Britax Highpoint vs. Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1: 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 Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1.

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 Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
In stock (5 varieties available)
$199.99 - $199.99
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.70 4.69

Our Thoughts

If safety, durability, and longevity are your prime concerns while choosing a car seat for your child, both the Britax Highpoint and the Graco Nautilus 65 would serve your needs well. However, each offers unique features that should be considered based on your specific requirements and your child's comfort.

The Britax Highpoint, a 2-in-1 booster seat, stands robust with multiple layers of side impact protection. This seat is designed particularly for children transitioning from a 5-point harness car seat, and its transferability from a high back to a backless booster brings you ease and convenience. It sustains children up to a maximum weight of 120 lbs, offering a slight edge over the Graco Nautilus 65, which services up to a maximum of 100 lbs in the booster mode. While offering user-friendly facets such as color-coded belt paths, some parents mentioned fit issues, with the high back moving away from the vehicle seat, which could potentially raise safety concerns.

On the other hand, the Graco Nautilus 65 provides a versatile, 3-in-1 solution, growing with your child from a forward-facing harness seat to a highback booster and ultimately a backless booster seat. Its renowned features aim at safety, durability, and also encompass a comfortable fit for the child as they grow. It houses a reinforced steel frame, increasing the seat's sturdiness. Note that the forward-facing configuration of this model is FAA-approved for travel, unlike the Britax Highpoint where both configurations are not approved for air travel. However, certain parents pointed out difficulties with installation and getting a tight fit, which could be important when considering ease of usage.

In conclusion, if durability and a higher weight limit are your main concerns, the Britax Highpoint would be the more suitable option. On the contrary, if versatility over different stages of your child's growth and the possibility of air travel with the seat are the top priorities, the Graco Nautilus 65 deserves your attention. Do remember to have your child try the seats, as their comfort and willingness to cooperate always make safety measures more effective!

Key Details

Highpoint Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Brand Britax Graco
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.70 4.69
1 yr Price Range $144 - $199 $189.99 - $209.99
Current price
In stock (5 varieties available)
$199.99 - $199.99
Currently unavailable
-
Value

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

Offers long-term usability across different stages of a child's growth, making it a cost-effective choice.

Safety

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

With its 5-point harness system and reinforced frame, it ensures top-notch safety standards.

Features

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

Includes adjustable headrest, multiple recline positions, and an integrated cup holder, enhancing comfort and convenience.

Installation

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

Installation is straightforward, but some parents note it can be tricky to get a tight fit.

Cleaning

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

The seat cover is machine washable, and the design allows for easy access to hard-to-reach spots.

Size

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

While it's not the most compact, its size is reasonable for its multi-stage functionality.

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 Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1. 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

Neither car seat has a Rear-facing configuration.

Forward-facing

Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Height Range 27 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 63 inches 38 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds 30 - 65 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Width 16.0 inches 20.0 inches
Height 21.0 inches 28.0 inches
Depth 27.5 inches 18.0 inches
Weight 12.0 pounds 20.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Model Year 2018 2017
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
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 Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Attachment Methods Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type N/A 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Highpoint Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Britax Highpoint
Full review of the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1