Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Nuna Rava 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
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.70 | 4.90 |
Our Thoughts
Diving into the world of car seats, we have two top contenders here: the Nuna Rava and the UPPAbaby MESA. At first glance, both appear to be excellent selections, offering superior safety features, comfort, and style. However, upon closer review, distinct characteristics become apparent that may sway your decision one way or the other.
The Nuna Rava stands out with its impressive weight allowance, adjustable and comfortable legroom, and straightforward installation system. Designed for both rear-facing and forward-facing configuration, this robust car seat supports a weight of up to 65 pounds in the forward position and 50 pounds in the rear. So even as your little one grows older and heavier, you can still ensure their comfort and safety with this adaptable design. Its unique legroom extension provides an extra two inches of space for those longer journeys, helping to keep your child at ease. The installation features, including the Simply™ secure system and True Tension doors, guarantee a secure and fuss-free fit. Despite its heft and size, many parents can attest to the Rava's uncompromising safety and overall child-friendly design, even if it takes up a bit more room in the car.
On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is specifically designed to accommodate smaller babies, making it a prime choice for newborns. Tailored for rear-facing use only (with a weight limit of 35 lbs), this car seat scores highly in safety due to features like its no-rethread harness and side-impact protection. Installation is remarkably simple with the SMARTSecure system, and the overall design matches brilliantly with UPPAbaby strollers for an easy transition from car to stroller. The MESA's durability, advanced features, and ease of use justify the higher price, making it a well-loved product among many parents. Despite the limited usage span due to its design—since it's only for infants—the MESA offers great value, especially for families who frequently travel with their infant.
In terms of recommendations, it essentially boils down to your child's age, size, and your personal preferences as a parent. If you're seeking a long-term, adaptable solution that can grow with your child, the Nuna Rava would be an excellent investment despite its bulkiness and slightly higher price tag. Conversely, if you’re in need of an infant car seat that combines top-tier safety, easy installation, and stroller compatibility, then the UPPAbaby MESA may be the reasonable choice. It's worth noting that both car seats are FAA approved, making them excellent choices for parents who frequently travel by air.
Key Details
Rava | MESA | |
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Brand | Nuna | UPPAbaby |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.70 | 4.90 |
1 yr Price Range | $450 - $549.95 | $239.99 - $349.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Despite a higher price point, the Rava’s durability and extensive features offer significant long-term value. |
![]() While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost. |
Safety |
![]() All-steel frame and advanced side-impact protection make the Rava a fortress of safety. |
![]() Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety. |
Features |
![]() Innovative legroom extension and hypoallergenic fabric set the Rava apart. |
![]() Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system. |
Installation |
![]() The unique door mechanism ensures a hassle-free, secure installation. |
![]() The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process. |
Cleaning |
![]() The Rava’s fabric is durable and comfortable, but no specific advantages in ease of cleaning have been observed. |
![]() The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed. |
Size |
![]() The Rava's premium features add to its bulk, which might be a consideration for smaller vehicles. |
![]() 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 Nuna Rava 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
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 0 - 32 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 50 pounds | 4 - 35 pounds |
Forward-facing
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | |
Weight Range | 25 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.
Dimensions and Weight
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Width | 19.0 inches | 17.0 inches |
Height | 31.0 inches | 25.0 inches |
Depth | 16.0 inches | 28.0 inches |
Weight | 27.2 pounds | 9.9 pounds |
Core Specifications
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Model Year | 2017 | 2020 |
Made In | China | China |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Rear-Facing |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Base Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. |
No cup holders |
Warranty and Durability
Nuna Rava | UPPAbaby MESA | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturers Warranty Length | 2 years | 2 years |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 7 Years |
Additional Links
See all Nuna car seats | See all UPPAbaby car seats |
Full review of the Nuna Rava Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA |