Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX vs. UPPAbaby MESA: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX 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

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Type Rear-Facing Rear-Facing
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$329.99
Rating 4.78 4.90

Our Thoughts

As a fellow parent, your child's comfort and safety are crucial, and I get that. I'd like to talk about two fantastic car seats I've extensively reviewed: the lightweight and versatile Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the premium UPPAbaby MESA with sophisticated safety features. While both are remarkable in their own respects, they do have distinct attributes that might be more suited to your particular needs.

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX stands out for its lightweight design, weighing just 7.2 lbs without the base, designed to minimize strain when moving your baby from car to stroller. It caters to children between 4-35 lbs, and the seat is easy to install with a 4-position adjustable base accommodating growing babies. However, it lacks some luxury touches, like adequate head and neck support for newborns, that you might find in high-end car seats. Despite that, this car seat's affordability, easy installation, and portability make it an ideal choice if you are seeking a practical, budget-friendly option without fancy add-ons.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby MESA car seat, despite being slightly heavier, shines with its advanced safety features and the ease of installation. It incorporates a SMARTSecure System ensuring an accurate and secure installation every time. Further, it includes a no-rethread harness that adjusts easily as your baby grows. The MESA also comes with a plush headrest and extra padding for newborns, providing supreme comfort and safety. What sets MESA apart is its seamless integration with UPPAbaby strollers, providing a smooth transition from car to stroller with one-button release. It also uses naturally fire-resistant materials without added chemicals, offering peace of mind for safety-conscious parents. The key consideration here, though, is that the UPPAbaby MESA is more expensive.

In weighing which to recommend, the choice truly depends on your personal requirements and budget. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight, and reliable car seat, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX may be the better choice. However, if budget isn't a significant constraint and you prioritize advanced safety features, easy installation, and seamless integration with a stroller, the UPPAbaby MESA would be a supreme choice. Both car seats are FAA-approved for travel, ensuring your little one remains safe and comfortable even during flights. Their respective 7-year expiration periods also assure value for your investment over time. Whichever car seat you opt for, rest assured that both options provide excellent safety and comfort features to help you travel with your little one with ease.

Key Details

SnugRide 35 Lite LX MESA
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Brand Graco UPPAbaby
Type Rear-Facing Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.78 4.90
1 yr Price Range $83.99 - $119.99 $239.99 - $349.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$329.99
Value

It offers key features at a budget-friendly price.

While on the pricier side, its durability and advanced features justify the cost.

Safety

High satisfaction with safety, reflected in user ratings.

Features like a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection enhance safety.

Features

Meets essential needs without extra frills.

Offers unique elements like a one-button stroller release and SMARTSecure system.

Installation

Easy installation with a level indicator on the base.

The car seat is praised for its easy and secure installation process.

Cleaning

Machine washable seat pad simplifies maintenance.

The seat cover is removable and washable, although some care is needed.

Size

One of the lightest carriers on the market.

Comparable to other infant seats in size, fitting well in most 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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the UPPAbaby MESA. 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 SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 0 - 32 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 4 - 35 pounds 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Neither car seat has a Forward-facing configuration.

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Width 15.5 inches 17.0 inches
Height 27.4 inches 25.0 inches
Depth 18.1 inches 28.0 inches
Weight 12.3 pounds 9.9 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Model Year 2021 2020
Made In China China
Frame Material Unknown Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Rear-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 5 out of 5 stars
Labels 5 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 5 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Attachment Methods Base
LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX UPPAbaby MESA
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 7 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA