Graco Snugride vs Chicco Keyfit: The Clash of Giants! Who’s the Best 2022 Winner?

You want the best infant car seat for your little ones, yet you cannot decide on the best solutions.

You're indecisive between the most significant competitors on the car seat market - the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat and the Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat.

Both are exceptional infant car seats with maximum safety standards, affordable price tags, maximum comfort and convenience, and additional benefits.

But we can have only one winner. So, what seat is the best one? Read below.

Graco SnugRide or Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seats? The Best 2022 Debate

1. Design and specifications

As you already know, both the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 and the Chicco KeyFit 30 are infant car seats.

The car seats offer only one position - a rear-facing one.

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat supports babies between four and 35 pounds of the maximum weight limit and up to 32 inches tall.

On the other hand, the Chicco KeyFit 30 rear-facing car seat accommodates children between our and 30 pounds, up to 30 inches of the height limit.

Therefore, the Graco SnugRide 35 baby car seat offers more support as your child grows, whereas the Chicco baby car seat fits smaller babies.

For this reason, I prefer the Graco SnugRide 35 infant car seat, which provides more weight and height.

Or, you can pick another infant car seat from the same series, the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 infant car seat, as it offers a similar design, overpassing the Chicco car seats.

In addition, the Graco SnugRide 35 measures ‎30.87 x 19.96 x 15.51 inches and weighs 9.75 pounds, while the Chicco KeyFit 30 measures ‎27.5 x 16.75 x 24 inches and weighs 16.6 pounds.

The Graco SnugRide 35 has a far more lightweight seat weight, but the Chicco KeyFit 30 is a compact baby car seat.

It's narrower in dimensions, so it might be slightly easier to fit your vehicle's seat.

I'll leave the final decision to you. But, first, you need to know that both car seats are made in China but with top-quality features. That's why they are the main competitors on the market.

2. Safety features

All parents want the safest car seats for their babies and growing children. Thus, the car seats meet and exceed all IIHS, FMVSS, NHTSA, AAP, and similar laws and regulations.

Moreover, the seats also undergo rigorous crash tests and perform optimally for the market's use.

So, don't worry - the two models are exceptionally safe for your baby.

The Graco SnugRide 35 uses the TrueShield Technology, with multiple layers of side-impact protection, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and an overall steel frame.

It offers the best protection for your little ones, keeping the child's head, neck, spine, and torso safe and intact while in the infant car seat.

Th Graco SnugRide 35 also features an anti-rebound bar, protecting your baby from the rear, frontal, side, and rollover collisions.

Very few car seats can protect your baby in rollover crashes, and the Graco car seats set the standards.

On the other hand, the Chicco KeyFit 30 also offers more layers of side-impact protection, the EPS energy-absorbing foam for the improved impact protection, and a rigid frame to keep your baby safe and sound in the seat.

The baby car seat is also exceptional due to the additional infant insert and keeping your little one stable and secure on the road.

Of course, both baby car seats use the five-point harness system to give kids more security and stability and keep their crucial body parts intact and safe while in the seats.

According to numerous safety experts, both baby products have the highest safety ratings, so, logically, parents have higher safety expectations.

And many parents claim the Graco SnugRide was part of the multiple car accidents, which was another safety test for the car seat. So, they prefer it over the Chicco KeyFit 30.

But, I prefer both models, as both are extraordinary in all safety points. So, you can pick your favorite model.

3. Installation process

As with other infant car seats, the Chicco & the Graco infant car seats also have two types of installation modes - the seat belt system and the LATCH system.

The vehicle seat belts are convenient for effortless installation, but manufacturers suggest the LATCH connectors over the vehicle seat belt for a more straightforward setup.

So, what's the difference?

The Graco SnugRide 35 uses the InRight LATCH connectors, while the Chicco KeyFit 30 has the SuperCinch force-multiplying LATCH Tightener.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 seems more accessible to install than the Graco infant car seat. Why?

Firstly, you need to install the stay-in-car base. Unloading the spring-loaded leveler is the next step. Place it on the car seat until the two bubble level indicators show it's stable for the secure fit.

Next, you must connect the two LATCH anchors and pull the strap tightly to make it more secure. Finally, attach the baby carrier shell.

The SnugRide 35 works slightly differently. Namely, you can install it with the seat belt or LATCH system for the tight setup.

The heck is that you must push the baby seat down with your knees to ensure it is tighter. You can pull down the lever when the straps are tight and snug.

The rear-facing car seat will be secure once you hear the "click" sound. You will need to practice a bit to get it installed correctly. I know it's tiring, but you must keep trying.

This is precisely why I love the Chicco KeyFit 30 more - you don't need to struggle at all. So, my vote goes to the Chicco baby seat.

You can try the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35, as it might be easier to install due to the more advanced features.

The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 uses both the vehicle seatbelt and the LATCH installation, and you might find it quicker due to the Click Connect technology.

So, if you don't want too much trouble, go with the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 baby seat. It won't let you down.

4. Comfort benefits and convenient use

The baby carriers are ideal for infant inserts. The SnugRide 35 uses built-in, sufficient padding, suitable as your baby grows.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 also features enough room and a seat pad for your little one, not increasing the seat weight and offering much comfort for small users.

But, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is a heavy car seat, so the SnugRide 35 might be more convenient to use and carry around.

Of course, you can install the seats with or without the base and find the best recline positions for your little ones.

All these little details are in the car seat manuals that come with the seat models.

But, you cannot use the seats for too long, and once your child overgrows the limits, you will just switch to a convertible car seat - forward-facing.

Regarding the seat material, the Chicco KeyFit 30 offers breathable fabrics, and you can even choose the Zip and Zip Air models for the exclusive 3D breathable mesh.

On the other hand, the SnugRide 35 infant car seat doesn't have such an option, and its seat material may not be as breathable as in the Chicco model.

So, I vote for Chicco to keep your little one calm, relaxed, and cool in the car seat.

However, the SnugRide 35 and SnugRide Click Connect 35 offer an adjustable carry handle. It's specific for the one-hand release.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 doesn't seem to have this function, so Graco baby seats are more advanced.

The Graco model has fifteen adjusting harness positions, while you will have to manually change the harness height and positions in the Chicco car seat. As a result, I'm not entirely fond of it.

You will have to moderate and adjust the straps as your little one grows and develops, requiring more jobs for a correct fit.

The result is a tie, as both brands have flaws and advantages so that you can select a better seat.

5. Extra benefits

You won't find cup holders, as the seats are rear-facing, so there's no room for these benefits.

On the hand, the SnugRide 35 has built-in infant inserts, while the Chicco car seat uses the removable ones. So, the Graco car seat better supports your child.

And, with or without the base, the Graco carrier weight is less than the Chicco weight. So, pay attention to this as well.

So, the Graco seems more advanced. Another reason for this is the sun canopy.

The Graco seat has a soundless sun canopy, while the Chicco's squeaks for some reason. But, on the other hand, it might wake up your baby, so it's as cozy as Graco.

6. Cleaning and maintenance

Thanks to specific content and materials, both models use the machine-washable car seat cover and seat pad.

You won't have to use mild soap and water to mild soap and water, saving your time and energy. Finally, you can keep them clean and fresh for subsequent use.

So, you can choose either seat; both are convenient for regular maintenance.

7. Travel-friendly car seats

As these are infant seats, you can bring them wherever you travel. They will occupy the back seat of your vehicle, and you can finish your errands.

The seats are also travel-friendly for long distances. The Graco seat might be easier to carry around than the Chicco model, but overall, they are both convenient for travel.

Both car seats are FAA-approved, and you can take them at the airport and later on the plane. You will find the labels confirming the aircraft and motor vehicle uses.

However, remember that the SnugRide car seat base is not FAA approved, so you will have to take only the carrier portion and install it for proper airplane use.

What about different uses?

The seats create different travel systems; you can use other brands to make your specific travel system.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 works perfectly with compatible Chicco strollers. You can use all Chicco strollers - jogging, twin, double, regular, etc. You don't need adapters.

The Graco model is also compatible with numerous Graco strollers, but not other brands. Once you find the correct stroller for your needs, you don't need the adapter for the travel system.

Some adapters for different brand seats are sold separately, and you must check if the stroller works with the chosen units.

For instance, some Graco adapters will have different widths, so they might not be compatible with every stroller or seat.

But, you can find multiple car seat stroller combos and choose the stroller systems in advance to fit your needs.

So, the result is once again a tie since both models feature pretty much similar benefits.

8. Budget-friendly seats

The two models have precisely the same price tags. They both cost below $230, and both are available on Amazon.

Even here, I cannot find much difference, so it's OK to choose either seat. But, of course, you can always switch to other brands if you want less expensive models.

But, I must remind you that Chicco and Graco are the two most competitive brands on the market. Therefore you won't find as quality seats as these for the same or similar prices.

I would go with both car seat models.

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35: Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Provides both coziness and security at the same time

- More support than the Chicco model in weight and height limit

- Suitable for grandparents and elders due to its simple but effective design

- Travel-friendly for strollers and different travel types

- Lightweight

- Easily adjustable

Cons:

- Few parents complain about possible wiggling

- Trickier installation than in Chicco

Chicco KeyFit 30: Pros and Cons

Pros:

- The highest-rated safety seat

- Quick to use, install and adjust to your needs

- Effortless and more straightforward setup than in Graco

- Travel-friendly for all travel units and multiple stroller types

- Affordable

- Quality matches the price

Cons:

- Bulkier than Graco

- The canopy squeaks and might not cover your baby fully

FAQs

Chicco Keyfit 30 vs Graco Snugride 35: Which one last longer?

The Chicco models offer six years of use after the day of manufacture. On the other hand, the Graco seat provides seven years of lifespan after the date of manufacture.

Graco lasts longer, giving more children support. It supports children up to 35 pounds, while Chicco supports kids up to 30 pounds.

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 vs Chicco KeyFit 30: Which is easier to install?

The Chicco seat is easier to install. In addition, it offers the SuperCinch force-multiplying LATCH Tightener and the attachments to make your setup process quicker.

On the other hand, the Graco model requires you to push it down with your knees to install it correctly, requiring more job.

So, the Chicco model is easier to install and use.

Chicco KeyFit 35 vs Graco SnugRide 35 DLX: Which is more travel-friendly?

Both are equally travel-friendly.

The Chicco seats are compatible with all Chicco strollers without adapters, while the Graco seats are compatible with all Graco strollers without adapters.

Can you use the Chicco KeyFit with a Graco stroller?

The manufacturer states that the Chicco seats are compatible only with the Chicco stroller models, so these are not compatible even with the adapters.

Are all Chicco KeyFit bases the same?

The KeyFit and the KeyFit 30 have the same base, although the first model supports up to 22 pounds, while the second supports kids up to 30 pounds.

Chicco KeyFit 35 vs Graco SnugRide 35 Elite: Which has a higher safety rating?

According to the Baby Gear Experts experts, they could find the necessary data to compare the two seats.

But, the 35 Elite has overall higher safety ratings than the KeyFit 35, including the safety standards, so it seems like a better option.

Are Graco SnugRide bases interchangeable?

Yes, they are interchangeable due to the specific Click Connect technology. Therefore, you can effortlessly use them with all infant carriers.

Chicco KeyFit vs Graco SnugRide: What's Your Best Choice?

My dear parents, what do you say? What is going to be your best car seat? Have you decided yet?

Due to the overall design, I would pick the Graco model as more convenient, but I prefer the Chicco seat more due to installation standards.

So, I'm in a problem as well. Therefore, I suggest you thoroughly examine the guide and find all the exciting details to choose the best seat.

But, whatever decision you make, you cannot go wrong. The seats are the best out of the best!

Good luck!