Britax Marathon ClickTight 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 Marathon ClickTight 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 Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.65 4.69

Our Thoughts

The Britax Marathon ClickTight and the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 are top-notch car seats designed with the child's safety in mind. Although they share several similarities, they each address distinct parental expectations, durability, and ease of use.

With its reinforced steel frame, the Britax Marathon ClickTight is designed for long-lasting use and offers a high level of safety. The seat's key features such as the ClickTight Installation System, the flame-retardant chemical-free fabric, and the multiple recline positions ensure an effortless and safe installation, a healthier environment, and a customizable fit for different child sizes. However, the Britax Marathon ClickTight's size might be a bit challenging for larger infants and toddlers. It offers flexibility in terms of facing orientation, supporting both rear and forward-facing settings, with a rear maximum weight of 40 pounds.

The Graco Nautilus 65, on the other hand, is capable of holding children from 22 to 100 pounds, truly growing with the child through three different transitions, from a forward-facing harness seat into a high back booster, then into a backless booster seat. Its adaptability makes it an affordable choice for parents, and unlike the Britax Marathon ClickTight, it is designed to accommodate older children. However, the Graco Nautilus 65 does not offer rear-facing mode, which might be a drawback for parents wanting to maintain the rear-facing position longer for their toddlers.

Ease of cleaning is vital for parents. Both car seats come with machine-washable padding, taking the fuss out of maintaining hygiene. A potential downside of the Nautilus 65 is that some parents faced installation challenges. Tight-fitting car seats can be elusive, a factor suggesting that Britax's ClickTight system might be a superior option since it simplifies the installation process.

Investing in a car seat means taking into account the convenience of travel outside the car. In this aspect, both the Britax Marathon and the Graco Nautilus 65 have FAA approval for the forward-facing orientation. Yet, the Graco Nautilus loses its FAA approval when converted into a high back or backless booster.

If you're after a seat that prioritizes safety features, machine-washable padding, and ease of installation, the Britax Marathon ClickTight could be your best bet. This especially fits the bill if your child is on the smaller scale. If you're planning for the long haul, seeking a one-time investment that comfortably accommodates your growing child, the Graco Nautilus 65 is a practical choice despite minor reported difficulties in securing and adjusting the seat. But remember, if the regular travel by air with your child is on your agenda, the high back or backless booster modes of the Graco Nautilus 65 are not FAA approved.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Brand Britax Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.69
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $189.99 - $209.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

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

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

Safety

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

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

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

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

Installation

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

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

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

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

Size

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

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 Marathon ClickTight 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

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 27 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Height Range 38 - 57 inches
Weight Range 30 - 65 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Width 18.5 inches 20.0 inches
Height 23.0 inches 28.0 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 18.0 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 20.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Model Year 2021 2017
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
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 Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1
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 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 Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1