Full Review ⭐ Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat: Glacier

The Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat is designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for children from birth through preschool ages. This convertible car seat has some great features that make it versatile, easy to use, and accommodating as your child grows.

This seat is engineered for children from 5 to 65 pounds. It has a rear-facing mode for babies from 5-40 pounds, then converts to a forward-facing seat for toddlers from 20-65 pounds once they reach at least 1 year old. So this seat truly grows with your child.

Some of the main features include a no rethread harness that adjusts automatically as you change the height, side impact protection, and contoured cushions to help keep your little one cozy and supported. It also has an adjustable headrest and integrated cup holders for convenience.

Overall, the Graco Contender 65 is a convertible car seat designed to provide safety, comfort and convenience from infancy through the toddler years. The adjustable features allow you to customize the seat as your child grows.

Safety Ratings

When it comes to car seats, safety is the number one priority for parents. The Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat delivers peace of mind with excellent results in rigorous crash testing.

In NHTSA crash tests, the Contender 65 earned top marks by protecting crash test dummies extremely well in both frontal and side impacts. It meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards and Graco's own Side Impact Testing standards.

The Contender 65 also earned impressive safety ratings from independent consumer testing organizations. It achieved the maximum 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for ease of use. BabyGearLab gave it a 9/10 rating for crash protection. And Consumer Reports rated it "Very Good" for protecting infants in simulated crashes.

With its sturdy steel frame, EPS energy absorbing foam, and Side Impact Protection engineering, you can feel confident about your little one's safety in the Contender 65. The rigorous crash test performance gives you peace of mind on every ride.

When it comes to rear-facing, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice. This car seat allows children to ride rear-facing for an extended period, up to 50 pounds. The unique Extend2Fit feature provides 5 extra inches of legroom, so your child can stay rear-facing comfortably until they reach the maximum weight or height limit.

The Extend2Fit has some great safety features. It has a steel-reinforced frame for strength and durability. The EPS energy-absorbing foam provides effective impact protection. It also has a no-rethread harness that you can adjust the height on easily as your child grows. The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System takes the hassle out of adjusting the harness and headrest height.

This Graco convertible car seat is easy to install properly thanks to the InRight LATCH system and easy-to-read level indicator. The harness holders keep the buckle out of the way when placing your child in the seat. Parents appreciate the convenient harness storage compartment and integrated cup holders.

The Extend2Fit excels in crash testing with impressive results. It meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants stay rear-facing until at least age 2. So the Extend2Fit's ability to accommodate extended rear-facing use gives parents important flexibility.

When you choose the Graco Extend2Fit, you get a convertible car seat designed to help protect rear-facing infants and forward-facing toddlers. With excellent safety ratings and features, it provides exceptional value at a mid-range price point. If you want extended rear-facing capacity plus strong crash protection, the Extend2Fit is an outstanding option to consider.

Installation

The Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat has straightforward installation directions for both rear-facing and forward-facing positions. Many parents find the seat relatively easy to install properly thanks to the clear instructions and LATCH system anchors.

For rear-facing installation from 5-40 lbs, parents first adjust the recline foot and attach the rear-facing belt path. Then they route the LATCH straps or seat belt through the rear-facing belt guides and buckle it into place. The seat should be at a proper recline angle and not move more than 1 inch when tested.

When switching to forward-facing installation from 22-65 lbs, parents remove the rear-facing belt path and adjust the seat to a more upright angle. Then they route the LATCH straps or seat belt through the forward-facing belt path, again ensuring the seat is tightly secured.

The Graco Contender 65 comes equipped with the LATCH system, which includes anchors and tether straps to securely attach to the car's lower anchors and top tether points. This makes for a straightforward, foolproof installation in most newer vehicles. For older vehicles without LATCH, the seat belt can be used instead. The seat generally installs well in most cars, trucks and SUVs.

Once children outgrow the Graco Contender 65 convertible seat, around age 10-12, they will need to transition to a Graco Affix R44 Highback Booster car seat. This highback booster is designed for older kids from approximately 4 to 12 years old, or 15 to 36 kg. It comes equipped with Graco’s isoCatch connectors that provide a secure attachment to the lower LATCH anchors in your vehicle.

The Graco Affix booster helps safely position the seat belt across your growing child's body for optimal comfort and security. The back adjusts to provide support as your child grows. For easy in/out, this seat features a fully integrated cup holder that swivels out of the way. The headrest adjusts 10 positions from low to high for a customized fit.

This stylish Graco booster comes in eye-catching fashions that kids love, like Stargazer with navy blue stars on a black background. It’s been rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards and is trusted by parents across America. The Affix booster offers peace of mind that your big kid is protected while transitioning out of a 5-point harness seat.

When installing and using the Graco Affix booster, be sure to thoroughly read and follow the instructions. Properly securing the seat with your car’s seat belt or LATCH system is crucial. Use the guides on the headrest to ensure proper seat belt positioning across your child's chest and lap. Routine checks will help guarantee your booster stays tightly in place.

With trusted quality and innovative features like isoCatch LATCH connectors, the Graco Affix R44 booster seat provides safe and comfortable travels for your growing child. Moving from harness to booster is a big transition, but Graco’s engineering and testing give parents confidence during every stage. Kids will love the stylish designs as they cruise along in their Graco booster.

Harness System

The Graco Contender 65 has a five-point harness system to securely restrain your child. The harness straps can be easily adjusted with one hand to ensure a snug and customized fit as your child grows.

The harness height can be adjusted in a no rethread fashion, meaning you don't have to detach the straps from the back of the seat to change the height. There are eight height positions to accommodate growing children. Simply use the adjustment handle on the front of the seat.

The harness buckle has two positions to ensure a proper fit. Move the buckle outward as your child gets bigger. The chest clip also opens easily with one hand when you're loading and unloading your child.

Overall, the five-point harness is easy to adjust for a secure and comfortable fit at every stage. The no rethread height adjustment makes it simple to keep your child properly restrained as they grow.

Comfort Features

The Contender 65 has thick foam padding on the seat and headrest to keep kids comfortable on long rides. The padding is made of a soft, high-quality foam that doesn't compress too much over time.

The seat back can be reclined to multiple positions to give kids the right amount of recline for napping or staying upright. There are 3 recline positions to choose from, allowing you to adjust the seat as your child grows. Reclining is easy to do with one hand by pulling the lever under the seat.

Ventilation is good in this seat thanks to the mesh fabric on the sides. This allows air to flow through and prevents the seat from getting overly hot. The ventilation will be useful in warmer climates to keep kids from getting sweaty.

Convenience Features

The Graco Contender 65 has a few nice convenience features that make it easy to use.

• It has two integrated cup holders on either side of the seat to hold drinks and snacks for your child. They're made of sturdy plastic and are easy for little hands to access.

• There's also a handy storage compartment on the back of the seat. You can use it to stash small toys, books, or other items to keep your child occupied on car rides.

• The seat pad on the Contender 65 is machine washable, which is always a plus. It unsnaps and removes easily so you can toss it in the washing machine to keep it clean. The ability to wash the seat is great for getting rid of messes and keeping your child comfortable.

Size and Weight Limits

The Contender 65 convertible car seat has the following size and weight limits:

• Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs and 19-40 in.
• Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs and 29-49 in. and at least 1 year old.

So this seat can accommodate babies and toddlers in rear-facing mode, then "graduate" to forward-facing when they meet the minimum requirements. The wide weight range means kids can stay harnessed up to 65 lbs, which is usually around 6-7 years old depending on the child.

The maximum height limit when rear-facing is 40 in., allowing plenty of leg room for extended rear-facing. Forward-facing goes up to 49 in., so taller kids can still use the 5-point harness. Overall the size and weight ranges make this a long-lasting convertible seat.

Appearance

The Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat comes in a variety of attractive color options that will appeal to parents, including Pierce (dark gray), Glacier (light gray), Nyssa (dark green), and Clove (reddish brown).

The seat fabric is smooth and soft to the touch. It's made from a cozy padded material that provides comfort and absorbs impact forces. The fabric is also resistant to stains and liquids, making it easy to wipe clean as needed.

The overall aesthetic of the Graco Contender 65 is sleek and modern. The rounded edges give it a smooth, sculpted look. The seat has nice contouring that cradles smaller babies and provides side support for older kids. The fabric pattern adds visual interest with its abstract swirls.

The seat looks substantial and well-constructed. The sturdy frame is hidden by the padded fabric exterior. The seat appears safe and secure for transporting little ones. Parents can feel confident placing their child in this smart-looking convertible car seat.

Price

The Graco Contender 65 retails for around £130-150, which positions it in the mid-range price bracket for convertible car seats. While not the cheapest option, it does represent good value for money given the range of features and quality materials.

For parents looking for a long-lasting convertible seat to use from birth through the toddler years, the Contender 65 is reasonably priced. It provides an excellent balance of safety and comfort without breaking the bank. The cost per use ends up being low over the years of use you'll get out of this seat.

The Contender 65 price is very competitive compared to similar convertible models from other major brands like Britax and Maxi-Cosi. You're getting premium features and construction for a bit less money. The price tag is justified by the excellent crash test results and long lifespan.

Overall, the Contender 65 hits the sweet spot of not being the cheapest convertible option, but also not overpriced. For parents wanting a safe, comfortable and convenient car seat without paying luxury prices, the Contender 65 offers great bang for your buck. The price reflects the quality and value this seat delivers.

Pros and Cons

The Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat has many positives but also some downsides to consider:

Pros

• High safety ratings - Meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards and has excellent crash test results.

• Easy to install - Has an adjustable base that fits in most vehicles and is straightforward to install correctly using either LATCH or seat belt.

• No-rethread harness - Adjusting the height of the harness is simple and doesn't require rethreading straps.

• Comfort features - Thick padding and contoured shape provide a comfortable ride.

• Cup holders - Built-in cup holders keep drinks within reach.

• Affordable price - Less expensive than many other comparable convertible seats.

Cons

• Difficult buckling - The harness buckle can be tricky for some parents to buckle.

• Bulky - Larger and heavier than some other convertible seats, making it tough to fit multiple in a row or to move between vehicles.

• Material traps heat - The fabric, though soft, tends to get hot, especially on long summer drives.

• Short warranty - Only a 1-year warranty compared to longer warranties from some other brands.

• May not fit newborns well - Infants under 5 lbs may fit better in an infant seat.