Graco Contender 65 vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

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

Our Thoughts

When it comes to choosing a reliable car seat for your children, two popular choices are the Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Guide 65. Each has its distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks, and the final choice heavily depends on your preferences as a parent, the nature of your car, and your budget.

The Graco Contender 65 is a versatile convertible car seat that is capable of serving your family from infancy to toddlerhood, supporting weight from 5 to 65 pounds. The seat itself offers both safety and convenience with an adjustable harness system and various recline positions, making sure your child is always snug and secure. With solid materials for assured comfort and durability, the manufacturing quality of the Contender 65 impresses many users. However, this model does have a few issues such as challenging cleaning because of the stubborn seat cover, and possibly uncomfortable straps that may scrape against the child's neck. Another noteworthy aspect is that this car seat allows rear-facing until 40 pounds and forward-facing to 65 pounds. Also, this seat is FAA-approved for both rear and forward-facing modes, providing an edge for families frequently travelling by air.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 proves to be a competent opponent with a price tag lower than the Graco Contender 65. This lightweight car seat supports children from 5 to 65 pounds which is identical to that of the Contender 65. However, some parents have raised concerns over the difficulty to install it properly. There have been instances where even after perfect installation, the seat wobbles excessively. Aside from those potential hiccups, its compact size is a significant advantage for families with small cars, and those needing to fit multiple seats in a row. Similar to the Contender 65, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is also FAA-approved in both rear and forward-facing configurations which makes it another great option for air travel.

So, when it comes to comparing these two car seats, families looking for a balance between function, safety, and cost-effectiveness might lean towards the Graco Contender 65. It's especially great if you don't mind putting in a little extra effort when cleaning. On the contrary, the Safety 1st Guide 65 might appeal more to those who value compactness and affordability. However, keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for everyday use due to the aforementioned installation issues, and parents of taller children may find the rear-facing mode less accommodating. Always remember to evaluate your specific needs and preferences before deciding on a car seat!