Britax Poplar vs. UPPAbaby Alta: 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 UPPAbaby Alta.

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 UPPAbaby Alta
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Current price
In stock
$279.99
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.68 4.59

Our Thoughts

Deciding on the best car seat can be a little daunting, especially when considering vital factors such as safety, comfort, and accommodation for a child's growth. When comparing two well-regarded car seats - the Britax Poplar and the UPPAbaby Alta, several distinctions stand out that can assist in making an informed decision.

The Britax Poplar is a convertible car seat that seamlessly transitions from a rear-facing for infants to a forward-facing setup for toddlers, accommodating from birth up to 65 pounds or 49 inches in height. This flexible design underscores the seat's long-term usability. Parents frequently praise it for its ease of installation, made simpler using the ClickTight system that significantly minimizes setup stress. Another highly-valued feature of this car seat is its slim design, optimized for space efficiency - an optimal choice for compact cars. It's worth noting, however, that some users have pointed out that the weight limit might be a limitation, and the price could be considered high.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Alta is a high-back booster seat designed for older kids, between the ages of 5 to 10 years. The Alta accommodates a weight range of 40-100 lbs and a height range of 38-57 inches, employing unique features like rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system. This car seat is built for years of usage, with notable attributes like its seven-position headrest that adjusts with your child's growth. However, some parents have noted that there seem to be issues with the shoulder belt slipping out of position, hinting at a possible design flaw.

Between the two, the Britax Poplar offers more versatility, proven by its convertible design that supports both rear and forward-facing orientations, as well as a higher weight limit in forward-facing mode. It is also FAA approved for both its forward and rear-facing configurations, adding to its edge over the UPPAbaby Alta, which does not possess FAA approval.

Therefore, if you need a car seat for a newborn or younger child with the means to transition with their growth stages, then the Britax Poplar would be the ideal choice. It offers multiple safety and convenience features that could justify its higher price tag. However, if you have an older child between the ages of 5-10 and have a bigger vehicle like an SUV or minivan, the UPPAbaby Alta offers abundant space for comfort and an adjustable headrest that grows with your child.

Key Details

Poplar Alta
Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Brand Britax UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.68 4.59
1 yr Price Range $299.99 - $299.99 $179.99 - $179.99
Current price
In stock
$279.99
Currently unavailable
-
Value

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

Priced consistently at $179.99, it aligns with the market average for high-back boosters with similar features.

Safety

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

It's generally well-regarded by users for safety.

Features

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

Offers unique features like rigid LATCH connectors and a SecureFit belt routing system, which are not standard on all boosters.

Installation

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

Parents report easy installation, especially praising the rigid LATCH system, indicating a user-friendly experience.

Cleaning

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

The machine washable seat pad and removable cup holder are highlighted as positives for easy cleanup.

Size

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

Its dimensions are standard for a high-back booster, accommodating the appropriate age and size range without being exceptionally compact or light.

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 UPPAbaby Alta. 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 UPPAbaby Alta
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Height Range 38 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Width 17.0 inches 19.0 inches
Height 20.5 inches 33.0 inches
Depth 23.5 inches 20.0 inches
Weight 27.2 pounds 16.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Model Year 2023 2019
Made In USA China
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Federal Safety Standards Does not meet standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes 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 UPPAbaby Alta
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 3-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Britax Poplar UPPAbaby Alta
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Britax car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the Britax Poplar
Full review of the UPPAbaby Alta