In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport Review

Easier to use and install seat with a comfortable headrest, but a basic feel and lower quality design
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Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $180 List
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Manufacturer:   Maxi-Cosi
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 26, 2024
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 14
  • Crash Test - 35% 7.1
  • Ease of Use - 25% 7.9
  • Weight/Size - 15% 6.6
  • Comfort - 15% 7.3
  • Quality - 10% 5.5

Our Verdict

The Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport is a high-back booster from our best booster seat review. This high-backed option is generally average in every way, earning an above-average overall score thanks to its slightly above-average crash test rating and higher ease-of-use performance. While we think there are some interesting features on this booster, like a rigid LATCH installation to keep it in place and a comfortable headrest kids will love, it simply isn't enough to beat out higher-scoring competitors that offer better crash test analysis and more for a lower price. Whether you are looking for great crash test results, superior comfort, or a budget-friendly price, there is an alternative to the Maxi-Cosi we'd choose first.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfy headrest
Smooth fabric
Rigid latch system
REASONS TO AVOID
Disappointing padding
No foam in the headrest
Editor's Note: The RoadiSport underwent side-by-side testing with the other boosters in our update performed on January 26, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
maxi-cosi roadisport
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Booster for Most
Top Pick Award
Best Booster for Travel and Carpooling
Best Value Award
Best Booster on a Budget
 
Price $180 List
$179.99 at Amazon
$160 List
$159.99 at Amazon
$40 List
$37.98 at Amazon
$120 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$29 List
$28.98 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line The comfy headrest and rigid LATCH aren't enough to make this booster a stand-out choiceGreat choice for most families with better crash testing analysis, easy installation, and cozy seating for kidsGreat for travel and carpooling, but the quality and crash results make it less appealing as an all-the-time boosterA comfy headrest and good crash test results make this lightweight choice an option that won't break the bankThis basic booster offers disappointing results in most metrics, including crash test analysis, making the low price less appealing
Rating Categories Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport Chicco KidFit Zip A... BubbleBum Diono Cambria 2 Graco TurboBooster...
Crash Test (35%)
7.1
8.2
6.5
8.0
5.3
Ease of Use (25%)
7.9
8.3
8.0
5.1
7.5
Weight/Size (15%)
6.6
6.5
10.0
5.9
7.9
Comfort (15%)
7.3
7.3
4.4
6.1
3.2
Quality (10%)
5.5
8.0
3.5
4.0
3.5
Specs Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport Chicco KidFit Zip A... BubbleBum Diono Cambria 2 Graco TurboBooster...
Modes High Back Booster, Backless Booster High Back Booster, Backless Booster Backless Booster High Back Booster, Backless Booster Backless Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range 40-100 lb 40-110 lb N/A 40-120 lb N/A
High Back Booster Height Range 43-57 in 38-57 in N/A 38-63 in N/A
Width 17.7 in 18.2 in 11.3 in 19.9 in 16.3 in
Weight 13.2 lb 11.8 lb 0.9 lb 12.0 lb 4.5 lb
Backless Booster Height Range 43-57 in 38-58 in 40-57 in 38-63 in 43-57 in
5 Point Harness Weight Range N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
5 Point Height Range N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
LATCH Equipped Yes Yes No Yes No
#REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF! #REF!
Recline Positions 2 2 N/A None N/A
Foam Type None EPS None None None
Seat Lifespan 10 Years 8 Years 4 Years from purchase date 8 Years 10 Years
Aircraft Certified

Our Analysis and Test Results

In 1984, Maxi-Cosi, a European company, launched its first car seat. With roots in the Netherlands, Maxi-Cosi claims they created Europe's the first safety car seat. Maxi-Cosi continues to grow and is a leading manufacturer of baby-centric gear.

Performance Comparison



The Maxi-Cosi earned an average crash test analysis score. It had a better HIC sensor result than the chest clip, but neither where a standout in this competition.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


The Maxi-Cosi earned a crash test analysis result that is average for the group.


While all of the boosters in our lineup presumably passed the federal guidelines and are considered safe, we ran our test hotter to see if there were any potential stand-out choices. Our tests used a crash sled that is more similar to modern vehicle seat cushions, and we ran our test a bit faster than the federal standard.

The HIC (head sensor) results for the Maxi-Cosi were higher than one...
The HIC (head sensor) results for the Maxi-Cosi were higher than one of the best in the group. Lower results are better.
The Maxi-Cosi chest clip sensor data is shown here compared to the...
The Maxi-Cosi chest clip sensor data is shown here compared to the Peg Perego. The difference is the G-force levels is apparent, the lower line is preferred.

The Maxi-Cosi HIC and chest sensor results were okay for the group, with the HIC faring somewhat better than the chest clips sensor, but neither results were brag worth nor disappointing. About half of the seats offered better performance.

maxi-cosi roadisport - the headrest on the maxi-cosi is adjustable up and down to help...
The headrest on the Maxi-Cosi is adjustable up and down to help position the shoulder portion of the vehicle belt.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The RoadiSport earned a relatively high-performance score for ease of use, with a result higher than the average. Buckling for our passenger didn't seem to be a problem.

The Maxi-Cosi seat bottom is wide, and the belt and buckle rub...
The Maxi-Cosi seat bottom is wide, and the belt and buckle rub against the side, making it more challenging to buckle.

The belt is easy to thread, and you don't need to reach back very far to grasp it. However, the belt rubs the seat side when you push it in the buckle. This could create a challenge for smaller kids or those who are frustrated easily. The shoulder guide held the belt without a problem, and it seemed well-placed for most children.

The rigid LATCH connectors on the Maxi-Cosi are somewhat unique and can be operated and installed with one hand.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The RodiSport is easy to move with a handle at the top and an indent at the bottom for carrying. It has a rigid LATCH system that is somewhat unique in its design and easy enough to finish with one hand.

The rigid LATCH connectors on the Maxi-Cosi have a release button on...
The rigid LATCH connectors on the Maxi-Cosi have a release button on the side (red button on the side).
The Maxi-Cosi LATCH connectors have a color change indicator to let...
The Maxi-Cosi LATCH connectors have a color change indicator to let the installer know it is attached to the vehicle anchors.

The system somewhat rattles, and it didn't make too much of a reassuring click when we attached it, so we gave it a few good tugs to ensure it was properly attached the the vehicle anchors.

maxi-cosi roadisport - the maxi-cosi has a single cup holder that clips on the side and...
The Maxi-Cosi has a single cup holder that clips on the side and easy to remove, which could result in a lost cup holder.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This seat has one cup holder that slides off easily, and we suspect it will become a fidget toy or lost in the car somewhere. We couldn't find optional additions to purchase, but in fairness, most kids don't need a cup holder at all, so one is probably enough. It did pass our kid's water bottle test.

maxi-cosi roadisport - the maxi-cosi is a bigger seat but it can be made more manageable by...
The Maxi-Cosi is a bigger seat but it can be made more manageable by removing the back, so kids can carry it themselves.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Size


This seat weighs 13.2 lbs, making it neither lightweight nor heavy for this group of seats. With options weighing less than a pound and one closer to 26 lbs, we can see how this booster might be appealing for some considering weight alone.


The measured width of this booster is 17.7 inches, making it relatively narrow compared to other boosters. There are a handful of options that have smaller widths, but this one is not prohibitive compared to those that are closer to 20 inches. The shoulder belt has some slack after buckling, and this leads us to believe there must be some friction in the shoulder strap guide. It isn't a huge problem, but it needs to be adjusted every time.

The Maxi-Cosi headrest is height adjustable to ensure the shoulder positioner is placed properly and to ensure comfort.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


The Maxi-Cosi performed well compared to others for comfort. The comfort padding is not impressive as it looks and feels like packing foam. However, the cover has some attached padding that increases the thickness and comfort factor. The back of the seat also has nice padding, which is an area many competitors ignore. The headrest and armrests have similar padding all around, and our child testers enjoyed them.

maxi-cosi roadisport - the maxi-cosi fabric is soft and feels cooling, which might be nice...
The Maxi-Cosi fabric is soft and feels cooling, which might be nice on hot days or in the direct sun.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The fabric on this seat feels smooth and cooling and we like it on our face. The headrest isn't as deep as we'd like.

maxi-cosi roadisport - the maxi-cosi is a good-looking seat that offers average-quality...
The Maxi-Cosi is a good-looking seat that offers average-quality materials and final fit and finish.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Maxi-Cosi quality is about average here, with no real standout features that indicate thoughtful design. The added padding gives this option a little more of a quality feel than those without it. The cover snaps in place and tucks in for a nicer look. The seeing on the cover is somewhat better than those that don't wrap well and bunch up. The headrest has no foam, and there doesn't seem to be much to reinforce the seat; there is a flimsy feeling overall.

maxi-cosi roadisport - while this is a nicer-looking seat, we think there are...
While this is a nicer-looking seat, we think there are higher-performing seats in the review that most families would prefer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Maxi-Cosi RoadiSport?


The RoadiSport is a slightly better-than-average high-backed booster with a slightly higher-than-average price. While there isn't a single significant disappointing feature or performance result to be had with the RoadiSport, there also isn't anything truly compelling about it either. This middle-of-the-road seat is generally average, and we think parents and kids alike will be left wanting more, especially for the price.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?


For a lower price, the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is the booster we'd recommend to most families. This Chicco has some of the best crash test results in the group, and it performed well in our metrics for ease of use and comfort. We love the leg lounger to help with dangling legs, and the LATCH install prevents it from moving about when there is no passenger. If your goal is the booster with the absolute best crash results, then the Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 is the option for you. This higher-quality choice is uber-high-ranking in most metrics and provides an additional level of adjustability over the traditional booster with side wings that can be widened. Overall, either is a more satisfying choice than the Maxi-Cosi.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz