Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 vs. TriRide 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Graco TriRide 3-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 Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Type Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.69 4.68

Our Thoughts

The Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 are both commendable car seats from Graco that cater to parents seeking long-term, safe car seat solutions that grow with their child.

The Nautilus 65 stands out with its 3-in-1 structure that transitions from a forward-facing harness seat for toddlers to a high-back booster and then to a backless booster seat for older children. This car seat is known for its safety, durability, and capacity to handle weights of 22 to 100 pounds. It’s a perfect choice if you frequently travel and need a comfortable adjustability option for your kid. Although some challenges with installation and buckle adjustability exist, the overall user experience is positive, making it a reliable option for your child's long-term travel needs.

On the other hand, the TriRide 3-in-1 is a versatile and affordable car seat choice that is also designed to grow with your child, covering three stages: rear-facing harness for infants, forward-facing harness for toddlers, and a belt-positioning booster for bigger kids. While it ticks the box as a practical and financial choice, some users have flagged issues with comfort for smaller infants and found the installation challenging.

Notably, the Nautilus has a maximum of 65 pounds allowed on both the forward-facing and booster modes, as compared to the TriRide's higher allowance of up to 100 pounds on the booster mode. This discrepancy suggests that if your child is on the heavier side, the TriRide might be a better fit for longer usability.

When it comes to travel configurations, the Nautilus only has the forward-facing mode approved for travel, while the TriRide has both rear and forward-facing modes approved, giving it an edge in versatility.

In considering both car seats, you might find the TriRide more advantageous if you're budget-conscious and prefer an adaptable, FAA approved for both rear and forward-facing modes, and higher booster weight capacity seat. Alternatively, if the main factors for you are frequent travel comfort, adjustability, and some parents' proven safety assurance, you might lean towards the Nautilus 65, even though it's slightly more expensive. Both products align with Graco's reliable safety standards, promise durability, and grow with your child's needs.

Key Details

Nautilus 65 3-in-1 TriRide 3-in-1
Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Brand Graco Graco
Type Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.69 4.68
1 yr Price Range $189.99 - $209.99 $132.99 - $189.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

Offers long-term usability across different stages of a child's growth, making it a cost-effective choice.

Offers versatile, long-term use at a competitive price point.

Safety

With its 5-point harness system and reinforced frame, it ensures top-notch safety standards.

Equipped with Graco's ProtectPlus Engineeredâ„¢ system for enhanced safety.

Features

Includes adjustable headrest, multiple recline positions, and an integrated cup holder, enhancing comfort and convenience.

Basic features suitable for its price range but lacks premium options.

Installation

Installation is straightforward, but some parents note it can be tricky to get a tight fit.

Installation can be tricky; not ideal for frequent vehicle changes.

Cleaning

The seat cover is machine washable, and the design allows for easy access to hard-to-reach spots.

Machine washable seat pad simplifies maintenance.

Size

While it's not the most compact, its size is reasonable for its multi-stage functionality.

Comparable in size and weight to similar models in its category.

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 Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Graco TriRide 3-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 Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Height Range
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Height Range 27 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Height Range 38 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 30 - 65 pounds 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Width 20.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 28.0 inches 23.2 inches
Depth 18.0 inches 20.0 inches
Weight 20.5 pounds 18.4 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Model Year 2017 2021
Made In China China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Graco TriRide 3-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Full review of the Graco TriRide 3-in-1