Britax Marathon ClickTight 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 Marathon ClickTight 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 Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$279.99
Rating 4.65 4.68

Our Thoughts

The Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Britax Poplar are both convertible car seats designed to provide safe and comfortable transportation for children. Each seat stands out for its safety features and simplicity of use, with the ability to transition from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers and older children.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight is recognized for its superior safety measures such as side impact protection and a steel frame. It's equipped with a distinctly user-friendly ClickTight installation system that parents appreciate, along with multiple recline positions for child's comfort during the ride. However, its size might be a concern for parents with larger children or having cars with limited space.

In comparison, the Poplar, while sharing the same brand and high safety standards, offers a slim profile, which is beneficial for compact cars or fitting multiple seats in a row. Also, it supports rear-facing configurations for a longer duration due to its higher weight limit, compared to the Marathon ClickTight. This aspect means that it can provide a safer riding position for a longer time. However, some parents may find the seat a bit heavy and bulky and its cost somewhat prohibitive even with its quality features.

When considering the convenience of installation, both car seats excel with the addition of the ClickTight system, simplifying the otherwise complex car seat installation process for parents and adding extra reliability.

In terms of travel, both are FAA approved for rear and forward-facing modes, which adds to their versatility and ease of operation during journeys.

In decision-making, if the budget is a concern, the Britax Marathon ClickTight's lower freqent price might make it a more appealing choice. However, if the focus is on maximizing space-efficiency, accommodating growing kids for a longer period in a safer rear-facing position, the Britax Poplar may be the better option, despite being slightly more expensive.

Both car seats offer significant safety features and demonstrate a high level of user-friendly qualities, comfort, and durability that makes choosing between the two mostly a matter of personal preference and specific needs. Please note, regardless of whichever you choose, both seats offer convenience in cleaning with their removable covers and are designed to offer surety in the safety of your little ones during transportation.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight Poplar
Britax Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Brand Britax Britax
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.68
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $299.99 - $299.99
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$279.99
Value

Offers durable construction and long-lasting use, justifying its price point.

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

Safety

Includes superior side impact protection and a steel frame for enhanced safety.

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

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

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

Installation

The ClickTight system simplifies installation, making it straightforward and reliable.

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

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

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

Size

While not the most compact, its size is typical for convertible car seats.

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 Marathon ClickTight 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 Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 5 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Width 18.5 inches 17.0 inches
Height 23.0 inches 20.5 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 23.5 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 27.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Model Year 2021 2023
Made In USA USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Does not meet standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 4 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 Marathon ClickTight Britax Poplar
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight 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 Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Britax Poplar