Car Seat Showdown: Chicco NextFit Vs Graco Extend2Fit Comparison

chicco nextfit vs graco extend2fit comparison

Metal grinds against metal… airbags explode… this is the sound of a real crash

When an accident happens, you are powerless. You have to hope that all the safety features are doing their jobs.

Close relatives and friends have tested these two seats in real scenarios. No lab tests or dummies. There were real lives at stake.

Do you want to know how the seat fair? Continue reading, and I will share it with you in a bit.

Look:

Here’s the bird’s eye view of the Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat. It’s one of the highest-rated car seats in Consumer Reports. It has all the safety features you will ever need. Plus, it’s super comfy for the baby.

Here’s the bird’s eye view of the Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat. No matter what your child is safe. It helps to keep your little one in rear-facing mode for a long time.

Direct Comparison Chicco Nextfit Vs Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat

  Chicco Nextfit Convertible Car Seat Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat
Safety EPS energy-absorbing foam

Steel Frame

Duo Guard Protection

5-point harness

Impact Absorbing Base

Steel Frame

True Shield

5-point harness

Size Limits Rear Facing 12-40

Front Facing: 22-65

49”

Rear Facing 4-50

Front Facing: 22-65

49”

Installation Super Cinch LATCH One Second InRight Latch
Fabric/Material Machine Washable Machine Washable
Bonuses and Features    
Cup Holder 1 Flexible 2 Built In
Recline Position 9 6
Headrest Position 9 10
Rethread Harness No No
Breathable Yes Yes
Extended Use Yes Yes

Breaking it down

The table above is my shortlist when it comes to looking at a car seat. Top of the list is safety. Let’s face it; there’s no reason to skimp out on child protection. The next item on my list is the size limits. This is important because these car seats are expensive, and it’s a good idea to get the most mileage as possible.

The next point is all about the installation. Some notorious seats are hard to install. The manufacturer-made training video looks difficult, so what can you expect from average parents?

The last important item is the fabric. You need to know how easy it is to remove and wash. Since kids do have accidents from time to time, it’s good to know ahead of time.

In the last section, I talk about smaller features. Sometimes when the score is tied, this gives the final push.

Let’s get this Chicco Nextfit Vs Graco Extend2fit 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.

Safety

child car seat safety 8This is where the rubber meets the road. Some manufacturers barely pass government requirements. I would emphasize the word again, barely. So would you trust that car seat or the one that goes beyond the bare minimum?

Luckily both car seats are doing a good job in this department. In the coming paragraph, I’ll share with you how these car seats were tested.

Chicco Nextfit

My brother parked his car and went to buy a few things. Meanwhile, his young son was in the back, playing with some toys.

A few minutes later, a reckless driver crashed into the car. It was a T-bone accident. The car hit the driver’s side. Exactly on the side, my nephew was sitting.

My brother heard the crash and rushed outside. With all the adrenaline pumping, he ripped open the doors. Then he saw his son. He was playing with the stuffed animals as if nothing had happened.

He only started crying when he saw his dad’s panicked face. He got out without a scratch.

These Chicco Nextfit car seats are delivered on all fronts. Thanks to the energy-absorbing foam, the crash went into the foam and not into the little one’s body. The steel frame kept everything in place. Plus, the double-side protection keeps my nephew from injury. Last but not least, the 5-point harness kept him in the car seat.

This is how the Chicco Nextfit has passed a real test with flying colors.

Graco Extend2fit

This accident happened with some friends of mine. They were driving, and all of a sudden, a drunk driver hit them from the front.

In the back, a little girl is sitting. The crash was brutal. The other car was speeding when the collision occurred. Metal screeched, and the glass shattered. The airbags exploded. The car didn’t stop.

It did a 180 until it came to rest. The aftermath of the crash was that both parents got a severe whiplash. Their little girl was fine; there were no bruises or scratches. She was crying, but she was OK.

The safety features kept this little girl from harm. The steel frame kept everything in place. The base has absorbed most of the energy. The TrueShield tech, which is partly for side protection, wasn’t used, but it’s good that it exists. Last but not least, the 5-point harness kept the little one in place during the crash.

The Graco Extend2fit did a great job, and it’s a winner in my book.

Winner

It’s a tie because both kids were safe from impact.

Size Limits

It seems that these seats are getting more expensive as the years go by. This is why it’s important to get the most mileage out of them. Both of these car seats are convertible, so you’re getting a few years of usage.

Chicco Nextfit Infant Car Seat

Chicco Nextfit car seats cater to toddlers and upwards. From 12 pounds up to 65, you will be able to use it. Since it’s a convertible, you get two options with this car seat. You can use it in rear-facing and front-facing mode. It’s a good idea to have your little one in the rear-facing mode as much as possible because that gives the most protection.

In some countries in Europe, the minimum age for rear-facing is four years old. The good news is that the Chicco Nextfit allows extended rear-facing mode. You can have your child facing the rear until they are 40 pounds.

From some basic estimate, you will be able to use this car seat until your kiddo reaches 6 years or 65 pounds or 49”.

Since this is a convertible car seat, it’s not light. It weighs 25.1 pounds.

Graco Extend2fit Infant Car Seat

Graco’s target audience is lower than Chicco’s. They cater for infants up to 6 years old. This means that you will get more mileage out of this seat. The lower weight limit is set to 5 pounds. This means that you can take your newborn home from the hospital with this car seat.

The Graco Extend2fit has two modes as well since it’s a convertible. You can choose from rear-facing and forward-facing modes. This, too, allows extended rear-facing. To help this, it comes with a leg extender for extra comfort.

Since it’s rear-facing friendly, you can use that mode until your child reaches 50 pounds. That says something about this Graco design.

You will need to upgrade when your kiddo reaches 65 pounds or 49”. All in all, the Graco Extend2fit will serve you from being a newborn up to 6 years old.

I don’t know how the guys did it, but it’s lighter than the Chicco. It weighs just 23.2 pounds.

Winner

The point goes to the Graco Extend2fit Infant Car Seat.

Installation

child car seat installation 8This is the peskiest task of them all. Now, if you are planning to move, the car seat around these sections will be particularly interesting for you. The easier the install, the better. Some brands are doing it better than others.

Chicco Nextfit Infant Car Seat

I love the Chicco design. This is by far the easiest and fastest car seat to install. It supports both latch and seat belt mounting. Everything is color-coded and labeled. You can’t get this wrong.

You level the seat extract the latches listen for the two clicks, and then you pull the straps, and you’re done. In a minute or so, you will be done. If you prefer to use the seatbelt option, then it’s a bit finicky. Still, it’s intuitive.

The seat belt installation takes one extra minute. It is the simplest of all the brands.

Everything is color-coded if you want the front-facing install then you move the latches in the red zone. If you want it in rear-facing, you move the latches in the blue zone.

With a few clicks, you’re done.

Graco Extend2fit

Graco kind of dropped the ball with this one. I mean, it’s not hard, but you will need some good old fashioned elbow grease to get it right.

If you’re doing the rear-facing install, it’s a good idea to step in the car and push the seat down with your stomach.  Also, if you’re using the latch system, you will have to remove the cover from the cup holders and pull the strap from the inside. It’s quite counter-intuitive.

Actually, the seatbelt installation is much easier. You just feed through the designated slot, and you’re done.

I’m ashamed to admit this, but I cursed a lot when I installed this car seat.

Winner

The point goes to Chicco Nextfit Infant Car Seat, and it has tied the score.

Fabric/Material

Kids are kids, and they make a mess and have accidents. This is why you need a super-friendly fabric that is easy to wash. Also, it’s a good idea to be easily removable.

Now I won’t do a separate section for the two brands because they are quite similar. Pick the Graco Extend2fit or the Chicco Nextfit, and the steps are the same.

First, it’s easy to remove the fabric, and then you toss it in the washing machine. It’s highly recommended to use a gentle washing cycle and cold water. After the washing has finished, you let it air dry, and it’s done.

Since they are so similar, there’s no winner in this category.

Winner

It’s a tie.

Bonuses and Features

In cases like these, I tend to look at the smaller features. Maybe by going through them, I will be able to pick a clear winner. Let’s dig in.

At this age, with kids, a cup holder is a must. Now the Chicco Nexfit has a flexible or attachable cup holder. The only problem with this is that some creative toddlers will get the idea to remove it and use it as a projectile.

This is why I much prefer the built-in cup holders. The Graco Extend2fit Infant Car Seat has them this way. There are two of them which are excellent for storing drinks and toys.

To get the most comfort out of the seat, it needs to have a recline function. Now the Chicco Keyfit has 9 levels, and the Graco Extend2fit has only 6. The more, the merrier.

But the Graco Extend2fit counters with the headrest, which has 10 levels while the Chicco Keyfit only has 9.

Both car seats got this right. There’s no manual rethreading of the straps. It’s one of the things I could never get right. I’m glad that I won’t have to waste time since when the headrest is adjusted, then the straps are as well.

Winner

Again it’s a tie.

Chicco Nextfit Zip Air infant car seats

Chicco NextFit Zip Convertible Car SeatPros:

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

Graco Extend2Fit infant car seats

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car SeatPros:

It’s one of the easiest to install and can be done in less than 5 minutes

There’s no manual rethreading of the straps ever

The fabric is easy to wash even after a vomiting incident

Cons:

The release button is hidden, and if you have big hands it’s hard to reach

You need to watch videos to put the fabric back into place

Final Recount

Chicco Nextfit Zip Air won one round (1/5)

Graco Extend2fit won one round (1/5)

The other rounds were all tied.

Chicco Nextfit Vs Graco Extend2fit Verdict

What to do now?

From the safety aspect, both car seats are superb. They did an excellent job of protecting the children. Now with the Graco Extend2fit, you are getting more mileage out than the Chicco Nextfit Zip Air. On the other hand, the Chicco Nextfit Zip Air is far easier to install than the Graco.

The rest of the categories were the same. Based on the ease of installation, the winner of this comparison is the Chicco Nextfit.

We have reached the end of the Chicco Nextfit Vs Graco Extend2fit. I hope this article helped you make your mind up. Now it’s your turn. Do get the right car seat now because stocks are low.

Catch you next time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the difference between Graco 4ever and Extend2Fit?

The difference between Graco 4ever and Extend2Fit is that the Extend2Fit car seat is a convertible and it can only be used until 65 pounds. While the Graco 4Ever is an all-in-one car seat so it can be used up to 120 pounds. The Extend2fit allows extended rear facing up to 50 pounds while the Graco 4ever taps out at 40 pounds.

Which car seat is better Graco or Chicco?

Graco and Chicco are both excellent car seat brands. Graco is affordable while Chicco has the looks.

Is Britax or Chicco better?

It’s quite tough to decide between Britax and Chicco. Britax makes the safest car seats while Chicco makes the coolest looking ones. Both Chicco and Britax have award-winning car seats.

What is the weight limit and height limit for Graco Extend2fit vs Chicco nextfit Zip Air comparison?

The maximum weight limit for Graco Extend2fit is the same as for the Chicco Nextfit Zip Air and it’s 65 pounds. The rear-facing weight limit is 40 pounds. The weight range is also similar 12 to 65 pounds and 4 to 65 pounds. The Graco exnted2fit seat weight is 23.2 pounds the Chicco nextfit Zip Air seat weight is 25.1 pounds. The maximum height limit for the Extend2fit is 49 inches and the maximum height limit for car seats Chicco is 49 inches. These 49 inches are quite generous. Other convertible car seats tap out faster or right at 49 inches.

What is the extension panel for these convertible car seats?

Some of the convertible car seats have an extension panel. This offers extra legroom in a rear-facing position. As you know rear-facing position is the safest for small kids. It has been certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The extension panel not only provides comfort but safety as well. It’s not just a simple piece of plastic it’s a 4-position extension panel.

What kind of safety features do these Chicco next fit Zip Air vs Graco Extend2fit convertible car seats have?

These convertible car seats have a ton of safety features. It might sound odd but easy to install is a safety feature for me. They both offer extended rear-facing positions the Graco goes all the way up to 50 pounds. There’s the right latch system for easy installation.  They both have great side impact protection. As you know side impact protection is very important nowadays.

How do you install these Graco Extend2fit vs Chicco nextfit car seats?

Any of these car seats are easy to install. Since they are convertibles you can install them front and rear-facing. Make sure you read the manual first. You can use the seat belt or the right latch system connectors (latch anchors). Follow the belt path and you will be set. Make sure you read the level indicator correctly. With the level indicator, you can set the seat upright. Both car seats have a great leveling system. They have the highest safety standards on the market. If you’re using the seat belt install make sure you use the belt lock-off. The latch connectors are easy to use and they are the latest generation. You have to connect the latch connectors to the latch attachment. When you’re installing check the bubble levels and remove the recline angle.

What kind of features do these Graco Extend2fit vs Chicco nextfit convertible seats have?

You can install them with the vehicle seat belt. They can’t be used as a booster seat. There’s enough side impact protection. There’s the possibility of extended rear-facing position. Good seat pad and seat cover. There’s the inright latch system (latch connectors). Speaking of the seat cover it’s easy to remove and wash. It’s easy to install. They come with recline positions. The harness system works like a charm. There’s no rethreading. So every time you adjust the headrest the harness system follows. You can install it in different positions. Here’s the features list: seat pad, inright latch system, side impact protection, a harness system, and recline positions.

Which is the most comfortable toddler seat from Chicco Nextfit vs Graco Extend2fit?

When it comes to cup holders the Graco has two cup holders for you while the chicco only has one. If you want comfort you can have it with the 12-position headrest. The car seat cover is easily removable. The seat cover is washable as well. The seat fabric is nice soft and cushy. With the car seat cover, you won’t have any issues.

How long can you use the infant insert with the extend2fit vs Chicco seats?

Typically you can use it up to 11 pounds. Don’t forget about the reclining option and harness adjustment. The harness straps are padded for comfort. The headrest has a slide path integrated. You won’t have problems with the latch connector or the recline sure feature.

Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!