We are reader supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock (2022): Comparing Graco Infant Car Seats

Graco is among the go-to brands when it comes to anything baby-related, including infant car seats. That’s where the Graco SnugRide comes in, but then there’s also the Graco SnugLock, LX, DLX and more terms that tend to make things a bit confusing.

On that note, we’ll clear up what it means when people ask about SnugLock vs SnugRide. Also, we’ll compare the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX and Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX to give a better idea of what to expect based on these labels.

Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock Comparison Chart

ModelGraco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LXGraco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
 Graco SnugRide vs SnugLockGraco SnugRide vs SnugLock
PriceCheck Price at GracoBaby.comCheck Price at GracoBaby.com
Weight Limit35 lbs35 lbs
Height Limit32″32″
LATCH SystemOne-Second InRight LATCHOne-Second InRight LATCH
Anti-Rebound BarYesYes
Silent Shade CanopyYesYes
Premium SupportNoYes
Dimensions (W x H x D)18.1″ x 24.5″ x 28″17.5″ x 25.5″ x 29″
ColorJoslyn, Pierce, Nash, PerkinsSpencer, Eliza, Pierce, Maison, Hamilton

Terminologies

Making sense of Graco SnugRide, SnugFit, SnugLock, LX, DLX and Elite.

Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock Terminologies
Here’s a look at the anti-rebound bar on the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX (left) and the one-minute installation feature on the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX (right).

To start things off, Graco SnugRide refers to the brand’s rear-facing infant car seat series. That means it’s different from SnugFit and SnugLock, both of which specify what features a model comes with.

In particular, SnugFit means the car seat base is equipped with an anti-rebound bar to reduce movement for additional safety. Meanwhile, SnugLock means the car seat base can be installed securely within a minute using the vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system.

It should be mentioned that while most Graco infant car seats will either be SnugFit or SnugLock, some models feature both technologies. Take the SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX, for instance. It sports an anti-rebound bar, as well as the one-minute installation the SnugLock car seat base promises.

That leads us to the LX label on some SnugRide SnugFit models, and it’s as simple as it gets: LX basically means it has the SnugLock feature. Last but not least, Elite and DLX refer to extra features such as a one-hand adjustable handle and easy-to-remove seat pads.

Popular Models

When it comes to the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX vs DLX, there’s practically no difference.

Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock Popular Models
An overview of the features on the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX (left) and the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX (right).

To make the unique features between models clearer, we’re taking a look at the difference between the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX and DLX. 

Both are similar across the board, from their weight limit to their features such as a silent shade canopy and no-rethread harness. Needless to say, they also have an anti-rebound bar and one-minute installation. They have “SnugFit” and “LX” in their product names, after all. What sets them apart is that the DLX model has better support for the infant’s head and body, which makes it the better but slightly pricier pick. 

It’s also worth noting that there’s a Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite, and it builds on the other two with an all-weather boot. And even though it doesn’t have “LX” or “SnugLock” in its name, it does have SnugLock technology.

Weight and Height Limits

Most Graco SnugRide infant car seats support up to 35 lbs and 32 inches.

Graco SnugRide vs SnugLock Weight and Height Limits
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite (in photo).

To tell a Graco SnugRide’s weight and height limit, you can turn to the number in their name for the maximum weight and the included manual or the company’s website for the maximum height. Most SnugRide infant car seats nowadays have “35” attached to them, and that means they can support kids up to 35 lbs. Also, they can typically support babies up to 32 inches.

In the same vein, you might come across a SnugRide with a “30” label, and that refers to a 30-lb weight limit too. Put simply, there’s no mystery in figuring out how much weight they can accommodate since it’s all in their names.

Verdict

Knowing Graco’s lexicon isn’t exactly necessary, but it makes choosing the perfect infant car seat a bit easier and less confusing.

To recap, SnugRide is Graco’s infant car seat line, while SnugFit refers to an anti-rebound bar and SnugLock to a one-minute installation system. The numbers attached to them is the weight limit, and other tags like LX, DLX and Elite are for the features they come with.

For the record, if we had to choose a SnugRide, we’d go with the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX. It offers the best features the company has with additional head and body support, all without breaking the bank. But the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX is still a decent option since it does have SnugFit and SnugLock technologies built into it at a lower price point.

FAQs

📌 What is Graco SnugLock?

Graco SnugLock is the company’s one-minute installation technology. Besides models with “SnugLock” in their names, SnugRide infant car seats with the label “LX” also have this feature.

📌 What is Graco SnugRide?

Graco SnugRide is the umbrella term for the company’s rear-facing infant car seat line. It’s different from SnugLock and SnugFit since these two refer to the features the models come with.

📌 What is Graco SnugFit?

When a Graco SnugRide has SnugFit in its product name, it means it comes with an anti-rebound bar that restricts movement for added safety.

📌 Which is better, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX or DLX?

The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX and Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX are practically the same, except that the latter has better support for the head and body.

RELATED  Graco vs Chicco Travel Systems (2021): Which Brand Is Better?
Vincent Lanaria

Senior Editor, researcher and writer passionate about running, cooking, and how technology mixes with the two.