Compare The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max And Graco 4ever DLX – Which Is The Best Choice?

Similarities:

Both the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max and the Graco 4Ever DLX can accommodate children in the rear-facing and forward-facing modes. They also have the same maximum limit of 40 pounds for rear-facing and minimum forward-facing weight of 22 pounds.

Differences:

• Rear-Facing – If you use the infant wedge that the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max comes with, the Maxi Cosi seat’s minimum requirement for rear-facing is lowered to 5 pounds.

Special considerations must be given to smaller babies and infants with health conditions.

For example, while the infant inserts could make it seem that a preemie fits well in any of these child restraint systems, be sure to consult with the doctor if the infant could safely be placed (without putting the baby at risk) in a car seat that is not as reclined as an infant seat.

• Forward Facing – In this regard, Pria 85 Max is the winner because of its higher capacity in weight and height.
• Booster Mode – Only the Graco 4Ever DLX offers this capability. Children’s growth can be unpredictable and relying on a single-seat until the booster age might not apply for some children whose physique is far from that of most kids.

Similarities:

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max and the Graco 4Ever DLX are both bulky and huge car seats that make them unsuitable for 3-across installations.

They could fit in small and compact cars, but could likely eat up most of the space in the back seat. They would ideally be great for larger and more spacious vehicles if you like to have more space remaining for other children and passengers.

Differences:

Fit in Vehicles

• Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max - In a 2015 GMC Acadia, one parent noted that they had to move the front seat up just so this car seat could be positioned in the rear-facing recline. Another parent noted that the Pria 85 Max was installed well behind the passenger seat of a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Other cars where this was reportedly mounted without issues are Chevrolet Cobalt and Ford Focus.

• Graco 4Ever DLX - Placed in 2016 Honda CRV, the front seats could still be pushed back a little. The same applies when this was installed rear-facing behind the driver's seat of a 2014 Ford F150 as one 6’4” dad still had several inches of leg space to enjoy. This car seat reportedly was also installed perfectly in a Toyota Sienna. 

Similarities:

Although there were parents who claim they had issues installing these in their cars, most reviews show that they can be installed with no problems rear-facing and/or forward-facing.

Differences:

• Recline – 4Ever DLX has more recline positions than Pria 85 Max.

Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max has 3 recline positions.  You need to refer to the recline line indicator and make sure it is parallel to the ground.

Graco 4Ever DLX has 3 recline settings for rear-facing and separate 3 more settings for forward-facing. There is a bubble indicator that you can use to check if the recline angle is appropriate, but we can only use this for rear-facing. The forward-facing recline angles, according to Graco should be used according to the weight of a child passenger.  Positions 4 and/or 5 are for children up to 40 pounds while position 6 is for children above 40 pounds.

• Lower Anchor Weight Limit – Both have push button style lower anchor connectors but 4Ever DLX has higher weight limit when installed with LATCH.

Similarities:

Both have side impact protection, have a five-point harness system, and have approval for airplane use.

Differences:

• Country of Origin – There are some people particular about where products are made and thus, Pria 85 Max will be the ultimate choice for those who want to keep away from China-made products. 
• Frame – Some people equate sturdiness with steel and for such parents, the Graco 4Ever DLX will be the absolute choice because of its steel frame.
• Key Safety Features 

Pria 85 Max, just like other Maxi Cosi convertible car seats, is equipped with the Air Protect technology for its side impact protection. This means that the headrest is filled not with foam or cushion, but with air-filled pockets.

The air is released when the child’s head comes in contact with the headrest during a collision and this helps dissipate the force that could otherwise cause injury to the child.

Another safety feature in Pria 85 Max is its ClipQuick magnetic chest clip. This allows parents to use the clip/unclip with one hand, while children could not easily unbuckle themselves. The magnetic clip may require some practicing before you could get the hang of it.

The key safety feature of 4Ever DLX is its ProtectPlus Engineered system, which is said to protect the child in a rollover, rear, frontal and side collisions.

• Testimonials

Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max has been proven safe and effective in many real-life accidents. In one 70 mph rear-end crash with a tractor-trailer, a 3-year old did not have any scratch at all. Another parent said that a child survived 2 accidents without a scratch, thanks to the Pria 85 Max.

The testimonial on how effective Graco 4Ever DLX is in safeguarding a child during accidents can be scarce. Yet, it is interesting to know that this same car seat protected a child from injury from a stray bullet.  You may read about it in this news article.

Similarities:

Both have machine-washable covers. Both are roomy and have no-rethread harnesses. They each come with infant body inserts and can last up to 10 years. 

Differences:

• Breathability – Compared even with the classic Pria 85, the Pria 85 Max version is highly appreciated for its high quality self-wicking fabric that helps babies remain cool even during hot weather.
• Cup Holder – The 4Ever DLX offers more cup holders than Pria 85 Max. However, be sure to read the manual and keep in mind that these cup holders should already be in place prior to the installation of this car seat in your vehicle. 
• Weight – Pria 85 Max is lighter since it has no steel frame, unlike the 4Ever DLX.
• Crotch Position – Pria 85 Max has more crotch positions than 4Ever DLX. 

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There is an approximately USD 30 price difference between the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max and the Graco 4ever DLX. The Pria 85 Max is more expensive.

Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max has the following features you will love:

• higher forward-facing weight and height limits
• made in the USA
• self wicking fabrics great for hot days
• lighter
• more crotch strap positions
• proven crash protection with Air Protect 

Meanwhile, the notable features of Graco 4Ever DLX are:

• 3 modes of use (rear-facing, forward-facing and booster mode)
• more recline positions
• higher lower anchor weight limit
• steel frame
• one more cup holder

Graco 4Ever DLX is what could give you more value for money than Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max. This is already clear from the get go since we can use it not only in the rear-facing and forward-facing but also for booster applications.

If you would like to purchase a different booster seat that is more custom fitting with your child, you may still opt for Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max as it is not a bad choice, too, for a child’s convertible car seat.

Do You Need More Help To Decide Between

The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max And Graco 4ever DLX?

Read My Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max 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