Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the UPPAbaby Alta.
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 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
Type |
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 | 4.59 |
Our Thoughts
The Graco Contender 65 and the UPPAbaby Alta are two well-regarded car seats each with distinct features and benefits. The Contender 65 is a convertible car seat that can transition with a child from infancy to toddlerhood, while the Alta is a high-back booster designed for older children.
The Contender 65 provides both rear and forward-facing options capable of supporting children between 5 and 65 pounds. Praised for its safety, comfort, and convenience, the Contender 65 features an adjustable harness system, multiple recline positions, and is generally easy to install. On the downside, some parents have found the car seat somewhat difficult to clean since the seat cover is not readily removed. While its size isn't compact, it's quite manageable, and the car seat is considered cost-effective without compromising on essential features. Being approved for travel in both forward and rear-facing configurations, the Contender 65 may appeal to families who travel frequently.
In contrast, the UPPAbaby Alta is engineered with older children in mind, age 5 to 10. The seat brings a balance of comfort, ease-of-use, and key safety features. The spacious design, thick padding, and proper belt positioning all contribute to making the Alta a comfortable choice. The booster seat is easy to install, a benefit accentuated by UPPAbaby's rigid LATCH system. While there's an issue reported with the shoulder belt slipping out of position, prompt attention to belt placement should mitigate this concern. Although the Alta might not be the first choice for families needing a lightweight, portable booster due to its weight and size, it can be deemed a worthy investment for families with a larger primary vehicle.
Between these two products, I'd recommend the Graco Contender 65 for parents with toddlers or younger children who are in search of a convertible seat that can accommodate their child's growth over time. Conversely, the UPPAbaby Alta would be my suggested choice for families with older kids seeking a safe and comfortable booster seat. It's worth noting both the products are approved and meet federal safety standards which underline their credibility.
Key Details
Contender 65 | Alta | |
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Brand | Graco | UPPAbaby |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.77 | 4.59 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $249.99 | $179.99 - $179.99 |
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. |
![]() Priced consistently at $179.99, it aligns with the market average for high-back boosters with similar features. |
Safety |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
![]() It's generally well-regarded by users for safety. |
Features |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
![]() Offers unique features like rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system, which are not standard on all boosters. |
Installation |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
![]() Parents report easy installation, especially praising the rigid LATCH system, indicating a user-friendly experience. |
Cleaning |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
![]() The machine washable seat pad and removable cup holder are highlighted as positives for easy cleanup. |
Size |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
![]() Its dimensions are standard for a high-back booster, accommodating the appropriate age and size range without being exceptionally compact or light. |
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 UPPAbaby Alta. 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 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Graco Contender 65 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Height Range | 38 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Graco Contender 65 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
---|---|---|
Width | 20.3 inches | 19.0 inches |
Height | 24.8 inches | 33.0 inches |
Depth | 17.3 inches | 20.0 inches |
Weight | 15.2 pounds | 16.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco Contender 65 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2019 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Plastic | Unknown |
Safety and Compliance
Graco Contender 65 | UPPAbaby Alta | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
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 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 3-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Graco Contender 65 | UPPAbaby Alta | |
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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 UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the Graco Contender 65 Full review of the UPPAbaby Alta |