Britax Poplar vs. Maxi-Cosi Pria Max: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Britax Poplar and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max.

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 Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
In stock
$279.99
In stock (6 varieties available)
$229.99 - $229.99
Rating 4.68 4.43

Our Thoughts

When it comes to feeling secure with your child's safety while driving, both the Britax Poplar and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max are fantastic options. The Britax Poplar is a well-regarded convertible car seat revered for its ease of installation and space efficiency. On the other hand, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max is an all-in-one car seat, providing comprehensive safety and comfort for your child from infancy to their years in a booster seat.

The Britax Poplar offers a commendable balance between features and price. It has easy-to-remove fabrics for convenient cleaning, which is a boon for busy parents. One of its standout features is the ClickTight system, simplifying the installation process significantly while ensuring child safety. A limiting factor for Britax is the weight limit, with some users noticing that it supports a lesser weight range than they expected. This model is suitable for children until they reach 65 pounds or 49 inches in a forward-facing mode. It's worth noting that it's FAA approved for both forward and rear-facing modes.

Contrastingly, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max is a bit pricier and bulkier than the Britax Poplar, but its long-term usability and robust features justify the higher cost. The Pria Max includes a notable magnetic chest clip, which eases the process of getting your child in and out of the car seat, and a machine-washable cover for easy maintenance. The comfort level that the Pria Max provides to fussy babies also stands out, with parents reporting peaceful car rides. This car seat is suitable right from infancy, converting into a booster for older children up to 100 pounds or 52 inches. Like the Britax Poplar, it's also FAA approved for both forward and rear-facing modes, but not in the booster mode.

Considering everything, if your vehicle has limited space and the higher weight limit isn't a pressing requirement, the Britax Poplar with its easy installation and slim profile would be your go-to. It's also slightly more affordable if cost is a significant decision factor.

However, if your child is on the higher end of the weight spectrum or has outgrown their baby car seat, you might find the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max to be a better fit. Despite being slightly higher priced, its wide weight limit range coupled with the comfort it offers makes it worth the extra cost. In addition, if you have a more spacious car and are looking for an all-in-one solution that will accommodate your child’s comfort and safety over the years, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max would be an excellent choice.

Key Details

Poplar Pria Max
Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Brand Britax Maxi-Cosi
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.68 4.43
1 yr Price Range $299.99 - $299.99 $259.99 - $319.99
Current price
In stock
$279.99
In stock (6 varieties available)
$229.99 - $229.99
Value

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

Slightly higher price justified by its long-term usability and robust features.

Safety

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

Equipped with advanced safety features and sturdy construction.

Features

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

Offers unique features like a magnetic chest clip and easy strap adjustment.

Installation

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

Installation process is straightforward but can be time-consuming.

Cleaning

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

Easy-to-clean fabric and machine washable cover.

Size

The slim profile of the Poplar is advantageous for fitting into compact cars without compromising on comfort or safety.

Bulky design may not be ideal for smaller cars or frequent transfers.

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 Poplar and the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max. 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 Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 50 pounds 4 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 29 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Height Range 43 - 52 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Width 17.0 inches 20.0 inches
Height 20.5 inches 30.5 inches
Depth 23.5 inches 25.0 inches
Weight 27.2 pounds 23.0 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Model Year 2023 2022
Made In USA USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Plastic

Safety and Compliance

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Federal Safety Standards Does not meet standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Poplar Maxi-Cosi Pria Max
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all Maxi-Cosi car seats
Full review of the Britax Poplar
Full review of the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max