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
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.68 | 4.90 |
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.
Key Details
TriRide 3-in-1 | MESA | |
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Brand | Graco | UPPAbaby |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.68 | 4.90 |
1 yr Price Range | $132.99 - $189.99 | $239.99 - $349.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Offers versatile, long-term use at a competitive price point. |
![]() While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost. |
Safety |
![]() Equipped with Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered™ system for enhanced safety. |
![]() Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety. |
Features |
![]() Basic features suitable for its price range but lacks premium options. |
![]() Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system. |
Installation |
![]() Installation can be tricky; not ideal for frequent vehicle changes. |
![]() The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process. |
Cleaning |
![]() Machine washable seat pad simplifies maintenance. |
![]() The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed. |
Size |
![]() Comparable in size and weight to similar models in its category. |
![]() Comparable to other infant seats in size, fitting well in most vehicles. |
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 TriRide 3-in-1 and the UPPAbaby MESA. 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 TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Height Range | 0 - 32 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 4 - 35 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Height Range | 43 - 57 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Width | 19.0 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 23.2 inches | 25.0 inches |
Depth | 20.0 inches | 28.0 inches |
Weight | 18.4 pounds | 9.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2020 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster |
Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Base Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. |
No cup holders |
Warranty and Durability
Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | UPPAbaby MESA | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 2 years |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all Graco car seats | See all UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA |