In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Review

The strong odor lingered even after washing, making it hard to overlook or recommend
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Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $270 List
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Manufacturer:   Maxi-Cosi
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 5, 2024
57
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 19
  • Crash Test - 35% 7.1
  • Ease of Installation - LATCH - 20% 4.0
  • Ease of Installation - Belt - 15% 4.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 5.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 10% 7.0
  • Weight/ Size - 5% 6.4

Our Verdict

With one of the lowest overall scores in our best convertible car seats review, the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One is not a favorite. This seat had a severe odor, and the off-gassing was overpowering enough during testing that we removed the cover and laundered it. This effort didn't affect the smell much, and we did our best to muddle through but worried about what it would be like leaving this seat in a hot car all day. The Maxi-Cosi did not perform as well as the competition for crash testing, and it had some of the poorest results for installation in the group. Even if you can get past the smell and the heavier weight, we don't think anyone should settle for mediocre scores in key metrics, given that several seats score better and cost less.
REASONS TO BUY
Quick and easy to clean
Easy access LATCH connectors
REASONS TO AVOID
Extreme off-gassing odor
Harder to install
Super unstable feeling
Editor's Note: For our new convertible car seat review, we crash-tested 20 seats for our updated review on January 5, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Convertible and Crash Testing
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer
Best Value Award
Best Value Convertible Seat
Best Value Award
Best on the Tightest Budget
Price $270 List
$269.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$250 List
$249.00 at Amazon
$220 List
Check Price at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
57
80
78
78
62
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This seat offers poor quality and comfort and extreme off-gassing, making it one we aren't big fans ofEasy to install and use and one of the best crash test analysis scores make this seat a winner for most familiesBetter crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the markWallet-loving price on a seat that is easy to install and earned better crash test results than mostDespite 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 Maxi-Cosi Pria All-... Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Evenflo Tribute 5
Crash Test (35%)
7.1
8.8
8.6
8.5
8.6
Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%)
4.0
7.9
7.8
7.9
4.3
Ease of Installation - Belt (15%)
4.0
7.1
6.4
6.5
5.6
Ease of Use (15%)
5.5
8.0
7.0
7.5
5.0
Comfort/Quality (10%)
7.0
6.5
8.5
8.0
3.0
Weight/ Size (5%)
6.4
7.5
7.5
7.1
7.8
Specs Maxi-Cosi Pria All-... Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Evenflo Tribute 5
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 4-40 lb 4-40 lb 4-50 lb 5-40 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 40 in 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 37 in
Forward Facing Maximum Height 49 in 49 in 49 in 49 in 40 in
Weight 16.6 lb 21.8 lb 20.5 lb 18.5 lb 9.4 lb
Minimum Rear Facing Length 30 in 25 in 26 in 28 in 29 in
Minimum Seat Width 19 in 19 in 19 in 19 in 18 in
Number Of Recline positions 3 6 6 4 1
Shoulder Harness Positions 5 10 10 10 4
Crotch Strap Positions 3 2 2 3 2
Anti-rebound Device No No Yes No No
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Infant Positioning Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Harness Type No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat Line on decal, both sides Bubble, one side Bubble, one side Bead, one side Line on decal, both sides
Booster Mode Available Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Foam Type Not mentioned Not mentioned Not mentioned EPS EPS
Seat Lifespan 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 years 6 years
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 in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes
Warranty 1 year limited 1 year limited 1 year limited 1 year limited 90 day limited

Our Analysis and Test Results

In 1984, European company Maxi-Cosi created its first car safety seat. It began in the Netherlands, and they claim to be the responsible party for bringing the first car seat to Europe. Maxi-Cosi has grown and now manufactures various baby-related products, including strollers, booster seats, infant seats, and convertible car seats.

Performance Comparison



The Maxi-Cosi earned a slightly below-average crash test analysis result based on the sensor data collected during our commissioned crash tests with MGA Reseach.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


The Maxi-Cosi earned a slightly below-average result for crash test analysis. While not a low-scoring product in the group, it is still not a standout compared to options that performed better during testing.


Only a handful of convertible car seats in our tests showed more G-forces in the HIC sensor than the Maxi-Cosi, which heavily influenced its score.

This chart shows the recorded forces from the chest clip sensor on...
This chart shows the recorded forces from the chest clip sensor on the crash test dummy for the Maxi-Cosi and one of the best seats in the group.
The Graco 4Ever earned one of the best crash analysis scores in our...
The Graco 4Ever earned one of the best crash analysis scores in our review thanks in part to impressive head sensor results shown here compared to the results from the Maxi-Cosi.

Its chest clip sensor is only about average compared to the competition. These two values were analyzed together to affect the overall crash test analysis score, which is below the average for the group. While the Maxi-Cosi wasn't one of the lowest scoring in our crash test metric, some seats performed better and were easier to install, making them the options we prefer.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - installing the maxi-cosi requires following the guidance of stickers...
Installing the Maxi-Cosi requires following the guidance of stickers on the seat that will definitely require the manual to decipher.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - LATCH


This Maxi-Cosi is not easy to install using LATCH, and it earned a lower result in this metric compared to other convertible car seats. The Maxi-Cosi has no lock-off, the angle indicator is only a line on a decal, and the LATCH connectors are push-style on a flexible strap.

The recline adjustment is on the foot of the seat, and while easy...
The recline adjustment is on the foot of the seat, and while easy enough to operate it is hard to reach when installed in the rear-facing configuration.
The Maxi-Cosi LATCH connectors are push-style with a button release.
The Maxi-Cosi LATCH connectors are push-style with a button release.

We had to angle the seat so far back that it became top-heavy and hard to work with for rear-facing installation on the Maxi-Cosi. Because we had to use towels (1-2 depending on the test car), we had to keep the towels in place while struggling with the top-heavy seat.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - the rear-facing angle indicator fort he maxi-cosi is a tiny red line...
The rear-facing angle indicator fort he Maxi-Cosi is a tiny red line on the upper portion of the chair. It is not as useful as more traditional level indicators like a bubble or bead.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The placement of the cup holders made it more challenging as they ended up stuck in our ribs when trying to attach the connectors to the anchor points. The webbing between the connectors is short, and we struggled to get the two connectors attached. The base is also wide, and the short webbing makes locating the anchors harder. It seems like it would be easier to give parents a few more inches to work with.

You need to adjust your installation angle on the MAxi-Cosi prior to...
You need to adjust your installation angle on the MAxi-Cosi prior to install, or you won't be able to reach it.
We had to use rolled towels when installing the MAxi-Cosi to obtain...
We had to use rolled towels when installing the MAxi-Cosi to obtain the right installation angle.

The decal line is also poorly placed and short, which required us to step far back to compare to the ground. The threading pathway is congested, and it is easy to get the strap tangled. There is no color variation to help delineate the paths. We had trouble getting the straps tight enough, and it was so wobbly after all our efforts. While it technically passed the wiggle test, it wasn't impressive. Overall, it was a standout in this group for being challenging to install.

You need to remove the seat fabric of the Maxi-Cosi to gain access...
You need to remove the seat fabric of the Maxi-Cosi to gain access to the pull strap on the LATCH connectors.
The LACTH strap pathway is easy to find on the Maxi-Cosi, but it...
The LACTH strap pathway is easy to find on the Maxi-Cosi, but it would be nice if there were color-coding for reassurance.

Forward-facing installation of the Maxi-Cosi is significantly easier than rear-facing. It was a more straightforward pathway, better-tightening experience, and had far less wobble once installed. It was a better experience in the second test car than the first, so we suspect it might be somewhat car design-dependent. Given the poor performance in rear-facing, it might not even be worth the effort to determine if it would fit in your car. Overall, there are no big barriers to the forward-facing configuration, but overall, there is just a feeling of “eh.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - installing the maxi-cosi using the vehicle belt is no better than...
Installing the Maxi-Cosi using the vehicle belt is no better than using LATCH, and we disliked both.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - Belt


Installing the Maxi-Cosi is not any easier when using the vehicle belt over the LATCH method. It is genuinely six of one, half dozen of another when it comes to which one is worse.

Forward-facing installation of the Maxi-Cosi includes pull back the...
Forward-facing installation of the Maxi-Cosi includes pull back the seat padding to access the belt path.
We had to try extra hard with the Maxi-Cosi to get the belt tight...
We had to try extra hard with the Maxi-Cosi to get the belt tight enough for a stable installation before retracting the vehicle belt.

The rear-facing installation using the vehicle belt with the Maxi-Cosi has a line level on a decal, with no color coding on the pathway nor a lock-off. This seat is top-heavy, and you have to wrestle with it to keep it upright while threading the belt. We also had to use towels (1-2 depending on the car) to keep it within the right angle for final installation and move the fabric to access the pathway, so there is a lot that needs to stay in place, and it ends up feeling convoluted. It isn't hard to get tight, but it doesn't feel stable, and the towels required for getting the right angle gave us the feeling that it wasn't how we'd want a seat for our kids. Removing the seat was the easiest part of this process and was straightforward.

The Maxi-Cosi belt path for rear-facing is near the foot end of the...
The Maxi-Cosi belt path for rear-facing is near the foot end of the base.
The forward-facing belt path is easier to identify with a sticker...
The forward-facing belt path is easier to identify with a sticker and arrow indicators, but we prefer color-coding when possible.

Forward facing for the Maxi-Cosi also lacks color help or a lock-off. The pathway is straightforward and fairly standard in design to the rest of the group. The path requires moving parts out of the way, and without color coding help, it felt a little like flying blind in the blackness. We had some trouble getting it all tight enough, and it felt like the headrest backing was in the way. The second car was easier, but a lock-off could have helped create a tighter final product in both test vehicles. It passes the wiggle test, but it isn't impressive, in our opinion, and wouldn't be one we'd choose for our kids. While it is better than installing it in the read-facing position, it isn't as good as much of the competition, including some cheaper seats.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - the maxi-cosi has harness retention tabs on either side of the seat...
The Maxi-Cosi has harness retention tabs on either side of the seat to hold the harness straps so little ones don't sit on them.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Pria earned one of the lowest test results for ease of use in this review.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - the maxi-cosi buckle and chest clip are straightforward, but the...
The Maxi-Cosi buckle and chest clip are straightforward, but the button-style chest clip can be harder for some to operate than those that pinch like a backpack buckle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The Maxi-Cosi has a buckle that looks similar to the Graco seats. It is large with a square button, and it takes a little more strength to press it and to put the prongs in. The chest clip is huge compared to the competition, but pushing the button and undoing it is pretty simple.

There is resistance when you pull the tightening strap, press the button, and pull the harness to release it. Tracing the webbing shows it goes up and down before meeting the cam, and perhaps it is just too much for it to be a smooth operation. It isn't terribly challenging, but compared to others, it also isn't easy.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - the maxi-cosi only has five height adjustment levels, which might be...
The Maxi-Cosi only has five height adjustment levels, which might be limiting for taller children, but at least it is a non-rethread style operation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The harness height adjustment only offers five different heights, which feels lacking depending on how your child grows. It does have three buckle positions, but it feels like a loss to have almost half the height options of many competitors. There is a button to press to move the height assembly; at least, it is a non-rethread adjustment. It is somewhat of a counterintuitive design because you press the button while you move the assembly, and it can be awkward. The button is hard to press and requires some forearm strength to engage.

The LATCH connectors clip on the underside of the seat wings to keep...
The LATCH connectors clip on the underside of the seat wings to keep them out of the way. It isn't fancy, but it gets the job done.
The user manual for the Maxi-Cosi is under the chair on top of the...
The user manual for the Maxi-Cosi is under the chair on top of the base, and while readily accessible, it is likely to get dirty or lost over time.

LATCH Storage


LATCH storage here is on the side, like much of the more basic competition. Access is open, and it is easy to clip the connectors on and take them off.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - the maxi-cosi cover attaches to the shell with elastic loops over...
The Maxi-Cosi cover attaches to the shell with elastic loops over plastic prongs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Cover


This cover comes off without removing the cup holders, and there are just a couple of loop hooks and buttons to keep it secure. Everything is super simple to remove and replace.

maxi-cosi pria all-in-one - the maxi-cosi does not stand out for comfort or quality.
The Maxi-Cosi does not stand out for comfort or quality.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


The comfort and quality of the Pria are almost average for the group. The cover has a strong odor, and we did try to wash it looking for a resolution, but alas, it still stunk. It also has a feel and design that reminds us of the typical banana costume foam and cover.

The cover for this seat was so smelly we washed it before testing. However, it still smelled like something akin to a Sharpie marker. It felt like we could get high from huffing this seat, and being left in a hot car was worse. The headrest and insert fabric are the same and a little on the rough side, but not bad enough to cause concern, and the padding underneath made it feel better than it would have on its own. With the insert on top of the main padding, it is pretty lush, like a baby floating on a cloud. It has a heavily padded headrest and additional padding for the seat bottom and the back.

The shell of the Maxi-Cosi is exposed, leaving it open to grime and gunk. The seat back is wider than the base, so this might translate to less buildup of messes on the base. Two integrated cup holders have a rubber-type rim. Both are too small for most sippy cups or snack catchers.

We weighed each seat in this review, including the Maxi-Cosi, for an apples-to-apples comparison of real-world weight.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The Maxi-Cosi is an impressively lightweight seat with a weight of 16.6 lbs. Only a handful of seats in this lineup weigh less, where the average is 24.3 lbs.


However, it is not very narrow, which is a bummer with a width of 19.2 inches when the average is 18.6 inches, and the low is under 17 inches.

Should You Buy the Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One ?


The Maxi-Cosi is not our favorite seat and not one we think would work well for most families. This seat had an impossibly strong odor that did not resolve even when we removed and washed the cover. The off-gassing is off-putting, to say the least, and we think leaving it trapped in a hot car could be headache-inducing if your senses are sensitive. This seat also failed to impress in key metrics like the ease of installation and crash test analysis, sealing its fate as a do-not-bother-with car seat in our lineup.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


You can get the top-scoring seat in the same price range with the best crash test analysis result in the Graco 4Ever DLX. This reasonably priced option also has a padded headrest and dual cup holders, but it is much easier to use and not stinky. It also performed better in our installation tests, with significantly higher scores for both types of installation. If you are hoping to save some money and want something similar without sacrificing safety, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 has only a slightly lower crash test analysis score, is easier to install than both the 4Ever or Maxi-Cosi, and offers better features for comfort and quality.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz