Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX: 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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX.

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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.65 4.78

Our Thoughts

Both the Britax Marathon ClickTight and Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX provide safety and convenience for both parents and children. Each has unique features that cater to different situations and needs, so let's dive into the comparison.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight is a versatile convertible car seat lauded for its ClickTight installation system, which simplifies securing the car seat in a vehicle. It transitions from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers and older children, accommodating a child's growth. This seat is proud of its safety features, including its superior side impact protection and steel frame, which ensures enhanced security for your child. The maximum weight for forward-facing is up to 65 lbs, making it perfect for long-term usage. Additionally, the fabric of the car seat features flame-retardant, chemical-free fabric, providing a safer environment for your child. However, due to its robust features and design, it is at the higher end of the price range and may not be as compact as other seats.

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a lightweight, rear-facing car seat designed to be incredibly mobile without compromising safety. The 4-position adjustable base ensures a perfect fit as the infant grows, accommodating babies ranging from 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches. One of its best features is its lightweight design, weighing only 7.2 lbs, making it one of the lightest carriers on the market. The level indicator on the base helps ensure the correct installation angle. As the name suggests, it provides a 'snug' ride for infants without the convertible option for older kids. It also doesn't have the same impact protection or steel frame as the Britax Marathon ClickTight. Nonetheless, it offers good quality at a much more affordable price point and pairs well with Graco strollers for an effortless travel system.

So, which one should you choose? If safety features and the flexibility of a convertible seat are your top priority and you are willing to invest a bit more in your child's car seat, then the Britax Marathon ClickTight would be the perfect choice for you — it's a durable, reliable, and safe car seat that will grow with your child. However, if portability and a budget-friendly price are of prime importance, while still maintaining a high level of safety, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX would be an excellent choice. It's lightweight, easy to handle, and notably less expensive than its rival, though limited to rear-facing configuration. It's all about assessing your needs and deciding which features are more important to you as a parent.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Brand Britax Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.78
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $83.99 - $119.99
Current price
In stock (3 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
Currently unavailable
-
Value

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

It offers key features at a budget-friendly price.

Safety

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

High satisfaction with safety, reflected in user ratings.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

Meets essential needs without extra frills.

Installation

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

Easy installation with a level indicator on the base.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

Machine washable seat pad simplifies maintenance.

Size

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

One of the lightest carriers on the market.

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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX. 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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Width 18.5 inches 15.5 inches
Height 23.0 inches 27.4 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 18.1 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 12.3 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-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 Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
Base
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 7 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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX