The Best Convertible Car Seat for Small Cars You Need to See

#1. Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat - The Best Convertible Car Seat for Small Car

There is definitely a reason why Graco absolutely dominates the car seat market.

Their car seats are the most frequently both car seats on Amazon, with this particular model having more than 20000 reviews.

What pushed them to the top of corporate ladders is the proven quality and functional design that parents simply love.

To my mind, Graco Extend2Fit is the best convertible car seat for compact cars because it features high adjustability, compact dimensions, and functional design that allows your kid to ride in a rear facing position longer while providing extra leg space to you in the front.

It has been tested in compact and midsize cars, so it will most probably fit your small car as well.

The car seat measures 22.1 inches in depth, 19.2 inches in width, and 25.2 inches in height. It can be installed in a rear facing mode and forward facing mode (RF 4- 50 pounds, FF 22-65 pounds).

What is more, this exquisite car seat features a four-position extension panel that enables your kid to ride in a rear facing direction longer with five inches of extra space.

Plus, with six recline positions and ten headrest positions, your little one will experience perfect comfort every time.

Finally, the seat has a one-second In-right LATCH system, harness compartment, and no-rethread harness. Therefore, it is pretty easy to install and use. 

Also, ProtectPlus engineering makes sure your child is perfectly safe in the side rear, frontal, and even rollover crashes.

The most important thing is that the seat meets the Federal Safety Standards and is approved for aircraft use.

#2. Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 - The Best Three-in-one Convertible Compact Car Seat

Graco strikes again! 

With so many fantastic models, this brand is simply unavoidable. I had to include another one of theirs, but this time a three-in-one car seat version.

Three-in-one convertibles are very rare among compact car seats mainly because they are usually bulkier, as they accommodate kids up to 4-7 years.

The seat is 16.25 inches deep, 25.5 inches high, and 19.75 inches wide when it comes to dimensions. It includes three modes: the infant car seat, forward facing, and belt positioning booster.

Rear facing accommodates kids from five to 40 pounds, front facing from twenty-two to 65 pounds, and the booster from 50 pounds to 100pounds.

This Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat exceeds the FMVSS 213 US Safety Standard and features side impact protection with a five-point harness system.

It also includes ProtectPlus engineering for crash protection and extreme temperature conditions.

As for the installment, it is a piece of cake with the In-right latch system, one-second attachment, and four-position reclines.

Plus, the unique rotating cup holders move inwards to save more space and make the entire seat slimmer.

You don't have to worry about skin irritations and allergies since this seat incorporates high-quality materials, plush cushions, and EPS foam. When the seat is no longer clean, you can take the pads off and wash them in the washing machine, simple as that!

This seat is excellent for small cars; the customer's claim they were able to fit three across their compact vehicle with ease. In this case, make sure the other seats are compact as well.

It is better to opt for at least one infant car seat as they are smaller, and once your kid outgrows it, use the convertible your other kid used to drive in.

However, as cool as it is, there is one downside of this car seat: it is not approved for airplane use.

#3. Britax One4Life ClickTight - The Best One-For-Life Compact Convertible Car Seat

Britax brings another all-in-one compact car seat, designed to follow your child's growth until he/she is ready to use a safety belt only.

What makes it unique is its high adjustability and practical design embodied in a pretty compact car seat that fits even the smallest cars.

The seat measures 20.5 x 19.5 x 25 inches and accommodates infants from five to twenty pounds, toddlers from twenty to fifty pounds, preschoolers from twenty-two to 65 pounds, and big kids from 40 pounds to a hundred and twenty pounds in weight.

I guess you are mostly concerned about safety, so you'd be thrilled to know that there are two layers of impact protection on both sides.

Plus, the unique SafeCell technology crumples to absorb the energy during crashes, and the V-shaped tether prevents the seat's movement of the seat in crashes.

As for the materials, this incredible One4Life ClickTight seat has a reinforced steel structure and air-ventilated mesh with built-in cooling channels, so your child feels comfortable.

The adjustability is honestly fantastic, the headrest can be adjusted among fifteen different positions, and the seat reclines in nine positions with simple, quick push technology.

I have to admit that the Britax One4Life seat is a bit expensive; some parents may not be able to pay more than $300 for a car seat. 

Yet if you think about it, it pays off in the long run. You will be using the seat for more than ten years; it is perfectly safe, federally approved, and can be used on aircraft.

I genuinely believe this seat to be an excellent choice.

#4. Diono Radian 3RXT - The Best Compact Convertible With European Design

Diono, one of the best car seat brands, has its representative among compact car seats as well.

In fact, It designed quite a challenging device with an extraordinary slim design and upgraded comfort. We give you the incredible Diono Radian 3RXT.

First of all, the seat measures 16.14 x 16.93 x 28.35 inches and features a unique sleek design, allowing you to fit three across with no fuss. What is more, it can be folded flat for more comfortable carrying and travel convenience.

The seat follows the growth of your child. 

You can use it in a rear facing mode from standard five to forty-five pounds, forward facing mode from twenty to 65 pounds, and in a booster mode from fifty to one hundred and twenty pounds.

When it comes to the materials, the seat imitates the exquisite European design, with reinforced automotive-grade steel construction and particular nest insert that helps your little one snug in safely and comfortably.

Plus, the bottom memory foam and energy absorbing foam lines keep everything super-soft and gentle for the sensitive skin of your child.

Moreover, the SuperLatch system allows easy installment, yet super secure. And, the side impact protection keeps your child safe and sound in the case of an accident.

At last, the seat meets federal safety standards and is FAA-approved; therefore, you can use it on an airplane. This is very important for infants, since the safest place for them on aircraft is in a rear facing car seat, despite the law that allows holding your baby in a lap.

All in all, this is one heavy-duty, honestly compact, and functional car seat that will serve you for more than ten years.

It is comfortable, safe, and specially-designed to fit three across, so it honestly could be a good investment.

Why should you opt for the Britax narrow car seat?

Firstly, the car seat will keep your child's safety in optimal condition and increase its stability and security.

As you can find, the narrow car seat contains the well-known Britax SafeCell Impact protection.

It's a system of safety benefits that provide additional and improved protection. It functions in a way that a foam-lined shall absorb the impact, external pressure, and forces in the case of a car crash.

Therefore, in general, the shell and the base keep your little ones stable, intact, and supported in a collision.

Of course, the frame is full of reinforced steel; hence it won't crack or damage too soon. Yet, it would help if you replaced your car seat after you had an accident.

Besides, the narrow car seat has a pretty straightforward installation, as you will find LATCH attachment points and connectors so that you can lock them with a click or release with the push-button.

So, the LATCH setup keeps the narrow car seat stable, fixed, and balanced while on the road.

Another great benefit is that the 5-point harness also offers extra security and protection for your kiddo.

Moreover, this harness is a no-rethreading one but hasten flexible points. Hence, you can moderate them and adjust them to your growing child. So, you don't have to remove and reinstall it again and again.

You will love it since the Britax narrow car seat offers to remove the cover, but not the harness. Therefore, you can clean and maintain it quickly, without any issues. So, it will be fresh and ready for more robust use.

And, since this is a narrow convertible seat, it fits children between 5 and 40 pounds in the rear-facing and 22 to 64 pounds in forward-facing mode.

#6. Evenflo EveryStage DLX All-In-One - Best EasyClick LATCH System

You can have faith in Evenflo since the research in 2018 showed that the LATCH design tests helped achieve THREE TIMES tighter installation in car seats and getting more space.

Therefore, the narrow car seat is famous for its EasyClick LATCH System.

Since the narrow car seat is all-in-one, you can use it for all ages and weights of your children. So, you can apply it as a rear or forward-facing harness and a belt-positioning or high back booster, with a maximum weight limit of 120 pounds.

Consequently, you won't have to spend your money on three different seats when you can purchase only one and use it for an extended period.

But, its essential purpose is to keep your kiddo comfortable.

That's why it offers numerous reclining options to minimize head slumps, find the best body posture, and keep your little one cozy. Therefore, the seat keeps the airway open for ventilation and a custom cradled fit.

If you still feel insecure, you can make your kiddos use the seat rear-facing longer.

Namely, you can manage it to multiple positions, so babies don't invade other passengers' space. So, your babies can remain there, entirely comfortable up to 50 pounds.

If you're interested in the cleaning process, let me tell you that the narrow car seat comes with a removable, machine-washable, and wipeable pad that you can easily clean and maintain.

Don't worry about its safety features.

The Evenflo tests their car seats and energy levels twice the regulated safety standards. Therefore, the narrow convertible car seat also meets and exceeds double FMVSS and regulations. So, it's more than safe for more extended use.

And, you can find two removable cup holders for easy cleaning and more convenience during the rides.

#7. Diono 2020 Radian 3R - The Best Super-Slim Design

The next is another Diono Radian model, this time 3R pretty similar to the other Diono car seat we reviewed. Yet this model is around a hundred dollars cheaper from the Radian 3RXT and slightly different in design.

This model measures 16 x 17 x 28.25 inches, while the 3RXT measures 16.14 x 16.93 x 28.35 inches.

Diono Radian 3R can accommodate children in rear facing, forward facing, and booster seat mode (from five to a hundred and twenty pounds). Yet it allows kids to ride in a rear facing position longer until they gain 50 pounds.

Just like the Radian 3RXT, Radian 3R features automotive-grade steel construction, designed to shield and provide a stable base.

What is more, it also has a famous Diono Radian slim design enabling you to fit three across your back seat with ease.

The unique SuperLatch system enables easy installment with an audible "Click" that ensures you installed the seat correctly.

Furthermore, with air protection and memory foam comfort, your child is super-secure in the case of an accident or crash.

Unlike Radian 3RXT, this seat does not incorporate a cup holder and a newborn insert. Yet you can purchase it additionally for a newborn child.

This seat meets the federal regulations and can be used in an airplane. It folds flat for more convenience during travel and carrying.

#8. Clek Fllo Convertible Car Seat - Best Energy Absorbing, Retardant-flame Content

If you want to place three narrow car seats at the back, then the Clek is an exceptional car model to do so!

As you will see, the narrow car seat comes with a maximum width under 17 inches; therefore, it conveniently fits challenging minor center seating positions.

Although you can use it as a convertible car seat, its design is predominantly for extended rear-facing uses. Thus, you can manipulate its design and extend it to keep your 50-pound children in rear-facing mode for as long as possible.

Besides, you will find the steel anti-rebound bar for enhanced and improved rear-facing safety standards and performance.

Of course, your kiddo will have maximum protection. As you might notice, the narrow car seat comes with a steel frame and shell, full of energy-absorbing foam.

In addition, the cover and base create layers and layers of side-impact protection, keeping your baby untouchable and stable in all kinds of car crashes.

Also, the adjustable deep headrest offers better support for the head and spine, keeping them optimal and balanced while in the car seat.

Regarding the material, the content is full of GREENGUARD fabrics - Gold Certified fluorine-free C-zero materials, flame-retardant-free materials, and stain, odor, and moisture-causing bacteria-free contents.

Therefore, it's both user and environment-friendly content, suitable for your kid's skin.

Thus, even in a car crash, the materials will also show their resistance to external pressure, impact and forces, and keep your baby safe and sound inside the car seat, not just the construction.

Concerning the energy-absorbing technology, it's a crumple system, full of aluminum honeycomb deformable cores, integrated into the narrow car seat shell and base, absorbing energy in a rash and keeping your child protected.

And, it has nine years of lifespan, plus a 3-year warranty.

#9. Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP - The Best Five-in-One Design

Now, I've seen many convertible car seats, but this is the first time I'm seeing a model that literally follows your kid's growth stage by stage.

It does not only include a rear facing, forward facing, and booster mode but allows adjustments between these major transitions so that you can accommodate your kid 100% accurately.

Let's see what this is all about.

Honestly, I am a bit skeptical about the dimension. Namely, in an upright position, Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP seat measures 19.5 x 24.5 x 24.13 inches (W x D x H), and when reclined, it measures 19.5 x 32 x 20 inches (W x D x H).

Hence, the seat is narrow when compared to other models, yet I would check the measurements carefully If I had a compact vehicle since it's not that small.

The seat features five modes, baby rear facing (five to twenty-five lbs), toddler rear facing (twenty-two to 40 pounds), toddler forward facing (from twenty-two to sixty-five pounds), child forward facing (from forty pounds to sixty-five pounds), and a belt positioning booster seat (from forty lbs to a hundred and twenty lbs).

Many modes are enabled with the vast diversity of adjustments, seven reclining positions, and fourteen headrest positions.

Aso, Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP seat features a unique torso side protection with three height positions and additional AirProtection technology.

The installment is a piece of cake since the seat has a one-click LATCH connector, hideaway harness, and integrated belt lock-offs.

Notably, the seat exceeds all federal regulations and is approved for use in an airplane with the internal harness.

Read more —

A Comprehensive List of the 6 Best Maxi Cosi Car Seat Reviews

#10. Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat - The Best Luxurious Compact Convertible Car Seat

Have you ever heard of the Clek Incorporation? 

This company produces luxurious yet ultra-safe car seats, designed according to strict European standards in Canada, yet for the American market.

They strive to create the ultimate car seat that would be a perfect blend of comfort, safety, and beautiful appearance.

Among their broad palette of products, we found this one - Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat, the perfect compact seat for small cars.

As they themselves claim, the Foonf convertible car seat is built like a tank.

It features solid metal under construction with a unique REACT safety system. This system uses the energy absorbing crumple technology to protect your child in the case of a frontal collision. The same technology is used in cars generally.

The safety is reinforced with a steel anti-rebound bar in the front of the seat, limiting the seat's rotation in the case of a collision, protecting your child, once again.

This car seat can be used in the rear facing and forward facing positions. The weight limits are 14 - 50 lbs RF, and 22 - 65 lbs FF.

Thanks to the rigid LATCH-system, it easily converts to a forward-facing car seat and includes three smooth recline positions.

I guess you'd be glad to know that the seat is entirely tailored in 100% Merino wool, which is fantastic insulation, keeping your child cold in summer and warm in winter. It has no brominated and chlorinated flame retardants.

The seat is less than seventeen inches wide and has superior side impact protection with energy absorbing foam layers. So you can easily fit this seat in whatever small car you own.

Importantly, this exquisite piece of baby equipment can be used in an airplane as well and meets the national safety standard.

#11. Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 - The Most Comfortable

Finally, the Baby Trend narrow car seat is an excellent choice for all of you who have younger children and toddlers. Thus, you can adjust three modes of the narrow convertible seat:

As you can see, there is no booster method, which some of you might find as a lack. 

Still, since this is the narrow convertible seat that easily fits three narrow convertible car seats in the back, it's pretty noticeable that it cannot work as a booster due to its slim construction.

However, a big plus is that you can install this narrow convertible car seat pretty straightforwardly.

As you will see, there is the rear-facing recline flip foot, allowing numerous installation angles with an effortless process.

Therefore, the built-in bubble level indicator will guide you to find the proper angle for your baby and keep them comfortable. So, the seat cannot move around, and your baby is more stable.

Another great benefit is that the car seat has safe head protection.

Namely, the head part offers deeper side wings for better and more improved side-impact protection.

Thus, even in the case of a car accident, your kid's head, spine and back will remain intact, stable, secure, and safe. The external forces, pressure, and impact cannot harm them, and they will be protected.

But, for additional protection and stability, you will find the crotch buckle and shoulder adjustment.

Thus, the 5-position shoulder and 3-position crotch buckle adjustment allow you to find the best body posture and tighten, lose the straps, and adapt them to your growing child's needs.

So, you can keep your child comfortable and accessible yet safe and sound inside the seat.