Maxi Cosi is one of the most popular car seat brands known for its wide range of convertible car seats. However, even if you research, you will find that their Maxi Cosi Pria car seat is taking over the world!
However, since Maxi Cosi Pria Max joined the team, parents have not stopped raving about it! To say it has taken the world by storm is an understatement!
Considering the newer model has the title Max added to it, you would think it's just a higher-priced model, right? But, surprise, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max has some tricks up its sleeve!
Although these two convertible car seats seem similar in many aspects, they also differ in crucial factors, so let's see what they are while we compare the Maxi Cosi Pria vs Pria Max!
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Table of Contents
- General Specifications
- Differences of Maxi Cosi Pria vs Pria Max
- FAQs
- Which Maxi Cosi Pria is best?
- What's the difference between the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max?
- Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max recalled?
- Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 the same as the all-in-one?
- How long can you use Maxi Cosi Pria 85?
- Is Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 FAA approved?
- Can Maxi Cosi Pria 85 be used as a booster?
- How do you clean a Maxi-Cosi Pria Max?
- Does Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 need a base?
- Final Verdict: Maxi Cosi Pria vs Pria Max
General Specifications
Criteria | Maxi-Cosi Pria | Maxi-Cosi Pria Max |
|---|---|---|
Item weight | 22.65 lb | 22.95 lb |
Weight limit | 4-100 pounds | 4-100 pounds |
Installation mode | rear-faced; forward-facing; belt-positioning booster | rear-facing; forward-facing; belt-positioning booster |
LATCH connectors | one-click LATCH connectors | one-click LATCH connectors |
Recline positions | three | three |
1. Weight limit & use
Photo Courtesy Amazon.com
When we compare the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max and Pria, we can spot that the weight limit and the riding modes are the same!
Let's introduce you to the unique 3-in-1 convertible car seat that easily installs and can support your kiddo through the growing stage. The Pria 3-in-1 car seat is the only car seat you will need for a long time!
Not only will you get to save money in the long run, but your kiddo won't have to get used to the new car seat with each growing stage.
Both convertible car seats can be rear-faced, forward-faced, and installed in a high-back booster mode. The bottom weight limit stands at 4 pounds, and you can use this convertible car seat in the booster mode until your kiddo is at the 100-pound limit!
Both models include the infant insert pillows that are removable once your baby outgrows them.
The entire installation process is straightforward, thanks to the detailed user manual. You will most likely appreciate the design of these car seats, as it allows for easy baby loading and unloading. But, more on that later!
2. Grow with Me design
One of the best things about these two convertible car seats is how they fit a growing child!
There are a variety of adjustment features that offer the best fit for the growing stage! One of them is the easily adjustable headrest positions! There are five headrest positions in each of these convertible car seats.
Adjusting the headrest height is straightforward and will not take much time! Plus, the Gcell foam integrated within the car seat protects the child's head area against crash energy.
The car seats are also equipped with a three-position recline. However, most parents feel that the Maxi-Cosi should upgrade and feature more recline positions in the Pria models.
Although this is a downside, it's not a weak side of the car seats as they are still quite comfortable for long rides! A few more recline positions would be significant, especially for infants, so we can only hope this is something Maxi-Cosi will work on!
Maxi Cosi Pria and Pria Max come with removable infant insert pillows! Once your little one has outgrown the design, you can easily remove the safe seat pad and offer more room for the growing child.
3. QuickFit harness
We have to talk about the QuickFit shoulder harness! For starters, both seats have a removable seat pad that you can take off without rereading the harness straps!
Additionally, the harness automatically adjusts the headrest positions, making the entire process much easier!
Thanks to the QuickFit shoulder harness, you can adjust the appropriate fit for your child! However, adjusting the shoulder harness on convertible seats can often be a nightmare as the child grows.
For this reason, the Maxi-Cosi has included a no-rethread Quick-Fit shoulder harness that makes the biggest difference when it's time for adjustments!
Plus, integrated seat harness holders hold the harness straps when not in use!
4. One-Click LATCH system & installation
When deciding between different car seat models, you need to consider installation. Luckily, these premium convertible car seats offer the same installation that could not get any easier.
Maxi-Cosi Pria seat takes immense pride in the one-click LATCH connectors that make for fast and secure installation!
However, if your car does not support the LATCH system, choosing a different Maxi-Cosi car seat may be a better idea.
5. Safety
Source: YouTube.com
A Maxi-Cosi car seat is known for its superior safety! One of the best safety features you will get with both Maxi Cosi Pria and Maxi Cosi Pria Max is side impact protection.
The seats are lined with air protect foam that offers not only a comfortable but a safe ride as well! Thanks to the air protection technology, the Maxi Cosi car seat makes sure your kid's neck and head are fully supported throughout the ride.
Furthermore, the Air Protect side impact protection program was tested in the rear, rollover, frontal and side collisions and has exceeded all federal standards.
Maxi Cosi Max also offers the GCell foam that absorbs the crash energy.
6. Maintenance
Snacks are a must-have when traveling with kids, and we all know what happens from there on. You give your kiddo a piece of chocolate, and the next thing you know, they smeared the entire thing on the car seat!
For this reason, I consider that the best car seat needs to be of easy maintenance! Luckily, Maxi-Cosi listened to their users and delivered just that.
The machine washable cover on the Maxi-Cosi Pria and Maxi-Cosi Pria Max is easy to take off each time! Also, the seats come with a removable dryer safe seat pad and premium fabrics that are comfortable for the baby's skin.
You don't have to stress about the pad losing its shape! The high-quality fabric will keep its vibrant color and quality after each wash and use.
There is also a dual cup holder set that is dishwasher-friendly! The cup holder dual addition will be a fantastic accessory to all of your family road trips!
Your kiddo will hide a few snacks in there, and the fact that you can easily remove the cup holders and wash them is a life saver! Trust me on this; I had my fair share of stubborn stains I had to clean manually. Dishwasher-friendly features are your best allies!
7. Traveling with Maxi-Cosi Pria: Is it possible?
Many parents use their all-in-one car seats for everyday use while getting a separate one just for traveling. This made me wonder, is it possible to travel with these two models?
Maxi-Cosi Pria weighs around 22 pounds. However, due to the extra safety features such as the side impact protection and infant inserts, the car seat is not the world's lightest model!
The same goes for the Maxi-Cosi Max. The heavyweight and the large dimensions make traveling long distances a problematic task.
Is it impossible? No, not exactly, but there are much lighter models you can bring on your road tripping. Such as the Maxi-Cosi foldable car seat.
Differences of Maxi Cosi Pria vs Pria Max
So far, I have discussed all of the crucial features of these modes. However, you must be wondering where they differ and why there is a higher price difference for the Maxi-Cosi Max?
Well, for starters, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max offers the great benefit of ClipQuick Auto-Magnetic Chest Clip.
With the ClipQuick auto magnetic chest clip, you can safely and quickly unbuckle and buckle in the child. It works wonders when you are in a hurry or are installing the car seat in an Uber or taxi.
Along with the few differences in design, the Max model also offers the flip-away buckle. The flip-away buckle promises not to get stuck during installation; let me tell you; it delivers the promise!
And, that's it! These were all differences you can find with the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max model! So, what do you think? Are they worth the higher price difference, or would you instead stick to the traditional Pria model?
FAQs
Which Maxi Cosi Pria is best?
The best Maxi-Cosi Pria car seat is the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 model. It has been ranked among one of the safest infant car seats, with superior side impact protection and comfort.
This is, by far, their most popular convertible car seat model with a generous weight limit, premium fabrics, and an easy-to-use latch system.
What's the difference between the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max?
Although they are similar, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max are different in a few categories.
For starters, the Pria 85 Max has a bigger weight limit in the rear-facing mode. In addition, it supports babies from birth until they reach 40 pounds of weight. Therefore, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 was suitable for babies 14 pounds heavy and more.
With that in mind, Pria Max 85 can be used with two removable infant inserts from day one. Additionally, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max uses the magnetic chest ClipQuick chest clip and self-wicking seat fabric.
Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max recalled?
Yes, certain Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max car seats were recalled. While cooperating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Dorel Juvenile Group agreed to recall the models due to the potential risk in the forward-facing mode.
Although no accidents were reported, children who weighed over 65 pounds were at risk of injuries in the forward-facing position of these car seats.
If you are unsure whether your Maxi-Cosi Pria car seat falls under the recall category, you can contact Dorel's support team and find out!
Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 the same as the all-in-one?
No, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is not the same as in all-in-one.
The major reason for this is the weight limit difference between the models. The Maxi-Cosi Pria is a 2-in-1 car seat that offers only rear-facing and forward-facing installations. An all-in-one model follows the growing child from day one to preschool.
In addition, Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is not suitable for newborns as its bottom-weight limit is 14 pounds.
How long can you use Maxi Cosi Pria 85?
The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 has a significant weight limit allowing parents to use the car seat for a long time! You can use the Pria car seat in the rear-facing position until your child is at least 40 pounds.
The forward-facing position can support the child's growing height up to 52'' and 85 pounds.
Is Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 FAA approved?
Yes, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is FAA approved and is safe to use on aircraft. You can find the label for this approval under the rear-facing belt path.
Can Maxi Cosi Pria 85 be used as a booster?
No, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 cannot be used as a booster seat. The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is a 2-in-1 convertible car seat, and it's designed to support a child in rear-facing modes and forward-facing.
With that in mind, the Maxi-Cosi car seat holds babies up to 40 pounds rear-facing and children up to 85 pounds forward-facing with no booster seat mode.
How do you clean a Maxi-Cosi Pria Max?
The Maxi-Cosi Pria Max offers a quick and easy cleaning method for parents!
The seat cover is easily removable, while seat pads are machine-washable. With the machine-washable seat pad, the cleaning process is pretty much self-explanatory! However, if you have trouble removing the cover, you can do a simple spot clean with mild soap and a cloth.
Additionally, the Maxi-Cosi Pria Max includes dual cup holders that are dishwasher-safe! You can easily remove them and clean them whenever needed!
Does Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 need a base?
The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 does not need a base for installation. Therefore, you can safely install the car seat while using the vehicle seat belt.
The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 uses three recline positions in the car seat's base that are easily adjusted via a lever. Below you can see how the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is set up for rear-facing riding:
Final Verdict: Maxi Cosi Pria vs Pria Max
The Maxi-Cosi Pria convertible car seat pad is the only car seat you will need once your little one starts its first car ride! You have read about all the features that make the Maxi-Cosi car seat special among the competitors!
I compared it to the upgraded Max model and told you everything you need to know! It does offer the auto magnetic chest clip, harness holders, and the flip-away buckle, but other than those, the seats are very much similar.
Your child will be as safe and comfortable in both of the Maxi-Cosi models, so if you do have a limited budget, you can opt for the traditional and reliable Pria version!
