The Graco Triride and Graco Slimfit are two popular options that parents often compare. While the Graco Slimfit boasts features like collapsible cup holders, an easy-to-use LATCH, a more reliable 5-point harness system, and a seat cover that is easier to remove for washing, the Graco Triride offers a more "compact" seat, lighter weight, and multiple recline positions. 

Can the Graco Slimfit hold up against the Graco Triride's features?

Let's see.

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ideal use


Graco Triride

Graco Slimfit

Rear-Facing Weight:

5 to 40 pounds

Rear-Facing Height Limit:

The head must be at least 1-inch below the handle

Forward-Facing Weight:

22 to 65 pounds

Forward-Facing Height Limit:

up to 49 inches

27 to 49 inches

High Back Booster Weight:

40 to 100 lbs

30 to 100 pounds

High Back Booster Height Limit:

43 to 57 inches

38 to 57 inches


The Graco Triride and Graco Slimfit have a rear-facing weight limit of 5 to 40 pounds, and they share a specific requirement that the child's head must be at least 1 inch below the handle. 

In the forward-facing mode, both can be used for up to 65 pounds, but the Graco Triride can accommodate a child up to 49 inches tall, while the Graco Slimfit has a specific height requirement of 27 to 49 inches tall.

They can both be used as highback boosters for children up to 100 pounds and 57 inches, with a minimum weight requirement of 40 pounds for the Triride and 30 pounds for the Slimfit. 

The Graco Triride also has a slightly higher minimum high back booster height requirement of 43 inches compared to the Slimfit's minimum height requirement of 38 inches.

Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat | 3 Modes of Use from Rear Facing to Highback Booster Car Seat, Clybourne
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will it fit in my car?


Graco Triride

Graco Slimfit

Width

19 inches

19.88 inches

Height

23.5 inches

25.5 inches

Depth/Length

20 inches

21.5 inches


The Graco Slimfit is slightly wider than the Graco Triride, measuring 19.88 inches compared to 19 inches for the Triride. However, the Graco Slimfit's width can be reduced slightly by rotating the cupholder inward, making the seat slimmer.

The Graco Slimfit is taller than the Graco Triride, measuring 25.5 inches compared to 23.5 inches for the Triride. This may be a factor for parents with limited vehicle vertical space.

In terms of depth or length, the Graco Slimfit is slightly longer than the Graco Triride, measuring 21.5 inches compared to 20 inches for the Triride.

The Graco Triride is marginally more compact than the Graco Slimfit straight out of the packaging.

Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat | Infant to Toddler Car Seat, Saves Space in your Back Seat, Darcie
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Price: $199.99
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instalLation


Graco Triride

Graco Slimfit

Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel?

No

Easy To Install Rear-Facing 

LATCH - Relatively

Seatbelt - Yes

Yes

Easy To Install Forward-Facing?

Yes

Easy To Uninstall?

Yes


The Graco Triride 3 in 1 car seat and the Graco Slimfit All-In-One car seat exhibit varying levels of ease during installation. 

Parents praise the Graco Triride's straightforward installation, particularly when using the seatbelt. However, some users express concerns about difficulties achieving a secure fit during rear-facing installation, and a few report issues with the LATCH system, particularly its hook-type mechanism. There are also reports of compatibility issues with specific car models, leading to sliding problems.

On the other hand, the Graco Slimfit gains positive feedback for its easy installation, both in the rear and forward-facing positions, using either the LATCH system or the seat belt. The InRight™ LATCH system, with its push-button feature, is particularly praised for providing a quick, one-second attachment. Some users note challenges in achieving a secure tightening with a lap belt in the middle position. Overall, parents find the installation and uninstallation processes straightforward and efficient.

Comparing the two, the Graco Slimfit has a more consistently positive response regarding installation ease. The InRight™ LATCH system and the quick attachment feature contribute to its favorable reviews.

In contrast, the Graco Triride receives mixed feedback, with some users facing challenges in achieving a tight fit during rear-facing installation and expressing concerns about the LATCH system.

safety


Graco Triride

Graco Slimfit

Country Of Origin:

China

Steel-Reinforced Frame:

Yes

Five-Point Harness?

Yes

Side Impact Tested:

Yes

Approved For Airplane Use:

Yes 

Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle?

Relatively

Yes


The Graco Triride and Graco Slimfit car seats showcase a solid commitment to safety. The steel-reinforced frame is designed to enhance strength, and both models incorporate energy-absorbing foam (EPS) to manage impacts in various crash scenarios effectively. Safety measures are comprehensive, encompassing Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™, a system subjected to rigorous crash tests covering frontal, side, rear, and rollover situations.

Both car seats meet or exceed the child restraint criteria for frontal crash tests under the US FMVSS 213, and they have undergone side-impact and rear-impact tests based on the European Rear-Impact Crash Pulse. Furthermore, they comply with Graco's RollSafe™ testing standard derived from the European rollover testing procedure.


However, the Graco Triride receives parental feedback expressing concerns about the 5-point harness. Parents report issues with it not staying in place and sliding down despite adjustments. There are also complaints about limited adjustment for the 5-point harness, posing challenges in securing the harness, particularly with children wearing puffer jackets. Some parents also express worries about the ease with which toddlers can undo the chest strap with one hand and difficulty tightening the straps.

In contrast, the Graco Slimfit does not share similar concerns regarding the 5-point harness. It is perceived as easy to buckle and unbuckle. The feedback on the Graco Slimfit's harness system does not highlight the same issues of slippage or limited adjustment, contributing to a more positive user experience.

Both car seats are approved for airplane use, providing an added convenience for families who travel frequently. 

the seat


Graco Triride

Graco Slimfit

Is The Material Breathable?

Yes

Seat Weight:

18.45 pounds

19.5 pounds

Machine Washable Cover?

Yes

Roomy?

Yes

No-Rethread Harness?

Yes

Easy To Remove Cover?

Relatively

Yes

Expiration

10 Years

Comes With A Cup Holder?

Yes, 2

Shoulder Harness Has Pads?

Yes

Headrest Positions

10

Recline Positions

6

4


The Triride stands out with its slightly lighter weight and additional recline positions, offering six compared to the Slimfit's four. Both models share positive attributes, such as being well-padded and cushiony and featuring a comfortable design with breathable materials. They also come with machine-washable covers.

Regarding adjustability, both car seats accommodate a growing child, allowing for easy headrest adjustments among ten available positions and featuring shoulder harness pads. Including two cupholders is a common feature, although the Slimfit's rotating cupholders offer added space-saving convenience.

However, Triride faces some concerns highlighted by user feedback. Challenges arise in placing the baby without interference with the straps. Complaints about the seat pad sliding around and potential discomfort from exposure to complex plastic components add some considerations for parents. Furthermore, compatibility issues with specific car seat slopes may result in inadequate head support for some children during sleep. Ease of use also varies, with mixed opinions on removing and reassembling the seat fabric, contrasting with the perceived convenience of the Slimfit.

On the other hand, the Graco Slimfit presents advantages regarding easy seat cover removal, a notable feature for parents dealing with spills. Its rotating cupholders also offer practicality for the space-conscious installation of multiple car seats

My Final Verdict


There is an approximately USD 30 price difference between the Graco Triride and Graco Slimfit. The Slimfit is more expensive.

With the Graco Slimfit, you get

  • 2 cup holders that can be collapsed halfway to create more space in your vehicle for a slimming effect.
  • A push-on type of LATCH which is easier to use compared to Triride’s “J-hook style” of LATCH
  • A 5-point harness system that is easier to deal with
  • A seat cover that is easier to remove for washing

With the Graco Triride, you get

  • A relatively more compact seat (out of the box)
  • A lighter seat
  • More recline positions

In comparing the Graco Triride and the Graco Slimfit, the decision ultimately boils down to your priorities as a user and your family's specific needs. Here's my take on which option you should choose:

If you prioritize compactness and portability, the Graco Triride emerges as the preferred choice. Its compact design and lighter weight make it ideal for families who frequently travel or need to move the car seat between vehicles. The Triride's multiple recline positions also offer versatility in accommodating various seating arrangements and child preferences.

On the other hand, if convenience and ease of use are your top concerns, the Graco Slimfit stands out as the better option. The collapsible cup holders contribute to a sleeker look and offer practicality, especially when fitting multiple car seats side by side. The push-on LATCH system simplifies installation, saving time and frustration, particularly for busy parents. The 5-point harness system and easily removable seat cover make maintenance and adjustment hassle-free.

In terms of value for money, although the Slimfit comes at a slightly higher price point, its array of user-friendly features justifies the investment. The added convenience and ease of use can significantly enhance your everyday experience with the car seat, potentially outweighing the cost difference in the long run.

Do You Need More Help To Decide Between

The Graco Triride And Graco Slimfit?



What do you think? 

I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!

Cheers!

Pitin

The Graco Triride and

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