Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Review – Best All-in-one Car Seat Sub $200

Graco TriRide 3 in 1

Overall Rating

 4.7/5

Face Rear & Front

Are you looking for the best 3 in 1 car seat under $200? Look no further because Graco’s new entry to the budget all-in-one car seat market carves out its crown as king of the $200 bracket. With a relatively lightweight frame, one of the highest weight and height limits in its price bracket, and best-in-class safety and comfort, the Graco TriRide is the perfect all-in-one car seat for budget-tight families. We were previously impressed with the 4Ever DLX and SlimFit3 LX – Graco’s earlier models to last a few years to grow with kids. But, while both car seats have their pros and cons, the TriRide welcomes some improved design details over its predecessor.

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

Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Review - Best All-in-one Car Seat Sub $200

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

100 lbs/ 57" for big kids
Graco ProtectPlus Engineering technique
10-position adjustable headrest for comfort
6 reclines to work with three modes
Two cup holders
Relatively lightweight design
Decent padding
Machine-washable cover for easy cleaning

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

The Graco TriRide is a real 3 in 1 car seat that can be used as – just like other models in the same group, a rear-facing car seat for infants, a forward-facing car seat for toddlers, and a belt-positioning booster for bigger kids. With the ability to accommodate children from 5 to 100 pounds, the Graco TriRide is great for parents who are looking for a car seat that lasts good years with a range of safety features such as a solid metal frame, side-impact protection, easy installation, and adjustable headrest and harness to fit kids of different ages and sizes.

Most of all, though, the TriRide is for bargain hunters and it’s easily the best under $200, even better than the Safety 1st Grow & Go and Diono Radian 3R from some points, check the alternatives part to see why.

Who isn’t the Graco TriRide for? Well, it’s by no means a 4-in-1 or expensive model with extras – for example, the rotating or folding. It does not support switching to a backless booster -very few models can achieve this. And, while it outpaces more expensive car seats where the height limit is concerned, it won’t be breaking the record from a few other models.

See also

3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

The Graco TriRide is fantastic value for money – there is a reason we’ve awarded it the gong of the best 3 in 1 car seat for under $200, after all.

As you’ll see throughout the review, the TriRide is in the upper echelons of our capacity, safety, and comfort comparison beating 5+ other models in its price and group classes. Factor in its 100 lbs/ 57″ weight and height limits – a profile that you’re just as like to see on much more expensive models – and this travel gear is a bonafide bargain.

Sure, the TriRide is a little light on extra features, and it doesn’t push the envelope too far in terms of practicality. But, make no mistake – what it does, it does well -the versatile 3-in-1 design can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run especially since it is much cheaper than most all-in-one car seats, and for the money you’re paying, you simply won’t find a better 3-in-1 car seat.

See also

Best cheap car seats under $200

4. Design

Dimensions and Width

At first impression, you won’t feel that the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat is slim, not as narrow as Graco’s famous SlimFit and its successor – SlimFit3 LX. It’s true from the width spec – TriRide is 19 inches wide while the latter two are 18.5 inches and 16.75 inches wide. It’s slightly wider than the SlimFit, which boasts to be a narrow car seat but not as narrow as the car seats to fit 3 across.

To be more specific, the Graco 3 in 1 car seat measures 19″ (width) x 20″ (depth/length) x 23.25″ (height). It’s fairly compact compared to those bulkier all-in-one car seats like the Graco 4Ever DLX (21.5 (W) X 24 (H) X 20 (D) in.) and Britax One4Life (20.5″ (D) x 19.5″ (W) x 25″(H)).

From its dimensions, the Graco TriRide is good to fit in most vehicles, including some small cars. However, it’s a good idea to measure and compare the dimensions of the car seat against the interior of your car to determine if it will fit properly before making a purchase.

Portability

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat weighs around 18.45 pounds, which is relatively lightweight compared to other car seats of the same type.

While it is designed to stay installed in a car, some parents may need to move the car seat between two cars or bring it with them while traveling.

Considering its relatively lightweight and slim fit design, it should not be difficult for parents even short moms to carry the car seat from one car to another or through airports or public transportation. However, if portability is a top priority, you may want to consider a lighter or some car seat that can be folded for easier transport.

See also

Cup Holder - Two

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat comes with two large and deep cup holders on the sides. These cup holders provide a convenient spot for children to keep their drinks, snacks, or small toys during car rides. They are removable and dishwasher-safe, making them easy to clean after messy spills.

Having cup holders integrated into the car seat can be a game-changer for parents with young children. It eliminates the need to bring separate drink holders or snacks for children and avoids the hassle of having to hold drinks or snacks during car rides. The cup holders can also help prevent messes in the car by keeping drinks and snacks in place, reducing the chances of spills.

The placement of the cup holders on the sides of the car seat is also beneficial. They are within easy reach for children, allowing them to grab their drinks or snacks whenever they want. This is particularly useful during long car rides when children may get thirsty or hungry.

While the cup holders are a great addition to the Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat, some parents may find that they are not as large as the square cup holder for certain types of drinks or snack containers. This can be a minor inconvenience for some parents, but it is not a deal-breaker since the cup holders are removable and can be used as an open slot for other items.

5. Safety Rating and Crash Tests

Is it safe to use Graco TriRide 3 in 1?

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat is designed to provide the highest level of safety and protection for children during car rides. It exceeds all applicable safety standards set by the government and regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 213) for child restraint systems.

Additionally, it has undergone rigorous crash testing to ensure maximum protection in the event of an accident.

The car seat is equipped with multiple safety features, including a steel-reinforced frame, energy-absorbing foam, and a protective shell that provides maximum protection. It features the company’s exclusive technique -ProtectPlus, boasting all-around protection from the front, rear, side, and even rollover.

It also has an adjustable headrest and harness system that can adjust to fit a child’s size and shape as they grow. The seat has been engineered to pass crash tests according to the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which includes testing for simulated side and front-end impacts.

Another safety feature of the Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat is the Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System. This system provides side impact protection and allows parents to adjust the harness and headrest with just one hand, making it easy to ensure that the child is properly secured in the car seat at all times.

Side Impact Protection

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat features a 5-point harness system to provide side-impact protection for maximum safety and protection for children.

The first layer to enhance its side impact protection performance is the protective steel-reinforced shell. It is designed to absorb and distribute the energy of a side-impact collision away from the child, reducing the risk of injury. The protective shell is made from high-strength materials and reinforced with steel, making it strong and durable.

Another important feature is the energy-absorbing foam. The car seat is equipped with multiple layers of foam that are designed to absorb the energy of a side-impact collision and protect the child’s head, neck, and torso. This foam is strategically placed to provide maximum protection in the event of a crash.

Furthermore, the car seat’s adjustable headrest and harness system also play a significant role in the side-impact protection of the car seat. The headrest is designed to keep the child’s head and neck properly aligned with the car seat during a collision, reducing the risk of injury. The harness system is also equipped with special energy-absorbing padding to reduce the impact on the child’s body during a collision.

Headrest and Harness - 10 Positions

The adjustable headrest provides maximum protection, and the built-in armrests and cup holders offer comfort and convenience to the much-older child.

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat has 10 headrest positions that can be adjusted to fit a growing child. The headrest height, along with the harness slot height can be adjusted with just one hand to ensure a proper fit as the child grows.

In addition, the car seat also has an adjustable 5-point harness system that can be adjusted to fit children of different sizes and ages. These adjustments allow parents to keep their children comfortable and safe during every phase of their growth.

It is also a well-padded seat with multiple recline positions, allowing children to sit comfortably and fall asleep during car rides. The car seat’s adjustable headrest and harness ensure a proper fit and added comfort for children of different ages and sizes. The car seat also has built-in armrests to provide a comfortable place for a child to rest their arms during long rides.

The seat cover is removable and machine-washable, making it easy for parents to keep the car seat clean and fresh for their child’s continued comfort. Overall, the Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat is designed to be comfortable and supportive for children during all stages of growth.

Reclines - 6 Positions

Infant Accessories

Given its high price almost $400, it’s no surprise that the Britax Advocate ClickTight comes equipped with head and body support for newborns and small infants – It would be a doubt if it does not have, just like the cup holder.

The head and body support are removable cushions that are designed to provide additional support and comfort for younger children who may still have developing neck and body muscles.

The head support cushion is used to provide extra support for your child’s head and neck, particularly when they are still unable to hold their head up on their own. This can be particularly important for infants who are still developing their neck muscles, as it can help to prevent their heads from flopping forward or to the side while they are in the car seat.

The body support cushion is designed to raise your child’s body to reach the lowest positioned harness strap slots, particularly when they are still very small or newborns. This cushion can help to keep your child in a more comfortable and secure position while they are in the car seat, which can help to prevent them from slumping or sliding down in the seat.

Padding

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat might not be the most comfortable car seat, but it considers comfort, especially during long trips or extensive levels of car usage. It is constructed using high-quality materials, which enhances the seat’s durability and comfort. The seat is also designed with a range of padding options that provide extra support and cushioning, ensuring the child feels comfortable at all times.

Graco TriRide is made of high-quality materials, which improve the seat’s overall durability and longevity. The car seat is constructed using high-quality plastic, steel, foam, and fabric to ensure the highest level of safety, comfort, and durability. It also features an elevated seating surface, which ensures proper alignment of the seat belt for maximum safety.

The padding of the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat provides the child with superior comfort. The car seat is designed with multiple layers of padding that offer ample cushioning and support, ensuring that the baby feels comfortable, regardless of the trip’s length or duration. The seat is designed with energy-absorbing foam, which helps absorb the forces of an accident, for increased safety.

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat also features a 5-point harness system, which ensures the baby stays secure in the seat while providing customized comfort. The harness system comprises adjustable straps and cushions, which make adjustments to the height and width of the harness to fit the child’s body size and shape. The system makes the seat comfortable for children of different sizes as they grow.

The car seat is also designed with a range of other features that enhance its comfortability, including multiple recline options, adjustable headrests, removable armrests, and cup holders. These allow for a customized fit that suits the child’s individual needs, providing maximum comfort and support.

In summary, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat’s materials and padding offer exceptional comfort and support for the baby. The seat’s construction materials ensure longevity and durability, while the cushions and customized harness system offer maximum comfort and support, making it a reliable and safe car seat to invest in.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat is designed to accommodate children as they grow, with weight and height limits that allow the seat to be used for a variety of ages and sizes. The car seat can accommodate children from 5 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall, making it a versatile option that can be used for many years.

The car seat has three different modes of use, providing parents with flexibility as their child grows. The rear-facing mode is designed for infants as small as 5 pounds and can accommodate children up to 40 pounds. In this mode, the car seat is equipped with a five-point harness system that can be adjusted to accommodate a child’s size and shape. The car seat also has multiple recline positions to provide maximum comfort and support for infants.

The forward-facing mode is good for children from 22 to 65 pounds until they reach 49 inches tall. In this mode, the car seat still has a five-point harness system, but it can also be converted to a belt-positioning booster seat for older children.

After switching the car seat to the high-back booster mode, the Graco TriRide can accommodate children from 40 to 100 pounds. In this mode, the car seat’s headrest can be adjusted to fit the child’s height, providing maximum comfort and protection during car rides.

Additionally, to the weight limits for the three modes, the LATCH weight limit is also an important factor that needs your attention. From its name, you may know that this is only for LATCH. Yes, all LATCH connectors have a weight limit that is lower than the given weight limits.

For Graco TriRide 3 in 1 car seat, the LATCH weight limit is 45 pounds when installing it forward-facing. Almost all manufacturers will have this information in the user manual. It’s worth noting that parents should always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that their child is within the recommended weight and height limits for the car seat. Using a car seat outside of the manufacturer’s guidelines can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the seat.

See also

Stage / Modes -1st and 2nd

The Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat provides parents with a single car seat that will last throughout the different stages of their child’s growth. It has three different modes that are appropriate for children of different ages and sizes, as outlined below.

Rear-facing mode: This mode is designed for infants and can accommodate children from 5 to 40 pounds. This mode has a five-point harness system that ensures the baby is safely secured in the car seat. Additionally, in this mode, the car seat offers three recline positions that provide optimal comfort and support to the child’s delicate spine and neck, promoting healthy posture.

Forward-facing mode: This mode is appropriate for toddlers who have outgrown the rear-facing mode. It can accommodate children from 22 to 65 pounds, and changes from a five-point harness toddler car seat to a high-back booster. The adjustable headrest, harness, and recline settings offer customizable comfort to the child, making car rides comfortable, safe, and enjoyable for them.

High-back booster mode: As children grow older and larger, they may outgrow the forward-facing mode. In this mode, the Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat transforms from a toddler car seat into a high-back booster to accommodate children from 30 to 100 pounds.

With these different modes of use, the Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat is an excellent investment for parents who value durability, comfort, and safety for their child. The three modes offer flexibility for parents and ensure their children can continue to use the car seat as they grow, which saves parents the time and money they would have otherwise spent on buying multiple car seats for different stages.

Age Range

The Graco Triride will grow with your child from infancy to the more mature booster seat stage, making them an excellent investment. The car seat accommodates children of different weights and heights, offering different modes of use for each stage. The age limit of the car seat varies with each mode, as explained below.

Rear-facing mode: This mode is intended for infants and babies weighing between 5 and 40 pounds. It is recommended that infants remain in this mode until they are at least one year old and meet the manufacturer’s weight and height specifications for the forward-facing mode. The rear-facing mode offers optimal protection for infants because the back of the car seat absorbs most of the impact in a collision, protecting the baby’s head, neck, and spine.

Forward-facing mode: Children from 22 to 65 pounds can use the forward-facing mode. As children grow, they outgrow the rear-facing mode and are moved to the forward-facing mode. It is recommended that children remain in this mode until at least 5 years old, or they meet the weight and height specifications for the high-back booster mode. The forward-facing mode offers maximum protection to toddlers in the event of an accident, with the five-point harnesses, robust steel-reinforced frame, and energy-absorbing foam.

High-back booster mode: Children weighing between 40 to 100 pounds can use the high-back booster mode. It is recommended that children use the booster mode until they are at least 4’9″ tall or about eight years old, depending on the child’s needs. This mode uses the car’s seat belt to secure the child in the car using an adjustable armrest and headrest. The high-back booster mode ensures that the car’s seat belt fits comfortably and correctly on the child’s collarbone and hip bones, protecting them from injury during an accident.

In conclusion, the Graco Triride 3-in-1 car seat accommodates children from infancy to booster seat age but parents should refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific age recommendations to ensure their child’s safety. This feature is not only a great investment from a financial standpoint but also provides peace of mind knowing their child is secure and comfortable while traveling.

See also

Airplane

Is Graco TriRide 3 in 1 FAA approved for use on a plane?

The Graco TriRide is a popular 3 in 1 car seat among parents for its versatility, durability, and safety features. While it is primarily designed for use in automobiles, many parents wonder if this car seat is suitable for use on airplanes. Specifically, they may be interested in whether the Graco TriRide is FAA approved for airplane use.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approves some car seats for use on airplanes. If a car seat is FAA-approved, it means that it has been tested to show that it meets certain safety standards and can be used safely on airplanes. This approval is important for parents who want to use a car seat on an airplane to ensure the safety of their child.

It’s FAA certificated for airplane use in the harness mode, but not in booster mode. You can find the sticker saying this approval in the Graco TriRide manual. It is recommended that parents check with their airline before flying to ensure that they are aware of the airline’s policy on the use of car seats. This is because some airlines have their own regulations regarding the use of car seats on airplanes.

Here are some tips on car seat use on airplanes if you’re planning any air travel.

Lifespan

How long is Graco TriRide 3 in 1 car seat good for

Car seats have an expiration date, including the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat. This expiration date is due to wear and tear, exposure to environmental conditions, and the continued advancement of car seat safety standards. The TriRide has an expiration date of ten years from its manufacture date, which is stamped on the car seat. Once the car seat reaches its expiration date, it is no longer safe to use, and parents should dispose of it.

The lifespan of the Graco TriRide car seat is affected by several factors, such as regular use and exposure to sunlight, resulting in fading, wear, tear, or damage.

Over time, the car seat’s materials will break down, reducing their effectiveness in protecting the child in the event of an accident.

It’s important to understand that every car seat has an expiration date for safety purposes, and experts recommend that parents replace their car seats every six to eight years. Car seats can also become obsolete due to changes in design features, advances in safety standards, or updated federal standards, which is a good reason to purchase a new car seat compliant with the updated safety and design features.

If you find your TriRide is expired or approaching the expiry date, here are the best ways to deal with an expired car seat.

See also

Warranty

The Graco provides a one-year limited warranty for the TriRide 3 in 1 car seat, starting from the date of original purchase. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or abuse of the car seat, normal wear, and tear, or damage caused by accidents or collisions.

7. Graco TriRide 3 in 1 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 Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Rear-facing

Lap-Shoulder Belt Installation

Install Using LATCH Connectors

Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Forward-facing installation

Install Graco Tride 3 in 1 with Lap/Shoulder Belt

Install Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Using LATCH Connectors

Install Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Booster Mode

1. Raise The Headrest To The Highest Position

2. Store The Harness System

A. Loosen The Shoulder Straps As Much As Possible Push down on the harness adjustment lever while pulling out on the harness straps at the chest clip.
B. Unbuckle the chest clip
C. Unbuckle the buckle
D. Remove Harness Covers To remove, undo the fastening strips and remove.
E. Lift the headrest pad flap up out of the way
F. Unsnap Seat Pad F Undo the 2 snaps
G. Pull Bottom Seat Pad Back To G Expose the Plastic Shell
H. Remove the Buckle Strap From bottom of car seat, rotate metal retainer to side in order to push it through slot easier.
I. Open the Harness Storage Door
J. Place Harness, Chest Clip, Buckle Tongues and Buckle Inside Storage Compartment and Close the Door
K. Replace Seat Pad Move the headrest back to its proper position for your child.

3. Adjust the Car Seat Place car seat in recline position 6.

4. Place Car Seat Forward-Facing in Back Seat of the Vehicle Place forward-facing in vehicle seat. The bottom of the seat should sit as flat as possible on the vehicle seat. Make sure the base completely rests on the vehicle seat.

With LATCH:

5. Remove Lower Anchor Connectors from Storage Location 6. Make Sure Lower Anchor Strap is in the Forward-Facing Belt Path Marked with Orange Label If not, see section 7 to move lower anchor attachment. Make sure the lower anchor attachment is routed in front of the harness strap, is flat, and is not twisted.

7. Unhook Tether From Storage Location and Lay it in the Seat 8. Extend the Lower Anchor Strap For easier installation, extend the lower anchor strap to its maximum length by pressing the grey button and pulling on the strap.

9. Attach Lower Anchor Connectors to Vehicle’s Lower Anchors Lower anchor strap should not be twisted. 10. Tighten the Lower Anchor Strap Remove all the slack from the lower anchor strap.

11. Attach Tether Hook Extend the tether by lifting up on the tether lock and attach. Consult vehicle’s owner manual for specific location. 12. Tighten Tether Strap Remove all the slack.

13. Test For Tightness Grab the sides of the seat where the Lower Anchor strap is and slide the car seat side-to-side and front-toback. If the seat moves less than 1” (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

Without LATCH:

14. Thread the Vehicle Seat Shoulder Belt Through Seat Belt Guide on the Headrest See section 6-C to secure your child.

Graco TriRide Car Seat Manual

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

The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 car seat manual is stored in a small storage slot behind the cover of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Graco
Type
Suitable for	Newborns, toddlers, and big kids
Positions	Rear-facing and forward-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	7.5. Bulkdy and lightweight
Weight (pounds)	18.5
Weight limits (lb.)	5-40 for RF, 22-65 for FF; 40-100 (Booster)
Height limit (inch)	49” for RF & FF; 57″ for booster
Dimension	19″ W x 20″ D x 23.25″H
Cup holder	Two
Performance
Age Range	Birth-8 years or older
Stage	1st, 2nd, 3rd
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	10
Recline positions	6
Airplane	Yes
Lifespan	10 Years
Extra Features	Graco ProtectPlus

Graco TriRide vs SlimFit

Car Seats Comparison	Graco TriRide	Slim Fit3 LX
Price	$189.99	$279.99
Weight limits (lb)	RF:5-40 / FF: 22-65 / Booster: 40-100	RF:5-40 / FF: 22-65 / Booster: 40-100
Height limits (in)	RF / FF: 49"; Booster:57"	RF / FF: 49"; Booster:57"
Height Adjustable Headrest	✓	✓
Steel Reinforced	✓	✓
Breathable Fabrics	-	✓
Easy-to-Remove Seat Pad	-	✓
Belt Lock-Off	-	✓
Fits 3 Across	-	✓
Side impact protection	2 layers	2 layers
Headrest positions	10	10
Recine position	6	6
Width	19 inches	16.75 inches
Car Seat Weight	18.45 lb.	19.2 lb.
Machine-washable fabric	✓	✓
Cup Holder	Two	Two