Nuna Revv Review – Most Expensive Rotatable Car Seat

Nuna Revv

Overall Rating

 4.2/5

Face Rear & Front

I’ve reviewed quite a few Nuna car seats and I’ve been relatively impressed with them all, so I had high expectations for the luxury model, the Revv. There’s no denying that the Nun Revv looks the part, with a wholly well-padded body draped in the sturdy and durable base and a 360-degree rotation. But, once you look beyond its flashy exterior, its value for money becomes questionable. Sure, its Aeroflex SIP and Steel Strengthen Technology enhance its protection, and the 10-position adjustment for both the headrest and recline delivers maximum comfort for kids, but the lowest size limit (40 lbs/43″) puts a downer on the overall value. While the Nuna Revv was, for a while, a popular narrow rotating convertible car seat, the release of new car seats has left it to fall behind the pack.

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

Nuna Revv Review - Most Expensive Rotating 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

High-end fabrics and stylish design
360-degree rotation
Narrow profile (18.5”)
Anti-rebound bar
10-position adjustment for headrest and recline
Fire retardant free materials

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Nuna Revv Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

Even though the Nuna Revv is technically a rotating car seat, most parents will want more than what an expensive model offers. After all, if you’re spending big money on a rotating car seat, why settle for one that’s good when you can have one that’s great?

The rotating feature of the Nuna Revv makes it an especially great choice for parents who frequently take their child in and out of the car seat – that’s the most usual case to ride with a child for shopping or daily pickups. With the ability to rotate the car seat 360 degrees, parents can effortlessly access their child without having to contort their bodies or struggle to buckle and unbuckle the harness, especially when the car seat is installed for rear-facing use.

But is it really that simple? If you love the Nuna brand, there is a lot to like – starting with how it looks. It’s relatively narrow for a rotating car seat, so it’s a good option if the slim fit is high on your list of priorities. Plus, the built-in carry handle, 10-position recline adjustment, and high-end fire retardant-free materials offer max comfort and convenience for both parents and their children.

Overall, though, if you don’t want to spend big money on a car seat that lacks in some key areas, such as size limit, long-lasting, and overall portability, then the Revv won’t be for you.

3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

Is the Nuna Revv rotating convertible car seat good value for money? Sadly, no.

The Revv is one of the only rotating car seats I’ve reviewed that doesn’t come close to the expectations I’d set. In my eyes, there are far too many negatives to consider this car seat good value – especially for its price tag.

You only have to look at other models in its class to see that the Revv lags behind its offering. For starters, they all have higher size limits, more compact designs, and cheaper prices. The Revv isn’t the best to last for kids over 4 or 5 years of age because it has a very low size limit at 40 lbs/ 43″.

Overall, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Nuna Revv is a pretty average car seat. Despite it having some nice-to-have safety features, being made of high-end materials, and featuring multiple recline positions, it lacks in several key areas, and because of that, it’s not worth the money in my eyes.

Moving on read and find the best alternatives for this rotating convertible car seat.

4. Design

Dimensions and Width

The Nuna Revv rotating convertible car seat measures approximately 18.5 inches in width, 21.5-22.5 inches in depth (or length), and 22.5-29.5 inches in height. The dimensions are 21.5-22.5″ L x 18.5″W x 22.5-29.5″H.

Only the 18.5-inch width is fixed among the three data, while the depth can be affected by the recline position and height can be adjusted based on the headrest position.

Measuring 18.5 by 22.5 by 29.5 inches at most, it’s easily spacious enough to accommodate large kids, as well as providing enough head and foot room for them to find a stance that feels comfortable and natural.

But on the other hand, the Nuna Revv may be not a good option in terms of fitting into small cars. The relatively narrow width of the car seat (18.5 inches) makes it as good as our best narrow car seats that are within 20 inches wide.

However, if you want to fit three across with a Revv car seat, think it twice. It’s a rotatable car seat and probably takes a little space from the seat next to the spot while rotating it.

Portability

The Nuna Revv hits the scales at 32 lbs, making it one of the heaviest car seats. But this is a common issue for the majority of convertible car seats and all rotating car seats.

This can be easily known from its size and stature. The Revv consists of two parts – one is the base and the other is the car seat shell. Another reason that causes a heavy-duty body is the frame. Nuna Revv boasts of an all-steel frame that is used to reduce the crash energy and provide extra protection in the event of a collision.

The Revv is obviously not a portable car seat and it’s not a good option if you need to frequently switch the car seat from one vehicle to another.

As a rule of thumb, I suggest choosing a car seat that is foldable to get the best performance from it if you want a travel car seat. For example, the Diono Radian 3R weighs 25.9 pounds, but it features a folding design and can be carried using the straps like a backpack.

Or you can find one of our best lightweight convertible car seats if you’re a family always on the go.

Two Cup Holders

Sporting two removable cup holders, the Revv remains nimble.

As I’ve said in my previous reviews, cup holders are my go-to accessories choice if you want to hold the kid’s snacks, juices, or even toys. Not only are they offering happiness for kids, but they’re also convenient for parents to store the coffee.

The cup holders are mounted outside the frame, definitely increasing the total width of the Nuna Revv car seat. Considering its rotating feature, this is not a biggie.

However, the cup holders on Revv seem smaller than that of Evenflo Revolve 360 and Graco Turn2Me. It’s better not to put a tall bottle in them or any hot liquid that will easily spill.

Headrest and Harness - 10 Positions

The more headrest position a car seat has, the better fit and comfort it will provide.

The Nuna Revv has 10 headrest positions, allowing a customized fit as your child grows. The adjustable headrest is a crucial feature of the toddler car seat, as it helps to ensure that the harness is always at the proper height to keep your child safe, secure, and comfortable.

With 10 different positions to choose from, parents can find the perfect fit for their child’s head and neck, which can help to prevent discomfort and fatigue during long car rides.

The harness is adjustable along with the headrest, ensuring the harness straps are in the proper position – at or below the shoulders for rear-facing and at or just above the shoulders for forward-facing. Don’t worry about the adjustment. The headrest and harness adjustment can be done with one hand, just as its rotating feature.

To adjust the headrest on the Nuna Revv, parents can press the head support button located at the top of the car seat and move it up or down to a desired position. Release the button and slightly slide the head support up or down until it is locked into that position. You’ll hear a clicking sound when it is locked.

It’s worth noting that the Nuna Revv also features adjustable reclines, which can further enhance your child’s comfort during car rides. But more on that later.

Reclines - 10 Positions

You won’t believe this, the Revv provides 10 recline positions for parents to adjust the car seat to find a perfect fit for max comfort for the little passenger.

The 10-position is divided evenly – five for rear-facing use (in the blue area) and five for forward-facing use (in the red area).

I don’t understand why Nuna designed this car seat with so many reclines, especially for its low 40 lbs/ 43″ height and weight limits. Nava – another convertible car seat from Nuna also features 10 recline positions but it has a normally higher size limit (65 lbs/ 49″). Even the Nuna Exec all-in-one car seat has only 8 positions for reclining.

The recline can be adjusted by squeezing the recline handle at the front, just below the harness adjustment strap.

You SHOULD pay attention to the recline position if you’re planning to install the Revv using a lap-only belt. In the Nuna Revv manual, the manufacturer gives a tip that reclines to position 5 in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes if using a lap-only belt for installation.

Head Insert /Infant Insert / Infant Insert Wedge

With a lot of accessories, the Revv is worth its price.

It has a head insert, an infant insert, and an infant insert wedge. They are important features that work together to provide comfort and support for newborns and younger infants.

The head insert is designed to cradle your child’s head and neck, providing extra support and comfort during car rides. It is adjustable, allowing parents to find the perfect fit for their child’s head, and it is also removable when your child outgrows it.

The infant insert also plays an important role to help keep infants safe and comfortable. It is designed to raise newborns and small infants up to reach the lowest harness position. It’s also removable and should be removed when your kid is 11 pounds.

After removing the infant insert, if your kid is still slightly further from reaching the best harness fit, the insert wedge takes the job of the infant insert. It works the same as the latter and is removable as well when the little one grows bigger.

Padding

The Revv car seat is designed with a number of features to enhance your child’s comfort, including thick padding on the seat and backrest.

The padding helps to cushion your child’s body and provides a comfortable surface for them to sit on, making the Revv a good car seat option for long car trips.

The high-end materials used in the Revv increase comfort. This should be an important factor that why it’s so high priced.

5. Nuna Revv Safety Rating and Crash Tests

Safety is always the top priority to choose a car seat. Is the Nuna Revv rotating car seat safe to use?

Absolutely.

It meets or exceeds federal safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The car seat is equipped with a 5-point harness and side-impact protection, which provide added security for children in the event of an accident.

Additionally, the car seat has performed well in crash tests, with good scores for side-impact protection, head and neck protection, and overall safety.

Let’s see what kinds of crash tests Nuna Revv has undergone.

First, it’s tested using approximately twice the impact force required by the US FMVSS 213 car seat safety standard. That’s the very basic crash tests that all car seats sold in the US should pass.

Second, it’s side-impact tested for occupant retention with the built-in 5-point harness system. Another mandatory test for car seats with a 5-point harness.

Third, it comes equipped with two side impact protection pods on both sides for reducing the crash force in case of any collison happens.

Moreover, the Nuna Revv is built with a very and obvious thick padding for enhanced protection.

With all necessary and additional crash tests, the Nuna Revv proves itself to be a safe car seat for use, even though the safety rating is not given by the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It’s worth giving a thump up for its overall safety features.

However, as with any car seat, proper installation is crucial for ensuring its safety and performance in the event of an accident. Parents should carefully read the manual and follow all guidelines for installation, as well as regularly check the car seat’s tightness and adjust the harness as needed.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

The height and weight limits are always a pain for the Nuna Revv because they are far lower than you can imagine in a convertible car seat.

The upper weight limit is 40 pounds while the top height limit is 43 inches. That’s similar to the rear-facing weight and height limits of most car seats with extended rear-facing. But the 40 lb/ 43″ is the height and weight limit for both rear-facing and forward-facing modes in Nuna Revv.

I don’t understand why the manufacturer designed this ultra-low limit for a convertible car seat – Rava and Exec all have a higher rear-facing weight limit of up to 50 lbs. These two are on our list of best rear-facing car seats with 50 lbs.

This is the main reason that we don’t recommend Revv. It lasts 3-4 years before your kid outgrows the 40 lbs/43″ size limit. But there are lots of cheaper alternatives that outperform its performance while still being safe and comfortable to ride your kids.

Stage / Modes

Despite the ultra-low height and weight limits, the Nuna Revv is a convertible car seat and it can be used in rear-facing and forward-facing.

According to the definition of NHTSA for the car seat stages, the Revv goes through two stages. No more mode, but only the rotating feature exists.

Age Range

Due to the ultra-low height and weight limits, the Nuna Revv has a shorter age limit than most traditional convertible car seats.

Kids at around 4 years old would simply outgrow the 40 lbs/ 43″ capacity. If your kid grows a bit faster than their peers, they can quickly reach the top limits and the age limit would be lower, around 3 years old.

Airplane

Is Nuna Revv FAA approved for airplane use?

Sadly not. In the Nuna Revv manual, the manufacturer clearly says that this restraint is NOT certified for aircraft use, as aircraft belts will not accommodate the proper installation of this restraint.

Also, the heavy-duty body and two-part design make it less portable to navigate through the airports.

If you really need a car seat for air travel, find one from the best lightweight convertible car seats. They all are FAA certificated for use on a plane.

Further Information

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

Lifespan

How long is Nuna Revv good for

For a convertible car seat, the Nuna Revv has a 10-year-long lifespan as they come. That would be one of the practical features you can find on this rotating car seat.

However, considering its low weight and height limits, this should be the probable situation if you have purchased it – Your kid outgrows the Revv before it gets expired.

It’s relatively easy to find the expiration date for the Revv (and other Nuna car seats), even though the manufacturer did not directly give it. You can check the label or stamped “do not use after” date on the bottom of the child restraint.

Along with the manufacture date on another white label near it, you can simply calculate to know the exact expiration date. See also our post on where and how to find the expiration date.

Further Information

What to do with expired car seats

Warranty

Nuna offers a limited warranty on its products. The warranty coverage varies depending on the specific product, but generally covers defects in materials and workmanship for a specific period of time.

For the Nuna Revv car seat, the warranty coverage includes a two-year limited warranty.

That means, the Revv car seat is covered for two years from the date of purchase, and the warranty is valid for the original purchaser only. You should provide proof of purchase to register the warranty on its official website, www.nunababy.com/usa/warranty

The two-year warranty stands out among most car seats with a one-year limited warranty, for example, Graco car seats, Chicco car seats, etc.

Like most, the warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, neglect, or normal wear and tear. It also does not cover any damage that occurs during shipping or handling.

If you have any issues with your Nuna Revv car seat during the warranty period – don’t forget to register the warranty once you get the car seat and decide to keep it, you can contact Nuna’s customer service department for assistance. They may offer repair or replacement options depending on the specific issue.

7. Nuna Revv Installation

The Nuna Revv installation is straightforward. The instructions are very clear and helpful for most parents to get and learn how to install the Revv rotating convertible car seat in different situations. The guidelines include a lot of content for preparation on how to use the vehicle seat belt and LATCH for installation and then talk about the direction of rear-facing and forward-facing.

So we’ll have the tips on Nuna Revv car seat installation following the manual.

Vehicle Seat Belt

1- You may need to loosen the tether adjuster before unclipping from the anchor. Unclip the tether hook by pushing in the back of the hook while pulling the hook down and off of the anchor.

2 – Place child restraint on the selected vehicle seat. Press the recline button and put the seat in the most upright position.

3 – Place child restraint forward facing in a compatible vehicle seat (p. 12). With the bottom of the child restraint parallel to the vehicle seat bottom, slide the seat back until the handle of the child restraint contacts the vehicle seat back.

4 – Rotate the seat rear facing to access the True Tension ™ door.

5 – Route the tether hook over the handle and attach to the vehicle tether anchor. Do not tighten the strap yet.

6 – Open the True Tension ™ door.

If using lap/shoulder belt (preferred installation method)

1 – Attach the tether hook loosely to the vehicle tether anchor. Pull the vehicle seat belt across the anti-rebound panel and under the True Tension ™ door. If possible, secure the vehicle lap belt under the belt positioner.

2 – With the lap belt portion routed under the True Tension™ door and secured under the second belt positioner, buckle the vehicle seat belt.

3 – Check the vehicle seat belt; make sure it is not twisted and is laying flat across the anti-rebound panel. Remove any slack. Ensure the lap belt is routed under the door.

4 – Then while pushing down firmly on the car seat, pull up on the vehicle shoulder belt to remove the slack. Pull the shoulder belt out all the way to switch the retractor. Now when you release it, the belt will automatically lock when pulled (consult vehicle manual).

5 – Route the vehicle shoulder belt behind the anti-rebound panel and over the tether strap. PULL up on the SHOULDER BELT again to remove any slack.

6 – Close the True Tension ™ door (1). Tighten the tether by pulling on the tether adjustment strap (2).

If using lap belt only

1 – Attach the tether hook loosely to the vehicle tether anchor. Pull the vehicle seat belt across the anti-rebound panel and under the True Tension™ door. If possible, secure the vehicle lap belt under the belt positioner.

2 – With the lap belt routed under the True Tension™ door and secured under the second belt positioner, buckle the vehicle seat belt.

3 – Check the vehicle seat belt, make sure it is not twisted and is laying flat across the rebound panel.

4 – While pushing down firmly on the car seat, pull on the vehicle belt to remove the slack.

5 – Close the True Tension™ door.

6 – Tighten the tether by pulling on the tether adjustment strap.

7 & 8 -Recline the seat to position 5 for either rear facing (7) or forward facing (8).

If you are using a lap-only belt, you MUST use recline position 5 in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes.

If using lower anchor belt (LATCH Connectors)

The lower anchor belt and connectors are stored in the lower anchor storage at the back of the child restraint.

Do not install the Nuna Revv in this method for a child weighing more than 30 lb (13.6 kg) rear facing or forward facing.

1 – Attach the tether hook loosely to the vehicle tether anchor.

2 – Lengthen lower anchor belt for use by pressing the adjuster button (p.34)while pulling on the belt. Attach one of the lower anchor connectors.

3 – Route the other end of the lower anchor belt across the anti-rebound panel and under the True Tension ™ door. If possible, secure the lower anchor belt under the belt positioner.

4 -Attach the other lower anchor connector.

5 – Check the lower anchor belt, make sure it is not twisted and is laying flat across the rebound panel.

6-While pushing down firmly on the car seat, pull up on the lower anchor adjuster strap to remove the slack.

7 – Close the True Tension™ door.

8 – Tighten the tether by pulling on the tether adjustment strap.

What You Shoud Know

Tips:

Check that child restraint is securely installed before each use. Hold the seat at the belt path and move the seat in all directions. Seat should move less than 1 inch.
DO NOT install with both the vehicle seat belt and lower anchor belt.

Rear-facing Installation

ALWAYS use the shoulder, hip, and crotch pads. Use infant insert with infants 5–11 lb (2.3–5 kg) to improve the recline angle for smaller infants.

Rear Facing Setup

1- Rotate the seat rear facing. Push or pull on the seat to make sure the seat is LOCKED.

2- Select rear facing recline position 1–5(BLUE).

3- If you are using a lap belt only, you must use recline position 5.

Forward-facing Installation

Forward Facing Setup

1- Rotate the seat forward facing. Push or pull on the seat to make sure the seat is LOCKED.

2- Select desired forward facing recline position 1–5 (RED).

The Nuna Revv installation is quite different from that of traditional convertible car seats. That’s very understandable. It’s a rotating car seat. You don’t need to install it multiple times, but one installation is okay (If choosing LATCH, you need to install twice because the LATCH connectors have a weight limit).

Nuna Revv Car Seat Manual

The user manual is the most important thing you need to make sure it’s included in the package. You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.

The Nuna Revv manual is stored in a small storage slot 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. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Nuna
Type
Suitable for	Newborns and toddlers
Positions	Rear-facing and forward-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	7. Bulky and heavy duty
Weight (lb.)	32
Weight limit (lb.)	4-40 (RF); 25-40 (FF)
Height limit (inch)	43” (RF &FF)
Dimension	21.5-22.5″ L x 18.5″W x 22.5-29.5″H
Cup holder	Two
Performance
Age Range	Birth-3~4 years old
Stage	1st, 2nd
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	10
Recline Positions	10
Airplane	No
Lifespan	10 Years
Extra Features	360-degree rotation RF-free materials

Nuna Revv vs Other Swivel Car Seats

Nuna Revv is one of the most popular rotating car seats on the market and one of the most expensive ones. Here we compare it to other swivel car seats so you can know their similarities and differences.

Nuna Revv vs Rava

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

*About the 49″ height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.

These two car seats come from the same manufacturer – Nuna. They’re high-end models with an expensive price, but the rotatable Revv is $100 more expensive because of its rotation feature. While the Rava is more like a traditional convertible car seat.

Nuna Revv vs Evenflo Revolve 360

Car Seats Comparison	Nuna Revv	Evenflo Revolve 360
Price	$650	$399.99
Rotation	360 Degrees	360 Degrees
Weight limit (lb)	RF:4-40 / FF: 25-40	RF:4-40 / FF: 22-65/ Booster: 40-120
Height limit (in)	RF:43"* / FF: 43"	RF:49"* / FF: 49" / Booster: 57"
Headrest Adjustable Positions	10	10
Reclines	10	6
Steel Reinforced	✓	✓
Cup Holder	Two	Two
Stages	Rear-facing / Forward-Facing	Rear-facing / Forward-Facing / Booster
Type	Convertible	All-in-one
Side Impact Protection	Aeroflex™ SIP system	Energy absorbing SIP
Width	18.5"	19.8"

The key features comparison between Nuna Revv vs Evenflo Gold Revolve360 makes the advantages and disadvantages of these two models obvious and it seems the latter is the winner.

Well, Nuna Revv has hidden features for better comfort. It has thicker padding and is made of high-end materials. That’s why so many parents choose this car seat over other options.

However, you should always pay attention to the price to value the investment if you don’t have much budget for a car seat. After all, kids need more than a car seat. There are a lot of things to purchase during their growth.

Nuna Revv vs Cybex Sirona S

Car Seats Comparison	Nuna Revv	Cybex Sirona S
Price	$650	$549.99
Rotation	360 Degrees	360 Degrees
Weight limit (lb)	RF:4-40 / FF: 25-40	RF:4-50 / FF: 22-65
Height limit (in)	RF:43"* / FF: 43"	RF:49"* / FF: 49"
Headrest Adjustable Positions	10	12
Reclines	10	12
Steel Reinforced	✓	✓
Cup Holder	Two	Two
Stages	Rear-facing / Forward-Facing	Rear-facing / Forward-Facing
Type	Convertible	Convertible
Side Impact Protection	Aeroflex™ SIP system	Linar SIP
Bonus Features	FR-free material, anti-rebound bar	SensorSafe technology, load leg, EasyLock bar, anti-rebound bar
Width	18.5"	19"

It seems the Nuna Revv loses the competition compared to Cybex Sirona S. It’s higher priced, but the features are just improved from the very basic ones, not as innovative as the Cybex Sirona S.

9. Alternatives

What other swivel car seats should you consider?

Evenflo Revolve360 Slim

Weight range (lb): 4-50 (RF): 22-65 (FF);
Height limits: 17-48"(RF); 28-49"(FF)
Stage: 1st, 2nd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 5-6 years old
Rotating: 360 degrees
Base: Built-in base

Why is it better than the Nuna Revv?

Why is it worse than the Nuna Revv?

Evenflo Gold Revolve 360

Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 8-10 years old
Rotating: 360 degrees
Base: Built-in base

Why is it better than the Nuna Revv?

Why is it worse than the Nuna Revv?

Cybex Sirona S

Weight range (lb): 4-50 (RF): 22-65 (FF)
Height limits: 17-49"(RF); 28-49"(FF)
Stage: 1st, 2nd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 5-6 years old
Rotating: 360 degrees
Base: Built-in base