REASONS TO BUY
Better crash testing
More kid legroom
Potential longer RF lifespan
Shorter seat length for taller parents
Cheaper
REASONS TO AVOID
Cup holders are too easy to remove
No belt lock-off
Bubble indicator is only on one side
Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Review
An inexpensive seat with better crash test results makes for an impressive seat that can potentially be used rear-facing longer
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our Verdict
The Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 is a favorite convertible car seat with a budget-friendly price tag. While not super cheap, the price is reasonable and offers a lot for what you pay. The Extend2Fit offers simple LATCH installation with push-in connectors. It is more comfortable than others in its price range and seems to be of nicer quality. We like the relatively lighter weight, but the real love here is the impressive crash test analysis results. This option offers better crash test results than the average, and the sensor data from the crash test dummy were some of the best (aka lowest) in the test group. If you need an option that potentially offers an additional margin of safety and you also hope for a lower price, it is one to consider; tack on the potential for rear-facing longer, and you have a real stand-out seat.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Value for Crash Test Analysis |  Best Convertible and Crash Testing |  Best Narrow Convertible Seat | Rotating on a Budget | Best on the Tightest Budget |
| Price | $250 List $198.00 at Amazon | $330 List | $220 List Check Price at Amazon | $350 List $349.00 at Amazon | $80 List $79.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Better crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the mark | Easy to install and use and one of the best crash test analysis scores make this seat a winner for most families | Wallet-loving price on a seat that is easy to install and earned better crash test results than most | This bigger seat rotates and has an easy-to-install belt method and better crash test analysis, but it is still spendier than non-rotating seats | Despite a lack of padding and a harder LATCH install, this inexpensive option earned impressive crash test results, making it a winner for budget-limited families |
| Rating Categories | Graco Extend2Fit 3... | Graco 4Ever DLX | Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 | Evenflo Tribute 5 |
| Crash Test (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Installation - Belt (15%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Comfort/Quality (10%) | |||||
| Weight/ Size (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Graco Extend2Fit 3... | Graco 4Ever DLX | Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 | Evenflo Tribute 5 |
| Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight | 4-50 lb | 4-40 lb | 5-40 lb | 4-40 lb | 5-40 lb |
| Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight | 22-65 lb | 22-65 lb | 22-65 lb | 22-65 lb | 22-40 lb |
| Rear Facing Maximum Height | Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle | Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle | Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle | 49 in | 37 in |
| Forward Facing Maximum Height | 49 in | 49 in | 49 in | 49 | 40 in |
| Weight | 20.5 lb | 21.8 lb | 18.5 lb | 26.1 lb | 9.4 lb |
| Harness Type | No-rethread | No-rethread | No-rethread | No-rethread | Rethread |
| Anti-rebound Device | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Measured Minimum Rear Facing Length | 26 in | 25 in | 28 in | 27 in | 29 in |
| Measured Minimum Seat Width | 19 in | 19 in | 19 in | 18 in | 18 in |
| Headrest/Shoulder Harness Positions | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Crotch Strap Positions | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Number Of Recline positions | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Head Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Infant Positioning Insert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat | Bubble, one side | Bubble, one side | Bead, one side | Level indicator, both sides | Line on decal, both sides |
| Booster Mode Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Foam Type | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | EPS | EPP | EPS |
| Seat Lifespan | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 year | 6 years |
| Onboard Manual Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Aircraft Certified | Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode | Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode | Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year limited | 1 year limited | 1 year | 90 day limited |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Graco started in 1953 when Graco Metal Products hired an engineer to create new products. Rex Thomas and David Saint were inspired by a patio glider to design the first best baby swing. The unique swing went on to sell millions, creating brand recognition for Graco in the baby world. Graco continues to manufacture top-ranked car seats, strollers, play yards, and more.
Performance Comparison
The Extend2Fit has one of the highest crash test analysis results in the group.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Crash Test
The Graco Extend2Fit earned one of the highest crash test analysis scores in this lineup. The sensor data for this seat were impressive. They indicate a potential additional margin of protection over the average seat in this review, where all pass the federal minimum and should be considered safe.
The HIC and chest clip sensors in the Extend2Fit were some of the lowest in the group in a testing situation where lower is better.
The HIC was almost the lowest in the group! Considering these values, it is no wonder it excelled at the crash test analysis.
The Extend2Fit LATCH installation method is pretty foolproof.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Install - LATCH
Installing the Extend2Fit is relatively easy using LATCH, earning an above-average result for this group, with only a handful of seats earning higher. There is no lock-off, a bubble indicator on one side (Rear-facing use only), and push-connectors on a flexible strap.
The recline adjustment handle is easier to use on this option than on other Gracos, and the range is adequately wide. The seat padding has a Velcro-style attachment that makes moving it out of the way a breeze, which you'll need to do to access the pathway. The LATCH connectors are readily available and easy to attach or remove. It takes little effort to tighten the strap, but nothing significant that would make it a deal-breaker. It feels stable once installed.
Forward-facing installation is also straightforward, with simple recline adjustments and velcro attachment on the padding. Threading was no problem, but we did have to stick a knee in the seat to get leverage for tightening. Pulling the strap didn't take much effort in the second car, but the knee was still helpful. A tensioner or lock-off might have made this all easier, but it wasn't tricky and felt stable.
Overall, nothing significant stood out for either installation direction, which is not something we can say about very many seats.
The Extend2Fit gets its name from the extendable foot portion that might allow for rear-facing installation for taller toddlers (read the manual for guidance).
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Install - Belt
Installing this Graco with the vehicle belt is more challenging than the other Gracos we tested, but it is better than average for the group. While installing with the belt isn't a standout in this metric, and we recommend LATCH if the manufacturer guidelines allow it in your situation, we think it is straightforward and won't lead to crying.
The Extend2Fit has a bubble level indicator on the side near the top.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Extend2Fit has a bubble indicator for rear-facing installation. Still, there is no color coding or a lock-off, which is a bummer as it traditionally makes installation easier and more stable. The rear-installation pathway is overshadowed by the forward-facing path with color coding, which feels like a poor design. Adjusting the recline moves smoother than some of the competition, but it is low on the seat, so you need to adjust before pressing the seat against the back of the vehicle seat. The seat material can get in the way, so it's up to the installer to handle this. It's really only about average in difficulty and stability, and we think a lock-off would go a long way in improving this process.
The Extend2Fit has very clear indicators of what recline angles are available for each seat configuration.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Still no lock-off or color coding on the forward-facing installation of the Extend2Fit. While the seat has some varying colors, it doesn't appear that they mean anything, and you'll need your manual nearby to reference.
Moving the vehicle belt through the belt pathway requires longer arms or some patience to feed it all the way through, but the space is open and wide enough for most hands and arms to fit.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The pathway, however, is unencumbered, and the belt is easy to thread. Shifting the recline angle is easier in this position, and it seemed to move smoother than rear-facing. We had some trouble tightening in both test cars, and a tensioner or lock-off would have been a huge benefit here, saving time and energy. It has more wiggle in the final installation test than seats with a lock-off, but it passed.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
This Graco earns an above-average score for ease of use but isn't the easiest Graco we've tested.
The Graco Extend2Fit has an average buckle and chest clip that doesn't stand out for any positive or negative reason.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The harness buckle and chest clip are average, with no real struggles or standout features to rave about. The buckle is standard, and the button is square. Pushing in the pongs takes a little more force than the average option. The chest clip pinch release is on the left shoulder strap and is easy to use; while not in the usual location, it didn't hinder the process.
Tightening the harness on the Extend2Fit was more complicated than the average option. It kept getting caught on something, making it harder to pull for a snug fit. It is much easier to release, so whatever gets caught during tightening isn't involved in the release process.
The Extend2Fit has a non-rethread harness height adjustment with ten possible height options.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Adjusting the Extend2Fit harness height is better than most with non-rethread adjustment on ten levels with two different buckle strap possibilities. The headrest comes out higher than the seat but moves smoothly. It goes up and down without resistance, but the pinch mechanism is slightly stiffer than competitors, but nothing you'd notice if you hadn't used all of the competition.
LATCH Storage
The LATCH storage is straightforward clips on the sides of the seat back. The location is open and easy to access and works well with a basic design that is only average.
Cover
This Graco has far fewer hooks and loops than some other Gracos. The seating area comes off separately to clean isolated messes more easily. Overall, it is a simple process.
The Extend2Fit is surprisingly better quality, with more features for comfort than much of the competition, especially given its more reasonable price tag.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort/Quality
The Extend3Fit is a comfortable and better-quality option than most of the competition, and it is one of the best of the Graco options we tested.
The Extend2Fit has nice padding for comfort.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The main seat material is one of the softest in the group and is what we think most parents would look for when shopping for a seat. Instructions for forward-facing installation are sewn onto the side of the outside of the seat, which we haven't seen before, but it keeps them out of the way but readily available. Unfortunately, the infant insert is the opposite of the main seat and similar to the fabric we disliked on a competing Graco. It is rough and not as skin-friendly as we'd like to see.
The headrest has a little more to it than some for better head and neck support. The foam feels like higher-quality padding than some of the competition. The amount of padding is about average, however.
The Extend2Fit has a nice finished look, even if it isn't overly polished or puffy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
The shell is more open than some that are encased in sleek plastic, and it could create more cleaning challenges. If you want a sharp-looking option, this will probably not meet your needs. It has two side cup holders that have a unique shape and somewhat make up the leg sides of the seat.
The Extend2Fit is lighter weight than much of the competition, but it is on the wider side.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Weight/Size
The Extend2Fit splits the bill between the other Gracos we tested with a width and weight right in the middle, like a seat made for Goldielocks. It weighs 20.5 lbs and is 19 in wide. So it is lighter than the average seat but wider than several.
The average weight is 24.3 lbs, and the average width is 18.6 in.
Should You Buy the Extend2Fit?
The Extend2Fit is a great seat, and it earned a similar score to the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, which costs less. If your child is taller than average or you're looking for extended legroom, this might be the one for you. It has one of the best crash test analysis results in the group, is easy enough to install, and offers many comfort features. With features like dual cup holders and a padded headrest, this seat is sure to please.
What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?
Several other Graco options in this review earned awards, including the already mentioned Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 and the Graco 4Ever DLX. The SlimFit is similar to the Extend2Fit in scoring, with a slight edge for installation using LATCH. The 4Ever has the best crash test results in the group and a higher overall score, thanks to impressive ease of use and installation using LATCH. The Graco Turn2Me has the highest crash test analysis for rotating seats, and it is less expensive than top competitors. Frankly, any of the Gracos are sure to please, and which is right for you is likely a personal decision based on goals and needs.
Manufacturer Video
—
Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz
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