Safety 1st Guide 65 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 Safety 1st Guide 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

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Current price
In stock
$89.99
In stock
$329.99
Rating 4.58 4.90

Our Thoughts

In the world of car seats, you'll find options such as the Safety 1st Guide 65 and the UPPAbaby MESA. These two seats have been designed with varying types of consideration for parents' needs. When examining these options, several important factors come into play such as user friendliness, longevity, safety, and price.

Starting with user-friendliness, the Safety 1st Guide 65 can be used both rear and forward-facing. It shines in situations where you need to save space, as the compact design allows for accommodating up to three seats in a row within most vehicles. However, it has received mixed reviews with a common issue parent's face being the complex installation process, which seems to be particularly challenging in the rear-facing mode. On the other hand, you have the UPPAbaby MESA, a seat designed specifically for infants and solely for rear-facing use. Installation is where the MESA stands out. Its SMARTSecure system ensures an accurate and secure installation every time. Therefore, if your main concern is about convenience and you prefer an easy installing process, the MESA might be your preferred choice.

In terms of usage longevity, the two seats take different approaches. Safety 1st's Guide 65 is a convertible seat that can cater to babies as small as 5 pounds and can be adjusted as the child grows, up to 65 pounds. This highlights the seat's potential to be a long-term investment. Conversely, with a weight limit of 35 pounds and a height limit of 32 inches, the MESA is only usable during the infant stage. However, this limitation is not necessarily a downside—having a seat specifically designed for infants can provide a more tailored experience during your child's first few months, offering a secure and comfortable environment.

Safety is paramount in any car seat decision. The Guide 65 offers essential safety features but has faced some concerns regarding stability, especially in the rear-facing configuration. Comparatively, the MESA excels in this aspect with an excellent array of safety components such as a no-rethread harness and side-impact protection integrated within the headrest, giving parents peace of mind.

It's also important to note the distinct price points. The Guide 65 is positioned as a budget-friendly option, while the MESA is on the pricier side. However, the added cost of the MESA seems justified by its extra features, premium materials, and sophisticated design which also adds value to the overall user experience.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an affordable, long-term investment, the Safety 1st Guide 65 could be your pick, particularly if you have multiple young children and a need to save space in your vehicle. However, given the installation challenges and some safety concerns in rear-facing configuration, it might not be for everyone. If your budget isn't strictly limited, the UPPAbaby MESA offers exceptional safety features, ease of installation, and high-quality materials. Its short-term usage span may also allow your child to have an optimal comfortable and secure environment during their early stages of development. Thus, depending solely on your specific needs and budget, your choice may vary between these two models.

Key Details

Guide 65 MESA
Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Brand Safety 1st UPPAbaby
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.58 4.90
1 yr Price Range $74.99 - $99.99 $239.99 - $349.99
Current price
In stock
$89.99
In stock
$329.99
Value

Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost.

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

Safety

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

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

Features

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

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

Installation

Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents.

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

Cleaning

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

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

Size

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

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 Safety 1st Guide 65 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

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 19 - 40 inches 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Height Range 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Neither car seat has a Booster configuration.

Dimensions and Weight

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Width 19.0 inches 17.0 inches
Height 22.8 inches 25.0 inches
Depth 27.3 inches 28.0 inches
Weight 11.6 pounds 9.9 pounds

Core Specifications

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Model Year 2015 2020
Made In USA China
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
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

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Base
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. No cup holders

Warranty and Durability

Safety 1st Guide 65 UPPAbaby MESA
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 2 years
Lifespan 10 Years 7 Years

Additional Links

See all Safety 1st car seats See all UPPAbaby car seats
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65
Full review of the UPPAbaby MESA