Century Drive On 3-in-1 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 Century Drive On 3-in-1 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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating 4.69 4.90

Our Thoughts

Choosing the right car seat is crucial and what works for one family may not work for others. When we consider the Century Drive On 3-in-1 and the UPPAbaby MESA car seats, it’s clear that each one has its own strengths and could be the better choice depending on a family’s specific needs.

The Century Drive On 3-in-1 car seat offers a lot of versatility. Since it serves as a rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat, it can suit children from 5 to 100 pounds. Parents have praised its lightness and compactness, which are invaluable when you need to move the seat between cars or accommodate it in a smaller vehicle. Plus, this seat stands out for its eco-friendly fabric made from recycled materials. However, some parents have found the installation a bit tricky, whether using the LATCH system or a seatbelt.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is a dedicated infant car seat designed for babies weighing between 4 to 35 pounds. Parents love this car seat for its easy installation, due to the unique SMARTSecure System. The MESA is also praised for its sleek design and quality materials, providing a comfortable and secure environment for the little ones. Additionally, this car seat integrates seamlessly with UPPAbaby strollers, making it a robust solution for parents who value coordinated travel systems. However, parents should bear in mind that its use is limited by age and weight to infant stages, and an upgrade would be necessary as baby grows.

Taking into account all the data points, I would make the following recommendation: If parents want a car seat that can adapt as their child grows, the Century Drive On 3-in-1 would be a practical and affordable choice. Its wide weight range from 5 to 100 pounds in different configurations definitely adds to its longevity. However, if parents are preparing for a new arrival and plan to use UPPAbaby strollers, the UPPAbaby MESA is worth the higher price for its seamless integration into daily life and advanced safety features.

Key Details

Drive On 3-in-1 MESA
Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Brand Century UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.69 4.90
1 yr Price Range $118.99 - $169.99 $239.99 - $349.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value

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

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

Safety

Several indicators of robust safety features and consumer trust.

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

Features

Unique eco-friendly fabric and multi-stage convertibility.

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

Installation

Some parents find the installation challenging.

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

Cleaning

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

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

Size

Its compact design is advantageous for small spaces and portability.

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 Century Drive On 3-in-1 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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Width 13.0 inches 17.0 inches
Height 30.6 inches 25.0 inches
Depth 20.8 inches 28.0 inches
Weight 13.7 pounds 9.9 pounds

Core Specifications

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Model Year 2021 2020
Made In China China
Frame Material Unknown Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. 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

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Century Drive On 3-in-1 UPPAbaby MESA
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 7 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Century car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the Century Drive On 3-in-1
Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA