Graco 4Ever DLX Review

Graco Metal Products started making new gear in 1953 after bringing on a new engineer. Rex Thomas and David Saint created the first top-ranked baby swing with real-life inspiration from a patio glider. This new swing sold millions of units, launching the Graco name into the baby product universe. Graco continues to design swings, as well as baby walkers, favorite car seats, strollers, and more.

Crash Test

The 4Ever is one of the highest-ranked for crash test analysis, with impressive sensor results for both the HIC and chest sensors in our hotter-running crash tests. All safety seats in our review meet federal guidelines and should be considered safe. However, we run a slightly faster test with a sled that more closely mimics a modern-day vehicle seat, looking for those seats that stand out compared to competitors. We are looking for seats that perform better than the average, and this one is stellar.

The 4Ever has one of the lowest recorded G-forces in our testing for the chest clip score. It is really an impressive result, considering some seats recorded force far higher.

The HIC or head sensor also recorded lower results, almost a third of the highest recorded forces (lower results are better for both). Overall, we believe the 4Ever test results and analysis indicate that this seat potentially offers an additional margin of protection.

Ease of Install - LATCH

The 4Ever is not the highest-scoring seat for LATCH installation, but it is straightforward and performed better than the average option we tested. It has a flexible strap with push-style LATCH connectors. There is no lock-off and a bubble indicator on one side only.

The rear-facing installation of the 4Ever includes the foot recline handle position standard on many convertible seats. You need two hands to get the recline angle to change, and it felt like a forearm workout. The padding requires lifting out of the way, but it is attached with hook and loop closure, making it easy to move.

Each connector is on its side, so no worries about twisting the strap. The strap is easy to thread with helpful color coding and easily fits in the holes. It is essential to follow the manual as there are parts you don't use until booster mode. The straps are easy to tighten with little effort, and the stability is great. Removing the connectors is easy with a push of a button.

Forward-facing lacks an indicator and lock-off, but it does have color coding. Keep your manual handy for the details. The pathway for forward-facing is different than rear-facing, so you need to move the strap with forward-facing being orange, blue for rear-facing, and yellow for booster mode. Tightening the strap is easy but requires threading back on the same path (read your manual!). The final product feels stable.

Ease of Install - Belt

The 4Ever belt installation is about as straightforward as the LATCH method. Neither is challenging, both are better than the average, and either method will likely appeal to parents.

This Graco splits the difference of desirable attributes with a bubble indicator on one side and no color-coding or lock-off. Adjusting the reliance on the4Ever is clunky and lacks fine finesse or design.

Threading the belt is average. The pathway is easy to thread and pull across for buckling. Despite no actual process for tightening the belt or getting a stable installation, we didn't struggle with this seat. A lock-off would be nice, but it isn't necessary with this Graco. Overall, it was a positive experience, but we weren't super impressed by the final stability.

Lifting the Velcro flap to undo the belt and unthread it is straightforward on the 4Ever and has no hiccups to hinder the process. We could remove it and reach the buckle to disconnect without getting in the car.

The forward-facing installation of the 4Ever does provide a lock-off, which is fantastic and makes getting a stable seat easier. Moving the headrest out of the way is easy, and the pathway is apparent through larger-than-average holes. Overall, installation is easy, but the lock-off is harder to use than it needs to be; while we are glad it is there, we wish it weren't such a pain. The lock-off looks like a toy, and it takes extra pressure to get it to close. The seat feels sturdy and passed the wiggle test once installed.

Releasing the buckle from the car is the best way to ease tension on the lock-off for trouble-free removal.

Ease of Use

The 4Ever earned one of the best scores for ease of use of everyday features in the group.

Harness

Everything on this Graco for the harness is average or good enough, which matches its price point. The buckle is relatively standard and similar to competitors, with a square button and prongs that require a little force but nothing prohibitive. The chest clip pinch is on the left side of the clip and not the center, which is odd in this group, but it wasn't hard to use and didn't seem to impact operation during our testing.

Tightening the harness on the 4Ever is straightforward, with an easy-to-pull strap and easy-to-access button under a flap of material.

The 4Ever harness height adjustment is a no-rethread process with ten possible levels and two placements for the buckle strap. Moving from one level to another is easier than the average option. The headrest comes out from the seat and moves smoothly up and down, but the pinch mechanism is slightly harder than others.

LATCH Storage

LATCh storage on this Graco are simple clips on the side. They are open access and get the job done, even if they are uninspired.

Cover

The cover on this Graco takes some effort and time to remove. There are hooks and loops to remove, and putting it back on was a chore as we couldn't remember which one went where. Some components come off easily for quicker messes, but until you have a mess, it is hard to say how helpful this design will be.

Comfort/Quality

Given the higher price of this Graco over the others, we would have expected a little more for comfort and quality, but it is the lowest-scoring Graco in this review metric. However, it is close to the average for the group, suffering a big loss for the roughness of the fabric.

This main seat fabric is exponentially rougher than most of the competition when you touch it, and the feeling gets worse when you rub it on sensitive skin, like face cheeks. We aren't sure why this fabric was chosen, and it is a step down from the infant insert and the fabric on competing Graco models. The headrest and the infant insert material are much nicer, with a soft and somewhat cooling feel. The insert doesn't offer much additional padding, and the headrest is wider than most, which causes somewhat of a lack of support. The headrest has foam padding, but the space between the two sides is very wide. The thickness and quality are good, but maybe a slight step down from a higher-quality memory foam.

The shell back on this seat is exposed, and a lot is going on back there that could make cleaning harder than usual. It is a cheaper-looking plastic that scratches easily during testing and moving the seats around the office. Many sides are covered in warning stickers, reducing where scratches can happen, but overall, it is not a stylish, sleek seat if that is your hope. It also comes with two semi-integrated cup holders, which are too small for sippy cups and larger water bottles.

Weight/Size

The average weight for this group of safety seats is 24.3 lbs, making the weight of the 4Ever at 21.4 lbs. This weight makes it one of the lighter, high-scoring options in the group.

The 4Ever is 19.3 inches wide, which is almost the widest width in the group, measuring 19.6 inches. The average is closer to 18.6 inches, so you'll need to measure before purchasing if you need to fit three of anything across one row in your car.

Should You Buy the Graco 4Ever DLX ?

If you want a great all-around seat or the best crash test results in the group, then the 4Ever is the seat for you. With an easy installation using LATCH and comfort and convenience features like a padded headrest and dual cup holders, it will surely please everyone.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?

If this Graco is somewhat out of your price range, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is also worth considering. This seat impressed during crash testing. It is easy to install with LATCH, easy to use, and offers more comfort and quality than the other 4Ever. With a price that can save you around a hundred dollars, it is worth comparing the two seats to see which fits your needs best. For a little bit more, the Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 also performed well in crash testing analysis with a slight edge over the SlimFit 3-in-1.

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