Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

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 TurboBooster 2.0 Highback is a practical and efficient solution for increasing child safety in the car. It's designed to transition from a highback to a backless booster, accommodating children ranging from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall, making it a long-term investment for parents. This seat not only offers basic comfort but also employs Graco's ProtectPlus system, giving an added peace of mind with respect to front, rear, and rollover crash protection. While missing docking latches may seem like a bit of a downside for some parents, the broad majority express ease and satisfaction with its installation process.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a convertible car seat option, offering both rear and forward-facing configurations. Unlike the Graco model, the Guide 65 caters to smaller occupants, with a rear-facing capacity starting from 5 pounds. Its ability to handle up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing mode is also a striking feature, providing a higher weight limit and lasting value. However, this car seat receives some mixed remarks due to the cumbersome installation process mentioned by several parents, and even doubts about stability when installed rear-facing.

When comparing these products, we can see each model arises as a better choice under different circumstances. Parents whose children have outgrown rear-facing modes and are looking for a portable option might favor the Graco TurboBooster for its affordability and user-friendly installation. On the other hand, parents who need a car seat that grows with their child from infancy would lean towards the Safety 1st Guide 65 due to its ability to adjust from a rear to forward-facing mode and its higher weight limit.

That being said, our recommendation leans towards the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback. The reported difficulty of installation and safety concerns with the Guide 65 can lead to added stress and potential risk. Despite its lower forward-facing weight limit and lack of latch anchors, the TurboBooster seems to hit the balance between affordability, comfort, longevity, and most importantly, safety and ease of use. The decisive factor always lies in the individual preferences and requirements of the users, and we encourage parents to consider those before making a choice.