In-Depth Review of the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 (2023)

Premium 4-in-1 car seat, but with some drawbacks

Last Updated on 2023-10-16

This comprehensive review will provide an in-depth look at the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1. We'll analyze the key features, real owner experiences, who this seat is ideal for, and technical specifications to help you determine if this is the right car seat for your family.

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In stock
$299.99
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Value

The car seat offers longevity and versatility, providing more than just a basic necessity for a reasonable price.

Safety

Steel reinforcement and high satisfaction in safety ratings indicate a superior level of protection.

Features

Unique features like the rapid-remove cover and no-rethread harness stand out in its category.

Installation

Graco's Click Connect feature and overall ease of installation have been well-received by parents.

Cleaning

The ease of removing the cover without uninstalling the seat makes cleaning remarkably convenient.

Size

Its bulkiness may challenge parents with smaller cars or those needing to fit multiple seats.


Key Information

Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.86 / 5.0

Product Overview

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 is a convertible car seat designed to accommodate children from 4 lbs to 120 lbs. It transitions from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness and finally to a belt-positioning booster. This "4-in-1" functionality means it can potentially be the only car seat you'll need from birth through elementary school.

Key Features

What features set this car seat apart from others?

  • Easily detachable, machine-washable cover that comes off in 60 seconds without the need to uninstall the seat.
  • Steel-reinforced frame for durability and strength.
  • Aircraft certification for safe use on airplanes.

What Real Owners Think

Here's what actual owners of the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 had to say based on hundreds to thousands of reviews we've analyzed from Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

Pros Cons
  • The car seat has excellent safety features and multiple parents stated that it protected their children in real-life accidents.
  • It is easy to install and transitions between cars well. Parents love Graco's Click Connect feature.
  • The fabric/cushions are comfortable and removable for cleaning.
  • The harness is too short and doesn't properly secure larger infants/toddlers. This was a common complaint.
  • It positions infants' heads incorrectly leading to discomfort. One parent noted, "The head padding on the newborn insert is more forward than the lower insert padding, which forces baby's chin down to the chest."
  • The fabric wears out and frays quickly. A number of reviewers complained the fabric didn't hold up.
  • It takes up a lot of space and doesn't fit smaller cars well. Parents may need a larger car to accommodate the car seat's bulk.

Who Should Buy the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1?

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat might resonate with parents prioritizing long-term use, given its 10-year lifespan and seamless transition through various stages of a child's growth. Additionally, those valuing easy maintenance would appreciate the Rapid Remove cover feature. However, due to the noted fit and positioning issues, it might be less suitable for infants or toddlers below 2-3 years of age.

Final Verdict

The Graco 4Ever DLX is a smart choice for parents seeking an adaptable car seat that truly grows from infancy to youth. The upgraded features like rapid-remove washing and no-slip harness storage add convenience when dealing with messes and squirmy toddlers. The steel-reinforced frame prioritizes safety and durability to potentially last 10+ years.

While deluxe, it is more affordable than many premium car seats. Some users complain of fit issues for infants, but the 4Ever DLX remains a parent-favorite for its seamless transformation from baby to big kid. We recommend considering it for the forward-facing and booster seat stages even if choosing a separate infant seat.

Specifications

Allowable Height and Weight Ranges

Height Range Weight Range
Rear-facing 12 - 49 inches 4 - 40 pounds
Forward-facing 27 - 57 inches 22 - 65 pounds
Booster 43 - 57 inches 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Width 21.5 inches
Height 24.0 inches
Depth 20.0 inches
Weight 22.8 pounds

Core Specifications

Model Year 2021
Made In China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings
These ratings let you compare how easy it is to use certain car seat features. They are not a reflection of car seat features being better or safer.
Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats
See all Convertible car seats

Current Price Seller
In stock
$299.99
Amazon.com Shop