Graco SnugRide vs Chicco KeyFit (2022): Choosing Infant Car Seats

Graco and Chicco make some of the most reliable infant car seats in the market, and while you can’t go wrong with either one, there are a few differences between the two that you can base your buying decision on. First off, Graco products tend to be more affordable, meaning you can get the best features the company has to offer without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, Chicco’s strong point is how easy it makes the whole installation process, ensuring a proper fit every time.

That doesn’t paint the whole picture, however. And on that note, we’ll also compare the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and the Chicco KeyFit 30 on various fronts to give a clearer idea of what to expect from each brand. These two models have a similar price tag, and they’re among the most popular picks in their respective lineups.

Graco SnugRide vs Chicco KeyFit Comparison Chart

Model	Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX	Chicco KeyFit 30 ClearTex
Price	Check Price at GracoBaby.com	Check Price at ChiccoUSA.com
Weight Limit	Up to 35 lbs	Up to 30 lbs
Height Limit	Up to 32 inches	Up to 30 inches
LATCH System	InRight LATCH	SuperCinch
Anti-Rebound Bar	Yes	No
Canopy	Yes	Yes
Machine Washable Seat Pad and Canopy	Yes	Yes
Weight	10 lbs	9.5 lbs
Dimensions	17.5″ x 25.5″ x 29″	16.5″ x 24″ x 27″
Colors	Maison, Pierce, Eliza, Spencer, Hamilton	Slate, Pewter, Glacial

Safety Features

In terms of safety, Chicco and Graco car seats are similar, but not all of them are equal.

Both Graco and Chicco infant car seats meet rigorous safety standards and score excellent results in crash tests. That’s what makes them trustworthy and a go-to pick for many parents. 

Typically, their products are fitted with EPS energy-absorbing foam to greatly reduce impact force, and they have a five-point harness too, allowing them to securely stay in place. In addition, it’s normal for them to boast front, rear and side impact protection.

Now most Graco SnugRide models have SnugFit technology, which refers to an anti-rebound bar built into the car seat base. In the event of an accident, this bar helps restrict movement to prevent injuries, adding an extra layer of security.

Plenty of Chicco KeyFit variants also sport an anti-rebound bar, but it’s usually on the more expensive ones. When it comes to the Chicco KeyFit 30 vs 35, the most obvious difference is their weight and height limits, but aside from that, only the KeyFit 35 series features the aforementioned bar.

Installation and Maintenance

Infant car seat makers have come a long way in making sure parents get a secure fit easily.

Chicco infant car seats are known for their easy installation, and their current models remain true to that. But Graco has also been doing a bang-up job in making installation as easy as 1-2-3, where variants with SnugLock or LX attached to their names promise a one-minute setup.

Most KeyFits and SnugRides use a similar mechanism but with different names. On one hand, Chicco calls it SuperCinch, and on the other hand, Graco calls it InRight LATCH. Arguably, latch connectors are easier to use, and each brand’s system basically lets you push them in place and tighten the straps for a secure fit. Also, modern infant car seats like the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and the KeyFit 30 have bubble level indicators to guide you to getting the perfect angle. 

Additionally, both the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and KeyFit 30 have a machine-washable seat pad and canopy, and thanks to that, it’s a breeze to clean them up. Other parts such as the buckle and harness are simple to maintain too, often involving only a wipe down with mild soap and warm water or something along those lines. But as always, refer to their respective manuals for specific care instructions.

Click here for our Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock comparison.

Weight and Height Limits

The higher the number, the higher the maximum weight and height.

Graco and Chicco infant car seats have pretty much the same maximum weight and height, and they use the same naming convention to indicate this. A “35” label means it can accommodate a kid up to 35 lbs and up to 32 inches, while a “30” means it can support up to 30 lbs and up to 30 inches.

In the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and KeyFit 30’s case, those numbers hold true. The former can hold kids between 4 and 35 lbs and up to 32 inches tall. Meanwhile, the latter has a weight limit of 30 lbs and a height limit of 30 inches. It’s worth mentioning that SnugRides with a 30 in their product name isn’t that common nowadays, but if you do come across one, just know that it has a maximum weight of 30 lbs.

Speaking of, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX weighs 10 lbs and measures 17.5” x 25.5” x 29” in width, height and depth, respectively. In comparison, the KeyFit 30 is 9.5 lbs and measures 16.5” x 24” x 27”. If nothing else, the latter is slightly easier to carry and less cumbersome to hold.

Now Chicco offers a toddler and infant car seat in one called Fit2. It can handle kids from 4 to 35 lbs and up to 35 inches in height. Sure, it’s a lot more expensive right off the bat, but it may help you save more in the long run since you’ll be using it longer than ordinary car seats for infants.

Verdict

Chicco car seats are more on the higher end, while Graco gives you a better bang for your buck.

Graco SnugRide

Chicco KeyFit

All in all, you can rest assured that your kid will be safer in the car regardless of whether you get a Chicco infant car seat or one from Graco. However, Graco SnugRides usually offer better value for money, and they’re more or less on par with Chicco KeyFit counterparts in features and ease of use.

When it comes to the Chicco KeyFit vs Graco SnugRide, we’d pick the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX. Simply put, it’s a better deal overall than the Chicco KeyFit 30, as it comes with the SnugLock one-minute installation, SnugFit anti-rebound bar and higher weight and height limits, all at a lower price point.

FAQs