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

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

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.