Graco Contender 65 vs. UPPAbaby Alta: Which is Better? (2024)

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

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.