Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 vs. Nuna aace: 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 Nuna aace.

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 Nuna aace
Type Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.69 4.57

Our Thoughts

The Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Nuna AACE are two car seats considered for children who are transitioning various stages of growth.

The Graco Nautilus 65, designed to accommodate children from 22 to 100 pounds, is an adaptable 3-in-1 car seat that transitions from a forward-facing harness seat for toddlers to a highback booster and ultimately to a backless booster seat. This transition ability provides long-term value, making it a budget-friendly option. Its 5-point safety harness coupled with a reinforced steel frame design ensures high safety standards. The seat cover is machine washable, addressing another prominent concern of parents regarding cleanliness. However, some parents may face minor issues with the ease of installation as well as the adjustability of the lower buckle causing a slight disadvantage.

Unlike the Graco Nautilus 65, the Nuna AACE is specifically designed as a boost seat for older children, transitioning from a high-back to a backless setup. It caters to a higher weight range of 40-120 pounds, essentially suiting children over four years of age. As a premium car seat, the Nuna AACE is composed of high-quality fabric that is also machine-washable for ease of cleaning. It features an adjustable latch and simple instructions which make the installation process rather straightforward. However, the price point for this car seat is notably higher than that of the Graco Nautilus 65.

The significant differences between the two car seats pertain to their weight handling capacities and usage stages. While the Graco Nautilus 65 is suitable as a beginning stage car seat that could transition up to a backless booster mode, the Nuna AACE is exclusively designed as a high-quality booster seat for older children. This makes the Graco Nautilus a more versatile option considering it provides service through multiple stages of the child's growth. However, the Nuna AACE not forgetting, surpasses in terms of high-end quality and comfort features but comes at a higher price.

In terms of making a choice, if you are seeking a long-term, versatile car seat that suits from toddlerhood to the booster stage, the Graco Nautilus 65 would be a great pick. However, if you wish to invest in a premium high-back to no-back booster with strong emphasis on comfort and quality, and are prepared for a higher expenditure, the Nuna AACE would be worth considering.

Key Details

Nautilus 65 3-in-1 aace
Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Nuna aace
Brand Graco Nuna
Type Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.69 4.57
1 yr Price Range $189.99 - $209.99 $250 - $250
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.

The AACE, while on the pricier side, offers exceptional durability and quality, justifying its cost with long-term usability and high resale value.

Safety

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

This seat boasts advanced safety features like energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection pods, and a belt positioner, ensuring enhanced security.

Features

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

Its 3-D growth system, multiple recline options, and no added fire-retardant chemicals mark it as a feature-rich option.

Installation

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

Users find the installation process straightforward, thanks to its adjustable latch connectors and clear instructions.

Cleaning

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

The seat's machine-washable fabric and easy disassembly for cleaning add to its practicality.

Size

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

While not the smallest booster, its design is space-efficient, offering ample room for growth without being overly bulky.

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 Nuna aace. 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

Neither car seat has a Rear-facing configuration.

Forward-facing

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Nuna aace
Height Range 27 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Nuna aace
Height Range 38 - 57 inches 38 - 60 inches
Weight Range 30 - 65 pounds 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Nuna aace
Width 20.0 inches 22.5 inches
Height 28.0 inches 33.0 inches
Depth 18.0 inches 15.0 inches
Weight 20.5 pounds 15.6 pounds

Core Specifications

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

Safety and Compliance

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Nuna aace
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 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 Nuna aace
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point N/A
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Nuna aace
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

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