Graco Contender 65 vs. TriRide 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco TriRide 3-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

When it comes to selecting a car seat that provides safety, reliability, and an assured longevity of use, Graco has managed to present two options in the Contender 65 and the TriRide 3-in-1. Both come with impressive safety features, but they differ in some key areas.

Graco's Contender 65 is a versatile convertible car seat that grows with your child. It fits infants and toddlers weighing between 5 and 65 pounds and provides a good balance between cost-effectiveness and functionality. It offers a forward-facing and rear-facing option and boasts robust safety features. Installation is relatively straightforward and the seat's construction is impressively impact-resistant. However, there are some drawbacks to note. The comfort of the straps has been a point of criticism and the seat cover is relatively challenging to remove and clean.

On the other hand, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 is the car seat that takes us the extra mile with its transition from rear-facing to forward-facing harness to a high-back booster seat. This budget-friendly option accommodates children from 5-100 pounds and shows its versatility in its potential for long-term use. Particularly notable is Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered system, which provides enhanced safety, and the machine-washable seat pad that simplifies maintenance. However, the TriRide 3-in-1 does have its weak spots, with installation noted as being potentially complex and issues with comfort depending on child size.

Both seats provide safe and adaptable options for families. Still, those seeking a seat that can go the extra mile, with the ability to transform into a high-back booster and handle a weight up to 100 pounds, should lean towards the TriRide 3-in-1. Though a bit more of a challenge to install, it provides longevity and adaptability well worth any initial inconvenience.

However, if a car seat's cleanliness is a top priority and you prefer a hassle-free cleaning process, the Contender 65 might not be the best fit. Here, the TriRide 3-in-1 shines again with its machine-washable pad. Yet, despite some of its limitations, the Contender 65 still stands strong as a reliable and affordable option for parents who prioritize easy installation and robust safety features.

In comparing these car seats, it's clear that parents must weigh the value of longevity and adaptable use (TriRide 3-in-1) against ease of installation and robust safety features (Contender 65). Both are strong choices in their own right, but the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 edges ahead with its versatility, high-back booster option, and machine-washable seat pad for easy cleaning.