Evenflo Tribute Review – Lightest Convertible Car Seat for Air Travel

Evenflo Tribute convertible car seat

Evenflo Tribute

Overall Rating
4.7/5
Face Rear & Front

The Evenflo Tribute, with its compact and ultra-lightweight design, makes it an alluring option for parents that need a budget convertible car seat for air travel or as a backup option for the second or third vehicle. As just 9.29 lbs, the Tribute suits the name perfectly as one of the lightest convertible car seats. The combination of the easy-to-use installation, multiple adjustable harness straps, and cheap price but with basic safety features, allows the Tribute to boost some true practicality. With a weight limit of 40 pounds and a height limit of 40 inches, could you really go wrong with the Tribute at $79.99?

*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.

Evenflo Tribute Review - Lightweight Convertible Car Seat for Travel

Pros & Cons

The good and the bad

What is it best for

Who we recommend it for

Value for Money

Is it worth the price tag?

Design

Dimensions, weight, color, etc

Safety Rating

Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP

Performance

Weight/height limits, airplane, etc

Installation

Install with LATCH or seat belt

Alternatives

Other car seats to consider

1. Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Evenflo TributeBe a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

Looking for a convertible car seat with basic safety at a budget price? Plan to travel out of the country and don’t want to take a huge tank-like car seat to navigate through the airport? The Evenflo Tribute might just be the best car seat for you.

With a compact and lightweight design, the Tribute has a perfect fusion of attributes that make it ideal for parents who are always on the go and would like to travel with their kids.

It has a fairly narrow design – measuring 17 inches at the widest point, making it still good to fit in a narrow seat on the plane. Or if you want to install multiple car seats in the back row, it’s capable of fitting three across as well.

At a budget price under $80, it’s perfect if you don’t want to pay for a huge car seat with extras that you don’t want. Yes, it comes with very basic features, a relatively low size limit (40 lbs/ 40″), 4-position harness straps, few recline positions, and limited padding.

However, this does not mean it’s unsafe. It passes the federal safety standards and proves itself to perform well in protecting the little passenger in the car seat.

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3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

For the specs on offer, the Evenflo Tribute is clearly worth the $79.99 price tag. It does not have great weight and height limits as that of average convertible car seats, but the 40 lbs/ 40″ size limit is good enough to accommodate a kid from birth to around 3 years old. The lightweight and slim-fit design makes it perfect for traveling abroad. 

There are more expensive car seats, like the Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX ($89.99) and Evenflo Sonus 65 ($119.99), that would be envious of some of the specs the Tribute manages to flaunt so nonchalantly for a budget price.

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4. Design

Evenflo Tribute Dimensions and Width

The Evenflo Tribute measures 17 inches in width (18.5-inch if attach the cup holder on), 19 inches in depth (length), and 25.5 inches in height, making it a relatively compact car seat compared to some other convertible car seats on the market, which can be beneficial for parents with smaller vehicles or those who want to install multiple car seat side by side in a row.

The car seat’s slim profile makes it easier to fit in small cars, but it’s always recommended to check the car seat’s measurements against the dimensions of your vehicle to ensure a proper fit. Installing it in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions seems to affect how much space it takes up in your car. But the car seat has only one recline position for both modes, seeming positive from this point.

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Portability

The Evenflo Tribute weighs approximately 9.3 pounds, making it one of the best lightweight convertible car seats. This weight is relatively easier for parents to carry, move, and transport. As a result, it’s also our best recommendation if you’re on the hunt for a travel car seat.

The compact size of the car seat also makes it more portable than the majority of convertible car seats on the market.

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Cup Holder - One

The Evenflo Tribute convertible car seat comes with one removable cup holder that can be attached to either side of the car seat.

The cup holder is designed to hold drinks, snacks, or small toys and can be easily removed for cleaning. It is dishwasher-safe and provides a convenient feature for parents who want to provide their child with easy access to drinks and snacks during car rides.

However, the cup holder is a bit far from easy reach for the kids themselves. It’s placed near the backrest corner, not the most usual front corner or on the edge of the car seat, or built in the armrest area.

I guess the manufacturer decided on this design for not adding the overall width after attaching the cup holder to the car seat, but this is inevitable. Mounting the cup holder on more or less increases the total width of a car seat, even if it’s removable.

Color option

The Evenflo Tribute does not have many color options, but only two – Saturn gray and Jupiter red, on its official website. There should be several colors available years ago. On Amazon, only Saturn gray is available. 

Both colors are not inherently gendered, traditionally, pink or purple are often considered more “girly” colors, while blue or green may be considered more “boyish.” However, it’s important to remember that children can like and wear any color they choose, regardless of gender.

That being said, the Tribute is available in these two different colors that could be suitable for children of any gender. 

If you and your kid have a specific taste, especially for baby and toddler girls, check out our post on the best purple car seats and best pink car seats.

Headrest and Harness - 4 Positions

The Evenflo Tribute has four harness slots and two crotch buckle positions, which allow for adjustments to accommodate growing children. The harness slots are located on the back of the car seat, and the crotch buckle positions are located on the bottom of the seat.

The headrest and harness slots allow parents to adjust the harness at a desired position for a customized fit that affects the comfort of the child as well as safety. With multiple harness slots, parents can adjust the height of the harness straps to fit the child’s height and ensure that the straps are at the correct height to secure the child in the seat – the harness straps should be at or below the kid’s shoulders in rear-facing and at or above the kid’s shoulders in the forward-facing mode.

Multiple-position harness adjustment also allows for the harness to be tightened properly for different sizes and ages, which helps to ensure that the child is securely and comfortably seated in the car seat.

Reclines - 1 Position

You don’t expect too much on a cheap car seat under $80. This is obvious in the recline feature on the Evenflo Tribute car seat. It does not support multiple recline positions, only one actually – only reclined for rear-facing mode. 

There is a recline stand at the bottom of the seat. When you used the Tribute rear-facing, you should flip the recline stand toward the front to turn it in the reclined position. Also, make sure the level arrow on the side is parallel to the ground. If not, you may need to use a rolled towel or a small blanket for help.

Infant Accessories

The Evenflo Tribute comes equipped with a removable head pillow and body pillow. The head pillow aims to provide additional support for younger infants who may need extra support for their neck and head. The body pillow is used to add additional support for newborns and small toddlers to reach the lowest harness strap slots.

They are removable as your kid grows bigger and has more control power for their head and neck. Typically, the manufacturer will give detailed instructions in the car seat manual to use these accessories correctly. So it’s strongly recommended to read the manual before starting to use it.

Padding

The Evenflo Tribute features a lightweight, durable design with a mix of materials. The car seat is constructed with a steel frame and has a plush, soft fabric cover that is machine washable for easy cleaning. The padding used on the car seat is relatively thin compared to some other high-end convertible car seats on the market, but it is still sufficient to provide adequate comfort and support for the child.

The thickness of the padding can affect the comfort of the child, as thicker padding may provide a more comfortable and supportive seating experience. However, overly thick padding can also make the car seat too bulky and cumbersome, which can be a problem for parents who need to move the car seat frequently or use it in small cars.

The Tribute’s padding strikes a balance between providing adequate support and cushioning for the child while still maintaining a relatively compact and lightweight design.

5. Crash Tests and Safety Ratings

Is it safe to use Evenflo Tribute convertible car seat?

The Evenflo Tribute is able to deliver side-impact protection to help protect your child in the event of a side-impact collision.

The side-impact protection system of the Evenflo Tribute includes multiple layers of energy-absorbing foam and a deep, padded headrest. The foam is designed to absorb and dissipate the force of an impact, while the deep headrest provides additional protection for your child’s head and neck.

In addition to the foam and headrest, the car seat also features a special base that is designed to absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash. The base has a wide stance and is reinforced with steel for added strength and stability.

Side Impact Protection

The Evenflo Tribute is able to deliver side-impact protection to help protect your child in a side-impact collision.

The side-impact protection system of the Evenflo Tribute includes multiple layers of energy-absorbing foam and a deep, padded headrest. The foam is designed to absorb and dissipate the force of an impact, while the deep headrest provides additional protection for your child’s head and neck.

In addition to the foam and headrest, the car seat also features a special base that is designed to absorb and distribute energy in the event of a crash. The base has a wide stance and is reinforced with steel for added strength and stability.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

The Evenflo Tribute is very different from the majority of convertible car seats. It has very low height and weight limits, even though it’s also a convertible car seat that can be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. The weight and height limits for each mode are as follows: 

Rear-facing mode: The car seat can accommodate children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds and who are up to 37 inches tall. 

Forward-facing mode: The car seat can accommodate children who weigh between 22 and 40 pounds and who are up to 40 inches tall.

See? The overall 40 lbs/ 40″ is just the same as the rear-facing weight and height limits for a traditional convertible car seat like the Evenflo Sonus 65, and this combination is even lower than the rear-facing weight and height limit of a few other convertible models like Graco Extend2Fit (50lbs / 49″, always our best recommendation in this group).

But, this is not the only convertible car seat with this low weight and height limit. The Nuna Revv is a rotating car seat and is priced over $600, but it has a top size limit of 40 lbs/ 43″ for both rear-facing and forward-facing use.

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Stage / Modes -1st and 2nd

Even with ultra-low weight and height limits, the Evenflo Tribute is a true convertible car seat and can be used in two different stages, including the rear-facing stage and the forward-facing stage.

In both stages, the car seat secures your little one with a 5-point harness.

Rear-facing harness: 40 lbs/ 37″. During this stage, the car seat is installed facing the back of the vehicle and is secured using the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system. Rear-facing car seats are considered to be the safest option for young children, as they provide additional support for the head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. So it’s strongly recommended to keep your kid in this stage for as long as possible.

Forward-facing harness: 40 lbs/ 40″. In this stage/mode, the car seat transitions to face the front of the vehicle and is secured using the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system as well. As long as your kid grows heavier than 40 pounds or taller than 37 inches, you should switch the Tribute from rear-facing to this stage.

See also:

Age Range

The age limits for each stage of the Evenflo Tribute can vary depending on the child’s size and growth pace. However, the estimated age ranges are as follows based on the weight and height limits:

Rear-facing stage – 40 lbs/ 37″. Generally speaking, this stage is appropriate for newborns and infants up to around 2 years old. However, it’s important to note that age is not the only factor to consider when determining when to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing mode. Parents should also consider their child’s weight, height, and developmental stage.

Forward-facing stage – 40 lbs/ 40″. This stage is appropriate for children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old. However, as with the rear-facing stage, parents should also consider their child’s weight, height, and developmental stage when determining when to switch to a booster seat.

See also

Airplane

Is Evenflo Tribute FAA approved for use on a plane?

The Evenflo Tribute is approved for use on airplanes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This means that the car seat is certified to meet the safety standards set forth by the FAA and can be used on an airplane.

Also, its narrow and lightweight design makes the Tribute one of the best car seats for air travel. You can easier take the car seat from home to the airport and then install it on the plane.

When using the car seat on an airplane, it’s important to follow the airline’s specific guidelines for installation and use. Most airlines require that the car seat be installed in a window seat and that it be secured using the airplane’s seat belt.

Additionally, the car seat must be approved for use on airplanes and must bear a label indicating that it is FAA-approved. Parents should also ensure that their child meets the size and weight requirements for the car seat, and should consider purchasing a travel bag or cover to protect the car seat during transport.

Lifespan - 6 Years

How long is Evenflo Tribute car seat good for

Like most car seats, the Evenflo Tribute convertible car seat has an expiration date. According to the information provided by the manufacturer in the manual, the Tribute car seat will expire 6 years from the date of manufacture. This expiration date is given the fact that over time, car seat materials can deteriorate, which can reduce the effectiveness of the car seat in the event of a crash.

It’s important to note that using an expired car seat can compromise the safety of your child. So parents should always check the expiration date on their car seat and replace it if it has expired. My advice is to write it down in an obvious large text and color it for a kind reminder. 

Additionally, car seats that have been involved in a moderate or severe crash should be replaced, even if they appear to be undamaged, as the crash can cause invisible damage that can compromise the safety of the car seat in a subsequent crash.

See also 

Warranty

The Evenflo provides a 90-day limited warranty for the Tribute convertible car seat, starting from the date of original purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

That’s the shortest among the car seats. The majority of the car seat brands, like Britax, Graco, Safety 1st, and Chicco offer a limited one-year warranty for their products. Diono and Doona do even better, both provide an extended 36-month warranty as long as you register the car seat.

7. Evenflo Tribute Installation

Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.

If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.

Install Evenflo Tribute Car Seat Rear-facing

LATCH or Seat Belt Installation

No matter whether you’re planning to install the Evenflo Tribute in rear-facing or forward-facing, it can be installed with the LATCH connectors or seat belt.

Remember: DO NOT use the two methods at the same time.

Follow the instructions and steps in the car seat manual to achieve a proper and tight installation before kicking off the vehicle.

Evenflo Tribute Forward-facing installation

Install Evenflo Tribute with LATCH connectors

  1. Make sure that the harness straps are in one of the three upper strap slots A. The harness straps MUST start at shoulder height or above, using the strap slots closest to your child’s shoulders C. The splitter plate is attached to the bottom of the harness strap in the child’s position B (page 40). This will provide more room for your child to fit comfortably.
  2. Place the child restraint in your vehicle forward-facing. Route the lower anchor connector strap and hook through the forward-facing belt path D.
  3. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to locate the lower anchor bars F on your vehicle seat. Attach the right hook E to the right anchor bar F, and the left hook to the left anchor bar. DOUBLE CHECK that the lower anchor connector hook is fully engaged by pulling hard on the lower anchor connector strap.
  4. Using your full weight, push the child restraint firmly into the vehicle seat, while pulling up on the lower anchor connector strap to tighten. The lower anchor connector strap must be as tight as possible. If you can move the child restraint more than 25 mm (1 in.) side to side or front to back at the belt path D, the lower anchor connector strap is not tight enough. You will need to try again, find another location for your child restraint, or install it with the vehicle seat belt. 
  5. Connect the tether hook G to the vehicle tether anchor H behind the vehicle seat, as shown. (Please consult your vehicle owner’s manual, as tether anchor locations may vary.) Pull the strap I and tighten the tether securely.

Install Evenflo Tribute Using Seat Belt

  1. Make sure that the harness straps are in one of the three upper strap slots A. The harness straps MUST start at shoulder height or above, using the strap slots closest to your child’s shoulders C. The splitter plate is attached to the bottom of the harness strap in the child’s position B (at or above the shoulders). This will provide more room for your child to fit comfortably.
  2. Place the child restraint in your vehicle forward-facing.
  3. Thread the vehicle seat belt D through the forward-facing belt path behind the seat pad. Note: Lift seat pad away from seat for easier access.
  4. Fasten the vehicle seat belt as shown depending on your type of seat belt. Note: Install locking clip on lap and shoulder belt combinations, if necessary.
  5. Install Locking Clip (not included), if necessary. If your vehicle was built prior to model year 1996, and has a lap/shoulder belt that is equipped with an emergency locking retractor (ELR) AND sliding latch plate, you MUST use a Locking Clip. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to identify which vehicle belt system is in your vehicle. If your vehicle is model year 1996 or newer, it likely has a vehicle belt system that can be locked when tightened, and will not require use of a Locking Clip.

Evenflo Tribute Car Seat Manual

You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child. 

The Evenflo Tribute manual is stored in the clips on the back of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specifications

Brand 
BrandEvenflo
Type 
Suitable forNewborns, toddlers
PositionsRear-facing and forward-facing
Design 
Portability (1-10)8.5. Compact and lightweight
Weight (pounds)9.3
Weight limits (lb.)5-40 for rear-facing, 22-40 for forward-facing
Height limit (inch)37″ for RF; 40” for FF
Dimension17″ x 19 x 25″ WDH
Cup holderOne
Performance 
Age RangeBirth-2~3 years old
Stage1st, 2nd
InstallationLATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions4
Recline positions1
AirplaneYes
Lifespan8 Years
Extra Features

Evenflo Tribute vs Tribute LX

Car Seats Comparison Evenflo Tribute Evenflo Tribute LX
Price $79.99 $79.99
Weight limits (lb) RF:5-40 / FF: 22-40 RF:5-40 / FF: 22-40
Height limits (in) RF: 37"* / FF: 40" RF: 37"* / FF: 40"
Installation LATCH / Seat Belt LATCH / Seat Belt
Side impact protection
Headrest positions 4 4
Recine position 1 1
Width 17" / 18.5" with cup holder on 17" / 18.5" with cup holder on
Car Seat Weight 9.3 lb. 11 lb.
Machine-washable fabric
Cup Holder One Two

*About the height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.

9. Alternatives

What other convertible car seats should you consider?

Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

Graco Contender

Why is it better than the Evenflo Tribute?
Why is it worse than the Evenflo Tribute?
Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX convertible car seat

Cosco Mighty Fit 65 DX

Why is it better than the Evenflo Tribute?
Why is it worse than the Evenflo Tribute?