Since you're here, you probably heard of Maxi-Cosi car seats. They most certainly are one of the best-selling baby equipment brands on the market, but what makes them unique?
Maxi-Cosi produces high-quality child restraint systems of all kinds, from infant car seats to all-in-one convertible car seats.
Their equipment meets all the federal safety standards and is mostly approved for use on the aircraft.
In the following text, I will cover all the essential information about the Maxi-Cosi brand and review the 9 best Maxi-Cosi car seats, objectively commenting on both the advantages and disadvantages I noticed.
Keep reading!
Table of Contents
- The Best Maxi-Cosi Infant Car Seats & Travel System
- The Best Maxi-Cosi Convertible & All-in-One Car Seats
- #1. Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat - Best for Growing Kids
- #2. Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 - The Best 3-in-1 Maxi Cosi Car Seat
- #3. Maxi-Cosi Magellan XP 5-in-1 - The Best All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- #4. Maxi-Cosi Magellan Xp Max All-In-One - The Most Advanced Maxi-Cosi Convertible Car Seat
- The Best Maxi-Cosi Booster Car Seats
- Get to Know Maxi-Cosi
- More Useful Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Maxi-Cosi car seat is the best?
- What is the best Maxi Cosi car seat for 4-year-old?
- Is Maxi-Cosi a US brand?
- Is Maxi-Cosi a good car seat?
- Is Maxi-Cosi a luxury brand?
- Is Maxi Cosi safer than Britax?
- Cybex or Maxi Cosi car seat: Who is the winner?
- What is the difference between Maxi-Cosi car seats?
- What is the difference between the Maxi-Cosi infant car seats?
- Do all Maxi-Cosi car seats fit the same base?
- Can you use a Maxi-Cosi car seat without ISOFIX?
- What accessories does the Maxi-Cosi car seat come with?
- How do I know if my Maxi-Cosi car seat is expired?
- When should I change my Maxi-Cosi?
- Can you wash a Maxi-Cosi car seat cover?
- How do you adjust the straps on a Maxi Cosi 360?
- Is Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max recalled?
- Final Thoughts
The Best Maxi-Cosi Infant Car Seats & Travel System
Most parents prefer infant car seats over convertibles for their fresh-out-of-the-hospital newborns. The reason behind this is probably the advertising, emphasizing the series of features specially adapted for infants.
At the same time, convertibles also come with infant inserts and can accommodate newborns adequately. But is it so?
Let's look at the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 infant car seat to figure out.
Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant car seat is a rear-facing child restraint system that includes the unique Cozy-Dozy infant insert, supporting your baby's neck and head adequately and ensuring a comfortable snug ride.
This makes the seat suitable for babies as light as four pounds, pushing the Maxi-Cosi Mico to the top of the market list when it comes to weight capacity.
For every car seat, but infant car seats, especially, safety is the most critical feature.
Luckily, Maxi-Cosi Mico is equipped with Air Protect Side Impact Protection and an anti-rebound bar, reducing the mobility and protecting your child in crushes.
The other conveniences this car seat offers are a stay-in-car adjustable base, ergonomic handle, removable covers, and a canopy for sun protection.
The materials are exceptionally soft, with plush padding, while the LATCH system allows one-click installation.
At last, the feature that genuinely makes this seat exceptional is its lightweight and stroller-compatibility.
All infant car seats of this quality and design weigh at least 20 pounds, while Mico 30 weighs around eighteen and accommodates children up to 30lbs.
You can combine the seat with Maxi-Cosi, Quinny, and many other strollers.
- Cozy-Dozy insert
- Washable Covers
- Plush padding
- Soft materials
- Stroller-compatible
- Lightweight
- Rear-facing use only
The Coral XP infant car seat is an exceptional model for your little one since you can use it rear-facing, for kids between 4 and 22 pounds, and up to 29 inches of height, or less.
So, your babies will have enough comfort and support for their little bodies.
Moreover, the Coral XP infant car seat provides a three revolutionary three-piece modular nesting system with four modes of carrying. Thus, you will find:
So, you can find the correct posture and carry mode for your body and have an ultimate experience with the car seat. Furthermore, it won’t create an additional burden for your hands or body, causing pressure or trouble.
Also, you can effortlessly adjust the seat to your needs.
Namely, the car seat contains a cross-body flex strap with an ergonomic design and shoulder pad. Thus, you can easily manage it using the pull tab and adjust it to your kid’s needs.
The inner carrier is detachable and removable. It weighs around five pounds. So, you can easily manage it as well and adjust to your needs.
However, when in the handle carry, the infant car seat works in the so-called transition mode. The car seat lets you grab both of its sides, release them from the car seat, pull out the lightweight carrier, and you can easily adjust it to your needs.
So, it will show maximum versatility and flexibility.
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Too upright; not for all infants
The following Maxi-Cosi car seat is an excellent travel system since it easily attaches to the stroller with the Mico car seat adapters. Thus, the travel system offers maximum maneuverability and versatility for its users.
Furthermore, the travel system fits all infants between 4 and 30 pounds and up to 32 inches of maximum height.
As you will find, the side-impact protection includes the air protecting the system, suitable for both rear-facing and forward-facing manners in the carriage mode. But, when used in the stroller mode, the seat reclines comfortably in both directions.
Thanks to the soft-textured fabrics, the seat provides the topmost comfort for your little one, premium comfort for you, and a stylish design and premium look.
So, you can combine well, and the travel system will work for you with its soft-textured fabrics.
Additionally, you will love the travel system due to the materials.
As you can observe, the travel system benefits the PureCosi fabrics, made without wool, or any other fire-retardant materials, so the unit is both user and environment-friendly, dryer-safe, and machine washable.
Due to the adjustable base with tightness and level indicators, the travel system confirms the proper installation process and the visual confirmation as well.
The travel system provides a secure and effortless seat belt installation with the integrated and updated belt lock-off.
So, it will add more stability and security for your little one and make them more secure in the travel system.
- Easy to install and use
- Maneuverability
- Easy to fold
- Too flimsy
The Best Maxi-Cosi Convertible & All-in-One Car Seats
The following Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat will wow you since the product has a three-in-one design.
Thus, it fits infants and younger kids between 4 and 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode, kids 22-65 pounds in a forward-facing manner, and kiddos up to 100 pounds in the booster seat mode.
The Maxi-Cosi Pria Max never compromises your child’s safety and security.
Namely, the side-impact protection technology has the GCell system, so it protects your child’s head when they need it most in the side-impact crash.
So, the seat will keep them stable, secure, and intact, offering more safety benefits and better body posture.
Thanks to the Clipquick auto-magnetic chest clip works well as you manage it, and you can moderate it to fit your little ones and their safety needs. So, the pin will add more stability to the harness or the seat belt.
Due to the EZ Out harness system, the car seat keeps the buckle and straps from getting twisted or bunched. So, the harness easily adjusts to your needs, adds more protection and stability for your children, and offers more security.
Also, the out-of-the-way spring-assisted safety harness provides and covers for effortless boarding, and the flip-away buckle won’t get in the way when you place or move children out of the car seat.
Of course, the car seat offers easily detachable and removable car seat fabrics, keeping kids cozy and soft, comfortable, and holding up spills. So, you can wash it for maintenance.
- Comfort
- Legroom
- Quick setup
- Too lose
Besides Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max, parents can find the original Maxi-Cosi Pria model on the market.
The main difference between these two convertible car seats is that Maxi-Cosi Pria has three modes, while 85 Max has only two.
So, for those moms and dads looking to find the best 3-in-one Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat, this model is a choice to consider.
The first fantastic feature I want to point out is weight capacity.
You can use this seat in a rear-facing mode if your child weighs between four and 40 pounds, forward-facing up to sixty-five pounds, and as a booster seat for up to a hundred pounds.
Compared to Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max, this seat has a pound lower bottom-weight limit in a rear-facing mode, but the 85 Max model has a higher maximum capacity in forward-facing.
I like this seat because of its QuickFit system that allows automatic harness and headrest height adjustments.
This is especially important in transitions between the modes when you need to find the new comfortable fit for your child. The ability to choose among three recline positions will make it even easier.
In contrast to Pria 85 Max, this convertible car seat has a G-cell side impact protection, not AirProtect. Yet it still protects your child's neck and head efficiently.
The materials are also soft and comfortable, machine-washable with thick padding. The seat also includes two cup holders for more travel convenience.
- Excellent weight capacity
- Three modes
- Easy to install
- QucikFit system
- Comfortable
- Safe
- A bit heavy (22.6 lbs)
Gradually, we've built our way to this incredible all-in-one Maxi-Cosi convertible car seat with five modes of use.
This convertible car seat was created to follow your child's development for ten years, providing appropriate restraint for kids from five to one hundred and twenty pounds in weight.
The seat can be used in a rear-facing position, forward-facing positions, and a high-back booster seat.
With the series of adjustments, rear-facing use is enabled for up to forty pounds, while the forward-facing use is allowed for children between twenty-two and sixty-five pounds.
You'll love this seat for its super easy installation and use.
Namely, its one-click LATCH connectors and integrates belt lock-offs spare you the time and energy when securing your child. As your child grows, you can choose between seven recline positions, adjustable with only one-hand.
On top of all this, the Magellan XP all-in-one seat is the only convertible car seat with an adjustable torso side impact protection while additionally allowing the headrest modification between fourteen positions.
At last, these seats include the premium soft fabrics (machine-washable), hide-away harness, and removable infant pillows.
So, your child remains tightly secured in each stage of his/her growth, and you can even use the seat on the aircraft.
- Five modes
- Excellent weight capacity
- Prolonged rear-facing use
- Adjustable torso impact protection
- Easy installation
- Heavy
If you thought that Magellan XP all-in-one was the best Maxi Cosi has to offer, brace yourself for Magellan Max - the most advanced convertible car seat from Maxi-Cosi.
Magellan Max has the same features as the original Magellan XP seat and a few additional bonuses. It has the same weight capacity (5-120 lbs), 5 different modes, and three positions (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster).
Adjustability remains the same; you have fourteen headrest positions and seven reclines at your disposal, with removable infant insert pillows.
The seat also has the side impact AirProtect shield, hide-away harness, and integrated belt lock-offs.
As for the innovations, this seat comes with a CliQue automatic magnetic chest clip and a spring-assisted harness for ultra-fast buckling up. The spring-loaded buckle also makes the unbuckling easier, so it will save you time and energy when you're on a tight schedule.
Both seats have premium, soft materials, yet Magellan Max has woven fabrics, while the original Magellan XP has the knit fabrics. Still, you can wash the cover in a washing machine safely, so both seats are pretty easy to maintain.
As for the weight, Magellan Max is slightly lighter, a pound lighter to be precise, but it also comes with a higher price.
Still, both seats are honestly reliable; the only advantage is that Magellan Max is modified to enable as simple use as possible.
- Automatic buckling
- Spring-loaded buckle
- Woven premium fabrics
- All-in-one
- Machine washable
- Safe
- A bit pricey
The Best Maxi-Cosi Booster Car Seats
What makes this Maxi-Cosi seat so unique? Let’s find out.
Firstly, the booster seat is an exceptional model since it offers a dual system, suitable for children between 40 and 100 pounds.
Thus, the belt-position booster seat has removable back support, but it stays in the right place due to the rigid and LATCH attachments that connect for an effortless and secure installation.
The seat also includes easy-to-use vehicle lap and shoulder belt guides to help you install and position the belt-positioning booster properly. They can also buckle themselves independently, thanks to the system.
Moreover, the booster car seat includes seven different positions, on the one hand, an easily adjustable headrest for a better fit and more comfort for your little one.
So, the seat will keep their proper body posture and offer maximum support for their more extended use of the seat.
Also, the kids will find it convenient and suitable for more extended rides, as the Maxi-Cosi booster car seat includes a removable, dishwasher-safe cup holder. So, they can place their snacks and drinks inside and enjoy more.
Of course, the booster works both as a belt-positioning and a backless booster seat easily; it depends on you how you will use it. Thus, the two-in-one design easily adjusts to your needs.
However, for more coziness and softness, the booster car seat has plush cushioning for extra comfort, so your little ones won’t feel any pain or pressure while using it.
- Comfort
- Safety
- Durable
- Adjustable
- Not visible flaws
The next in Maxi-Cosi offers the so-called 2/3 Car Seat Group, or booster seats, as we know them. Maxi-Cosi specially designed this line of seats for older kids impatient to use the seat belt.
They included many creative assets that make kids more independent as passengers and make it easier for parents.
From this line, I selected the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Booster, so let's see what this seat is all about.
Before we begin, let's settle who we are referring to when we say, big kids.
According to Maxi-Cosi, these are children between 40 pounds and 120 pounds in weight, so they designed this booster seat to support these weights, notably.
What parents unanimously agreed on is how comfortable the seat is to install. The rigid LATCH connectors make the installation a breeze, yet they keep the seat in place.
As the seat remains stable, children can easily buckle themselves in, especially with the seat belt guide making everything super-precise and straightforward.
Yet, even the big kids need to be safe.
So the AirProtect side protection system is incorporated in this model as well, along with the premium cushioning for the ultimate comfort.
Plus, the road to independence is usually intertwined with a messy situation or two, so Maxi-Cosi made their covers machine-washable and dryer-safe.
As your child changes, you can adapt the headrest height and expand the side wings, so the seat is pretty adaptable.
- Easy to install
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
- Seat belt guide
- Machine-washable
- Safe
- No cup holders
Get to Know Maxi-Cosi
Maxi Cosi car seats are a part of the Dorel Industry Inc., a manufacturer based in Montreal, Quebec. Dorel Industry produces juvenile products, bicycles, and home furnishings.
Besides Maxi-Cosi, Durel Juvenile also owns Safety 1st, Cosco, and Quinny baby equipment.
Maxi-Cosi emerged in 1984 in the Netherlands, where they produced the first infant car seat for the European market.
Nowadays, their offer includes baby equipment for all stages, with wildly popular convertible car seats.
1. Why are they popular?
Over thirty-five years, Maxi-Cosi baby equipment evolved to provide optimal safety for children and user-friendliness for parents.
Their offer exceeds ASTM and governmental safety standards, which makes their seats reliable and trust-worthy. Also, all the seats with internal harness are FAA-approved and can be used on aircraft.
Their car seats include only the finest materials that are removable and machine-washable. I find this very convenient since, after a while, you should refresh the seats to kill the germs and bacteria.
High-end seats include memory foam and thick but soft padding, so comfortability is a strength of these car seats.
Infant car seats are compatible with strollers, which is another unique convenience this brand offers. Also, convertible car seats and boosters come with a series of innovations that make the use effortless.
For example, a spring-loaded harness and magnetic chest clips enable fast buckling, vital when you're in a hurry!
Weight-wise, the seats are not ideal.
They mostly weigh around twenty pounds or so, which is not very useful for traveling, but it most certainly implies that the materials are heavy-duty.
For more travel-friendly options, check out our list here.
2. What Maxi Cosi offers?
- A lifetime warranty
- 100 days free trial
- Premium quality
More Useful Information
Parents mostly struggle with installation and adjustments.
Luckily, car seats from Maxi-Cosi feature an innovative design that makes the installation easy breezy, yet if you still don't know how to do it correctly, watch some of the tutorials the manufacturer made:
- How to install a Maxi Cosi infant seat?
- How to instal a Maxi Cosi convertible?
To make sure you installed your child restraint system correctly, find the nearest fitting station to have the system checked by the certified CPS technician. To find one, follow the links below:
- Safe Kids Worldwide Fitting Stations
And don't miss to register your car seat at the manufacturer's website or NHTSA's page so that you can keep up with the updates on potential recalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Maxi-Cosi car seat is the best?
All of the seats I reviewed today show exquisite quality.
So if you're interested in car seats for infants, definitely go with Mico 30 Infant Car Seat.
However, overall I find Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 convertible car seat the most advanced and easy to use all Maxi-Cosi seats.
What is the best Maxi Cosi car seat for 4-year-old?
The best Maxi-Cosi car seat for a 4-year-old is the Maxi-Cosi Pria.
This is a 3-in-1 car seat with a weight limit of 40-100 pounds. It supports three riding installations so that you can use it with rear-facing, forward-facing, and as a high-back booster.
It's also equipped with a top-notch safety system and includes side impact protection and a one-click latch system.
Is Maxi-Cosi a US brand?
No, Maxi-Cosi is not a US brand.
The car seat brand was created in 1984 in the Netherlands and has since joined as one of the most popular baby gear manufacturers.
The brand is owned by Dorel Juvenile, creating innovative, high-quality products for kids.
Dorel Juvenile is also a proud owner of other popular baby brands such as Safety 1st, Quinny, Baby Art, and Tiny Love.
Is Maxi-Cosi a good car seat?
Maxi-Cosi is definitely among the best-selling baby equipment brands on the market, and that alone speaks for itself.
The seats are genuinely showing high-quality and reinforced safety for your baby, so I would say these seats are reliable.
Also, if we are to judge by the number of parents who buy car seats from Maxi-Cosi, this brand is more than good.
Is Maxi-Cosi a luxury brand?
Well, it may or may not be; it depends on your needs and demands.
Compared to Diono, the second is a higher-end brand, while Maxi-Cosi is considered as a European luxury brand.
As a result, you can find more or less expensive seats, but the brand must provide quality.
Is Maxi Cosi safer than Britax?
The Britax car seats are safer than the Maxi-Cosi since the latter includes a single layer of side-impact protection, while the former has two layers, or even more if you look for specific car seats.
Cybex or Maxi Cosi car seat: Who is the winner?
Both Cybex and Maxi-Cosi are worldwide popular baby gear brands. Although they are within a similar price range and quality, Cybex appears to be the winner.
When it comes to safety, Cybex spares nothing! The reinforced seats with side-impact protection and upgraded comfort are one of their best-sellers!
The all-around safety system in Cybex infant seats allows the car seat to be used from day one without worrying!
What is the difference between Maxi-Cosi car seats?
Maxi-Cosi seats mainly differ in the number of modes they have and adjustability.
Infant car seats have only rear-facing mode, while convertible car seats come either in a rear-facing and forward-facing combination, or these two, plus a booster mode.
They also sell a separate booster car seat.
When it comes to adjustability, some seats have more recline positions and headrest positions, while others perhaps are easier to use due to magnetic chest clip and spring-loaded harness.
What is the difference between the Maxi-Cosi infant car seats?
The difference between the Maxi-Cosi infant car seats generally lies in the weight limit section.
Maxi-Cosi allows you to choose between the infant car seat installation as well.
You can install the baby car seat with the traditional vehicle seat belt method or try the revolutionary ISOFIX car seat base.
Generally, the company recommends you opt for the ISOFIX base, especially for installing infant car seats.
Additionally, you can pick from various models, including a 360-degree rotating infant car seat!
Do all Maxi-Cosi car seats fit the same base?
Unfortunately, no. Not all Maxi-Cosi car seats can fit with the same base.
One of the most popular car seat bases by Maxi-Cosi is the ISOFIX. It offers excellent compatibility, but it's not universal with all Maxi-Cosi car seats.
Maxi-Cosi makes several ISOFIX bases that work with some models.
You will also find that the upgraded version of the ISOFIX base fits most Maxi-Cosi car seats, like the FamilyFix ones.
Can you use a Maxi-Cosi car seat without ISOFIX?
The ISOFIX attachments are built with the Maxi-Cosi car seats.
First, you must check if your vehicle seat supports the ISOFIX installation.
Although some vehicle seats allow for the ISOFIX installation, others may not.
Therefore, if your vehicle does not support this method, you can still install the car seat with the traditional vehicle seat belt.
It may not be the most reliable method, but it's a sure alternative in this case.
One of the reasons parents always opt for ISOFIX is because it offers a stable and movement-free fix with built-in connectors.
What accessories does the Maxi-Cosi car seat come with?
Maxi-Cosi has a variety of helpful accessories that make every trip more fun and comfortable!
However, many of them are not included in the purchase, so you will probably need to get them separately.
That said, you can opt for a Maxi-Cosi sun canopy, kick mat, footmuff, mosquito net, cup holders, rain covers for the car seat, a summer cover, and a support pillow, among other things!
Check the complete offer of Maxi-Cosi accessories here.
How do I know if my Maxi-Cosi car seat is expired?
By checking the manufacturer label and date on the car seat, you will know whether the model has expired.
You must thoroughly inspect your Maxi-Cosi car seat, especially if you got it second-hand.
This is because car seats have a life expectancy of around ten years; they are no longer considered safe after their service has passed.
Maxi-Cosi manufacturers usually locate the label on the back of the seat, while you can find the seat's lifespan in the manual.
When should I change my Maxi-Cosi?
Maxi-Cosi car seats have weight and height limitations on them. So when your kiddo has grown to pass those limitations, it's time to switch up the car seat.
Another scenario that would have made you change the Maxi-Cosi seat is after an accident or past the expiration date.
Every car seat manufacturer will advise you to change the car seat that has been in a collision as its safety is compromised.
Can you wash a Maxi-Cosi car seat cover?
If the manual of the Maxi-Cosi car seat specifies that the cover is washable, then yes, you can manually wash it or in a washing machine!
Maxi-Cosi offers parents a sound mind with the easy clean-up and maintenance process! In addition, most of the company's car seats come with a machine-washable removable cover.
They are easy to take off and are always ready for the washing machine. Make sure you are gentle with the cover and wash it only with the gentle cycle using no harsh chemicals and detergents.
A simple spot clean will do the trick if the cover is not removable.
How do you adjust the straps on a Maxi Cosi 360?
The Maxi-Cosi 360 rotating car seats come with an incredibly easy-adjust system!
The entire design makes it possible for you to get the baby in and out of the car quickly and with no fuss!
Adjusting the straps is done by pulling the adjustment strap located just below the buckle.
By pulling it, you adjust the desired tightness of the harness as well as the height of it. Make sure at least two fingers can pass through the harness pads when buckling the baby.
Is Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max recalled?
Yes, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 was recalled.
The convertible car seat was recalled during testing, which showed that the vehicle seat belt installation was not proven safe. As a result, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 uses the standard installation with a top tether.
In a forward-facing position, this will risk the child's safety, especially in a crash.
Final Thoughts
That's about it, folks!
In addition to everything previously said, I can only conclude that Maxi-Cosi most certainly is a trustworthy brand showing superb quality per value.
When it comes to Maxi-Cosi car seats, infants love the Maxi-Cosi car seat and stroller combo, so definitely check the Mico Infant 30.
Yet, when it comes to the older kids, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max 3-in-1 provides the most parent-friendly design, intertwined with unmatched comfort and ultimate safety, to keep your baby safe and sound!
Don't forget to follow the federal recommendations and keep your little one buckled up on all occasions!
