The Best Evolving Car Seats (Ranked By Crash-Test Score)

Car seats are essential safety equipment for children in the car. They protect the youngest children during journeys in the event of sudden braking or an accident. But it can be difficult for parents to choose the right car seat for their child. car seat adapted to their child. Upgradeable car seats are a practical option for parents, as they grow with your child and can be used for many years. Discover the essential criteria for selecting the right evolving car seat to ensure your child's safety in the car.

What Is A Convertible Car Seat?

Progressive car seats are a mobility solution for growing children. They are designed to adapt to the child's height and weight as they grow, offering optimum protection throughout their childhood.

An evolving car seat is a car seat that can be used at different stages of a child's growth. It is designed to grow with the child and can be used for many years, making it a wise investment for parents.

Why choose an evolving car seat for your child?

Upgradeable car seats are an excellent option for parents because they adapt perfectly to their child's growth, allowing several car seats to be replaced as the child grows. This eliminates the need to buy a new car seat or booster at each stage of the child's development, which can be costly in the long run. This feature allows parents to save money while ensuring their child's safety and comfort on every car journey.

How does an evolving car seat work?

Progressive car seats, previously known as Group 1/2/3 car seats, are designed to adapt to your child's growth and to be used for many years. They can be used for children from 9 months to around 12 years of age, i.e. from 9 to 36 kg.

When your child is small, the evolutive car seat is installed facing the road. Most of these models have an impact shield or a 5-point harness as a restraint system. As your child grows, he'll need more leg and arm room, and that's when convertible car seats come into their own. car booster seat.

These seats are designed so that they can be adjusted in height and width to suit your child's growth. Most convertible car seats also have a height-adjustable headrest, offering your child extra comfort.

Lastly, upgradeable car seats can be used with the car's safety belt or with a safety belt system. ISOFIX attachment for easier, safer installation.

European standards for convertible car seats

Upgradeable car seats must comply with certain European safety standards to guarantee your children's safety in the car.

European standard R44/04

The most common European standard for evolving car seats is R44/04. This standard divides car seats into groups according to their child's weight, ranging from group 0 for newborns to group 3 for children weighing up to 36 kg.

The European i-Size standard

Another important European standard for evolving car seats is the R129 (i-Size) regulation, introduced in 2013. Unlike the R44/04 standard, this standard uses the child's height as a classification criterion rather than its weight. The i-Size standard is considered to be stricter than the R44/04 standard, particularly as regards the requirements for side protection and ISOFIX installation.

All convertible car seats must comply with one of these standards to be marketed in Europe. It's important to check that the car seat you're thinking of buying complies with one of these standards to guarantee your child's safety in the car.

The different types of evolving car seats

There are different types of convertible car seat, depending on European standards and the child's weight or height group.

The group 1/2/3 progressive car seats comply with European standard R44/04. They are ideal for children aged between 9 months and around 12 years, weighing between 9 and 36 kg. These seats feature a safety harness or impact shield to keep your child in place, as well as an adjustable headrest for optimum comfort as your child grows.

The Group 2/3 convertible car seats, also known as car booster seatsThey also comply with the R44/04 standard. These models are suitable for children from around 4 to 12 years of age, weighing between 15 and 36 kg. These seats use the car's safety belt to keep your child in place and also have an adjustable headrest.

Finally, some of these group 0+/1/2 progressive car seats designed for newborns up to the age of 6, weighing from 0 to 25 kg.

britax advansafix iv r — The evolving car seat Britax Advansafix IV R

i-Size progressive car seats comply with European standard R129. They are classified according to the child's height rather than weight. There are several types of evolving car seat designed for children from birth to 125 cm (up to about 7 years old) or 76 to 150 cm (15 months to around 12 years). These seats have an integrated safety harness and an adjustable headrest to guarantee your child's safety and comfort.

How do you choose the best evolving car seat for your child?

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an evolving car seat for your child. Firstly, make sure the car seat is safe and approved to European standards. Then

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing an evolving car seat for your child. Here are a few key points to consider:

Your child's age and weight: Make sure that the car seat you choose is suitable for your child's age and weight.
Your child's height : Make sure that the evolving car seat is large enough for your child to sit comfortably without being squeezed.
Safety : All convertible car seats are subject to strict safety standards to ensure that children are protected. In general, evolving car seats meet European road safety standards, which means they are considered safe for children of different ages and sizes. Check that the evolving car seat has been tested to European standards. ADAC crash tests to meet the most stringent safety standards.
Comfort : Make sure that the evolving car seat is comfortable for your child, especially if he or she will be spending a lot of time in it. Upgradeable car seats are generally more comfortable for children than traditional car seats. They are designed to adapt to the child's growth, which means they can offer greater support and comfort as the child grows.
Ease of use : Progressive car seats are often easier to use than traditional car seats. They can be installed more easily and quickly, and they can also be adjusted according to the child's height and weight. Make sure the evolving car seat is easy to install and use.
Budget : Evolving car seats can vary considerably in price, so determine your budget and your selection criteria before buying a model.

Upgradeable car seat with impact shield or 5-point harness?

The impact shield and 5-point harness are two child restraint systems used in car seats. Their main function is to ensure the child's safety in the event of a car accident.

Impact shield

The impact shield is a child safety device used mainly in Group 1 car seats (children weighing between 9 and 18 kg). It takes the form of a safety cushion placed in front of the child, held in place by the vehicle's safety belt. In the event of an accident, the shield absorbs the energy of the impact and distributes the force over a wider area of the child's body, offering better protection for the head, neck and chest.

5-point harness

The 5-point harness is a child restraint system used mainly in Group 0+/1/2 car seats (children weighing between 0 and 25 kg). It consists of straps that pass over the child's shoulders, chest and hips, forming a 5-point buckle. In the event of an accident, the 5-point harness prevents the child from being thrown forward by firmly restraining the body, while distributing the force of the impact over a wider area of the child's body, offering better protection for the head, neck, chest and abdomen.

How do ADAC crash tests for car seats work?

The ADAC (German Automobile Club) regularly carries out crash tests on car seats to assess their safety. These crash tests are carried out jointly by various specialist bodies (ADAC, TCS, ÖAMTC and Stiftung Warentest) to assess the safety and reliability of car seats. These tests complement the European homologation tests currently in force (R44/04 and R129).

Twice a year (May and October), the various models selected are tested in all possible configurations in order to accurately assess a number of criteria, such as safety, ergonomics, comfort and pollutant content. The evaluation of all these parameters is then used to establish a final score for each of the seat models tested. Visit crash test results are then distributed to the general public to help parents choose the best car seat for their children.

The ADAC ratings are based on a number of criteria, such as protection in frontal and side impacts, stability of the car seat in a collision, ease of use and ergonomics of the car seat. The results are presented in the form of scores ranging from 0.5 (best) to 5.5 (worst).

The 8 Best Scalable Car Seats

Your child's safety in the car is an absolute priority, and choosing a quality upgradeable car seat is essential to guarantee their protection. To help you do this, we've selected the best convertible car seats on the market. These seats have been chosen for their build quality, safety and comfort for your child. We hope that our selection will help you find the ideal evolving car seat for your little passenger.

Group 1/2/3 progressive car seats

Models	Joie Traver Shield	Cybex Pallas S-Fix	Transcend Joy	Britax Römer Advansafix IV R	Cybex Pallas B-Fix
Certification	R44/04	R44/04	R44/04	R44/04	R44/04
Height / Weight	9 - 36 kg (Group 1/2/3)	9 - 36 kg (Group 1/2/3)	9 - 36 kg (Group 1/2/3)	9 - 36 kg (Group 1/2/3)	9 - 36 kg (Group 1/2/3)
Age	9 months to approx. 12 years	9 months to approx. 12 years	9 months to approx. 12 years	9 months to approx. 12 years	9 months to approx. 12 years
Seat position	Facing the road	Facing the road	Facing the road	Facing the road	Facing the road
Installation	Seatbelt and/or ISOFIX	Seatbelt and/or ISOFIX	Seatbelt and/or ISOFIX	ISOFIX + Top Tether (9 to 18 kg) Seatbelt and/or ISOFIX (15 to 36 kg)	Seatbelt and/or ISOFIX
Holding of the child	Shield (9 to 18 kg) Belt (15 to 36 kg)	Shield (9 to 18 kg) Belt (15 to 36 kg)	Shield (9 to 18 kg) Belt (15 to 36 kg)	5-point harness (9 to 18 kg) Belt (15 to 36 kg)	Shield (9 to 18 kg) Belt (15 to 36 kg)
Adjustable shield				5-point harness
Side protection
Adjustable headrest	(9 positions)	(12 positions)	(10 positions)		(12 positions)
Reclining headrest	(9 positions)	(9 positions)	(9 positions)	(9 positions)	(9 positions)
ADAC Crash-Test	Good (1.9) (2018)	Good (2.1) (2018)	Good (2.1) (2016)	Good (2.3) (2019)	Good (2.4) (2020)
Dimensions (HxWxD)	66-85,4x40,9x55,5	68.5 x 50 x 43 cm	65x50x47cm	60-83x44x47	64x39x52
Weight	6.7 kg	10.1 kg	7.8 kg	11 kg	4.9 kg
Prices

Joie Traver Shield

The Joie Traver Shield is a progressive car seat for children from 9 to 36 kg (9 months to approx. 12 years) that complies with European standard ECE R44/04. It can initially be used with the protective shield from 9 to 18 kg (group 1) and then without the shield from 18 kg (group 2/3). It is installed in the vehicle using the 3-point safety belt and can be reinforced with ISOFIX fixings.

The Joie Traver Shield is equipped with side reinforcements to absorb impact in the event of a crash and offers reinforced protection for the child's head, body and hips. The seat depth and headrest can be easily adjusted to suit the child's growth. The seat is comfortable, with breathable fabrics, memory foam, padded armrests and a machine-washable cover. This model achieved the best crash test result for an evolving car seat, with a score of 1.9.

Group : 1/2/3
Certification: R44/04
Weight: 9 kg to 36 kg
Age: 9 months to 12 years approx.
ISOFIX fastening system
Side impact protection
Adjustable seat depth (3 positions)
Height-adjustable headrest (9 positions)
Impact shield for children from 9 to 18 kg
Very good results in ADAC crash tests (2018)

Cybex Pallas G i-Size

The Cybex Pallas G i-Size is an evolving car seat, suitable for children from 76 to 150 cm (i.e. from 15 months to around 12 years), and i-Size approved (standard R129/03). Installation is quick and easy, thanks to its ISOFIX anchorage points and Top Tether strap with visual indicators to confirm that it is correctly attached. The impact shield, which can be used up to 105 cm, reduces impact forces by 40% in the event of a frontal impact.

What's more, this evolving car seat is designed to adapt to your child's growth by adjusting the height of the backrest and the depth of the shield. It also has a comfortable, reclining seat and a 12-position height-adjustable headrest. Finally, the Lateral Protection System (L.S.P.) ensures maximum safety in the event of a side impact.

Group : 1/2/3
Certification: i-Size
Size: 76 to 150 cm
Weight: 9 to 50 kg approx.
Age: 15 months to 12 years approx.
ISOFIX attachment system + Top Tether straps
L.S.P. side impact protection
Height-adjustable headrest (12 positions)
Impact shield for children from 76 to 105 cm (max. 21 kg)
Very good results in ADAC crash tests (2021)

Cybex Pallas B-Fix

The Cybex Pallas B-Fix is an R44/04 (Group 1/2/3) approved progressive car seat designed for children from 9 to 36 kg (approx. 9 months to 12 years). It can be installed in complete safety thanks to its ISOFIX-compatible Latch-Connect system, which provides extra stability. The L.S.P. system protects the child's head and upper body in the event of a side impact by absorbing impact forces at an early stage. What's more, the height-adjustable headrest can be customised to 12 different positions.

The impact shield for children from 9 to 18 kg reduces the risk of serious neck injury while allowing children to move freely. This car seat is extremely lightweight and easy to transfer from one car to another, and its adjustable backrest adapts perfectly to the vehicle seat for added safety. The Cybex Pallas B-Fix is the ideal solution for parents looking for a safe, durable and easy-to-use car seat for their child.

Group : 1/2/3
Certification: R44/04
Weight: 9 kg to 36 kg
Age: 9 months to 12 years approx.
Latch-Connect system for easy installation and enhanced safety
Linear side impact protection (L.S.P. system)
Height-adjustable headrest with 12 different positions
Impact shield for children from 9 to 18 kg
Extremely light
Good result in ADAC crash tests (2020)

Transcend Joy

The Joie Transcend offers complete protection for children weighing from 9 to 36 kg. Depending on the child's weight, it can be fitted directly with the impact shield up to the age of 3 or 4, then exclusively with the standard seatbelt for older children. This evolutionary model can be installed using the car's safety belt or the vehicle's ISOFIX connectors.

It features a depth-adjustable SnugShield™ safety cushion that adjusts to the child's height, as well as an adjustable headrest. The Guard Surround Safety system provides additional protection for the head, chest and pelvis. Its protection systems and flexibility of adjustment make it an ideal choice for children's comfort.

Group : 1/2/3
Certification: R44/04
Weight: 9 kg to 36 kg
Age: 9 months to 12 years approx.
ISOFIX Attachment
Side impact protection
Adjustable seat depth (3 positions)
Height-adjustable headrest (11 positions)
Good result in ADAC crash tests (2016)

Cybex Pallas S-Fix

Le Cybex Pallas S Fix is a progressive car seat that complies with European standard R44/04 for children weighing from 9 to 36 kg (approx. 9 months to 12 years). This car seat offers optimum protection for children in the event of an accident, thanks to its reinforced shell and side impact protection system (L.S.P.).

It also features height adjustment to suit the child's growth, a headrest and a reclining backrest for a comfortable position on long car journeys. The seat is comfortable thanks to its padding and easy to install with the help of ISOFIX connectors.

Group : 1/2/3
Certification: R44/04
Weight: 9 kg to 36 kg
Age: 9 months to 12 years approx.
ISOFIX fastening system
Reclining headrest
Linear side impact protection (L.S.P. system)
Height-adjustable headrest
Impact shield for children from 9 to 18 kg
Good result in ADAC crash tests (2018)

Britax Römer Advansafix IV R

Le Britax car seat Advansafix IV R is designed to safely carry children from 9 to 36 kg (approximately 9 months to 12 years).

It is equipped with advanced safety features to protect children of all ages. When you fasten your child with the 3-point belt, the SecureGuard keeps the belt's abdominal strap over the pelvic bones, reducing the risk of injury to the abdomen. What's more, the adjustable SICT and V-shaped headrest offer extra protection in the event of a side impact.

Unlike other models with an impact shield, the Britax Advansafix IV R has a 5-point harness to ensure the safety of children weighing between 9 and 18 kg. Once they reach this weight, they can use the car's standard safety belt. The padded sides and EasyRecline system with its three adjustable recline positions ensure a comfortable journey for young and old alike.

Group : 1/2/3
Certification: R44/04
Weight: 9 kg to 36 kg
Age: 9 months to 12 years approx.
ISOFIX attachment system + straps (Top Tether)
Side impact protection (SICT)
3 seat recline positions
5-point harness up to 18 kg
Good result in ADAC crash tests (2019)

Group 0+/1/2 progressive car seats

Group 0+/1/2 car seats are really practical for parents, as they are suitable for children from birth up to 125 cm in height (for i-Size certified models) or up to 25 kg (for R44/04 certified models). Discover our selection of the best models.

BeSafe Strech

The BeSafe Stretch is a progressive car seat designed for children between 61 and 125 cm tall (approx. 6 months to 7 years) weighing up to 36 kg. This model can only be installed rear-facing for enhanced safety. It reclines to 5 positions, the headrest can be adjusted to 10 positions and the legroom can be adjusted to 5 positions to provide up to 26 cm of space.

This seat is equipped with SIP+ protection to increase protection in the event of a side impact, as well as a collision force-absorbing structure to protect vulnerable areas such as the neck and head. The car seat is easy to install, with the vehicle's 3-point belt tensioned by means of a knob. What's more, BeSafe Stretch has passed the most rigorous safety tests, such as the More Test.

Group : 0+/1/2
Certification: i-Size
Height: 61 to 125 cm
Weight: < 36 kg
Age: 12 months to 7 years approx.
ISOFIX fastening system
Installation of the rear facing car seat
Ample legroom
Good result in ADAC crash tests (2022)
Approved by Plus Test

Axkid One 2

The car seat Axkid One 2 is suitable for children aged 1 to 7, weighing up to 23 kg and measuring between 61 and 125 cm. It guarantees optimum safety thanks to its extended rear-facing travel capability, AXKID (ASIP) side impact protection and protective chassis technology with automatic roll bar.

It has 12 headrest positions to adapt to the child's growth and a sliding seat rail technology that allows the child's legroom to be adjusted with just one hand. The seat is easy to install thanks to ISOFIX connectors and 5-point harnesses.

Group : 0+/1/2
Certification: i-Size
Height: 61 to 125 cm
Weight: < 23 kg
Age: 9 months to 7 years approx.
ISOFIX fastening system
Installing the rear-facing car seat
Ample legroom
Good result in ADAC crash tests (2021)
Approved by Plus Test

Axkid One+ 2

The Axkid One+ 2 model is similar to the previous model, except for the addition of a newborn reducer that makes it usable from birth. This new feature allows parents to use the car seat for their baby from day one, and to keep it in place until they are 7 years old, for long-term rear-facing use.