Budget Convertible Car Seats

Convertible car seats under $150

Reviewers overall point to Britax as the best car seat brand. However, the least expensive Britax convertible car seat, the Britax Roundabout 50 Classic (*Est. $180) still costs almost $200. If you can't spend so much, or just want something less expensive for a second car, several other models are still safe choices.

The Graco My Ride 65 (*Est. $140) costs about $40 less than the Britax Roundabout 50 Classic, yet it scores just as well in a major crash test, and has higher height and weight limits (50 inches, 40 pounds rear-facing, 65 pounds forward-facing). The Graco car seat is also easier to install, experts and owners say. Still, although the My Ride 65 packs a lot of features for the price, it lacks some important ones that you'll find on pricier car seats. For example, there's no quick harness-height adjuster -- you have to uninstall the seat and rethread the harness -- and the My Ride 65's top tether (which stabilizes the top of the seat to reduce the child's risk of head and neck injuries) works forward-facing only.

The Evenflo Triumph Advance LX (*Est. $140) is a top performer in one major frontal crash test. Evenflo side crash-tests its seats (even though the U.S. government doesn't require it), as does Britax. But unlike Britax car seats, the Triumph Advance's top tether only works front-facing. It does include an easy front harness-height adjuster so you don't have to rethread the harness. It also has fairly robust height and weight limits (50 inches, 5 to 35 pounds rear-facing, 50 pounds forward-facing). The Triumph Advance LX is the least expensive version of this car seat; there's also a Triumph Advance DLX (*Est. $150) and a Triumph Advance Premier (*Est. $150), each with more padding than the last.

The similar Evenflo Triumph 65 (*Est. $140) ups the weight limits to 40 pounds rear-facing or 65 pounds forward-facing. It's important to note that a version of the Evenflo Triumph Advance manufactured before Dec. 4, 2008 cracked during ConsumerReports.org's simulated 30 mph frontal impact. Evenflo was quick to respond with a redesign, and the newer version passes all government tests as well as independent crash tests by ConsumerReports.org. The latest Evenflo Triumph Advance LX car seat does especially well in a major test and gets good feedback from parents. It's worth noting that Evenflo didn't change the name of this car seat after its redesign. As such, it's important to note when a car seat was made, not just whether that particular model is highly rated.

Best car seats under $100

Although it's not recommended as enthusiastically as Britax convertible car seats, the Cosco Scenera (*Est. $50) scores highly in one high-profile crash test. Reviewers say it's a no-frills convertible car seat that fits well in most vehicles. Experts say it lacks some of the convenience features you can find on ritzier car seats, and they give it average to below average scores for ease of use. Most parents who post reviews like it, though. As with other low-cost convertible car seats, the Cosco Scenera's straps are prone to twisting, but that can be remedied by spending a minute smoothing and straightening them before each use. This car seat lacks the big padded side wings and plush fabric of pricier seats, but it does come with the basics: five-point harness, two-position recline, up-front harness adjustment, detachable cup holder and a multitude of fabric choices. It's rated for children up to 43 inches tall and 5 to 35 pounds rear-facing, or 22 to 40 pounds forward-facing. The Cosco Scenera 40RF (*Est. $50) allows children to stay rear-facing up to 40 pounds, but the other limits are the same.

No other convertible car seat under $100 is recommended as often as the Cosco Scenera. At nearly twice the price, the Graco ComfortSport (*Est. $95) receives good reviews from both experts and parents. The ComfortSport is small enough to fit comfortably in most cars, and parents like the removable cup holder and pillow. Reviews say this convertible car seat from Graco is safe, simple and comfortable, but like the Scenera, it lacks the added features of a Britax car seat.

The Graco ComfortSport performs well in crash testing and has all the essential features, including a level adjuster, five-point harness, washable seat padding and front harness adjustment. We did notice complaints from parents on Amazon.com about the ComfortSport's straps and difficult installation, especially when facing rearward, but other convertible car seat models in this price range receive similar comments. Parents also say the Graco car seat doesn't work as well for taller children; its height and weight limits (40 inches and 5 to 30 pounds rear-facing or 20 to 40 pounds forward-facing) are lower than the Scenera's. Some reviewers say the ComfortSport's up-front adjustment controls are harder to access when the seat is facing rearward. The Graco ComfortSport comes in a number of versions; some cost more and some cost less, but fabric and padding appear to be the only differences.