Which car seat is the best fit for my compact car?
When choosing a convertible seat to fit in a small car, there are two size considerations.
First of all, the length of the child seat is in the rear position. Since the back of the child seat is tilted, the top of many models protrudes quite far towards the car’s front.
The driver and passenger seats also need to recline for comfort. This often means that the seat covers are fighting for space, and the driver and front passenger have no choice but to move their seats into a very uncomfortable position to accommodate the child seat.
The next size of consideration is the width of the child seat. Compact cars like the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, and Toyota Corolla have narrower bench seats than full-size cars, minivans, and pickup trucks. If you plan to install more than one child seat or have adult passengers in the rear seat, the width is also important.
Fortunately, some manufacturers have made efforts to create more compact convertible seats that are still very safe.
Evenflo SureRide 65 DLX Convertible Car Seat
The Evenflo SureRide 65 DLX is a good option for a compact seat at a reasonable price. Fits children up to 65 pounds and 54 or higher limits than some other compact seats. It also weighs only 11.1 pounds, which makes it easier to move between vehicles or travel with. The quality of the fabric is quite nice as well, but the price remains average.
| Product Image | Product Name | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
 | SureRide Convertible Car Seat |  |
About this item
- 2 Seats in 1: Two Modes of Harness use – Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing
- e3 Expanded Zone of Protection: 3 layers of energy-absorbing foam provide superior protection and reduces side impact crash forces up to 50%
- Up-Front Harness Adjust: Central, front access to harness adjuster provides an easy way to adjust child’s harness for an accurate, snug fit
- Fold-Down Cup Holder – Easy access to drinks and folds out of the way when not in use.Rear-facing Height 19 – 40 inch.(48 – 102 cm.). Forward-facing Height 28 – 54 inch.(71 – 137 cm.)
- Machine-Washable: Durable fabrics – remove for easy cleaning
1st Safety in Side Air Convertible Car Seat
Safety 1st Grow N Go EX Air 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Grow and Go is designed to provide more convenience for parents as well. It takes up less space when rear-facing, giving up to 17.5 centimeters more legroom for parents in the front seat.
| Product Image | Product Name | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
 | Safety 1st Grow N Go EX Air 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | |
The onSide Air is also one of the more reasonably priced convertible seats. It can be challenging to install this seat on a proper slope, and the LATCH system can be difficult to secure, so I would consider this an alternative option if the cost is the most important factor.
About this item
- Built to grow: The 3-in-1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear-facing 5-50 pounds and 19-49 inches, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds and 29-49 inches, and Belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The Grow and Go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it’s easy to get your child in and out of the seat
- QuickFit Harness: With the QuickFit Harness you can easily adjust both the harness and headrest in one simple step
- Wash and Dry: Machine washable and dryer safe seat pad features snaps that make it simple to take off of the seat; no fuss for truly easy cleaning
