Evenflo LiteMax DLX Review

Headquartered in Ohio, Evenflo Company, Inc. is a merger resulting from combining Evenflo Juvenile Products and Evenflo Juvenile Furniture Company in 1995. Evenflo started producing baby-feeding products in 1920. They started making glass bottles in 1945. By 1960, they had added nursing kits, car seats, and more.

Performance Comparison

Crash Testing

While the Evenflo car seat earned disappointing results in almost every metric, it performed better than the average seat in our crash test analysis.

With impressively low sensor results (lower is better), the Evenflo stands out in a group of safe seats that pass federal standards. The HIC sensor shows fewer G forces than most competitors, with only a few results coming in better. The chest clip sensor results are about average for the group, making the combined analysis score pretty high for the group. While this might indicate a greater margin of protection for this seat, we think the difficulties we had with installation aren't worth the trade-off for the better crash test results, given that there are seats with better results in each metric.

Ease of Installation LATCH

The Evenflo is one of the most challenging in the group to install using the LATCH system. This is particularly disappointing since the idea behind LATCH installation is to create an easy-to-execute installation method that should be straightforward. This base comes with a load leg but no anti-rebound bar. It has LATCH connectors on straps and comes with LATCH guides.

Evenflo offers one-on-one live help with installation, and while we appreciate this service, we think most parents can do it without assistance, or they should seek in-person help through a local technician. There are some design choices on this seat that make the online help a potential necessity, and they left us not really liking the seat.

The LATCH connectors are push-style connectors with a red tab to disconnect. Both operations work well, and there is plenty of strap length to make both connections easily; you don't have to press the base into the vehicle to make the connections. This base has a built-in lock-off, and while it helps you get the LATCH strap tighter, it took us a few attempts to find the sweet spot of perfect tightness. The buckle bumps into the base somewhat due to the odd angle required for pulling the strap, and you really have to apply significant pressure to engage the belt lock-off fully.

Recline Adjustment

The level adjustment is a turning knob on the top of the base. You twist the knob and move the recline adjustment up or down to the right angle. There are four recline adjustment levels. It is somewhat awkward because you almost need two hands to make the adjustment, so there is some finagling going on in the adjustment.

The level device is a rotating dial in the base, and the range of acceptable angles is small. It flutters somewhat, so you must wait for it to settle to ensure the angle is correct. The window is small, and even younger testers with excellent eyesight had trouble seeing the level.

Ease of Installation - Belt

Using the vehicle belt is our test's easiest installation method for the Evenflo. It scored just above the average for the group in this metric and was neither difficult nor particularly straightforward. This installation includes a built-in lock-off and tensioner. Both features help the installer obtain a tight and secure installation.

The instructions want you to add weight to the base to assess if the level indicator winds up in the right spot. That's a new one for us and odd. The base has small holes for the belt to pass through, and there is no color coding to help guide you. There is a diagram on the bottom of the base, but this will be hidden when installing. The lock-off and tensioner on the Evenflo work well and get the job done as required. The lock-off was a bit stiff for us, but this might self-adjust over time. It feels secure when installed in both vehicles with a little wiggle.

It is very hard to undo the lock-off because you have to push the lock-off down past the edge that holds it in place to release it.

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base

The Evenflo installation without the base is the second easiest installation method it has. However, it can't even meet the average performance score for the group and earned a score just below the average for this method.

This seat uses the European belt pathway, but it isn't color-coded. It has a line decal sticker for the installation angle assessment. Our petite tester bent in half to see the directions and line angle. The line is thin and hard to see. The carrier has no slit in the back for the shoulder belt and instead has a concave depression for the belt to follow. While the belt stays in place, it does move around somewhat while tightening the strap. We also experienced the fabric getting in the way somewhat when threading across the foot portion.

In the sedan, this carrier was more wobbly than we care for. We had to redo the installation to ensure it wasn't wobbly and the line was level with the ground. It might be easier with a towel or pool noodle. Alternatively, it fit better in the small SUV and had a snugger fit when the installation was complete. Overall, it was a much better experience from the process to the final wobble test. We suspect a vehicle with more padding and seat contouring will work better for this carrier.

Ease of Use

The Evenflo is one of the hardest seats in the review to use. With a disappointing performance in our tests compared to the competition, we think the EWvenflo needs some work when it comes to daily functionality.

Buckle

The buckle and chest clip are below average compared to the other seats we tested. The buckle is a good size with a nicely shaped oval button. However, it feels slightly convex, making it harder to press than concave buttons that provide an indent for your thumb. The strap prongs do not pop out when you press the button, and you have to hold the button down while you pull the prongs out. This likely requires two hands.

The chest clip includes a reminder of where to place it (at armpit level). The button is hard to press, and there is significant friction when sliding it in and out. Overall, it takes more effort than the competition, even though it is something we got used to over time.

Harness Tightening/Loosening

The Evenflo tightening gave us more trouble than most, with a strap that was harder to pull and felt constricted. We struggled to get the last inch, or so we needed to create a safely tightened harness. The strap placement at the top seems to work against you when you pull it from the bottom. We found other reports online of users struggling with this strap, and it feels unnecessary, given how easy it is with most competitors.

The release button is too far from the edges, making it nearly impossible to use your thumb to press it down. The button isn't hard to press, but using your index finger feels less intuitive. The button is under a slit in the fabric instead of a flap. It also feels like the straps aren't long enough for bigger babies to manipulate arms and legs inside.

Harness Adjustment

The LiteMax includes a non-rethread shoulder strap adjustment. There are five positions and two crotch strap positions. The method is very good compared to other seats. You pinch the top tab near the neck padding and move the assembly up or down to the desired position. We love this style of adjustment as it is quick and can be done with your baby in the seat to save time and ensure a proper fit for every ride. This seat also has three different hip adjustment points, which is rare and something we haven't seen before. Finding a good-fitting harness is one of the keys to a safer riding experience.

Carrier to Base Connection

Connecting the carrier to the base is straightforward and good compared to the competition. The size of the carrier is easy to work with, and the lighter weight means lifting it up and into the car is easier than most. We didn't see a way to do it incorrectly. The carrier release handle is on the back and lifts easily. You can angle the seat somewhat toward you when you pull the seat off the carrier, which is a help.

Handle

The handle has four positions, and only one and three are allowed during driving. The handle release buttons are on the handle joint and do not have an ergonomic grasp, and we had to awkwardly turn our wrists to engage it. You can slide the handle past the canopy without the canopy moving. Pushing the handle back and keeping the canopy in place is a delight. This is something we didn't see in all of the competition.

Canopy

The canopy moves on a thin plastic circle around the inside of the handle joint. The design is sort of rickety, and both sides move independently, so it is an involved process to open and close the canopy, and it doesn't need to be.

LATCH and Manual Storage

The Evenflo user manual tucks under the fabric on the side of the seat shell. This is a potential problem should your little one get sick or spill a drink. We don't see how this location is a good idea over the long haul and suspect more than one manual in the world is stuck closed from a baby's mess.

The LATCH connectors snap onto a bar under the base rim. They are easy to push on, and there is a red tab you use to remove them in a similar fashion you do when you uninstall the connectors to the anchors.

Comfort/Quality

The Evenflo is a disappointing seat in our tests for comfort and quality. With little concern in this metric, it is a standout in a negative way with little to offer compared to the competition.

Fabric and Padding

The seat has smooth fabric, and the infant and head insert uses larger holes for breathability; this makes it a bit more itchy to us than the competition. It feels like an odd choice since this might be where the most sensitive skin is located.

This seat has little padding all around. It looks puffy, like it would be comfy, but it is somewhat of a fake-out as it condenses and is unsupportive when you press it. It isn't as bad as another inexpensive seat we looked at, but it is still hard and stiff. There is no padding on the shoulder or crotch strap.

Handle and Canopy

On the upside, the canopy on the Evenflo is much lower than the handle. So not only do they not interfere with one another, but you can hold the handle without rubbing your knuckles on the canopy. The handle is circular and offers a good grip despite not having a rubber grip center. The canopy is average in size and is neither impressive nor disappointing.

Shell

The shell on the Evenflo is relatively smooth, is easy to wipe clean, and doesn't have many nooks or crannies for gunk to hide. Each side does have a small push-in button down lower that clicks into the base that could get gross or hard to move if liquid messes happen, like spilled formula or vomit down the shell side.

Weight/Size

At 8.6 lbs, the Evenflo is one of the lighter options in the group. Given that the average seat is closer to 10 and the heaviest over 17, the Evenflo is a standout for weight if you are concerned about that.

Should You Buy the Evenflo LiteMax DLX?

While the crash test sensor results for the EVenflo are compelling, we didn't like this seat overall, and there are seats with similar crash test results that are easier to install and cost about the same or less. Overall, we think most families will be happier with a different seat.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

If your goal is a great overall seat with better crash test result analysis, then the Clek Liing can't be beaten. With stellar scores in every metric and a rigid, easy-to-use LATCH system, we love the Liing. The Chicco Keyfit 35 is also a reasonably priced contender with good scores in most metrics, and it has high compatibility with popular and awards-winning strollers. Making it a good choice if you want to create a car seat and stroller combination. If your budget is uber-tight, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX has a standout crash test analysis score and an unbelievably affordable price.

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