Nuna aace vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Nuna aace 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

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.57 4.58

Our Thoughts

When it comes to ensuring the safety and comfort of our children during car rides, a reliable car seat is paramount. Two such car seat options are the Nuna AACE and the Safety 1st Guide 65. Both these car seats have been designed with special features and comforts, but they cater to different needs and budgets.

The Nuna AACE is a high-quality booster seat, designed to grow with your children, from 4 years and above. This seat stands out for its safety, adjustability, and comfort, featuring advanced side-impact protection, multiple recline and depth options, and a breathable, washable fabric. However, this comes with a higher price point. On the other hand, we have the Safety 1st Guide 65, a convertible car seat that can be used as rear-facing for children from 5-40 pounds and transitions to a forward-facing seat once your child is over 22 pounds. The Guide 65 tends to be more budget-friendly and compact enough to fit three in a row in most cars, which can be vital for families with multiple young children. Yet, parents have reported difficulties in installing this car seat, especially in the rear-facing mode.

As for weight specifications, the Nuna AACE has a larger range with weight limits of 40-110 pounds for high-back mode and 50-120 pounds for no-back mode in booster configurations. Whereas, the Safety 1st Guide 65 offers a 5-65 pounds weight range with capacities of 5-40 pounds for rear-facing and eligibility for forward-facing for children over 22 pounds.

When we consider these car seats from a travel perspective, the Safety 1st Guide 65 pulls ahead with its FAA approval for both forward-facing and rear-facing modes. Unfortunately, the Nuna AACE is not FAA approved. This is an important distinction for families who travel often and need the flexibility of using their car seat on the plane.

Evaluating the two, both Nuna AACE and Safety 1st Guide 65 have their strengths and are designed to cater to different needs. If you prioritize safety features, adjustability for growing children, and are willing to invest in a more expensive, premium product, the Nuna AACE could be an excellent choice. However, if you're looking for a more affordable car seat that transitions from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat and is suitable for travel, the Safety 1st Guide 65 may be the winner here, especially for those on a tight budget or with smaller cars. It is critical to remember that appropriate installation is key to harnessing the safety potential of the car seat; hence, the reported installation shortcomings of Safety 1st Guide 65 should be taken into consideration.

Key Details

aace Guide 65
Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Brand Nuna Safety 1st
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.57 4.58
1 yr Price Range $250 - $250 $74.99 - $99.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

The AACE, while on the pricier side, offers exceptional durability and quality, justifying its cost with long-term usability and high resale value.

Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost.

Safety

This seat boasts advanced safety features like energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection pods, and a belt positioner, ensuring enhanced security.

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features

Its 3-D growth system, multiple recline options, and no added fire-retardant chemicals mark it as a feature-rich option.

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

Installation

Users find the installation process straightforward, thanks to its adjustable latch connectors and clear instructions.

Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents.

Cleaning

The seat's machine-washable fabric and easy disassembly for cleaning add to its practicality.

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

While not the smallest booster, its design is space-efficient, offering ample room for growth without being overly bulky.

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

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 Nuna aace and the Safety 1st Guide 65. 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

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 38 - 60 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Width 22.5 inches 19.0 inches
Height 33.0 inches 22.8 inches
Depth 15.0 inches 27.3 inches
Weight 15.6 pounds 11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Model Year 2021 2015
Made In China USA
Frame Material Plastic Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Attachment Methods Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type N/A 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Nuna aace Safety 1st Guide 65
Manufacturers Warranty Length 2 years 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Nuna car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Nuna aace
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65