Chicco Nextfit Vs Britax Marathon: Which One is the Best?
Both car seats were tested in crashes…
When the impact occurs, there’s nothing for you to do. The forces at play are so powerful if it weren’t for all the safety equipment; most would be fatal.
Accidents happen, and in most cases, it’s not your fault. There is a reckless driver who doesn’t pay attention to. The only thing to do is to get the best car seat possible. This Chicco Nextfit Vs, Britax Marathon comparison, is special. I have acquaintances who have been in car crashes.
And I will tell you the story in a bit.
Look:
Here’s the bird’s eye view of the Chicco Nextfit. This car seat delivers to let it be an accident. Your little one will be safe. Besides safety, it’s super comfy. Kids fall asleep so fast.
Here’s the bird’s eye view of the Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat. This tank has protected the life of a child. No wonder it’s a best seller. The installation is quick and easy.
Direct Comparison Chicco Nextfit Vs Britax Advocate Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
| Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat | Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat | |
| Safety | EPS energy-absorbing foam
Steel Frame Duo Guard Protection 5-point harness |
SafeCell Tech
Steel Frame Side Impact Protection 5-point harness |
| Size Limits | Rear Facing 12-40
Front Facing: 22-65 49” |
Rear Facing 5-40
Front Facing: 20-65 49” |
| Installation | Super Cinch LATCH | ClickTight |
| Fabric/Material | Machine Washable | Machine Washable |
| Bonuses and Features | ||
| Cup Holder | 1 Flexible | No |
| Recline Position | 9 | 7 |
| Headrest Position | 9 | 14 |
| Rethread Harness | No | No |
| Breathable | Yes | Yes |
| Extended Use | Yes | Yes |
Breaking it down
The very first thing that I check out when I’m looking for a new car seat is safety. What will keep my little one safe? If it has everything I need, I move forward.
The next item on the list is the size limits. I usually tend to plan and get the most mileage out of these seats as possible.
The installation is crucial. You need to know upfront how easy or hard it is to get these things mounted. Yes, there are some horror stories with installations.
The last important part is fabric. Kids will be kids so you can expect accidents, and it’s nice to know how easy it is to remove and wash.
The last point I look at different features. Sometimes they make the difference.
Let’s get this Chicco Nextfit Vs Britax Marathon Clicktight comparison started. Just one more thing…
I have something special for you in the end. I have compiled a quick pros/cons list. The things I’ve found are quite interesting, to say the least.
Safety
It’s our duty as parents to keep our kids safe. No matter if they are infants or older. They will always need us.
Since we’re driving a lot we have to be certain that they are safe and secure. For this we have to invest in the best car seat that we can afford. As you know you can’t overprotect your kids. Sadly there are a lot of accidents. It’s time to see how our to contenders do in this department.
Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat
Let me share with you the story of what happened with my brother. He has parked the car and popped out for a minute. My nephew was sitting in the back. When another car T-boned the car. It was a horrific experience. My brother ran and tore open the door.
And he found his son playing with his stuffed animals as if nothing happened. When the little boy saw his dad’s worried face started to cry. He was safe and sound.
They bought the same seat after the accident.
The Chicco Nextfit has some nifty protection. Let’s start with double side protection. This has probably saved my nephew’s life. The car seat is built on a steel frame. And it has energy-absorbing foam. So the force of the crash is used up by the phone and not the little one’s body.
This car seat is as safe as it can get.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
Here’s another story that happened with some friends of hours. They were heading home from a long trip. And in a corner, they didn’t notice the puddle. The car skidded off the road and blasted into the tree.
The best way to describe the accident is by saying there was a twisted metal wrapped around the tree. There were three souls on board. The two parents and their 13-month-old daughter were the passengers. Now the parents had many cuts and bruises. Their child got off without a scratch.
This is how good the Britax Marathon Clicktight is.
Let’s see what kind of safety it offers. It’s built on a steel frame and uses cells to absorb impact energy. It has only one side impact protection level. And of course, the child is secured with the standard and most safe 5-point harness.
Winner
I call this a tie.
Size Limits
The car seats aren’t cheap, and the costs add up if you have multiple kids. So it’s a good idea to know how much mileage you are getting out of them. These two offer good protection until your child gets to 6 years.
Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat
The Chicco Nextfit is the next generation car seat after the Chicco Keyfit 30. Once your child has outgrown the Keyfit, this is the next upgrade.
As you can see, they cater to toddlers and upwards. It has both rear-facing and front-facing mode. It’s a good idea to keep your little one rear-facing as much as possible. That’s the safest position.
From 12 pounds up to 65 pounds, you’re good. Plus, the height maxes out at 49”.
Since this is a convertible car seat and has a steel frame, you can expect it to be heavy. It weighs 25.1 pounds. It won’t be easy swapping from one car to the next.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
The Britax Marathon Clicktight is a bit different. It caters for both infants and toddlers up to 65 pounds. This car seat is convertible as well. It comes with two functions front-facing and rear-facing mode.
Since you can put a 5-pound newborn in the car seat, it’s ideal for the first journey from the hospital to home.
The Marathon Clicktight has the same upper height limit as the Nextfit, which is 49”.
Again convertible car seats tend to be heavier than the rest. This one weighs in at 27 pounds.
Winner
It’s a tough call, but this goes to the Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat.
Installation
This is the hardest part of car seats. Try not to laugh. For some, you have to use two people to get it right. Or there are other brands for which you have to be some sort of contortionist to get that tight install. Let’s see how this two fare.
Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat
If you have used the Chicco Keyfit 30, the latch install will be the same. The only difference is that you either move it to the front or the back, depending on how you’re mounting it.
First, you level the seat. Then you pull out the latches, and you put it in the red zone if you want front-facing and blue for rear-facing. You pull on one side and then on the other, and you’re done.
The seatbelt install is a bit trickier. You will have to remove the headrest and backrest. Once that’s done, you have to guide the seatbelt inside.
The latch system is way faster and easier. They made the install so easy that you can’t get it wrong.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
The Britax Marathon works with different technology. It’s called the ClickTight. For some odd reason, the seat belt install was much easier than the latch system.
You press the ClickTight button and twist it. The seat pops open. After that, you have to run the seat belt under the seat.
The latch system uses the same method, but it looks a lot like the seatbelt. Once everything clicked into a place, you close the seat, and you will get another click.
It’s quite easy to install.
Winner
Chicco Nextfit wins this round and catches up.
Related: Which britax car seat is best?
Fabric/Material
Since you will be using this car seat from a few months old up to 6 years, you can expect accidents. Kids will always spill things or have all sorts of accidents. So this is why it’s important to have an easy to remove and clean fabric.
Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat
The Chicco Nextfit delivers superbly in this department. The material is easy to remove and wash. Plus, it’s a washing machine safe. So no matter the stain, you will be able to get it out.
Now I have friends who have the Marathon, so we have compared the two materials. The Chicco Nextfit is softer and plusher than the Marathon.
Britax Marathon Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
Thanks to the great design, the fabric is easy to remove. Plus, you can wash it with your washing machine. No matter the accident, your car seat will be clean and fresh after the wash.
Winner
This is a tie
Bonuses and Features
Since it’s a tie, I will look into the smaller features. Let’s see what makes the difference.
First of all, the Chicco Nextfit comes with an attachable cup holder. The good part of this is that you can put it on each side you like. After a certain age, a cup holder is super important. It can be a distraction, and besides drinks, it’s a great place to keep toys.
With the Britax Marathon, there’s no cup holder. You have to buy it separately. It’s not something expensive, but it would’ve been nice to have it included.
Since these car seats will serve your kids for a long time, they have to be comfortable. One of the ways they give comfort is by the recline position. The more comfortable they are, they either fall asleep, or they are quiet so you can focus on the road.
The Chicco Nextfit has nine recline positions, and the Britax Marathon has 7. That’s adequate for good comfort.
Now the next thing on the list is headrest positions. The Britax Marathon takes the lead by 14 positions, but you will need this much if you start from the newborn stage. The Chicco Nextfit has 9 positions.
Now there’s a major flaw with these car seats. Some of them are so cheap that the straps have to be adjusted manually. I hate that with a passion because I can’t get it right. Luckily none of these car seats have that. Better yet, it’s full auto. Every time you adjust the headrest, the straps align automatically.
Winner
This is a tie again.
Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat
Pros:
By looking at your child you know, they are safe it’s like a protective shell
The frame is made out of reinforced solid steel, that’s safety in my book
It’s very comfortable on long rides
Cons:
It’s a TANK very heavy and bulky
It’s hard to move from car to car once it fixed it stays there
Britax Marathon Clicktight
Pros:
It can be installed in 5 minutes without the help of a big strong man
It has a narrow profile so 3 across can be done
It’s easy to get the perfect install, and you can tell it instantly if it’s right
Cons:
It’s pricey
There’s no enough head cushion so the head slumps
Final Recount
Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat won one point (1/5)
Britax Marathon Clicktight won one point (1/5)
In the other three categories, they are tied.
Chicco Nextfit Vs Britax Marathon Verdict
It’s a tie. So what do we do now?
Well, there’s one way to do it. As you have seen, both car seats are safe because they have saved lives. So if safety is checked, then we need to check the other features.
Here’s how you can decide for yourself. If you have a newborn, then go with the Britax Marathon Clicktight because it will serve you for 6 years. Though the Britax Marathon is pricier than the Chicco Next Fit.
On the other hand, if you have an older child, then it’s good to stick with Chicco Nextfit. It’s newer than the Marathon, and it has more side impact protection.
This is how you can choose which car seat is the best for you.
We have reached the end of the Chicco Nextfit Vs Britax Marathon. I know it wasn’t easy, and now you have a reference point on how to decide. It’s your time to get the car seat that works for you and do it fast because stocks are low.
If you have any tips and ideas, you can share them in the comments section below.
Catch you next time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Is Chicco or Britax better?
It’s quite tough to decide between Chicco and Britax. Britax makes the safest car seats while Chicco makes the coolest looking ones. Both Chicco and Britax have award-winning car seats.
Which is better Britax or Graco?
Both the Graco and Britax make great car seats. Graco is more affordable than Britax. Britax makes the safest car seats.
Which car seat is better Graco or Chicco?
Graco and Chicco are both excellent car seat brands. Graco is more affordable while Chicco has the looks.
What would be an alternative for the Britax Marathon?
The Britax Boulevard Clicktight Car seat pops into mind. You may also take look at the Advocate. They use the britax clicktight installation.
Britax Marathon Vs Chicco Nextfit zip convertible seats what kind of infant insert do they offer?
These convertible seats come with an infant insert included in the package. Being a convertible means that they can be installed in rear facing mode.
Britax Marathon Vs Chicco Nextfit zip convertible car seats what are the weight limits and the height limits?
For the Britax Marathon ClickTight convertible seat the weight limits are 40 pounds and 65 pounds. The same weight limits go for Chicco Nextfit zip. Since the rear-facing weight limit is 40 pounds it means that you can do extended rear facing. The rear-facing weight is the same for both. The height limits are the same 49 inches. The height limit for the Marathon convertible seat is 49 inches the same height limit applies to the Nextfit convertible seat as well. The product dimensions are: 21 x 19 x 29.2 inches.
What kind of safety features does the Britax Marathon Vs Chicco Nextfit convertible car seat have?
Pick any convertible car seat and you will see that they are quite similar. They have a bunch safety features. Like side impact protection and latch connectors. Side impact proteciton is super important in an event of a crash. Plus it’s easy to install. There’s the impact absorbing SafeCell tech. Other safety features include the high sides which give extra protection.
What kind of features do the Marathon clicktight and the Nextfit Zip car seat have?
Both the Marathon clicktight and the Nextfit Zip come with a cup holder and they can’t be used as a booster seat. For a booster seat, you have to upgrade. Thanks to the headrest adjustment you can easily find the perfect harness positions. To have the ultimate comfort you need the right harness positions. You can use recline positions both forward and rear facing. They have multiple recline positions for more comfort.
Britax Marathon Vs Chicco Nextfit which has easy installation?
Before you start make sure you check the manual. Also make sure that the seat is straight and not in recline positions. With the Marathon you’re getting the clicktight installation. Britax has done something out standing with the clicktight installation. It’s so easy that you can’t get it wrong. You pop open the seat feed through the belt or the latch connectors and close the seat. That’s how the clicktight installation works. The britax clicktight is simply the easiest one. The Chicco on the other hand uses the Super Cinch LATCH installation system. This installation system is easy as well. Make sure you remove the slack during the mounting. Plus they all have easy installation.
Chicco Nextfit vs Marathon convertible car seats which one is airplane use ready?
Both convertible car seats are airplane use ready. They have met all the safety standards. They come with high sides for extra protection.
How do you install the Nexftfit and the Marathon seats?
Being a convertible seat they can be installed with the seatbelt installation system or the latch straps. When you use the latch strap you need to pull it tight with the latch tightener. Just like other baby products make sure you read the manual first. Then use the leveling system for the right angle. The level indicator has bubble levels for the right fit. Since they are convertibles there’s a cup holder or two. One cup holder can be used for drinks and the other cup holder for toys. Make sure the chest clip is tight. Also the chest clip must be bellow armpit level.
How comfortable are the Marathon and the Nexfit car seats?
For infants there’s a body pillow included in the package. The safety features are top notch. There are more than enough recline positions to choose from. The seat cover is removable. Also the seat cover is washable. The harness system with the harness straps can be moved by the harnest adjustment. The slide path helps the latch system to engage in the right harness position. The seat cover is machine washable but you can’t put in the dryer. The harness system and harness straps can be hidden when they are not in use. The multiple recline positions makes it all too comfy. There’s a never ending list of safety features. The seat cover is the best.
Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Brian Beasley
