harness mode, transitioning seamlessly to a booster accommodating from 40 to 120 pounds as your child grows. Parents will appreciate the machine-washable seat pad and dishwasher-safe cup holders, simplifying the often daunting task of car seat maintenance. The Grand 2-in-1 is also designed to fit three seats across in most vehicles, ideal for families with multiple children.
However, it's worth noting that the harness straps on the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 might be short and difficult to adjust properly. The booster seat is not as cushioned as other models, which may affect comfort during longer rides.
When comparing the two models in terms of travel utility, the Graco Contender 65 has an edge as it is FAA approved in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes, whereas the Safety 1st Grand is only approved in the forward-facing configuration. Therefore, if you're a family who travels frequently by air, the Graco Contender 65 may be a better fit.
In terms of recommendation, if you have space constraints in your vehicle or you're planning on expanding your family, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1, with its space-efficient design, could be a more appropriate choice.
Alternatively, if cleaning ease and air travel compatibility are key deciding factors for you, the Graco Contender 65 would be more suitable.
Both car seats excel in different areas and making a choice between the two essentially comes down to the specific needs and preferences of your family.
Key Details
Contender 65 | Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Brand | Graco | Safety 1st |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.77 | 4.70 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $249.99 | $74.99 - $79.99 |
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. |
![]() The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time. |
Safety |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
![]() It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame. |
Features |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
![]() While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats. |
Installation |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
![]() Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail. |
Cleaning |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
![]() The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance. |
Size |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
![]() The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car. |
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 Safety 1st Grand 2-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 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 32 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 30 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Height Range | 43 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 120 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Width | 20.3 inches | 19.6 inches |
Height | 24.8 inches | 30.2 inches |
Depth | 17.3 inches | 18.3 inches |
Weight | 15.2 pounds | 12.2 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2021 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Plastic | Unknown |
Safety and Compliance
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Forward-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 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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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 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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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 Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Graco Contender 65 Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 |