Maxi-Cosi Pria Max vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 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

Having analyzed the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max and the UPPAbaby MESA car seats, there are several crucial aspects to consider before making your purchase.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria Max shines with its wide variety of adjustable positions - it functions as a convertible, rear, forward, and high back booster seat. This caters to your child's safety needs from infancy right through to toddlerhood, assuring parents of its extended usage. Additionally, this car seat is built with advanced safety technologies, including side-impact protection and a secure harness system. It’s praised for its easy-to-clean fabric and machine washable cover, and its firm construction provides comfort that will certainly appease even the fussiest of babies. However, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max is reported to be bulky and potentially challenging to install, which may be a drawback for parents with smaller cars or those needing to constantly switch the car seat between vehicles.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is a top-tier infant car seat designed specifically for newborns and smaller babies. The main attractions are its advanced safety features, ease of installation, and compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers for those seeking a sleek, coordinated travel system. The MESA uses high-quality materials to ensure durability, proving itself to be a valuable long-term investment despite its higher price. That said, as a designated infant car seat, it caters for a shorter usage span and is also reported to be on the heavier side, which could be a consideration for some families.

To compare the two models on specifics, it's essential to note that the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max accommodates a wider weight range. Its maximum weight allowed in forward-facing mode is 65 pounds compared to the MESA's 35-pound limit, and in Booster mode, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max can support up to 100 pounds.

In deciding between these two options, your choice will very much depend on your specific needs. If you are seeking an all-rounder and a long-term solution that can adapt to your child's growth, from infancy to older child, and you don’t mind a slightly more complicated installation process, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max is your best bet. Conversely, if you prioritize advanced safety features, elegant design, ease of installation, and intend to use the car seat largely for infants and smaller babies, the UPPAbaby MESA is worth every penny.