Maxi-Cosi Rodisport vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Maxi-Cosi Rodisport and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

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

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$89.99
Rating 4.63 4.58

Our Thoughts

The Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Booster Car Seat and Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat cater to different segments of the market, with distinct features and benefits. Being three different types - a high-back booster, backless booster, and convertible seat respectively - their functionality and longevity vary too.

The Rodisport Booster from Maxi-Cosi is an elegant, secure, and versatile seat specifically designed for larger children. It functions as a high-back booster and converts into a backless booster when your child outgrows the high-back mode. The secure latch system ensures stability during travel, while the adjustable headrest and reclining feature cater to the comfort needs. This seat fit children who weigh between 40 and 100 lbs maintaining a sleek, modern design, which adds a touch of aesthetics to your car’s interior.

On the opposite end, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a cost-effective convertible car seat that is suitable for smaller children. It serves as a rear and forward-facing seat and is designed to accommodate children weighing from 5 lbs to 65 lbs. Compared with the Rodisport Booster, the Guide 65 takes an edge due to its extended use starting from infancy. It also has a compact footprint that fits well with smaller cars. However, fitting the car seat (especially rear-facing mode) is a bit cumbersome and might need some getting used to.

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport boasts an exceptional safety rating due to its rigid latch system providing high stability. In contrast, the Safety 1st Guide 65 provides basic safety features, with some users expressing concerns regarding stability, despite its side impact protection. Also, the Rodisport Booster doesn't stop impressing with its features. The adjustable headrest, convertible design, sleek aesthetic, and convenient installation contrast with the Guide 65's basic features and tricky installation process.

Regarding cleaning, the two car seats have similar reviews, while Maxi-Cosi Rodisport has the upper hand regarding size, thanks to its slim design that still offers ample space for the child.

In terms of cost, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is priced comparatively lower than the Maxi-Cosi Rodisport, but you might end up compromising the easy installation, legroom for older babies, and exceptional features offered in the latter.

So, for parents looking out for a long-term investment for bigger kids, offering aesthetics and easy installation features, the Maxi-Cosi Rodisport would be a wise purchase, though more expensive, it guarantees stability and comfort for the child in all aspects. However, for those leaning towards a more budget-friendly option, starting from the infant stage, Safety 1st Guide 65 would be a decent choice, keeping in mind that some aspects may require a bit of work, like the bit tricky installation process, especially in the rear-facing mode.

Key Details

Rodisport Guide 65
Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Brand Maxi-Cosi Safety 1st
Type High Back Booster Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.63 4.58
1 yr Price Range $179.99 - $179.99 $74.99 - $99.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$89.99
Value

Offers great features and comfort at a reasonable price.

Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost.

Safety

Equipped with a rigid latch system for maximum stability.

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features

Versatile adjustments and design cater to various child sizes and needs.

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

Installation

Simple and quick installation process with built-in latches.

Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents.

Cleaning

Standard cleaning ease, similar to most booster seats.

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

Slim design fits well in vehicles while offering ample space for the child.

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Maxi-Cosi Rodisport and the Safety 1st Guide 65. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Width 19.2 inches 19.0 inches
Height 35.1 inches 22.8 inches
Depth 10.3 inches 27.3 inches
Weight 16.3 pounds 11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Model Year 2021 2015
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Booster Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 4 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Attachment Methods Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type N/A 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Maxi-Cosi Rodisport Safety 1st Guide 65
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Maxi-Cosi car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Maxi-Cosi Rodisport
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65