The features of Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max might be at par and better than Maxi Cosi Magellan Max for rear-facing and for the forward-facing modes, respectively. However, all other aspects considered, Magellan Max proves to be a better car seat than the Pria 85 Max. Continue to read this article to know more about these two Maxi Cosi car seats.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max*
Vs
Maxi Cosi Magellan Max*
Ideal Use
|
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max |
Maxi Cosi Magellan Max |
|
| Rear-Facing Weight: |
5 to 40 pounds |
|
| Rear-Facing Height Limit: |
Up to 40 inches |
|
| Forward-Facing Weight: |
22 to 85 pounds |
22 to 65 lbs |
| Forward-Facing Height Limit: |
Up to 52 inches |
29 to 49 inches |
| High Back Booster Weight: |
N/A |
40 to 120 pounds |
| High Back Booster Height: |
N/A |
43 to 57 inches |
Similarities:
These two car seats from Maxi Cosi share the same rear-facing (minimum and maximum) capacities. They come equipped with accessories to accommodate children 5 to 40 pounds and up to 40 inches in height. The minimum forward facing requirement is also the same for both seats.
Differences:
- Forward Facing – Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max has a higher capacity for accommodating children in the forward-facing mode than the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max.
- Booster Mode – Magellan Max offers a booster mode capacity of up to 120 pounds and 57 inches.
In terms of ideal use, we can use Magellan Max for a longer time than the Pria 85 Max because of its booster capacity. Its features could even make it comparable with a Graco 4Ever car seat.
Good All In One Car Seats
Will It Fit In My Car?
| Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max | Maxi Cosi Magellan Max | |
| Width | 20 inches | 19.25 inches |
| Height | 26 inches | 24 inches |
| Depth/Length | 21 inches | 24.25 inches |
Similarities:
Based on their dimensions, one could see that these car seats are not the car seats to look at when you wish to save space or to install 3 child restraint systems in a row of a vehicle seat. Pria 85 Max and Magellan Max are bulky in appearance and in actual size.
Differences:
- Fit in Vehicles
Many parents reviewed Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max and one of them stated that to put this in its correct recline angle in the rear-facing mode, they needed to move up the driver’s seat of their 2015 GMC Acadia. They also mounted this in an appropriate angle inside the 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2001 Ford Focus and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Magellan Max has an adjustable torso height wherein you can press the side of the body to adjust/change the height. Thus, if you think its full height is too tall inside your small car, you may adjust its height as long as it will remain suitable for your child’s growing body. According to the reviewers, they installed this car seat on the captain’s chair of their Toyota Sienna. Others said they installed this car seat in a Subaru Outback, Ford F350 and also a BMW X3.
Good 2-Way Car Seats
Installation
| Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max | Maxi Cosi Magellan Max | |
| Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No, but allowed according to the manual | Yes, allowed according to manual |
| Easy To Install Rear-Facing by LATCH? | Yes | Relatively |
| Easy To Install Rear-Facing By Seatbelt? | Yes | Relatively |
| Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Yes | Relatively |
| Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | |
| Recline Position | 3 | 7 |
| Lower Anchor Weight Limit: | 40 pounds |
35 pounds rear-facing 40 pounds forward-facing |
Similarities:
Using rolled towel and/or pool noodles to prop up these car seats up in the correct angle and to get a tighter fit in vehicles is allowed, according to their manuals.
Differences:
- Level Indicator – Magellan max has a much easier-to-use level indicator than Pria 85 Max (ball in bubble indicator vs single line indicator).
- Recline Positions – Parents have more recline positions to use with Magellan max than with Pria 85 Max (7 vs 3).
- Belt Lock Off – With the seat belt installation, you will find the Magellan Max more preferable because it has a built-in lock off for both belt paths.
Safety
| Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max | Maxi Cosi Magellan Max | |
| Country Of Origin: | USA | |
| Steel Frame: | No | |
| Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
| Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
| Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
| Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | Yes | Relatively |
Similarities:
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max and Maxi Cosi Magellan Max have more similarities than differences. They both have no steel frame. They are also approved for airplane use. Their side impact protection is the Air Protect Technology, which comprises air-filled pockets in the headrest. During a side collision, the child’s head may hit the headrest. This will prompt the air inside the pocket to be released and dissipate the force that could have injured a child.
Differences:
- Extra Safety Feature – The Magellan Max has an adjustable torso as an additional safety feature that optimizes its side impact protection.
The Seat
| Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max | Maxi Cosi Magellan Max | |
| Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | |
| Seat Weight: | 17.5 pounds | 27 pounds |
| Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
| Roomy? | Yes | |
| No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
| Comes With An Infant Body Support? | Yes | |
| Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | |
| Expiration | 10 Years | Up to 12 years |
| Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes, 1 | Yes, 2 |
| Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
| # Of Crotch Strap Positions: | 3 | |
Similarities:
They both have breathable, easy-to-remove, machine-washable covers. They have ample space for the growing child. They come with infant body support and no-rethread harnesses. They also have pads for the shoulder harness straps and have the same number of crotch strap positions.
Differences:
- Weight – Magellan Max is heavier than the Pria 85 Max since its frame and substructure is designed to accommodate a child until the booster seat years.
- Expiration – Magellan Max has a longer lifespan than Pria 85 Max because of its booster mode. I think its lifespan is only proportionate to what it promises to deliver as a car seat.
- Harness System – These two Maxi Cosi child restraint systems have no-rethread harnesses, but the Magellan Max seems to have a better harness system. This is the “EZ Out” harness system that makes it convenient to put baby in and out of the seat. The harness is spring-assisted, so it stays at a horizontal position to not get in the way as you place the child on the seat as you buckle them up. They further make this better by the crotch strap that always springs forward so you would not have to dig under the child’s bottom to find the crotch strap.
- Headrest Positions and Torso Height – Magellan Max once again has better offering to customize how the harness system and entire car seat will fit the growing body of the child passenger. It has more headrest positions than Pria 85 Max and its torso height can also be adjusted.
- Cup Holder – Pris 85 Max only comes with a single cup holder while Magellan Max offers 2 cup holders.
Check Out The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max Colors*
Check Out The Maxi Cosi Magellan Max Colors*
Compare The Price
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max |
Maxi Cosi Magellan Max |
Check The Latest Price* |
Check The Latest Price* |
Conclusion
There is an approximately USD 60 price difference between the Maxi Cosi Magellan Max and the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max. The Pria 85 Max is cheaper.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max is a good choice if you are looking for a car seat that
- has a higher forward-facing weight and height limits
- is easier to install in general
- is easier to buckle and unbuckle the 5-point harness
- is lighter
Considering the tables of comparison above, I think Magellan Max can be a more valuable child passenger restraint product to buy than the Pria 85 Max mainly because
- it has a booster capacity that will enable parents to use it from birth until the child uses the vehicle seatbelt.
- it could be adjusted accordingly to fit the growing body and torso of a child because of the adjustable torso
- it has more recline positions
- it has a built-in lock-off feature for seat belt installation
- it has a bubble level indicator for leveling
- it has a spring-assisted harness and crotch strap
- it has a longer expiration date
- it has an extra cup holder
The added cost of the Magellan Max is easily justified by the features added that are not found in the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max. But that doesn’t make the Pria 85 Max a bad choice for parents who would like to save some money.
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max Convertible Car seat And Magellan Max?
Read My Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max Review
See My Maxi Cosi Magellan Max Review
What do you think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
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