ADAC & TCS Car Seat Crash Test Results (May 2024)

ADAC recently published the results of its Spring 2024 car seat test. In this evaluation, 24 seats were thoroughly tested in terms of safety, ergonomics, ease of use and harmful substance content. The results show that there are good models in all categories, although two seats received a 'mangelhaft' (inadequate) rating.

Test of 24 ADAC 2024 child car seats

The car seats tested cover all size categories: carrycots for babies, seats for toddlers and booster seats for older children. Two models scored poorly, receiving an insufficient rating due to the presence of harmful substances. On the other hand, 15 seats received a "Gut" (good) rating and seven a "Befriedigend" (satisfactory) rating.

Recommended car seats

Recommended models are those that have achieved 'Gut' or 'Befriedigend' ratings, often exceeding legal requirements. This demonstrates manufacturers' commitment to improving the quality of their products through the stringent requirements of ADAC testing.

Models to avoid

Two car seats were judged "insufficient" because of their content of harmful substances and their safety weaknesses.

Silver Cross Discover i-Size

The Silver Cross Discover i-Size received a rating of 4.8 from the ADAC. This seat was heavily penalised due to the presence of DPHP, a harmful chemical that can affect the thyroid gland and pituitary gland. Although this seat achieved acceptable results in terms of safety, the presence of substances that are harmful to health means that it is not recommended for use.

ADAC rating: 4.8
Problem: Presence of DPHP, a harmful chemical.
Safety: Average
Recommendation: Do not use

Peg Perego Viaggio Twist + Base Twist

The Peg Perego Viaggio Twist + Base Twist scored 5.5, the lowest score in the test. This seat completely failed the frontal crash test, presenting an acute risk of injury to the child, as the seat is thrown forward in a collision. In addition to these serious safety issues, the seat contains TCPP, a potentially carcinogenic flame retardant. Because of these risks, the ADAC recommends that this seat should not be used.

ADAC rating: 5.5
Problem: Complete failure in frontal crash test.
Harmful substances: Presence of TCPP, a potentially carcinogenic flame retardant.
Recommendation: Do not use

List of Car Seats Tested In ADAC Crash Tests (Spring 2024)

From birth to 75 cm (approx. 12 months)
Nuna Pipa Urbn
From birth to 87 cm (approx. 18 months)
Cybex Cloud G i-Size + Base G
Lionelo Astrid i-Size + Astrid i-Size Base
Avionaut Cosmo + IQ Base 2.0 C
Aeronaut Cosmo
Cybex Cloud 2 i-Size
Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2 + FamilyFix 360 Pro
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro2
Lionelo Astrid i-Size
From birth to 105 cm (4 years approx.)
Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro
Jane Concord iXpert
Storchenmühle Niki Start
Britax Römer King Pro
From 61 to 105 cm (approx. 1 to 4 years)
Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size
Cybex Sirona G i-Size + Base G
Peg Perego Viaggio Twist + Base Twist
Storchenmühle Niki Start M
From 61 to 125 cm (approx. 12 months to 7 years)
Britax Römer Safe-Way M
From 76 to 150 cm (approx. 15 months to 12 years)
Joie i-Spin XL
From 100 to 150 cm (4 to 12 years approx.)
Avova Sora Fix
Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Pro2
Britax Römer Hi-Liner
Kinderkraft Xpand 2 i-Size
Silver Cross Discover i-Size

Top-rated car seats in ADAC crash tests (May 2024)

The best baby cots in the ADAC tests (Spring 2024)

The baby cosy the best-rated in the ADAC's 2024 spring test, ensure optimum safety for newborns and young children. Installed with their backs to the road, they use Isofix fixings or seat belts to ensure greater stability and protection in the event of a collision. Here's an overview of the best-performing models in this category.

Nuna Pipa Urbn

The Nuna Pipa Urbn is an ultra-lightweight baby cosy (3.3 kg) developed for quick and easy installation thanks to its new-generation ISOFIX system. Unlike other models, this seat does not require an Isofix base; the two Isofix connectors are integrated directly into the seat shell, allowing it to be fitted directly in the car. Installation using the seat belt also remains a viable option.

Compatible with all Nuna pushchairs, the Pipa Urbn provides enhanced side impact protection (SIP) thanks to specially designed foam to minimise the impact of collisions. The memory foam headrest and 3-point harness add to comfort and safety. What's more, the seat has a full removable canopy with UVB 50+ protection and a merino wool newborn insert. It is TUV-approved for air travel.

Note ADAC : 1.6 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03
Child's size : 40 to 75 cm
Child's age : Up to 12 months
Child's weight : Up to 13 kg
Seat position : Back to the road
Installing the seat in the car : Integrated Isofix or seat belt
Child restraint system : 3-point harness

Cybex Cloud G i-Size + Base G

The Cybex Cloud G i-Size + Base G, rated 1.8 by the ADAC, has been specially designed for babies from birth to 24 months (40 and 87 cm). Weighing 3.9 kg, this baby cosy rotates 180° when installed on the G Base, making it easy to set up and transition between car and pushchair. It can be installed with the Isofix base (Base G) or with a safety belt.

Like other Cybex Cloud models, the Cloud G i-Size features an ergonomic reclining position. The reinforced side impact protection ensures optimum safety. The Base G is compatible with the Cloud G i-Size and Sirona G i-Size car seats, offering complete protection up to around the age of 4. The Cloud G i-Size adapts easily to CYBEX pushchairs thanks to its adaptors.

This model is TÜV-approved for air travel and has a large canopy (UVB 50+) to protect the child. The 14-position adjustable headrest lets you adjust the seat to your child's growth. It is also compatible with the SensorSafe system for added safety.

Note ADAC : 1.8 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03
Child's size : 40 to 87 cm
Child's age : 0 to 24 months
Child's weight : Up to 13 kg
Seat position : Back to the road
Installing the seat in the car : Isofix (with Base G) or seat belt
Child restraint system : 3-point harness

Lionelo Astrid i-Size + Astrid i-Size Base

The Lionelo Astrid i-Size + Astrid i-Size Base, rated 1.8 by the ADAC, is designed for babies from birth to around 18 months, weighing up to 13 kg and measuring between 40 and 87 cm. This baby cosy can be installed rear-facing using the Isofix base with support leg or the safety belt. The seat is fitted with a 3-point harness to ensure your child's safety.

The seat features a height-adjustable memory foam headrest to adapt to the child's growth. It also includes a removable newborn insert for extra head and back support. Complying with the R129 (i-Size) standard, the Lionelo Astrid i-Size ensures a very low risk of injury in the event of a frontal or side impact. TÜV certified, the seat is made from shock-absorbing materials for added protection in the event of an impact. The total weight of the cosy is 3.4 kg, making it easy to transport.

Note ADAC : 1.8 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03
Child's size : 40 to 87 cm
Child's age : From birth to 18 months
Child's weight : Up to 13 kg
Seat position : Back to the road
Installing the seat in the car : Isofix with strut or seatbelt
Child restraint system : 3-point harness

Avionaut Cosmo

The Avionaut Cosmo, rated 2.0 by the ADAC, is designed for babies from birth to around 18 months, weighing up to 13 kg and measuring between 40 and 87 cm. This baby cosy can be installed with its back to the road using the Isofix IQ/IQ 2.0 C bases or simply with the safety belt. The seat is fitted with a 3-point harness to ensure your child's safety.

Le car seat Avionaut Cosmo features a removable, very comfortable reducer cushion for infants, as well as an integrated headrest and ergonomic design to ensure good posture and a straight back for the child. The headrest is adjustable to adapt to the child's growth. The semi-rigid canopy with UV filter protects the child from the sun's rays. What's more, the Isofix base is compatible with Avionaut Aerofix and Aerofix RWF car seats, offering great flexibility for parents. The total weight of the cosy is 3.2 kg, making it easy to transport.

Note ADAC : 2.0 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03 (i-Size)
Child's size : 40 to 87 cm
Child's age : From birth to 18 months
Child's weight : Up to 13 kg
Seat position : Back to the road
Installing the seat in the car : Isofix with IQ/IQ 2.0 C bases or seat belt
Child restraint system : 3-point harness

Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro²

The Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro², rated 2.2 by ADAC, is the successor to the Pebble 360 Pro, which failed the ADAC test last October due to the presence of pollutants. However, this new model retains all the excellent features of its predecessor (without the pollutants), and is suitable for babies from 0 to 18 months, weighing up to 13 kg and measuring between 40 and 87 cm. This baby cosy offers three reclining positions, including a fully flat lying position, whatever the installation mode.

The Pebble 360 Pro² makes it easy to adjust the height of the headrest to suit your child's growth. It can be installed with the FamilyFix 360 (without SlideTech technology) or 360 Pro (with SlideTech sliding technology) Isofix bases, combined with 360° rotation to make daily travel easier. It can also be installed using the seat belt, although it does not rotate or slide. This model has reinforced side protection (G-Cell) and is TÜV-approved for air travel. It is also compatible with Maxi-Cosi pushchairs via adapters.

Note ADAC : 2.2 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03 (i-Size)
Child's size : 40 to 87 cm
Child's age : 0 to 18 months
Child's weight : Up to 13 kg
Seat position : Back to the road
Installing the seat in the car : Isofix with FamilyFix 360 (without SlideTech) or 360 Pro (with SlideTech) bases, seat belt
Child restraint system : 3-point harness

The best child car seats in the ADAC tests (Spring 2024)

Car seats for children (from birth to around 4 years) offer optimum protection and comfort thanks to advanced features such as 360° rotation. These seats can be installed with the back to the road for the youngest and facing the road from 15 months. Here is a selection of the best models tested by ADAC.

Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro

The Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro, also rated 2.2 by ADAC, is suitable for children aged 0 to 4, measuring between 40 and 105 cm and weighing up to 18 kg. This seat can be installed with Isofix and has a 360° rotation function to make it easier to install and remove the child.

This model offers five very comfortable reclining positions, allowing you to sleep more or less reclined for maximum comfort. The integrated Isofix base features SlideTech technology, which is part of the 360 Pro Family car seat range (including the Pebble 360 Pro and Pearl 360 Pro), making installation even easier thanks to a seat sliding mechanism. The Maxi-Cosi Mica 360 Pro is also equipped with reinforced side impact protection, guaranteeing greater safety for the child.

Note ADAC : 2.2 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03
Child's size : 40 to 105 cm
Child's age : Approximately 0 to 4 years
Child's weight : Up to 18 kg
Seat position : Back to the road and facing the road
Installing the seat in the car : Isofix and strut
Child restraint system : 5-point harness

Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size

The Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size, rated 2.2 by the ADAC, is designed for children from 3 months to 4 years (61 to 105 cm), with compatibility from birth (from 40 cm) using the newborn insert (not included). This car seat can be installed rear-facing up to 4 years (105 cm) and forward-facing from 15 months (76 cm).

For added comfort, the Cybex Sirona Gi i-Size offers five reclining positions, which can be used both facing and facing away from the road. The retractable side impact protection ensures maximum safety in the event of a collision. The 12-position adjustable headrest adapts to the child's growth, while the harness holders keep the straps open for easy installation. The Isofix base with strut and visual indicators ensures that the seat is installed correctly and safely. This model is also compatible with the SensorSafe Kit (not included).

Note ADAC : 2.2 (Good)
Approval : UN R129/03
Child's size : 61 to 105 cm (from 40 cm with newborn insert)
Child's age : Approximately 3 months to 4 years (from birth with the newborn insert)
Child's weight : Up to 20 kg
Seat position : Rear-facing (up to 105cm), forward-facing (from 15 months)
Installing the seat in the car : Isofix and strut
Child restraint system : 5-point harness

The best children's booster seats in the tests (Spring 2024)

Child booster seats are essential for keeping older children safe when travelling in the car. Designed for children aged around 4 to 12, these seats offer forward-facing installation and use a standard seatbelt. They are often fitted using the Isofix system for added stability. Here is a selection of the best booster seats tested by ADAC, guaranteeing optimum protection for your children.

Avova Sora-Fix

The Avova Sora-Fix, rated 2.0 by the ADAC, is designed for children from 100 to 150 cm, i.e. from around 4 to 12 years of age. This booster seat is R129 (i-Size) approved, ensuring optimum safety. The V-shaped backrest and 12-position adjustable headrest provide a perfect fit for growing children.

The integrated Isofix connectors ensure a stable and secure installation. The seat also features integrated side impact protection (ISIP) and belt guides to help your child settle in easily. The removable cover adds a touch of practicality, making it easy to clean. The total weight of the seat is 5.5 kg, making it easy to handle and install.

Note ADAC : 2.0 (Good)
Approval : UN R129 (i-Size)
Child's size : 100 to 150 cm
Child's age : Approximately 4 to 12 years
Child's weight : 15 to 36 kg (Group 2/3)
Seat position : Facing the road
Installing the seat in the car : Seatbelt with integrated Isofix connectors (not compulsory)
Child restraint system : Safety belts

Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Pro² i-Size

The Maxi-Cosi RodiFix Pro² i-Size, rated 2.1 by the ADAC, is designed for children measuring between 100 and 150 cm (approx. 4 to 12 years) and weighing between 15 and 36 kg. This booster seat complies with the i-Size standard and is designed for use facing the road. The RodiFix Pro² booster seat has three recline positions for optimum comfort and is adjustable in height and width to suit your child's growth. It has reinforced side impact protection for maximum safety.

The safety cushions in the headrest (AirProtect) offer enhanced head protection in the event of a side impact. The Isofix connectors ensure a stable and secure installation, while the belt installation guides make it easier to position the child correctly. The seat cover is made from removable recycled materials for easy cleaning. Weighing just 5.9 kg, the RodiFix Pro² is easy to handle and install in any vehicle.

Note ADAC : 2.1 (Good)
Approval : UN R129 (i-Size)
Child's size : 100 to 150 cm
Child's age : Approximately 4 to 12 years
Child's weight : 15 to 36 kg (Group 2/3)
Seat position : Facing the road
Installing the seat in the car : Seatbelt with integrated Isofix connectors (not compulsory)
Child restraint system : Safety belts

Methodology & evaluation criteria

Safety : Safety tests include simulations of frontal and side collisions, exceeding legal requirements. Safety accounts for 50% of the final score.
Ease of use : Ease of use assesses the installation and adjustment of the seat. A seat should be intuitive to install with a minimum of steps. This category accounts for 40% of the overall score.
Ergonomics : Ergonomics takes into account comfort, the seating position and the space offered within the vehicle. A good seat should ensure that the child is comfortable and secure. Ergonomics contributes 10% to the total score.
Harmful substances : Tests for harmful substances check for the presence of dangerous chemicals in materials in contact with the child. A score of less than "satisfactory" in this category results in a significant reduction in the final score.

ADAC rating scale

Evaluation	Score value
Very good	0,5 – 1,5
Good	1,6 – 2,5
Satisfactory	2,6 – 3,5
Fair	3,6 – 4,5
Insufficient	4,6 – 5,5

In conclusion, choosing a car seat for your child should not be taken lightly. Find out more, compare models according to your needs and budget, and opt for a quality product that meets the latest safety standards. Don't forget that Isofix is a highly recommended system for optimum protection of your child.