While comparing the Evenflo Everystage DLX and the Graco 4ever DLX, I was confident that the 4Ever DLX has features that could compete fairly with the Evenflo Everystage DLX.
However, while writing the conclusion, I was surprised to have chosen the Evenflo because of its convenient and unique attributes. Keep reading below to find out more.
Vs
| | Evenflo Everystage DLX | Graco 4ever DLX |
| Rear-Facing Weight: | 4 to 50 pounds | 4 to 40 pounds |
| Rear-Facing Height Limit: | 17 to 43 inches | the head must be at least 1 inch below the headrest adjustment handle |
| Forward-Facing Weight: | 22 to 65 lbs | |
| Forward-Facing Height Limit: | 28 to 50 inches | Up to 49 inches |
| High Back Booster Weight: | 40 to 120 pounds | 40 to 100 pounds |
| High Back Booster Height Limit: | 44 to 57 inches/At least 4 Years Old | 43 to 57 inches/ At least 4 Years Old |
| Backless Booster Weight: | N/A | 40 to 120 pounds |
| Backless Booster Height Limit: | N/A | 43 to 57 inches/ At least 4 Years Old |
Differences:
- Rear-Facing – If you want a child passenger safety seat that will comply with the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics for sitting children in the rear-facing as long as possible, then you should go for the Evenflo Everystage DLX.
- Booster Mode – The Graco 4Ever DLX can be converted to a backless booster seat. Yet, looking more closely at the booster capacities of both seats, they can both accommodate up to 120 pounds and 57 inches. Considering this and considering what could be safer for my child, I think I would ultimately go with the Everystage DLX in this aspect. It is written that the differences between a high back and backless boosters are the head support, additional side impact protection, and physical reminder for the child on where and how to sit while in a car.
| | Evenflo Everystage DLX | Graco 4ever DLX |
| Width | 19 inches | 21.5 inches |
| Height | 26.5 inches | 24 inches |
| Depth/Length | 22 inches | 20 inches |
Similarities:
Both car seats are considerably large and bulky so they will not fit the bill for a 3-across car seat. One row of vehicle seats could most likely hold up to 2 of either car seats.
Differences:
Everystage DLX is slightly narrower so it could offer you less than 3 inches of extra space for other passengers in the car. The 4Ever DLX is considerably shorter so it will not pose the issues that Everystage DLX creates like blocking the rear-view or view of other children in the car.
Fit In Vehicles
Evenflo Everystage DLX has reportedly been installed with no problem inside a 2011 Mini Countryman and 2015 Honda Odyssey using the EasyClick LATCH connector. Other parents noted they have also installed this child passenger safety chair in their Ford Fusion, Jeep Renegade, and BMW 740i.
A reviewer gave the Graco 4Ever DLX a 5-star rating after she was able to install it in the middle seat of a 2016 Honda CRV. Others shared they also had no issues mounting this car seat in their 2007 Ford Taurus and GMC Yukon XL.
| | Evenflo Everystage DLX | Graco 4ever DLX |
| Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | Yes, allowed according to manual | No |
| Easy To Install Rear-Facing by LATCH? | Yes | |
| Easy To Install Rear-Facing By Seatbelt? | Yes | |
| Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Yes | |
| Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | |
| Recline Position | 5 | 6 |
| Lower Anchor Weight Limit: | 40 pounds | 45 pounds |
Installation Assistance/Resources – Evenflo offers better installation help to its customers than Graco, in terms of its available resources.
With Evenflo, not only can you browse for your needed manual here, but you may also book your live video installation appointment at https://evenflo.appointlet.com/.
This means you won’t need to research videos on your own. If you need help to look for your Graco product manual, here is a page you should visit.
LATCH – The presence of EasyClick LATCH in Evenflo Everystage DLX makes it better than Graco 4Ever DLX and this feature is what most likely what made it bag two JPMA Innovation Awards in 2018 for the Child Restraint category and Parents Pick category.
LATCH is primarily for giving parents and caregivers an easier way to install child restraints in a vehicle. With the ratchet system of EasyClick LATCH of Everystage DLX, installation is made possibly easiest, as you could read from raving reviews or see from this video.
EasyClick installation can be completed within a couple of minutes.
One common complaint among some parents is they cannot loosen the LATCH strap of EasyClick. Uninstalling the LATCH strap could be read from the manual wherein it is stated that both red straps should be removed.
According to the manufacturer’s reply in an Amazon Inquiry,* the LATCH will loosen after it is disconnected from the anchor.
For a visual demo of the 4Ever DLX InRight LATCH system, you may watch this video.
This is like how other car seats are installed using push-button lower anchor connectors that could be done using more time than the Evenflo since you need to push down the car seat and pull the straps to ensure a secure and proper fit.
- Lower Anchor Weight Limit – In terms of the lower anchor weight limit, Graco 4Ever DLX has a higher limit than the competition. This means you should already change the installation of Everystage DLX when the child is 40 pounds, but you may still wait until the child is 45 pounds to do this if you are using a Graco 4Ever DLX.
- Recline – The 4Ever DLX has more recline positions, but Everystage DLX offers a recline setting specifically for newborns. Recline positions in 4Ever DLX are somewhat complicated to use than in Everystage DLX.
The newborn recline angle is another unique characteristic of the Everystage DLX. At the lowest setting of the headrest, it will automatically correct the recline angle to be suitable for newborns. The shell remains upright while the seat part that holds the infant will be more reclined. Yet, this feature is said to cause a hindrance in moving the headrest up and down, which can be an issue if the car seat will be used by more than one child.
Recline positions in the Everystage are marked on the base of the car seat. Rear and forward-facing reclines are also indicated by the bubble recline angle indicator.
Three positions are available for Graco 4ever DLX’s rear-facing recline and they label these as blue on the base. A bubble level indicator is present, but this indicator is only for rear-facing angles. For forward-facing, you need to follow the specific recline according to the child’s weight. Positions 4 or 5 are for children weighing 40 pounds or less. Position 6 is for children weighing over 40 pounds. This can be a bit of a hassle for families or caregivers needing to use a single car seat for more than one child.
- Pre-Installation Requirement – Graco requires the cup holders to be placed firmly onto the car seat before the actual installation. Be sure to place the correct cup holder (left and right) into the correct slot by looking at the marking at the bottom. Once the car seat is installed, you must not remove the cup holders.
Good Convertible Car Seats Of 2023
Consider narrowing down your options by focusing on those made with EPP or EPS foam for impact management. Both materials meet government safety regulations, but EPP foam is more elastic and less brittle than EPS foam, making it better at withstanding multiple impacts and regaining its shape.
Keep in mind that any seat involved in an accident should be replaced, regardless of the foam type.
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPP Foam:
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPS Foam:
| | Evenflo Everystage DLX | Graco 4ever DLX |
| Country Of Origin: | USA | China |
| Steel Frame: | Yes | |
| Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
| Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
| Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
| Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | Yes | |
Similarities:
They both have steel frames, side impact protection, five-point harness and airplane use approval.
Differences:
- Country of Origin – They make Everystage DLX in the US, but with US and international parts so it is not 100% US-made. Still, for some people, this could be better than being made elsewhere.
| | Evenflo Everystage DLX | Graco 4ever DLX |
| Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Weight: | 22 pounds | 23 pounds |
| Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
| Roomy? | Yes | |
| No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
| Comes With An Infant Body Support? | Yes | |
| Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | Yes (Rapid Remove Cover) |
| Expiration | 10 Years | |
| Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes, 2 | |
| Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
| # Of Crotch Strap Positions: | 2 | |
Similarities:
These car seats are appreciated for having machine-washable covers. They both come with infant body support accessories and cup holders. They also have no-rethread harnesses with the same number of heights and positions. The expiration is also the same.
Differences:
- Cup Holders – As mentioned above, the 4Ever DLX has cup holders that can only be removed when you uninstall the car seat. Everystage DLX, however, has cup holders that were reported by some parents to come off from the slot rather easily.
There is an approximately USD 60 price difference between the Evenflo Everystage DLX and the Graco 4ever DLX. The Everystage DLX is cheaper.
Evenflo Everystage DLX is a child passenger safety system that:
- you can use for extended rear-facing
- has “higher” forward-facing height limit (just an inch more)
- has higher high back booster weight limit
- is narrower
- has an EasyClick LATCH for a fool-proof lower anchor installation
- has easier to use recline system/settings
- is made in the USA
- is “lighter” (just one pound less)
- has cup holders than can be removed without uninstalling the car seat
Graco 4Ever DLX is the car seat that:
- has backless booster seat option
- can save space especially when reclined since it is shorter
- has more recline positions
- has a higher lower anchor weight limit
For me, if the vehicle space permits, the Evenflo Everystage DLX is the better choice. However, the Graco 4Ever DLX is also not a bad choice at all.
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
The Evenflo Everystage DLX And The Graco 4ever DLX?
Read My Evenflo Everystage DLX Review
See My Graco 4ever DLX Review
What do you think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
Pitin
*affiliate links