Britax Marathon ClickTight vs. UPPAbaby MESA: 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 UPPAbaby MESA.

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 UPPAbaby MESA
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Current price
In stock (2 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$329.99
Rating 4.65 4.90

Our Thoughts

As a parent, your child's safety becomes your primary concern, especially while on the road. Choosing the right car seat for your little one can be an overwhelming process, given the multiple options available in the market. Today, let's explore two such options – the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the UPPAbaby MESA.

The Britax Marathon ClickTight is a convertible car seat, meaning it transitions effortlessly from a rear-facing seat for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers and older children. This seat has enhanced safety features like superior side impact protection and a reinforced steel frame, ensuring your child's safety throughout its use. The ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions further enhance its user-friendliness and comfort. This car seat also stands out in accommodating a higher child's weight in the forward-facing mode—up to 65 pounds, enabling your child to use it for a longer period. Notably, for parents who want to use the car seat for air travel, the Britax Marathon ClickTight is FAA approved for both rear and forward-facing modes.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is an infant car seat designed specifically for babies weighing between 4 and 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. This seat stands out for its SMARTSecure system ensuring a secure installation each time, its compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers presenting a seamless travel system, and its advanced safety features, which include a no-rethread harness adjustable as your baby grows and integrated side-impact protection. It's important to note that the UPPAbaby MESA is FAA approved only for its rear-facing mode, and it's designed for a shorter usage span until your baby grows beyond the seat's specifications.

Given the detailed features, benefits, and drawbacks associated with both the Britax Marathon ClickTight and the UPPAbaby MESA, a purchasing decision should be driven by the family's specific needs and circumstances. If you are looking for a car seat intended to grow with your child and be used over a longer period, the Britax Marathon ClickTight is a highly recommended option. However, if you already have or are planning to get an UPPAbaby stroller and are in search of a seat that provides an integrated travel solution, the UPPAbaby MESA would be a good fit. It is more suitable for parents who prefer exchanging the infant car seat for a larger one as the baby outgrows it, and the initial expense is not a deterrent. Whichever you choose, rest assured that both seats provide top-tier safety and practical features.

Key Details

Marathon ClickTight MESA
Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
Brand Britax UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.65 4.90
1 yr Price Range $224.99 - $339.99 $239.99 - $349.99
Current price
In stock (2 varieties available)
$299.99 - $299.99
In stock
$329.99
Value

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

While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost.

Safety

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

Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety.

Features

Equipped with the ClickTight installation system and multiple recline positions.

Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system.

Installation

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

The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process.

Cleaning

Features machine-washable padding, offering convenience in maintenance.

The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed.

Size

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

Comparable to other infant seats in size, fitting well in most vehicles.

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 UPPAbaby MESA. 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 UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 20 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
Width 18.5 inches 17.0 inches
Height 23.0 inches 25.0 inches
Depth 23.7 inches 28.0 inches
Weight 28.5 pounds 9.9 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
Model Year 2021 2020
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
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
Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Britax Marathon ClickTight UPPAbaby MESA
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the Britax Marathon ClickTight
Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA