Graco Contender 65 vs. Extend2Fit: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Extend2Fit.

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

When deciding between the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Extend2Fit car seat, a few key differences may sway your decision. Both models are designed to grow with your child, offer robust safety features, and are highly rated by users, albeit, offering slightly different features and benefits that cater to varying parent needs and preferences.

The Graco Contender 65 is a practical choice that maximizes functionality and safety at an affordable price point. It elegantly transitions from infant to toddler stages, accommodating children weighing between 5 and 65 pounds. While it excels in areas such as ease of installation and adjustable harness system, the Contender 65 falls short in aspects such as cleaning, where parents note challenges with removing and washing the seat cover. Another disadvantage is the strap design, which can be potentially uncomfortable for children. Despite these cons, the Contender 65 offers an ideal solution for parents who prioritize safety, convenience, and are on a tighter budget.

On the other hand, the Graco Extend2Fit features an adjustable extension panel allowing children to stay in the rear-facing configuration for longer than many car seats, a safety feature highly recommended by experts. It's designed to transition seamlessly from infancy through to the booster seat years, accommodating children from 4-100 lbs. Parent reviews highlight comfort, extended rear-facing weight limit, and its competitive pricing as key advantages. However, the Extend2Fit is a larger seat, which can be a bit bulky in smaller vehicles, and mirrors some of the same cleaning challenges noted with the Contender 65.

Key discrepancies to consider between these two models include the specRFMaxWeight and specBoosterMaxWeight. The Extend2Fit excels in both of these areas, with the ability to accommodate children in rear-facing mode up to 50 lbs and in booster mode up to 100 lbs, compared to the Contender 65's 40 lbs and non-applicable booster capacity. This extended weight range means children can use the seat for a longer period of time, potentially saving parents the cost and hassle of buying a separate booster seat.

Based on these comparisons, I'd recommend the Graco Extend2Fit if you have the additional budget. It may be a more expensive up-front cost, but the extended usability outweighs the initial investment. It provides advanced safety features, extended utility, and durability – well worth the extra cost. However, if budget is of concern, the Contender 65 is still a robust and reliable option, proving to be a fully capable car seat for those keen on safety and practicality.