Maxi Cosi Pria vs Magellan: Choosing the Best Convertible Car Seat in 2023

Do you want an all-in-one car seat to cover your child from birth to older years? If you do, pick the Maxi Cosi car seats!

The article will compare two convertible car seats, ideal for all car seat ages and stages: Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and Maxi Cosi Magellan XP MAX convertible car seats.

Both are exceptional in all factors, but safety factors are always the number #1 concern to all parents.

But, who's the boss? Let's see below in this Maxi Cosi Magellan vs Pria review.

Maxi Cosi Magellan vs Pria Convertible Car Seats: The Ultimate 2023 Battle

1. Design & configurations

What's so unique about these car seats? Well, they're both convertible models.

The Maxi Cosi Magellan XP MAX and the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 seats offer all-in-one modes. Thus, they include:

- rear-facing car seat mode for kids 4 (5)-22 pounds

- extended rear-facing mode for kiddos up to 40 pounds

- forward-facing mode for children 22-65 pounds

- seat belt-positioning booster car seat mode for children up to 100 (120) pounds.

As you can see, the Maxi Cosi Magellan XP MAX convertible car seat offers more support and a more significant weight limit than the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 convertible car seat.

Both car seats use the extended rear-facing position for children, so you can keep your little ones safer and more protected for an extended period.

In addition, the Maxi Cosi seats meet and exceed all AAP safety standards, stating that children should ride rear-facing as long as possible to keep them more stable and secure.

Still, you can't remove the seat pad to create a backless booster car seat in Maxi Cosi Pria 85, so you might need an additional booster if you have older children and more car seats in the vehicle's back.

I prefer the Maxi Cosi Magellan XP MAX convertible car seat due to its higher weight and forward-facing height limit, but the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is also a good car seat.

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 offers ‎34.49 x 20 x 30.47 inches and weighs ‎22.4 pounds, while the Maxi Cosi Magellan XP MAX measures 25 x 24 x 19.75 inches, weighing 25 pounds.

There's not too much difference between the two models, but the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 weighs less, and it's slightly narrower than the Maxi Cosi Magellan XP MAX.

However, both car seats are too bulky for convertible seats, and you won't quickly move them around the vehicles. So, it would help if you put a bit of effort into moderating them.

I would go with the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX, although you cannot go wrong with the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 convertible car seat.

2. Safety features

The two car seats are safe and secure for more extended use.

They comply with all NHTSA, FMVSS, IIHS, and similar safety regulations; otherwise, they wouldn't be available on the market.

The main reason I love both scar seats is the Air-protect side-impact protection.

The Air-protect side-impact protection is an innovative technology offering superior side-impact protection to keep your child's head area, torso height, spine, and back intact in impact collision.

The side-impact protection also keeps other crucial body parts safe and sound on the road, so the energy-absorbing foam redirects and absorbs the impacts, forces, and pressure from car accidents.

It also keeps your frame and shell intact and sturdy, so there's no need to worry about the child's security.

However, the key difference is that the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX convertible car seat offers adjustable torso side-impact protection.

The adjustable torso side-impact protection will put your child in a more comfortable sitting position while keeping them intact in collisions.

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 has regular side-impact protection, exceptional for long distances and extended use.

But, it's not as advanced as the premium convertible car seat, such as the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX.

So, I still choose the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX convertible car seat over the Maxi Cosi Pria 85.

Of course, both all-in-one forward-facing car seats use the five-point harness with the Clip Quick auto-magnetic chest clip.

The magnetic chest clip is ideal for opening and moderating the two car seats more effortlessly, and you can choose the correct harness height and position for your growing child.

The no-rethread harness straps offer multiple height options, and you can find the best one for your little one.

So, the two convertible car seats are similar in all safety standards - Air-protect technology, five-point harness, premium convertible car seat protection, and complete safety features.

But, the key difference is that the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 doesn't offer the adjustable torso part with advanced protection as the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX does.

Once again, I vote for the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX.

3. Car seat installation process

Unlike other car seats, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX convertible seat models use the LATCH system for car seat installation.

Both seats use the One-Click LATCH system with integrated belt lock-offs.

The integrated belt lock-offs are a crucial part of the One Click LATCH system as they provide the most straightforward car seat setup. How?

Well, the One-Click LATCH connectors and the integrated belt lock-offs provide the most comfortable sitting angle and secure connection.

The all-in-one seats will be stable and fixed in both rear-facing, forward-facing, and even booster mode, so it takes only a few minutes to install car seats correctly.

In addition, the integrated belt lock-offs ensure the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX are following the installation angles.

The connectors will keep them secure and firm in the motor vehicle.

Of course, you can install both the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX and the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 seats with the seat belt installation as well.

Follow the belt paths and thread the belt system correctly without twisting the straps when installing the car seat in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster mode to avoid complications.

But, due to the advanced LATCH system, the seats are quicker to install with the LATCH mechanism.

And, when installing the car seat conveniently in the forward-facing mode, do not forget to adjust and connect the top tether correctly.

The top tether will keep your forward-facing car seat stable and fixed on the road.

We don't see much difference between the two seats in these terms, so you can pick either model.

4. Comfort benefits and convenience

Both seats are comfortable for your children. However, there's a difference between the two.

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 offers five-hand harness positions, while the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX uses 14-position harness positions.

So, the Magellan MAX has a better harness system and a more advanced adjustable headrest. The same goes for the adjustable torso height positions.

You want a car seat with more recline positions in all modes, as you can moderate the car seat quickly, keeping your kids cozy and surrounded with comfort benefits.

Thus, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 features less adjustable torso height and a less adjustable headrest with three recline positions.

On the other hand, the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX has more recline positions, a more adjustable headrest, and a more adjustable harness system for your little ones.

Thus, from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster mode, you can moderate the one-hand recline settings, find the best recline position, and adjust the car seat to fit your kiddo easily.

And the crotch buckle will help you put or remove your kiddos from the seat quicker once you pick the best recline position for maximum comfort.

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 also features such a buckle, but with better recline positions in the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX, I pick the comfier car seat for my children.

5. Extra features

I constantly repeat that a single cup holder is a must-have car seat accessory when planning long-distance trips. But, the more, the merrier.

The same rules apply here as well. Sometimes even a single cup holder is not enough.

Fortunately, both the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX feature a dual cup holder.

Your children can place their favorite food and drinks in the dual cup holder and focus on the food more.

On the other hand, you can focus on the road more, and if you have demanding and cranky kids (like mine), you need a double cup holder.

The won't kids won't fight over the food, and you can easily clean and wash the cup holder if it gets too dirty or messy during the trip.

So, always look for seats with a cup holder, regardless of their using modes. And, I again cannot tell the difference. Thus, both seats are OK.

6. Cleaning and maintenance

Both the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX and the Pria 85 have a machine-washable seat pad. Made from custom-fit premium fabrics, the content also includes the dryer-safe seat pad.

You can easily remove the seat pad and wash it in the machine, and it saves you time and energy.

Due to premium-quality materials, the easy-to-remove seat pad won't lose its shape and standards, and you can preserve the freshness and last for an extended period.

Hence, the seat pad will be durable, sturdy, and ideal for more robust use. And, you can choose both seats.

7. Travel-friendly models: Yes or no?

Both the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX and the Pria 85 are convertible seats. Therefore, they can not create travel systems. Only rear-facing infant seats can do so.

So, look for infant seats if you need a travel system.

In addition, the Pria is lighter than the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX. But its light weight is still bulky for many parents.

They may not move either model so quickly between two and more vehicles.

Still, the seats are travel-friendly for trips, and you can use them in all modes to fit your children.

And, if you decide to travel across the ocean?

Big YES! You can use and install the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX and Pria 85 on the plane, but only in the rear and forward-facing harness modes.

You can not install the seats in the booster mode, as the FAA doesn't allow boosters on the plane.

Also, you can find the FAA-approved label on the seats' frame-side or bottom parts to confirm their airplane use. So, you can travel freely on different continents.

Pick either of the models.

8. Budget-friendly: Yes or No?

The seats might be too expensive for families with a limited budget.

The latest price difference shows that the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX has a higher price than the Maxi Cosi Pria 85.

The difference is $100, but as the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX offers higher safety standards and more comfort benefits, it's logical it will last longer.

But, you should not neglect the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 model - it also offers superior benefits for its price.

But I would still go with the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX since I'll get an advanced seat.

Maxi Cosi Pria 85: Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Quick installation

- Maximum safety standards

- Machine-washable

- Firm and stable

- Less expensive than the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX

Cons:

- Lighter than the Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX, but still too robust

- Fewer recline positions

- Tricky to adjust

- Not for newborns

Maxi Cosi Magellan MAX: Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Effortless setup

- Premium quality

- Advanced Air-protect SIP

- Advanced safety features

- Comfier than the Pria 85

- Quick maintenance

- More extended use with better support

Cons:

- Too expensive

- Easy-to-twist harness straps

FAQs

What's the difference between Maxi Cosi Magellan and Pria?

The main difference points cover:

- bigger children support in Magellan Max - up to 120 pounds

- advanced recline position modes in Magellan MAX

- higher price in Magellan MAX

- advances SIP in Magellan MAX

Which Maxi Cosi Pria is the best?

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is the best among the Pria series. The car seat is the safest infant model and has the highest ratings on the car seat market.

What is the difference between Maxi-Cosi Magellan and Max?

Both seats have precisely similar benefits.

However, the Magellan XP MAX offers the advanced ClipQuick & EZ Out harness system.

The EZ Out spring-assisted system holds the crotch buckle and straps from getting bunched under your kiddos.

Is Maxi Cosi Magellan FAA approved?

Yes, Maxi Cosi Magellan is FAA approved, but you can use it in the rear and forward-facing harness mode. Unfortunately, you cannot use it in booster mode.

Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max recalled?

Yes, some of the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 eats were recently recalled due to design and specific safety issues to fix them.

Can Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 be used as a booster?

Yes, you can use Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 as a belt-positioning booster for kiddos up to 100 pounds.

How long is the Maxi-Cosi Pria suitable for?

The Maxi-Cosi Pria seat expires ten years after the date of manufacture.

What's the difference between the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max?

They are the same, but the MAX version has advanced design and better safety standards. So, it has a more significant price as well.

Maxi Cosi Pria vs Magellan: The Final Verdict

The end! Have you picked the best seat yet? What's your final choice?

If you still cannot decide, take your time and pick once you're ready. I prefer the Magellan model more than the Pria due to its advanced design and safety standards.

But, the Pria has also improved due to multiple factors. So, it would be best if you didn't underestimate it so soon.

And, let me know once you choose a better seat. I look forward to hearing from you!