Are you indecisive about the two leading car seat brands and their products? No worries - we'll solve your dilemmas.
The article focuses mainly on the best convertible car seat comparison: Maxi Cosi Pria vs Nuna RAVA.
Both are extraordinary in all aspects and safety, which is why they're more prominent than other car seats.
But, only one can take the crown. So, who's the king? Stay tuned.
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Maxi Cosi Pria vs Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seats: The Final 2023 Overview
1. Design and specifications
Source: YouTube.com
When comparing the Nuna RAVA and Maxi Cosi Pria 85, both are convertible car seats. Thus, they offer multiple car seat positions:
- rear-facing infant car seat for kids 4-40 (5-50) pounds of maximum weight limit
- forward-facing convertible car seat for kids 22-65 pounds
Maxi Cosi Pria also offers a seat belt-positioning booster seat for children up to 100 pounds of maximum weight limit.
So, the crucial difference in the Nuna RAVA vs. Maxi Cosi Pria comparison is the design. The Nuna RAVA is a two-in-one car seat, while the Maxi Cosi Pria is a three-in-one car seat.
It can be the only car seat you'll ever need, and it follows your little one from infancy to school years. For this reason, I like it more than the Nuna seat.
On the other hand, the Nuna RAVA uses the extended rear-facing car seat mode for the higher rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds, while the Pria is limited.
The RAVA meets and exceeds American Safety Standards regulated by the AAP regarding the infant car seat to keep your child in the rear-facing mode longer.
Nowadays, it's one of the safest seats.
So, I prefer it over the Pria for its extended rear-facing position. However, Graco and Britax seats offer more weight and height limit for your babies and support children better.
Thus, Nuna wins over other seats. So, I again vote for it, as it offers more support for a child to ride rear-facing longer.
Regarding the dimensions, the RAVA measures 16 x 19 x 25.2-31 inches and weighs 27.2 pounds.
On the other hand, the Pria offers the following proportions: 25.25 x 24 x 19.88 inches and weighs 22.5 pounds.
The Pria is bulkier and more extensive than the RAVA, but it seems more stable for car accidents. Still, it might be tricky to moderate and adjust it quickly to your needs.
On the other hand, the RAVA model is also robust and heavy, although narrower to fit your smaller car easier.
And due to its narrow dimensions, the RAVA convertible car seat fits three car seats in the vehicle's back seat.
You cannot go wrong with either model, but I would still go with the Pria convertible car seat due to the all-in-one modes and saving money for extended use.
So, in this Nuna RAVA vs Pria round, the Pria wins.
2. Safety features
Both car seats are safe and secure since they're available on the market. In addition, both comply with all convertible car seat laws, NHTSA, IIHS, FMVSS 213, and other standards.
In addition, various safety experts rated the two car seats as the safest convertible car seats on the market.
Parents don't need to worry - your babies will be safe and sound for short or long rides. But, what are the differences? Let's see.
The Pria model comes with regular side-impact protection with the energy-absorbing foam to protect your baby's head, neck, and torso in the rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat.
It will keep your growing child safe in the rear, frontal, and side crashes.
Also, the construction and shell will absorb and redirect the impacts, forces, and pressure and keep your little ones intact.
So, it's secure and protects your little one as your baby grows.
On the other hand, the RAVA model comes with multiple layers of side-impact protection with the EPS energy-absorbing foam and an all-steel frame.
The all-steel frame only increases the side-impact protection, keeping your little one secure and intact in the side, rear, and frontal crashes, and reduces pressure and forces.
However, there are minor differences between this and other infant car seats.
Unlike infant car seats with multiple accessories, the RAVA convertible car seat doesn't come with the anti-rebound bar.
Many convertible car seats don't have this option or use the anti-rebound panel or similar safety accessories. However, you can obtain it for the RAVA model but separately.
Once you do, you will increase the safety and security of your growing child in the rear-facing infant seat.
So, I prefer it more than the Pria model, due to advanced safety standards, even without the bar.
The winner of this Nuna RAVA vs. Pria round is the RAVA convertible car seat.
But, both models offer the five-point harness system for extra stability and security of crucial body parts of your little ones. You can moderate them for the best fit.
3. Installation process
You know that you must install your car seats in the central/middle position of the vehicle's back seat, never in the front seat.
The RAVA uses the seat belt system for the primary installation process, both for rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
The True Tension Doors are ideal for such installation, and the technology adjusts to grandparents and other older caregivers.
It can also be installed with the LATCH system; however, the producer suggests the belt as the primary setup to avoid complications with the transitions between the LATCH and seat belt.
On the other hand, the Pria offers the LATCH system for all three modes - rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster mode.
You can still install it with the vehicle's seat belt, but it won't be as effective as with the LATCH connectors.
Besides, the LATCH weight limits are higher, so many parents prefer it for the front-facing mode (booster as well).
But, the main heck is that you cannot install the Pria in a small car if the dimensions don't fit.
Also, you cannot install the convertible car seat if your motor vehicle doesn't have the LATCH and lower anchors. So, choosing booster seats with a more straightforward installation would be better.
And the winner is again the RAVA model due to its effortless and more adjustable installation.
4. Comfort benefits and convenience
Most convertible car seats come with multiple recline positions, supreme materials and content, and numerous recline angles to fit your baby and car's needs.
The RAVA includes five recline positions for the rear-facing modes, and the convertible car seat uses two positions of the chest clip to adjust and moderate the no-rethread harness height.
You'll also find the harness holders to place the straps away when you don't use the seat.
Additionally, the car seat is ideal for the removable infant inserts that you can add or remove for extra child support and more room as they grow.
The materials are flame-retardant-free, all-natural, with built-in ventilation panels to keep your little ones relaxed, calm, cool, and unpressured in the car seats.
Also, when your child grows, the car seat offers two inches of additional leg room in the forward-facing position. So they won't be repressed.
And the unit fits three seats due to its narrow design.
Regarding the Pria model, the car seat offers three recline positions, less than the RAVA.
It's also famous for the QuickFit adjustment for the no-rethreading harness with multiple adjustments and positions to fit your growing children.
The car seat also contains a moisture-wicking fabric to keep your little ones calm, relaxed, and cool in the car seat. As a result, they won't be limited or pressured in the seat.
However, as the RAVA generally offers better content and more reclining options, it definitely wins over the Pria. Therefore, I choose it once again.
5. Extra features
Most car seats have at least one cup holder to keep your children occupied and joyful during long-distance trips.
You shouldn't consider a car seat without cup holders since obtaining them separately and installing them properly will cost you extra money.
Fortunately, both models have two cup holders, which are removable and easy to clean and maintain when your kids become too dirty and messy.
However, when you fold cup holders in the RAVA model, you get extra room for more car seats, and your little ones won't be pressured or limited.
Besides, you can focus better on the road while they enjoy food and drinks.
You can choose either model in these terms.
6. Cleaning and maintenance
Both car seats offer removable and machine-washable content and car seat cover. Also, you can quickly detach the cover to wash and keep it fresh for subsequent use.
The cover, pads, and other removable parts won't lose their shape or quality, and you can air dry them as well. So, it won't be time or energy-consuming.
Again, you can choose either model; they are both convenient for extended use and cleaning.
7. Travel car seats
Both models are too bulky and heavy for longer trips.
They are found for everyday errands and short distances, but if you want something practical, these might not be the best solution.
Of course, they will serve you well once you install them and remain in the primary position for an extended period.
But, it may be tricky and hard to move them between more vehicles so quickly. You have better options for such needs.
However, both car seats are ideal for air travel. Both seats are FAA approved for use on the plane, so look for the label on the frame.
However, the Pria model cannot be used and installed in the booster mode, only in the rear or forward-facing harness mode.
Boosters are not allowed on the plane in general, only in the transporting part. You can pick either mode; both are OK.
Source: YouTube.com
How expensive are these seats, if expensive at all?
The RAVA model has a high-end seat with a cost of $499. Unfortunately, it's not available on Amazon but on the official Nuna website.
The Pria is available on Amazon for $299. It's less expensive than the RAVA, and you can get a three-in-one seat for less.
You won't need a new car seat once your kids reach the maximum weight and height limits of the existing car seat.
So, here I prefer the Pria more than the RAVA model.
Maxi Cosi Pria: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Increased safety standards
- Quick to install and use with the LATCH
- Comfortable and adjustable for growing children
- The rapid transition between the modes
- No-rethreading harness
- Durable and versatile
- Machine-washable
Cons:
- Less reclining options than the RAVA
- Might be challenging to adjust the harness
- Impossible installation in the vehicles without the LATCH connectors
Nuna RAVA: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extended rear-facing way
- Maximum safety standards
- The fastest installation without complications
- More reclining positions than the Pria
- Cozier and better materials than the Pria
- Machine washable
- Adjustable harness
- Easily reclining with a press button
- Convenient to get your child in and out of the seat
Cons:
- Too bulky
- No anti-rebound panel or bar
- Too expensive
FAQs
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max vs Nuna Rava: Which car seat has the higher safety rating?
According to Baby Swag and similar safety experts - Consumer Reports, the Baby Gear Lab, etc., the Nuna RAVA has a higher safety rating - almost at the top with the Graco and Britax seats.
It surpasses the Maxi Cosi seats, although they are also higher on the list.
Source: Youtube.com
Maxi Cosi Pria vs Nuna Rava: Which model lasts longer?
Both last for an extended period, and both models last the same - ten years from the date of manufacture.
Maxi Cosi Pria Max 3 in 1 vs Nuna Rava: Which model is more suitable for travel?
None of them is precisely extraordinary for travel. However, both are heavy and robust for more vehicles and quick movements.
But, both are FAA approved and suitable for aircraft. So, you can choose either model; you cannot go wrong.
Maxi Cosi Pria all in one vs Nuna Rava: Which model is easier to install?
The Nuna model is effortless and straightforward to install with the belt system.
The main reason is that you won't complicate the transition between the belt or LATCH technology and can install it in almost all vehicles.
You cannot install the Pria in vehicles without the LATCH attachments, so it will be complex and take too much time to handle the installation properly.
So, Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Nuna RAVA: What's your bottom line?
That's it, my dear parents. We've reached the end of our short car seat trip. Are you ready to choose your final winner? Let's see.
Personally, I like the RAVA more due to more safety benefits and overall design. However, it comes with a higher price, and you will need another booster when your child overgrows it.
For this reason, I love the Pria more - you get more for less money, and less is always more.
But, you need to choose, so think twice, and ensure you read all the details before the final decision. Let me know once you select the best seat. Deal? 🙂
