Safety 1st Guide 65 vs. UPPAbaby Knox: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Guide 65 and the UPPAbaby Knox.

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

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock
$89.99
In stock
$299.99
Rating 4.58 4.40

Our Thoughts

As a parent, safety and ease of use are two top considerations when choosing the best car seat for your little one. The Safety 1st Guide 65 and the UPPAbaby Knox are two interesting seats to consider, each with their own advantages and distinct features.

When exploring the Safety 1st Guide 65, its affordability stands out right away. It's a convertible car seat suitable for babies and toddlers from 5-65 pounds. This model allows for the rear-facing position from 5-40 pounds, transitioning to a forward-facing mode once your child is over 22 pounds. This extended rear-facing capacity makes it a sensible choice for safety-conscious parents keen on keeping their kids rear-facing for as long as possible, thus offering momentum to the model. This seat also shows a distinct advantage with its compact footprint, beneficial for families with smaller cars, or those needing to accommodate more than one car seat.

However, the Safety 1st model does have some pitfalls to consider. One consistent complaint is the seat's difficulty with installation, particularly in the rear-facing configuration. Its compact nature can also lead to a lack of legroom for taller children when rear-facing.

Switching gears to the UPPAbaby Knox, as a high-end option, its stylish design is distinctly appealing. It offers a range of advanced safety features, such as integrated Koroyd technology in the base and Side Impact Pods to absorb crash forces — a level of extra protection that goes beyond standard requirements. These safety provisions are a significant advantage. A machine-washable fabric further adds to its likeness, ensuring easier maintenance and cleanliness.

Nevertheless, it shares similarities with the Safety 1st Guide 65 as it also faces difficulties with installation. Its size, being bulkier than the Safety 1st model, makes it less suited for smaller vehicles or those needing to fit multiple car seats.

In weighing out the positive and negative aspects, it seems the Safety 1st Guide 65 would be a more suitable choice for those working with tighter budgets, smaller vehicle sizes, or needing to fit multiple seats. However, if you value premium styling and advanced safety features, the UPPAbaby Knox might be worth considering, especially if you have ample room in your vehicle. Both seats meet federal safety standards and are FAA approved for both rear and forward-facing — so no matter your choice, you can rest assured that your child's safety is prioritized.

Key Details

Guide 65 Knox
Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Brand Safety 1st UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.58 4.40
1 yr Price Range $74.99 - $99.99 $299.99 - $349.99
Current price
In stock
$89.99
In stock
$299.99
Value

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

The Knox is priced at the higher end of the market without corresponding enhancements in convenience or functionality.

Safety

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features like integrated Koroyd technology and Side Impact Pods offer advanced safety beyond standard requirements.

Features

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

While the chest clip's one-button release and the machine-washable fabric are nice, they don't set the Knox apart in a crowded market.

Installation

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

Installation challenges are frequently noted, which could be a significant deterrent for parents who need to move the seat between vehicles.

Cleaning

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

The machine-washable fabric is a convenient feature, allowing for easier maintenance and cleanliness.

Size

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

Its premium build comes with added bulk, making it less suitable for smaller vehicles or those needing to fit multiple seats.

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 Safety 1st Guide 65 and the UPPAbaby Knox. 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

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Height Range 19 - 40 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 14 - 45 pounds

Forward-facing

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Height Range 34 - 52 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 25 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Width 19.0 inches 18.8 inches
Height 22.8 inches 32.5 inches
Depth 27.3 inches 23.8 inches
Weight 11.6 pounds 32.5 pounds

Core Specifications

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Model Year 2015 2022
Made In USA China
Frame Material Aluminum Koroyd Technology

Safety and Compliance

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 2 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 2 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby Knox
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Safety 1st car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65
Full review of the UPPAbaby Knox