Britax Poplar vs. Century Drive On 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Century Drive On 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

Our Thoughts

When looking at the Britax Poplar and Century Drive On 3-in-1 car seats, several key differences stand out. As a convertible car seat, the Britax Poplar transitions from a rear-facing seat suitable for infants to a forward-facing seat for toddlers. The seat supports rear-facing up to 50 pounds, allowing children to stay in the safer rear-facing orientation longer. Additionally, the ClickTight installation system of the Poplar simplifies the process of securing the seat, frequently praised for its effectiveness and ease of use. On the downside, some users reported difficulty adjusting the straps and found the heavy and bulky nature of the seat an inconvenience when moving it between vehicles.

On the other hand, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 stands out with its commitment to eco-friendliness, with fabric made from recycled materials. This slim and lightweight car seat is ideal for smaller vehicles or for parents in need of a portable option. While it does lack the weight capacity for rear-facing compared to the Poplar (40 pounds compared to 50), it becomes incredibly versatile by transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing and further into a belt-positioning booster, supporting children up to 100 lbs. The no-rethread harness for easy height adjustments as the child grows is a bonus. However, some parents found the installation process challenging and reported the car seat leaning to one side when installed with a seatbelt.

If the comfort and safety of your child, coupled with an easy installation process, are your foremost considerations, the Britax Poplar might be well-suited for your needs. The Britax brand upholds a strong reputation for safety and robust build quality, and the Poplar's remarkable weight limit allows for longer rear-facing usage, which is much safer for small children. Keep in mind that this option might be on the heavier and bulkier side and may not be the best choice for families that frequently switch car seats between vehicles.

However, if you are environmentally-conscious and need a more affordable, lightweight, and compact car seat, then the Century Drive On 3-in-1 could be an excellent option. It is also ideal if you require a car seat that can transition well into the later stages of your child's growth thanks to its booster mode. It's important to note that the installation might require more effort, so be prepared to spend some extra time making sure it's installed correctly. Therefore, this car seat is a strong contender if sustainability, space-saving design, long-term versatility, and affordability are your topmost priorities. Regardless of which option you choose, both of these car seats have been designed with your child's safety in mind and have been approved for both forward and rear-facing modes for air travel.