Nuna Rava Review – Most Reclined Convertible Car Seat

Nuna Rava

Overall Rating

 4.2/5

Face Rear & Front

Want a car seat that lasts good years, provides strong protection on all types of riding situations and comes with innovative features for easy installation? Try the Nuna Rava. Channeling almost everything we love about the design and innovation of Nuna’s most premium car seats – such as the Revv – the Rava is a versatile car seat that’ll give parents everywhere something to get assured about and deliver max comfort for the little passenger. There is one major caveat, though… There are plenty of other car seats that offer far better value for money. It was really expensive!

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

Nuna Rava Review - Most Expensive Convertible Car Seat

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 Nuna Rava Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

As the specs and price point depict, the Rava isn’t for families with limited budgets. It’s a 2-in-1 convertible car seat with an average size limit of 65 lbs/ 49″, meaning it lasts only two stages and lacks booster mode being the last car seat needed in most US states.

Unlike the Nuna Exec – which supports booster mode for the longest lasting – the Rava isn’t tailor-made for big kids around 6 or 7 years of age. But it’s still made of soft and high-quality stuff and boasts the comfort, specs, and functionality to provide great protection and max comfort to ride with your kids.

Make no mistake, though – the Rava is far cry from the more basic features-challenged convertible car seat produced by the likes of Safety 1st, Evenflo, and Cosco. If you’re thinking about the Rava as a step up into something a little more powerful, I’d at least recommend experimenting with a car seat that is more affordable but with great features. The Graco Extend2Fit, Britax Marathon, and even the Chicco NextFit Zip are all good gateways here.

But even for families in the middle, there’s one reason in particular that the Nuna Rava may not be the right fit…it’s expensive, far more expensive than the 99 percent convertible car seats on the market. Of all the convertible car seats offering the same size limit and safety features, the Rava will cost you the most. As a result, there are plenty of other convertible car seats that offer far better value for money.

3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

Don’t get me wrong – the Nuna Rava is a fantastic car seat. But does that mean I can give it my blessing as being worth the entirety of its $550 price tag? No.

If you’re committed to spending that kind of money (or even less), there’s better value elsewhere. Actually, the $550 Nuna Rava beats most convertible car seats on the market, including some swivel car seats (except the Revv also from Nuna).

The Cybex Sirona S and Baby Jogger City Turn, for instance, are two rotating car seats, and both feature an innovative 180-degree or 360-degree rotation, additional safety features, and deliver better convenience than the Rava. Elsewhere, the Graco Extend2Fit and Britax Marathon bring more to the table at a much cheaper price.

4. Design

Dimensions and Width

The Nuna Rava Convertible car seat has the following dimensions:

Height: 25.2-31 inches
Width: 19 inches
Depth: 16 inches

While the width of the car seat is 19 inches only, which is slightly wider than our best recommendations of narrow car seats under 18.5 inches, it is still considered a compact design and can fit in most vehicles.

However, if you have a small car or want to install multiple car seats in a row, the Nuna Rava is not the best option. If this is your case, you can pick up one from the best car seats to fit 3 across.

The narrow base allows for a more upright installation, which can provide more legroom for passengers in the front seat. But you should also know that the reclined rear-facing car seat takes more space than an upright installed car seat.

So it’s always recommended to measure the back seat of your vehicle and check the car seat’s specifications before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

Portability

The Nuna Rava convertible car seat weighs around 27.2 pounds. While this may seem heavy compared to some lightweight convertible car seats under 15 pounds on the market, it is within the average weight range for a convertible car seat, for example, the 28.5 pounds for Britax Marathon.

The weight of the car seat can affect its portability, as it may be more difficult to move and install in different vehicles. For the rating, I would give a 6 out of 10 for the Rava’s portability. However, the Nuna Rava Convertible car seat is designed with convenience and ease of use in mind, featuring a simple installation process and a no-rethread harness for easy adjustments as your child grows.

Furthermore, the car seat’s weight can also be a factor to consider when traveling with the car seat, especially for air travel – road trips can disregard this because you don’t need to carry the car seat all the time. Some parents may prefer a lighter car seat for ease of transport or a foldable car seat for easy storage.

Cup Holder - Two

The Nuna Rava has two integrated cup holders located on either side of the seat. They provide a convenient and accessible place for your child to keep their drinks or snacks during car rides.

The cup holders are designed to fit most standard-sized bottles and cups, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues. They are also removable for easy cleaning. Made of dishwasher-safe materials, you can wash it while saving time with a dishwasher. So do the machine washable fabrics – easy and convenient to keep your child’s car seat clean and hygienic.

The removal cup holders have another hidden advantage over the built-in cup holder slots in the car seat. They won’t increase the total width if you don’t mount them on; but when you need them to hold the drinks and snacks or toys, just attach them to do their job.

The down point for cup holders in Nuna Rava is that they are a bit far within easy reach for the seated kids. They will be mounted outside the car seat frame. If having a parent sit aside the kid and they can help to have the drinks or snacks for the kid, that would be better.

Headrest and Harness - 10 Positions

Nuna Rava has ten adjustable headrest positions, allowing parents to adjust the height of the headrest as their child grows to provide a customized fit for the child, which can enhance both safety and comfort.

In terms of safety, the headrest plays an important role in protecting a child’s head and neck in case of any collision. You can move the headrest at an appropriate height that delivers optimal protection for your child’s head and neck, based on their size and weight.

More than that, the adjustable headrest can also enhance the child’s comfort. Headrests at the perfect fit position can help prevent their child’s head from slumping forward during a car ride, which can lead to discomfort and even injury.

The Rava has a no-rethread harness system that allows parents to adjust the harness along with the headrest at the same. That’s very convenient for parents to move the headrest and harness to a desired position – almost all car seats have this feature anyway.

The position of the harness is VERY important for your kid’s safety. Here are the tips:

In rear-facing, the harness straps should be placed at or below the kid’s shoulders for optimal protection. It’s on the contrary after transitioning to forward-facing – the harness straps must be placed at or above the kid’s shoulders.

Reclines - 10 Positions

The recline feature also plays an important role in providing a comfortable and safe fit for the child, based on age and weight.

In terms of the reclining positions, you won’t believe that the Nuna Rava features ten different positions for reclining. That’s the most among all the 50+ car seats in our database. It’s even one more than the Britax One4Life’s 9 positions, while it’s just a convertible car seat with a 65 lbs/ 49 top weight and height limit (vs 120 lbs/ 63″ for Britax One4Life).

The 10 reclining positions divide into two parts: five for rear-facing (in the Blue area) and five for forward-facing (in the Red area). It can be adjusted using a lever located on the base of the car seat.

To adjust the recline position of the Nuna Rava car seat, parents first need to loosen the harness straps and remove their child from the car seat. Next, they need to locate the recline lever on the base of the car seat and press it down to release the recline lock.

Once the lock is released, parents can adjust the recline position of the car seat to the desired setting by pulling or pushing the base of the car seat up or down. Once the desired recline position is achieved, parents can then press the recline lever back up to lock the recline position in place.

Head and Infant Insert

Nuna Rava comes with a removable infant head and body support, which is designed to provide extra comfort and support for newborns and younger infants between 5 and 11 pounds. The support can be removed as the child grows and no longer needs the extra padding.

To use the head and body support, parents should first ensure that the car seat is installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the car seat is properly installed, the head and body support can be placed inside the car seat.

To attach the head support, parents should insert the support into the openings located on the top of the car seat and then adjust it to fit the size of their child’s head. The body support can then be placed in the bottom of the car seat, underneath the child’s legs.

Padding

Featuring thick, plush, comfortable padding, the Nuna Rava might be one of the most comfortable car seats. The padding is made from a combination of foam and other materials, including energy-absorbing foam and EPP foam, which helps to absorb and disperse the energy of a potential impact, providing optimal comfort for the child during car rides

The car seat also features a unique blend of fabrics that are designed to be soft, durable, and easy to clean. The seat cover is made from a combination of polyester and bamboo, which provides a soft and breathable surface for the child, while also wicking away moisture and preventing odors.

The Nuna Rava car seat cover is removable and machine washable, which makes it easy to keep the car seat clean and fresh. The harness and buckle covers are also removable, and they are made from a soft and plush fabric that helps to prevent irritation and rubbing.

Overall, the padding and material used in the Nuna Rava Convertible car seat are designed to provide maximum comfort and safety for the child, while also being easy to maintain and keep clean.

5. Nuna Rava Safety Rating and Crash Tests

Is it safe to use Nuna Rava?

As a popular car seat in the US, the Nuna Rava is required to meet or exceed safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Rava has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it provides optimal safety and protection for children during car rides.

Let’s see what crash tests it has gone through.

The Nuna Rava has passed multiple types of crash tests, including front, rear, and side-impact crash tests. These tests simulate real-life crash scenarios and evaluate the car seat’s ability to protect the child from potential injuries. Additionally, the Rava has also passed testing for occupant retention, which evaluates the car seat’s ability to keep the child securely in place during a crash.

In addition to meeting or exceeding federal safety standards, the Nuna Rava also features several safety-enhancing features, such as a steel frame, energy-absorbing foam, and an adjustable headrest with a five-point harness that keeps the child snug and secure.

One thing that needs your attention is that proper installation is fundamental to maximumly perform its protection. It’s strongly recommended to read and follow the car seat’s instructions carefully and ensure that the seat is installed correctly in their vehicle before using it.

Side Impact Protection

With a 5-point harness, the Nuna Rava should feature side-impact protection to provide optimal safety for children in the event of a side-impact collision. All car seats sold in the US are required to pass the side impact tests.

Additionally, to enhance its SIP, the Rava car seat is constructed with energy-absorbing foam in the headrest and shell, which helps absorb and dissipate impact forces in the event of a crash.

The manufacturer does not specify how many layers of side impact protection the Rava has, but it’s also among the safest car seats with two side impact protection pods. This is very different from the average car seats with two layers of side impact protection, supposedly safer.

However, the safety rating from other organizations is just for reference. They have conducted crash tests under specific conditions and may not be applicable to real-life cases. Another tip, proper installation is more important than the safety rating.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

Like other traditional convertible car seats, the Nuna Rava is suitable to accommodate children from birth up to a weight limit of 65 pounds and a height limit of 49 inches.

For rear-facing mode, the car seat can accommodate newborns as small as 5 pounds and up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds, with a height limit of 49 inches. See, the 50-pound is rare among car seats, only very few models have this weight limit for rear-facing. We have compiled a list of all car seats with a 50 lbs rear-facing weight limit.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator, it’s recommended children ride in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer. This is because rear-facing car seats provide better protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash.

For Nuna Rava, the 50-lb is suitable for extending rear-facing riding, making it a good car seat option for 2 years, or even 3-4-year-olds can ride in it in rear-facing mode.

Switching to forward-facing mode, the Rava can accommodate children weighing 22-65 pounds with a height limit of 49 inches. That’s the average of all convertible car seats (except the Revv of 40 lbs/ 43″).

Stage / Modes

The Nuna Rava is a convertible car seat, so it’s not surprising that the car seat can be used in two different stages, rear-facing and forward-facing. Both stages and modes come equipped with a 5-point harness, which is considered safer for smaller kids around 4-5 years of age. So you’ll see the height and weight limits: 65 lbs/ 49″.

In the rear-facing stage, the Nuna Rava can be used to transport infants from 5 pounds up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds or until the child’s head is within one inch of the top of the car seat’s headrest. The rear-facing stage provides the best protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash, and the Nuna Rava allows for extendable rear-facing.

In the forward-facing stage, the Nuna Rava can be used to transport children weighing between 25-65 pounds and up to a height limit of 49 inches. This stage allows your child to sit upright and face forward, providing them with a view of their surroundings.

Age Range

There is no specific age limit for the Nuna Rava, as children grow and develop at different rates. Instead, the manufacturer gives the height and weight limits: 65 lbs/ 49″. That means the car seat can be used for newborns as they grow to 4 or 5 years of age.

Child safety experts suggest keeping a child in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. The AAP also recommends that children should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they outgrow the height or weight limit of the car seat.

So the higher the weight or height limit, the longer a kid can ride rear-facing. At this point, the Rava’s 50-pound rear-facing weight limit beats the majority of convertible car seats’ 40 pounds, including some great all-in-one car seats, Graco 4Ever DLX for example.

Airplane

Is Nuna Rava FAA approved for use on a plane?

The Nuna Rava car seat is FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved for plane use. You can also find the certification on the label. That being said, you won’t take this heavy monster from home and then navigate through the airport.

If you want to take a car seat for air travel, find some lightweight car seats or portable options instead of taking a heavy and bulky Rava.

Further Information

12 tips to travel with kids in a car seat on the airplanes

Lifespan

How long is Nuna Rava car seat good for

The Nuna Rava has an expiration date of 10 years from the date of manufacture. The car seats can degrade over time due to exposure to heat, cold, and humidity, as well as wear and tear from regular use, resulting in unsafe use. That’s why the manufacturers give a lifespan for their car seats.

In case the car seat reaches its expiration date, it should no longer be used as its safety and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. It’s recommended that parents check the expiration date of their car seat regularly and replace it if it has expired or if it has been involved in a crash, as crash forces can also compromise the safety of the car seat.

In addition to the expiration date, parents should also keep in mind that car seats may have specific weight and height limits for use, and it’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety of the child. By following the manufacturer’s instructions and the recommended guidelines for use and installation, parents can provide their child with a safe and comfortable ride in the Nuna Rava Convertible car seat.

Warranty - 2 Years

I believe the Nuna is confident in the high quality of its car seats, especially Rava. It promises a two-year warranty that converts defects in materials and workmanship. This outperforms most car seats’ standard one-year limited warranty.

The manufacturer indicates that this warranty is only valid for the original purchaser of the car seat and cannot be transferred.

During the warranty period, Nuna will repair or replace the car seat, at its discretion, if it is found to be defective in materials or workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use or installation, normal wear, and tear, or damage caused by accidents or misuse. That’s the same rule as other car seat brands.

7. Nuna Rava 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.

Nuna Rava Rear-facing Installation

Before installation, store the tether strap. Move Calf Support to the desired installation position.

1 – Place Child Restraint rear-facing in a compatible vehicle seat.

2 – Select desired rear-facing recline position 1–5 (BLUE). Loosen and unbuckle Harness and retain with Buckle Tongue Holders. Pivot Cup Holders to USE position to access Rear Facing Belt Path. If desired, cupholders can be removed for easier access to Rear Facing Belt Path.

3 – Remove Infant Insert, lift the lower Seat Cover, and open Rear Facing True Tension Door. Complete installation using your vehicle’s Lap/ Shoulder Belt, the Lower Anchor Belt, or a compatible vehicle Lap Belt.

Install Nuna Rava Using Lap/Shoulder Belt

1. Route vehicle Lap/Shoulder belt through BLUE Rear Facing Belt Path and buckle vehicle Lap/ Shoulder Belt. The vehicle belt must be routed under the True Tension Door.

(1) Remove all slack from the vehicle belt system to properly secure this child restraint.

(2) Lock the vehicle belt (refer to the vehicle owner’s manual).

2. Close the True Tension Door and replace Seat Cover and Infant Insert (if used). Test by pulling on the shoulder belt to ensure it is locked. To open the True Tension Door, unbuckle the vehicle belt and push down slightly on the door to release tension

Install Nuna Rava Using Vehicle Lap Belt

1 – Route vehicle Lap belt through BLUE Rear Facing Belt Path and buckle vehicle Lap Belt.

(1) Remove all slack from the vehicle Lap Belt.

(2) Lock the vehicle belt (refer to vehicle owner’s manual).

2 – Close True Tension Door and replace Seat Cover and Infant Insert (if used). To open the True Tension Door, unbuckle the vehicle belt and push down slightly on the door to release tension.

Install Nuna Rava Using Lower Anchor Belt

1 – Remove Lower Anchor Belt from Storage Compartment and route through BLUE Rear Facing Belt Path under Cup Holder.

2 – Lengthen Lower Anchor Belt as necessary and attach it to the Lower Anchor points in the vehicle.

3 – Remove all slack from Lower Anchor Belt by pulling the loop at end of the Belt.

4 – Close the True Tension Door and replace Seat Cover and Infant Insert (if used). Pull the crotch belt through a slot. To open the True Tension Door, unbuckle the vehicle belt and push down slightly on the door to release tension.

Pro tip:

Do not install by this method for a child weighing more than 35 lb (15.8 kg).

Check RF Installation

Seat is in the appropriate rear facing recline position.
Seat is securely installed. Hold seat near rear-facing belt path and move seat side to side, front to back, and up and down. Seat should move less than 1 inch.
Tether strap is not used for Rear Facing Installation and must be secured in storage location on back of Child Restraint.
Cup Holders may be placed in any position after installation.

Nuna Rava Forward-facing installation

Forward Facing Setup

Remove Tether from the storage location and lengthen it for use.

1. Place Child Restraint forward facing in a compatible vehicle seat.

2. Select desired forward-facing recline position 1–5 (RED). Loosen and unbuckle the harness and retain it with Buckle Tongue Holders.

3. Fully raise Head Support, lift the Seat Cover, and open Forward Facing True Tension Door. Complete installation using your vehicle’s Lap/ Shoulder Belt, the Lower Anchor Belt, or a compatible vehicle Lap Belt.

Install Nuna Rava Foward-facing Using Vehicle Lap/Shoulder Belt

1 – Route the vehicle Lap/Shoulder belt through RED Forward Facing Belt Path and buckle the vehicle Lap/Shoulder Belt.

2 – Remove all slack from the vehicle belt system to properly secure this child restraint. (1) Lock the vehicle belt (refer to the vehicle owner’s manual). Close True Tension Door and replace Seat Cover. Test by pulling on the shoulder belt to ensure it is locked.

3 – Attach Tether Hook to Tether Anchor on the vehicle and tighten it. 4 – Tuck excess webbing behind Child Restraint. To open the True Tension Door, unbuckle the vehicle belt and push down slightly on the door to release tension.

Install Nuna Rava Foward-facing Using Vehicle Lap Belt

1 – Route vehicle Lap Belt through RED ForwardFacing Belt Path and buckle vehicle Lap belt.

2 – Remove all slack from the vehicle Lap Belt. (1) Lock vehicle belt (refer to vehicle owner’s manual). Close True Tension Door and replace Seat Cover.

3 – Attach Tether Hook to Tether Anchor on the vehicle and tighten it. Tuck excess webbing behind Child Restraint. To open the True Tension Door, unbuckle vehicle belt and push down slightly on the door to release tension

Install Nuna Rava Foward-facing Using LATCH

1 – Remove the Lower Anchor Belt from Storage Compartment, move along the metal rod, and route through RED Forward Facing Belt Path.

2 – Lengthen Lower Anchor Belt as necessary and attach it to the Lower Anchor points in the vehicle.

3 – Remove all slack from Lower Anchor Belt by pulling the loop at end of the Belt straight back from Latch Connector. Close the True Tension Door and replace Seat Cover.

4 – Attach Tether Hook to Tether Anchor on the vehicle and tighten it. Tuck excess webbing behind Child Restraint. To open the True Tension Door, unbuckle the vehicle belt and push down slightly on the door to release tension.

Pro Tip:

Do not install this method for a child weighing more than 40 lb (18.1 kg).

Check Installation

Seat is in appropriate forward facing recline position.
Seat is securely installed. Hold seat near forward facing Belt Path and move seat side to side, front to back, and up and down. Seat should move less than 1 inch.
Tether is properly used and attached to vehicle Tether Anchor.

Nuna Rava Car Seat Manual

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

The Nuna Rava manual is stored in a small storage slot at the bottom of the back of the car seat. So it’s better to read the manual before installing it. But you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Nuna
Type
Suitable for	Newborns, toddlers, and preschoolers
Positions	Rear-facing and forward-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	6. bulky and heavy duty
Weight (pounds)	27.2
Weight limits (lb.)	5-50 for rear-facing, 22-65 for forward-facing
Height limit (inch)	49” for RF&FF
Dimension	L 16 x W 19 x H 25.2-31 in
Cup holder	Two
Performance
Age Range	Birth-4~5 years old
Stage	1st, 2nd
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	10
Reclines	10
Airplane	Yes
Lifespan	10 Years
Extra Features	–

Nuna Rava vs Revv

Car Seats Comparison	Nuna Revv	Nuna Rava
Price	$650	$550
Rotation	360 Degrees	-
Weight limit (lb)	RF:4-40 / FF: 25-40	RF:5-50 / FF: 25-65
Height limit (in)	RF:43"* / FF: 43"	RF:49"* / FF: 49"
Headrest Adjustable Positions	10	10
Reclines	10	10
Steel Reinforced	✓	✓
Cup Holder	Two	Two
Stages	Two	Two
Type	Convertible	Convertible
Side Impact Protection	Aeroflex™ SIP system	Energy absorbing SIP