Graco Contender 65 vs. Extend2Fit: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Extend2Fit.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock (3 varieties available)
$199.99 - $229.99
Rating 4.77 4.79

Our Thoughts

When deciding between the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Extend2Fit car seat, a few key differences may sway your decision. Both models are designed to grow with your child, offer robust safety features, and are highly rated by users, albeit, offering slightly different features and benefits that cater to varying parent needs and preferences.

The Graco Contender 65 is a practical choice that maximizes functionality and safety at an affordable price point. It elegantly transitions from infant to toddler stages, accommodating children weighing between 5 and 65 pounds. While it excels in areas such as ease of installation and adjustable harness system, the Contender 65 falls short in aspects such as cleaning, where parents note challenges with removing and washing the seat cover. Another disadvantage is the strap design, which can be potentially uncomfortable for children. Despite these cons, the Contender 65 offers an ideal solution for parents who prioritize safety, convenience, and are on a tighter budget.

On the other hand, the Graco Extend2Fit features an adjustable extension panel allowing children to stay in the rear-facing configuration for longer than many car seats, a safety feature highly recommended by experts. It's designed to transition seamlessly from infancy through to the booster seat years, accommodating children from 4-100 lbs. Parent reviews highlight comfort, extended rear-facing weight limit, and its competitive pricing as key advantages. However, the Extend2Fit is a larger seat, which can be a bit bulky in smaller vehicles, and mirrors some of the same cleaning challenges noted with the Contender 65.

Key discrepancies to consider between these two models include the specRFMaxWeight and specBoosterMaxWeight. The Extend2Fit excels in both of these areas, with the ability to accommodate children in rear-facing mode up to 50 lbs and in booster mode up to 100 lbs, compared to the Contender 65's 40 lbs and non-applicable booster capacity. This extended weight range means children can use the seat for a longer period of time, potentially saving parents the cost and hassle of buying a separate booster seat.

Based on these comparisons, I'd recommend the Graco Extend2Fit if you have the additional budget. It may be a more expensive up-front cost, but the extended usability outweighs the initial investment. It provides advanced safety features, extended utility, and durability – well worth the extra cost. However, if budget is of concern, the Contender 65 is still a robust and reliable option, proving to be a fully capable car seat for those keen on safety and practicality.

Key Details

Contender 65 Extend2Fit
Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Brand Graco Graco
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.77 4.79
1 yr Price Range $118.99 - $249.99 $199.99 - $210.69
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock (3 varieties available)
$199.99 - $229.99
Value

Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families.

The Extend2Fit's competitive pricing paired with its long lifespan and adaptability offers remarkable value for parents.

Safety

Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design.

With a reinforced steel frame and high weight limits for rear-facing, it exceeds typical safety standards.

Features

Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options.

The 4-position leg extension and Simply Safe Adjust harness system are standout features.

Installation

Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design.

While installation is generally straightforward, some parents report difficulty in tightening the harness.

Cleaning

Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover.

The seat cover is challenging to remove, and the tiny hooks are not easily accessible.

Size

Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available.

The seat is bulkier than some of its counterparts, which may be a consideration for smaller vehicles.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Graco Contender 65 and the Graco Extend2Fit. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 50 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 0 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Width 20.3 inches 19.0 inches
Height 24.8 inches 24.5 inches
Depth 17.3 inches 20.8 inches
Weight 15.2 pounds 20.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Model Year 2021 2017
Made In China China
Frame Material Plastic Reinforced Steel

Safety and Compliance

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 2 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 4 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco Contender 65 Graco Extend2Fit
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 7 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats
Full review of the Graco Contender 65
Full review of the Graco Extend2Fit