Chicco NextFit Zip vs. Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Chicco NextFit Zip and the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-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

Both the Chicco NextFit Zip and the Graco 4Ever DLX are top-tier car seats designed to grow with your child, but each one comes with unique features that set it apart.

The Chicco NextFit Zip is praised for its safety features, ease of cleaning, and overall comfort for your child. This car seat is designed as a convertible model that can be used both in the rear-facing and forward-facing configurations, accommodating your child from infancy to pre-school age. Its solidity brings a reassuring feeling of security, and the zip-off seat pad, which is machine washable, allows for conveniences that parents will appreciate. The seat's installation is also eased with a SuperCinch LATCH tightener. However, some drawbacks include its bulkiness due to its solid construction and the potential difficulty of strap management.

On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever DLX is built as an all-in-one seat that functions as an infant car seat, a convertible, a highback booster, a backless booster, and even a seat belt trainer. This innovative model is engineered to serve your child from infancy into grade school years, eliminating the need for multiple purchases as your child grows. Packed with safety features like side-impact protection and a steel-reinforced frame, the Graco 4Ever DLX combines safety and convenience in one seat. The car seat is also designed with a slimmer profile, which would better fit tighter backseats.

While both car seats accommodate children up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing configuration, the Graco offers more flexibility in later stages with its booster mode that supports up to 120 pounds and which is not available in the Chicco NextFit Zip. As for the maximum permitted weight in the rear-facing mode, both models stand equal with 40 pounds limit. When it comes to travel, both seats are FAA approved for forward and rear-facing travel modes.

Deciding between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for a seat that combines safety with practical maintenance and installation, you might lean on the side of the Chicco NextFit Zip. However, for those who want a car seat that eliminates the need for multiple purchases as the child grows and that is able to fit compact vehicles, the Graco 4Ever DLX is a solid contender.