Britax Highpoint vs. Poplar: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Highpoint and the Britax Poplar.

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

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock (5 varieties available)
$199.99 - $199.99
In stock
$279.99
Rating 4.70 4.68

Our Thoughts

The Britax Highpoint and Britax Poplar cater to different stages of your child's life. Highpoint is a 2-stage belt-positioning booster seat designed for kids transitioning out of a 5-point harness car seat. It offers a high maximum weight limit in booster mode of up to 120 pounds. On the other hand, the Poplar is a convertible seat that transitions from rear-facing for infants to forward-facing for toddlers, with a maximum forward-facing weight limit of 65 pounds and rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds.

In terms of design and comfort, it's clear that both seats prioritize your child's safety. The Highpoint has multiple layers of side impact protection, built with convenience in mind, including a quick-remove, machine-washable cover for easy cleanup. Some user feedback, however, suggests potential issues with fit and movement. Conversely, the Poplar stands out with its convertible design and user-friendly installation. It has the ClickTight installation system that simplifies securing the seat. Though slightly heavier than the Highpoint, it's designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning.

Both car seats offer a long period of usability, contributing to their overall value. The Highpoint is suited for bigger kids, making it a car seat that grows with them. The Poplar's strength lies in its versatility; it caters to a child's needs from infant stages through toddlerhood. This convertible feature may be particularly appealing to parents seeking a long-term car seat solution, as it eliminates the need for multiple seat purchases as your child grows.

Given these considerations, your choice between the two depends primarily on your child's age and weight. If you have a small or bigger kid transitioning from a 5-point harness car seat, the Highpoint may be a good fit, especially since it offers a higher weight limit in booster mode. The Poplar, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for parents with infants or young toddlers, especially those wanting the convenience of a seat that adjusts as their child grows.

However, given the slightly higher cost associated with the Poplar due to its convertible feature, budget may also factor into your decision. The Highpoint comes at a more affordable price but doesn't offer the same longevity and versatility. If you have the budget for it, the Poplar's convertible feature and high safety ratings make it a worthy investment that serves your child's needs for many years. But if you're looking for a more budget-friendly solution for a child already in the transitioning phase, the Highpoint is a durable, safe, and easy-to-clean choice.

Key Details

Highpoint Poplar
Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Brand Britax Britax
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.68
1 yr Price Range $144 - $199 $299.99 - $299.99
Current price
In stock (5 varieties available)
$199.99 - $199.99
In stock
$279.99
Value

Britax is a reputable brand that offers quality and durability, which can justify the investment.

Offers a robust set of features at a competitive price point, balancing quality and cost effectively.

Safety

With its high safety standards, Britax Highpoint provides peace of mind.

Safety is a hallmark of Britax, and the Poplar is no exception, with its sturdy construction and reliable performance in safety tests.

Features

It includes user-friendly components like color-coded belt paths and retractable cup holders.

With its convertible design and user-friendly installation, the Poplar stands out in its category.

Installation

It's straightforward to install, with clear instructions and easy-to-use connectors.

The ClickTight system is frequently praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, making installation a breeze.

Cleaning

The removable cover and dishwasher-safe cup holders are convenient for parents.

The seat is designed with easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents.

Size

While not the smallest booster, it's designed to fit well in most vehicles without taking up excessive space.

The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety.

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 Britax Highpoint and the Britax Poplar. 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

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Height Range 0 - 63 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Width 16.0 inches 17.0 inches
Height 21.0 inches 20.5 inches
Depth 27.5 inches 23.5 inches
Weight 12.0 pounds 27.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Model Year 2018 2023
Made In USA USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Does not meet standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Booster Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 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

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Attachment Methods Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type N/A 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Highpoint Britax Poplar
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats
Full review of the Britax Highpoint
Full review of the Britax Poplar