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

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

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

Taking into account features, safety, and value, we'll compare two car seat options: the Graco Contender 65 and the UPPAbaby MESA. Both seats have been designed to high safety standards and come with a range of features to ensure your child's comfort and security, but they have their own strengths and are suited to different requirements.

The Graco Contender 65 is a versatile and practical choice built to adjust with your child's growth from an infant to a toddler up to 65 pounds. It allows both rear and forward-facing arrangements, adapting as your child grows. Its adjustable harness and multiple recline positions ensure your little one's comfort. However, cleaning can be a bit tricky as removing and washing the seat cover has found to be challenging by some users. What distinguishes this car seat is the weight boundaries in forward-facing mode, which go up to 65 pounds unlike many others. This allows a longer period to use the seat as your child grows. Overall, this option stands out particularly for its convenience in daily usage, practical design, and adaptation over time without tearing your pocket.

In contrast, the UPPAbaby MESA, a more premium product with several advanced features, provides a luxurious car seat experience for infants. Made specifically for babies weighing 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height, it provides a very secure and snug environment. Not only does it offer high-tech safety features like side-impact protection, but it also exhibits an ease of installation rarely found in car seats. It integrates seamlessly with UPPAbaby strollers, making it more functional for parents who own or plan to purchase an UPPAbaby stroller. It's worth noting that while this offers excellent quality and comfort, it has a higher price tag making it a significant investment. Also, as it is only suitable for infants, its usage period is not as long as that of convertible car seats.

The choice between these two car seats depends on your individual child's needs, and family preferences. The Graco Contender 65 is a selfless bargain for parents seeking an adaptable and user-friendly car seat without going over budget. However, if you are willing to make a significant investment for added comfort, safety, and advanced features and primarily need an infant seat, the UPPAbaby MESA is definitely worth considering.