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

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 and the UPPAbaby MESA.

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

When it comes to ensuring the safety of your child while on the road, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 and the UPPAbaby MESA both stand as compelling choices, each excelling in different aspects. The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 shines with its longevity and comprehensive safety features, adapting to your child’s growth from an infant to a big kid ready for a belt-positioning booster. On the other side, the UPPAbaby MESA enhances child safety for newborns up to 32 inches in height with advanced safety features and seamless integration into UPPAbaby strollers.

The biggest distinction between the two seats is evident in their versatility and target age ranges. The TriRide is designed to accommodate children from 5 pounds up to a hefty 100 pounds in booster mode—significantly exceeding the MESA's limit of 35 pounds. It's a convertible car seat that transitions from a rear-facing to a forward-facing harness and finally to a high back booster seat, offering excellent value through years of use. The MESA, however, specializes as an infant car seat, shining in its focus on newborns and smaller babies—a perfect choice for those seeking a high-quality, secure, and comfortable environment for their infants.

As for ease of installation, UPPAbaby's MESA gains the upper hand with its SMARTSecure system that ensures an accurate and secure installation every time—a significant advantage over the Graco model's more challenging setup. Parents who frequently switch their car seats between vehicles, or prefer a simple and hassle-free installation, might find the MESA more appealing. However, this convenience comes with a higher price, making the MESA less suitable for budget-conscious parents.

When it comes to travel compatibility, the Graco TriRide can be used with both forward and rear-facing configurations, while the UPPAbaby MESA is only approved for rear-facing mode. This could be a deciding factor for parents who travel frequently with their kids. If choosing the Graco TriRide, bear in mind that the high back booster mode is not approved for air travel.

Overall, if budget and longevity are your main concerns, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 is a worthwhile choice. Although it requires more time to understand and navigate the installation process, it provides reliable performance across your child’s early years. However, if you're willing to invest in a high-end infant car seat that promises simplicity, superior safety features, and seamless integration with strollers, the UPPAbaby MESA should be on top of your list. Please note that as the child grows, an upgrade to a suitable forward-facing or booster seat would be essential.