Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 vs. SnugRide 35 Lite LX: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX.

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

The Graco Nautilus 65 and the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX are both designed with safety in mind, offering a 5-point harness system for secure restraint of the child passengers. However, they serve different stages of your child's growth and have specific features that differentiate them distinctly.

The Graco Nautilus 65 is a 3-in-1 harness booster car seat that grows with your child. Particularly, it transitions from a forward-facing harness seat for toddlers to a highback booster and finally to a backless booster seat for older children. Touted for its safety features, durability, and capacity to accommodate children from 22 to 100 pounds, it’s a long-term investment. Moreover, this 3-in-1 car seat allows a maximum weight of 65 pounds in forward-facing mode, which means your child can stay in this safer position for longer. Yet, some drawbacks to be aware of are challenges with installation and buckle adjustability which can pose some difficulties for the users.

On the other hand, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is an infant car seat that caters to babies from 4 to 35 lbs and up to 32 inches. This rear-facing-only seat is lightweight, which makes it easy for parents to move the baby from the car to a stroller. With an easy-to-read level indicator and a 4-position adjustable base, it ensures a simple installation. Despite the lack of extra features and some structural glitches, this car seat gets the job done by delivering core features without adding unnecessary bulk.

So, the choice between the two products largely depends on the specific needs and stage of your child. If you're expecting an addition to your family or have a newborn, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a more suitable option given its design tailored for young babies. This option offers affordability, lightweight design, and ease of installation.

However, if your child has outgrown the infant car seat stage and you're looking for a long-term car seat solution, the Graco Nautilus 65 makes an excellent investment. With its adjustability and safety assurance, this car seat can accompany your child throughout their growth, without compromising comfort. Despite its higher price point, the durability and longevity of the Graco Nautilus 65 provide a cost-effective choice in the long run.