In-Depth Review of the Graco Contender 65 (2023)

Product Overview

The Graco Contender 65 is a convertible car seat designed to accommodate children from infancy to the toddler stage. It offers both rear-facing and forward-facing options, catering to children weighing between 5 and 65 pounds. This seat emphasizes safety, comfort, and convenience, featuring an adjustable harness system, multiple recline positions, and easy installation. The Graco Contender 65 is a practical choice for parents seeking a reliable and adaptable car seat without breaking the bank.

Key Features

What features set this car seat apart from others?

• Adjustable Harness: Features an easily adjustable harness system for growing children.
• Cup Holder: Includes a cup holder, adding convenience for both child and parent.
• Recline Positions: Offers multiple recline positions, enhancing comfort for the child.
• Robust Build: Strong and impact-resistant construction, emphasizing safety.

What Real Owners Think

Here's what actual owners of the Graco Contender 65 had to say based on hundreds to thousands of reviews we've analyzed from Walmart and Amazon.

Pros	Cons
Versatile and grows with the child (reversible, adjustable headrest)." As a mom of 4, I appreciated its long-lasting convertible nature, suitable for children 5-65 lbs." Generally easy to install in various vehicles." Installation was simple to me and set right to where the level said it should be." Comfortable padding and quality material." Feels good quality and durable, but also comfortable."	Difficulty in cleaning; seat cover not easily machine washable." The seat cover doesn’t really come off so machine washable it is not." Straps can be uncomfortable, potentially scraping against the child's neck." The straps are too straight...they should come down at an inward angle."

Who Should Buy the Graco Contender 65?

The Graco Contender 65 is ideal for parents seeking an affordable, versatile car seat that will grow with their child. It's particularly suited for those who prioritize safety and ease of installation but don’t mind a bit of extra effort in cleaning. This car seat is a good match for families who need a reliable, no-frills option for everyday use.

Final Verdict

The Graco Contender 65 strikes a balance between functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. While it has room for improvement in cleaning convenience and strap comfort, its adaptability, ease of installation, and robust safety features make it a solid choice for pragmatic parents. It's a sensible purchase for those who need a reliable car seat that can adapt to their child's growth without a hefty price tag.

Specifications

Allowable Height and Weight Ranges

	Height Range	Weight Range
Rear-facing	0 - 49 inches	5 - 40 pounds
Forward-facing	0 - 49 inches	22 - 65 pounds
Booster

Dimensions and Weight

Width	20.3 inches
Height	24.8 inches
Depth	17.3 inches
Weight	15.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Model Year	2021
Made In	China
Frame Material	Plastic

Safety and Compliance

Federal Safety Standards	Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes	Forward-Facing Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings These ratings let you compare how easy it is to use certain car seat features. They are not a reflection of car seat features being better or safer.	Rear-Facing Mode Overall Labels Instructions Securing Installation Features Forward-Facing Mode Overall Labels Instructions Securing Installation Features
Previous Recalls	This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Attachment Methods	LATCH Seatbelt
Harness Type	5-Point
Cup Holders	Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Manufacturers Warranty Length	1 year
Lifespan	7 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats
See all Convertible car seats