Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat
Maxi Cosi Priori–Discontinued
**Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat has been discontinued in 2011 and replaced with the new Maxi Cosi Pria 70 Convertible Car Seat. The Priori is still available for sale for a limited time at amazon.com.
Maxi Cosi is Europe’s number one car seat brand and is rated the safest maker of car seats across that continent. A few of their models have recently reached the shores of the United States, including the Priori Convertible Car Seat. This car seat can be used from 5 lbs- 40 lbs.
Pros Summary:
- High European safety standards
- Easy to install
- No bulky or heavy—fits well in smaller cars
- Machine washable seat fabric
- One hand super easy seat recline
- Comfortable for children
Cons Summary:
- Hard to install (contradicts the above pro, we know)
- Fabric wears too easily
- Straps hard to adjust
Maxi Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat Features
The Maxi Cosi Priori car seat is a convertible car seat that can be used rear facing from 5 lbs-35 lbs and forward facing 20 lbs-40 lbs. The 35 lb rear facing limit makes it no problem to use this car seat rear facing for the new two-year rear-facing requirement.
The Priori comes with an 4-position independent recline system, which lets you recline the seat while installed (you don’t even have to remove your little one from the seat to do this), an adjustable 5-point harness that will grow with your baby, EPP foam for energy absorption, and the seat cushion is machine washable.
Maxi Cosi car seat dimensions:
- 26 x 19 x 21 inches
- 19.5 pounds
Cost: The Maxi Cosi Prior car seat retails for $199.99.
Maxi Cosi Prior Car Seat User Reviews
The Maxi Cosi Prior Convertible car seat has received 4 out of 5 stars from reviewers at amazon.com and target.com.
Reviewers are very pleased with the Maxi Cosi Priori convertible car seat and say they would buy this car seat again (if they needed another seat) and they would definitely recommend the Priori to friends. Reviewers feel really good about the safety standards of this car seat and many even compare Maxi Cosi’s safety standards to those of Britax—except this seat costs much less than a Britax car seat. Users are also extremely impressed with the one hand independent seat recline system and they wish every brand of car seat came with such a feature. Users really compliment Maxi Cosi on a thoughtful and high quality car seat design.
Users also love that the seat is easy to install—even the technically challenged have no problem installing this seat, and appreciate that the fabric is washable. Several users report that they have thrown the fabric in the washing machine (on the gentle cycle) several times and the fabric held up great—didn’t wear at all. The straps on the seat don’t twist and it is easy to get your kid in and out of this seat.
Users who own smaller cars are especially happy with their car seat purchase because unlike many other convertible car seats on the market, the Maxi Cosi Priori is not at all bulky or heavy and it doesn’t take up too much space in the back seat of the car. It is even possible to still have two other passengers in the back seat with this car seat!
“Wonderful Seat…Best On The Market,” is a common comment from reviewers.
Maxi Cosi Priori Negatives
The biggest critique of the Maxi Cosi Priori car seat is that installation of the seat is a nightmare and that the LATCH system on the seat is not as easy to use as it is on other brands of seats. Many parents simply got fed up with this installation process, declaring that it is just too frustrating. But, wait, we just said above that the seat is super easy to install and even those who are “technically challenged have no problem installing this seat.” Yes, there is a real mix about the installation of this seat. Tons of reviewers rave about how simple this car seat is to install and other complain that this is the worst seat installation they have ever experienced. It’s a real 5 out of 5 stars or 1 out 5 stars feeling with very little in between on this matter.
Others complain they are not sure the Priori is worth the money and the quality of the car seat is not as good as it should be. Several parents also feel that the seat’s harness straps are too short and not easy to adjust. Reviewers who have spent time living in Europe and have used the European versions of the Maxi Cosi seats say the American models are not the same and the product has been diminished for the American Market. They do, however, recommend purchasing Maxi Cosi overseas, if you have the opportunity, since the seats made for the European market cost less and are of better quality.
Summary
Overall though the majority of users seem to really love the Maxi Cosi Priori car seat and recommend this car seat for anyone looking for a safe, compact and easy to use convertible car seat!
