Century Drive On 3-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Rating 4.69 4.70

Our Thoughts

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 and Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 car seats are both robust choices for child safety, but they offer different strengths that warrant discussion. Beginning with the Century Drive On 3-in-1, this seat distinguishes itself with a commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of fabric made from recycled materials. Moreover, its lightweight and compact frame makes it a fitting option for small vehicles or parents who regularly move the seat between cars. The Drive On 3-in-1 offers a weight range from 5 to 100 lbs, covering rear-facing, forward-facing with a harness, and as high back booster. An essential feature to note is the maximum weight allowed in the forward-facing mode, which is 65 lbs, providing a significant period for your child in a secure harness.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 is an aptly named model, offering a grand weight range from 30 to 120 lbs for children aged 1 to 10 years as a harness and high back booster. The clear advantage of the Grand 2-in-1 is its extended use in the forward-facing harness mode from 30-65 lbs, and in the booster mode from 40-120 lbs, giving you a longer lifespan and an increased weight limit compared to conventional seats. However, unlike the Drive On 3-in-1, the Grand 2-in-1 does not offer a rear-facing configuration.

Regarding safety, transportation, and FAA approval, the Drive On 3-in-1 is FAA approved for both rear and forward-facing modes but not for high back booster mode. On the other hand, the Grand 2-in-1 is only FAA approved in the forward-facing mode. For families who frequently travel by air, this is an important consideration. Also, when it comes to installation, parents may find the Drive On 3-in-1 slightly more challenging to install than the Grand 2-in-1.

The choice between these two car seats depends on individual needs, preferences, and budget. For environmentally conscious families who desire a lightweight and compact seat that can accommodate different ages and stages, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 is a fitting choice. However, for those seeking a high back booster seat with an extended weight range that covers the child's growth from toddlerhood to pre-adolescence, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 offers great value for money. If a rear-facing option is crucial for you, then Drive On 3-in-1 should be your preference. If the primary focus is on budget and long-term usage, the Grand 2-in-1 could serve your family's needs better. Both selections provide strong safety features, so you can choose confidently based on your individual needs.

Key Details

Drive On 3-in-1 Grand 2-in-1
Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Brand Century Safety 1st
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.69 4.70
1 yr Price Range $118.99 - $169.99 $74.99 - $79.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
Currently unavailable
-
Value

Priced reasonably for a 3-in-1 car seat with sustainable materials.

The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time.

Safety

Several indicators of robust safety features and consumer trust.

It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame.

Features

Unique eco-friendly fabric and multi-stage convertibility.

While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats.

Installation

Some parents find the installation challenging.

Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail.

Cleaning

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance.

Size

Its compact design is advantageous for small spaces and portability.

The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car.

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 Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. 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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 32 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 30 - 65 pounds

Booster

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Width 13.0 inches 19.6 inches
Height 30.6 inches 30.2 inches
Depth 20.8 inches 18.3 inches
Weight 13.7 pounds 12.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In China USA
Frame Material Unknown Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Century Drive On 3-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 7 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Century car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Century Drive On 3-in-1
Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1