Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback 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

Our Thoughts

Let's compare the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 Highback and the UPPAbaby MESA. Both are well-regarded car seats made by trusted manufacturers. However, they serve different ages and stages in a child's life and offer varied features that might appeal to parents based on their specific needs.

The Graco TurboBooster 2.0 is a budget-friendly booster seat that accommodates children weighing 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. It transitions from a highback to a backless booster as your child grows, providing a long-term solution for boosting your child to a height appropriate for using the vehicle's seat belt. The TurboBooster focuses on core safety features with Graco's ProtectPlus system for enhanced crash protection and open-loop belt guides for proper seat belt positioning. The booster seat is also equipped with an adjustable headrest for comfort, and the fabric seat pad is machine washable for easy cleaning. However, the lack of latch anchors may be a consideration for those who prioritize extra stability in installation.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA is a premium infant car seat designed specifically for use from birth up to 35 pounds or until your child reaches 32 inches in height. It offers advanced safety features, such as side-impact protection integrated within the headrest and a no-rethread harness that adjusts easily as your baby grows. The MESA stands out for its SMARTSecure system that ensures accurate and secure installation every time. The car seat is also compatible with UPPAbaby strollers, allowing for a seamless transition from car to stroll. However, some parents might find the seat a bit heavy as the baby grows, and as an infant seat, it has a shorter usage span than the Graco TurboBooster.

When deciding between the two, it's vital to consider your current needs and future plans. If you're looking for a long-term, affordable seating solution for a child already in the booster seat age and weight range, the Graco TurboBooster 2.0 is a solid choice. However, for newborns and smaller babies, and if budget isn't a primary concern, the safety features and overall convenience of the UPPAbaby MESA are hard to beat. The MESA also gets extra points for its FAA-approved rear-facing configuration, a great advantage if you're a family frequently on the move and plan to travel by air.