Nuna Rava 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 Rava 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 Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$89.99
Rating 4.70 4.58

Our Thoughts

When it comes to choosing the right car seat for your child, comparing the Nuna Rava and the Safety 1st Guide 65 can highlight some key differences and advantages of each.

The Nuna Rava stands out for its superior safety features and comfort for your child. It's easy to install, and the quality and durability of its materials are impressive. It accommodates both rear-facing (5-50 lbs.) and forward-facing (25-65 lbs.) positions, with the option of keeping your child rear-facing up to 50 lbs., providing an important safety benefit during the early toddler years. However, since it offers extensive features and heavy-duty construction, it's notably heavier than the average car seat which could be a consideration for families who frequently move the seat between cars.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is known as a budget-friendly and lightweight convertible seat that can adjust from a rear-facing position for infants to a forward-facing position for toddlers. Its most significant advantage lies in its compact size, offering families with multiple children the chance to fit three of these car seats across a single row in most vehicles. However, some parents have expressed concern about the safety and comfort pertaining to slightly taller children when used in rear-facing mode.

If your key concerns are comfort, safety, and quality, and you don't mind the seat's extra weight, the Nuna Rava would be an excellent long-term investment that delivers significant value. It is of superior quality and offers important features such as all-steel frame protection, a unique door mechanism for secure installation, and an eco-friendly fabric. Despite its price tag being on the steeper side, the Nuna Rava promises durability, safety, and comfort that will gratify parents wishing to keep their child rear-facing up to 50 lbs.

However, for those needing a more budget-friendly option, who may have smaller cars, or need to fit multiple seats, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a practical choice. Remember, though, it might be slightly harder to install correctly, and legroom could be an issue for larger children when in rear-facing mode. Both car seats meet federal safety standards and offer multi-use functionality to serve your child for many years, making both of them worthwhile investments for growing families.

Key Details

Rava Guide 65
Nuna Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Brand Nuna Safety 1st
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.58
1 yr Price Range $450 - $549.95 $74.99 - $99.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$89.99
Value

Despite a higher price point, the Rava’s durability and extensive features offer significant long-term value.

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

Safety

All-steel frame and advanced side-impact protection make the Rava a fortress of safety.

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features

Innovative legroom extension and hypoallergenic fabric set the Rava apart.

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

Installation

The unique door mechanism ensures a hassle-free, secure installation.

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

Cleaning

The Rava’s fabric is durable and comfortable, but no specific advantages in ease of cleaning have been observed.

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

The Rava's premium features add to its bulk, which might be a consideration for smaller vehicles.

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 Rava 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 Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 50 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Nuna Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 25 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Nuna Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Width 19.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 31.0 inches 22.8 inches
Depth 16.0 inches 27.3 inches
Weight 27.2 pounds 11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Nuna Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Model Year 2017 2015
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Nuna Rava Safety 1st Guide 65
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

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

Warranty and Durability

Nuna Rava 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 Rava
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65