Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster vs. UPPAbaby Knox: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster and the UPPAbaby Knox.

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 Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Type Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.77 4.40

Our Thoughts

When it comes to selecting the right car seat for your child, there are two major contenders you might be considering: the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster and the UPPAbaby Knox. Both come from reputable manufacturers and are engineered with safety in mind.

The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is designed to adapt and grow with your child. It transitions from a harness booster for 22-65 pounds, to a highback booster for 40-100 pounds, and finally, to a backless booster. If you're seeking versatility and durability on a budget, Tranzitions is an excellent choice. However, some parents have found the installation process a bit frustrating. While it may not have all the luxury features, its machine-washable fabric, portability, and 3-in-1 design offer great benefits for its price range. Moreover, the seat meets Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered standards, reflecting its strength in safety.

On the other hand, UPPAbaby's Knox offers a premium experience with high-end styling. This model is a convertible car seat that can be used both rear-facing for children up to 45 pounds and forward-facing up to 65 pounds. Its key features include integrated Koroyd technology to absorb crash impact forces and Side Impact Pods to absorb and deflect crash forces during a side impact. However, despite these high-performance safety enhancements, many parents have reported difficulty with its installation and the seat's larger size, which may limit its suitability for smaller vehicles.

The notable difference in the weight capacity between these two styles of car seats should also be considered, as the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 has a higher weight limit in both the forward-facing mode (65 lbs as against UPPAbaby Knox's 45 lbs) and as a high back booster seat (100 lbs). Plus, while the UPPAbaby Knox is FAA approved for both rear and forward-facing modes, the Graco Tranzitions is only approved for forward-facing.

If you're seeking a car seat that offers long-term service from toddler to the preteen years, and you don't mind a bit of a challenge in terms of installation, the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a solid choice. Its portability and compact design also make it a sensible option for families in need of frequent car seat transfers between vehicles.

In contrast, if budget isn't a constraint, and you value the premium aesthetics and additional safety features that go beyond standard norms, UPPAbaby's Knox is up for consideration. Do bear in mind, though, that it might better suit families with larger vehicles given its more substantial size.

Key Details

Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster Knox
Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Brand Graco UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.77 4.40
1 yr Price Range $97.99 - $139.99 $299.99 - $349.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Value

The price point combined with its 3-in-1 versatility offers significant savings over time.

The Knox is priced at the higher end of the market without corresponding enhancements in convenience or functionality.

Safety

It meets Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered safety standards, which is a rigorous test for safety.

Features like integrated Koroyd technology and Side Impact Pods offer advanced safety beyond standard requirements.

Features

The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and portable design are standout features.

While the chest clip's one-button release and the machine-washable fabric are nice, they don't set the Knox apart in a crowded market.

Installation

Some parents find the installation process difficult and frustrating.

Installation challenges are frequently noted, which could be a significant deterrent for parents who need to move the seat between vehicles.

Cleaning

Easy to remove and washable parts make cleaning a breeze.

The machine-washable fabric is a convenient feature, allowing for easier maintenance and cleanliness.

Size

The lightweight and compact design make it convenient for transfers between vehicles.

Its premium build comes with added bulk, making it less suitable for smaller vehicles or those needing to fit multiple seats.

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 Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster and the UPPAbaby Knox. 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 Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 14 - 45 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Height Range 27 - 57 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 25 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 30 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Width 19.0 inches 18.8 inches
Height 26.5 inches 32.5 inches
Depth 17.4 inches 23.8 inches
Weight 20.0 pounds 32.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Model Year 2018 2022
Made In China China
Frame Material Aluminum Koroyd Technology

Safety and Compliance

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
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
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 2 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 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 1 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 2 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 2 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster UPPAbaby Knox
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 Tranzitions 3-in-1 Harness Booster
Full review of the UPPAbaby Knox