Sibling rivalry let’s see which one fits you the best…
Dimensions of the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 with TinyFit. The seat is 20″ wide and weighs 22 pounds with the TinyFit insert and slightly less than 20 pounds without it. It’s not the lightest seat on the market by a long shot, but it’s not bad for a convertible. Jun 11, 2017 Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 Max. The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 convertible car seat has been on the market for a little while now and it has become very popular with parents and other caregivers. No doubt pleased with the success of the Pria 85 seat, Maxi-Cosi have now introduced a new Pria 85 Max seat that comes with some extra features. May 19, 2017 Maxi Cosi’s popular Pria 85 has gotten an upgrade! Today we are going to take a look at the new Pria 85 Max. It has many features in common with the original Pria 85, and has some nifty new ones as well. We were particularly interested in the infant positioning wedge and lower weight limit of 5 pounds and the innovative new ClipQuik chest clip.
This was a special request from a viewer. I know how hard it is to compare two car seats, let alone from the same brand.
For this reason, I’ve created the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 vs 85 comparisons. By reading this article until the end, you will know exactly what’s the difference between Maxi Cosi Pria 70 and 85. Plus, you will know exactly which one will fit you best.
Look:
At first glimpse, they look the same. Stick with me for a bit, and you will find out the real differences.
What Will I Learn?
- The read differences between Maxi Cosi Pria 70 and 85
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Direct Comparison Maxi Cosi Pria 70 vs 85
Maxi Cosi Pria 70 | Maxi Cosi Pria 85 | |
Safety | Impact Absorbing Base Air Protect 5-point harness | Steel Reinforced Frame Air Protect 5-point harness |
Size Limits | Rear Facing 9-40 pounds Front Facing: 22-70 pounds 49” | Rear Facing 14-40 pounds Front Facing: 22-85 pounds 57” |
Installation | Seat Belt and Latch | Seat Belt and Latch |
Fabric/Material | Machine Washable | Machine Washable |
Bonuses and Features | ||
Cup Holder | 1 Built In | 1 Built In |
Recline Position | 3 | 3 |
Self-Wicking Fabric | Yes | No |
Rethread Harness | No | No |
Extended Use | Yes | Yes |
Breaking it down
What you have seen in the table above was my cheat sheet. No matter which car seat I’m looking at, this is my go-to list.
First, I will mention the safety features. Not only that, but the Maxi Cosi was also tested in a car crash, and I will share with you how did it perform.
Then comes the size limits. If you want to save money, this is where you can do it without compromising on safety.
Next up is the installation. Most parents dread the installation because of a few brands that made it extra painful to get the right install.
The last important item on my list is the material. Since these car seats cater to kids, you can expect spills and mess after them. So it’s good to know how easy it is to clean them.
These two seats are so familiar, so I’m taking a detour from my regular type of reviews. I will skip the secondary features and tell you to point-blank what other differences are.
Let’s get this Maxi Cosi Pria 70 vs 85 comparisons started. Just one more thing…
I have something special for you in the end. I have compiled a quick pros/cons list. The things I’ve found are quite interesting.
Safety
This has happened with some friends of ours.
It was a regular commute. The two parents riding up front and their little one in the back asleep.
Things escalated quickly. A tractor-trailer rear-ended them at 70 mph.
The crash was loud. The trunk was smashed. The rear window cracked and exploded into millions of pieces.
And it wasn’t over yet. The car was uncontrollable. Finally, the vehicle came to a stop in the ditch. The parents suffered a whiplash injury and few cuts and bruises.
After they came through, they immediately checked on their little one.
Then they saw him. He was in his seat wide-eyed and a bit scared. He had not a scratch on him. The Maxi Cosi car seat protected him from harm.
This car seat can be either of them because they both have the same safety features. The Impact-absorbing base took the energy of the crash and protected the child from serious injury. The air protect kept the kiddo surrounded like a shield.
Last but not least, the 5-point harness kept the little boy in the seat. This is the safest harness you can get on the market.
Size Limits
In this section, we’re going to see some differences. Let’s see which appeals to you more.
Both car seats have two modes of usage. They can be mounted in rear and front-facing mode. The Maxi Cosi Pria 70 convertible car seat caters to infants up to 70-pound kiddo.
The lower limit is set to 9 pounds. If you’re newborn is big enough, you can even take them home from the hospital. On the other hand, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 caters to infants that are at least 14 pounds.
Both car seats support extended rear-facing mode. The upper limit is set to 40 pounds. The longer you can keep your child in rear-facing mode, the better. It’s highly advised for them to sit rear-facing until the age of two.
In front-facing mode, you can see a clear difference. The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 gives 15 more pounds and 8” more. This means that you would get more mileage out of the Pria 85.
Installation
The installation is the same for both of them. The rear-facing mode is a hassle to get it tight. You will have to remove the back padding and adjust the latch or the seat belt to the right belt guide.
The good news is that the latch system is the newer version, which is easy to install.
If you’re installing in the forward-facing mode, you have an easier time. Either way, to get it snug and tight, you will have to use some force.
You can press on the seat with your knee to remove the extra slack.
Fabric/Material
This is super important for parents. There’s no doubt that kids will make a mess behind. These car seats cater to infants, so diaper blowouts and the spill will be all too common.
There’s no difference between the Pria 70 and 85 in this department. You can easily remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine. Now it’s a good idea to use cold water and a gentle program.
As for drying it’s dryer safe.
The read differences between Maxi Cosi Pria 70 and 85
So far, there were only a few differentiation points. Let’s see what the real deal is.
First of all, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 has magnetic buckle holders. On the other hand, the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 doesn’t have any type of buckle holders.
The Maxi Cosi Pria 70 has a self-wicking fabric. This means that it takes the moisture away from your little one’s body.
The Maxi Cosi Pria 70 is heavier weighing 23 pounds while the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 convertible car seat only weighs 20 pounds.
For some, this will be important, which are the colors. At the moment, with the Maxi Cosi Pria 70, you only have girlie color options like light red and pink. While the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 offers darker and unisex colors.
Maxi Cosi Pria Convertible Car Seat
Pros:
It comes with magnetic clasps so no more fishing for the buckles
No straps rethreading ever
It’s easy to clean, and it’s dryer friendly
Cons:
This is a big seat not meant for small kids or a small car
It’s extremely wide it will take a lot of space
Maxi Cosi Pria 70 vs 85 Verdict
The results speak for themselves.
If you want to get the most mileage out of the car seat and you value the buckle holders, then your best choice is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85.
If you want to start using the car seat from the newborn phase and you have a girl, then the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 is the right choice for you.
We have reached the end of the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 vs 85 articles. There weren’t many differentiating factors with these car seats. I hope you have found the right fit for you. Now it’s your time to take action. Get the car seat that is the best fit for you.
Get them soon because last time I checked stocks were running low.
I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions; please share them below.
Catch you next time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the difference between Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max?
The difference between the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max is that the Max version comes with a self wicking fabric. The pria 85 max comes handy in hot environments.
Does the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 recline?
Yes the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 has 3 recline positions.
How much does the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 weight?
Maxi Cosi Pria 70 car seat weight is 23 pounds.
Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 vs Pria 70 infant car seat what are the weight limits?
These convertible car seats are quite similar. The Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 higher weight range in forward facing. The Pria 70 is limited to 70 pounds while the Pria 85 has 85 pounds weight limit. The rear-facing weight limit is the same 40 pounds. When it comes to weight limits (85 pounds forward-facing) the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 is the clear winner. Even though the rear facing weight limit is higher you get more use out of it.
What is the Maxi Cosi tiny fit insert?
The tiny fit insert (also known as infant insert) is meant for infants so they can travel safely and comfortably. This infant support is just as good as body pillow.
What is the flextech system?
The flextech system is crash energy management service.
Maxi-cosi pria 70 vs 85 what car seat experts say?
The most important item on the list is the side impact protection. As you know it’s becoming more and more needed nowadays. The maxi cosi has the air protect side impact protection. Make sure that the chest clip is below the child’s head and armpit. The harness height adjustment helps your little one to be safe all the time.
Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 vs Maxi Cosi Pria 85 which is the most comfortable one?
Maxi Cosi Pria 70
By far maxi cosi makes the most comfortable car seats. So let’s see what adds the most to the comfort level. There’s no harness rethreading which is a huge plus. With these seats there’s only one gripping cup holder. It’s secure so anything you place there will be safe. The seat pad has ample cushion so there are no sore bums. To clean all you have to do is to remove the seat cover. The harness straps can be stored in the harness holders.
Which car seat brand is better to buy Maxi Cosi or Britax?
Britax is the better choice in most cases.
Last Updated on July 23, 2020
You need a car seat for your baby, and you need it to be safe, comfortable, and easy to use. You’ve heard of Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 – maybe from a friend and maybe online – but you’re not sure it’s worth the investment.
How safe is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 really? Is it easy to use? Will it fit in your car? How long can it be used forward-facing? In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions and more. But first:
Now let’s start.
Table of Contents
Who can use the Maxi Cosi Pria 85?
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 fits babies and toddlers weighing from between 14-85 lbs (6.35-38.55 kg), and who are up to 52 inches (1.32 meters) tall. In theory, this seat should fit your child until they reach age 7 (for the tall ones) or 8-9 (for the heavy ones) – meaning the next seat you buy will be a booster, possibly backless.
The downside is that the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 will not fit your child as a newborn. However, another edition of the seat, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max, does fit children from 5-85 lbs.
Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 rear-faces from 14-40 lbs (6.35-18.14 kg) and are under 40 inches in height (101.6 cm), and forward-faces from 22-85 lbs (9.97-38.55 kg) and up to 52″ (1.32 meters) in height. Even though you can technically face your child forward at 22 lbs, studies have shown that rear-facing infants stay safer in accidents. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible.
The seat’s harness range is 9.5-17.5 inches (24.3-44.45 cm).
Is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 a safe car seat?
Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 is considered a safe convertible car seat and meets the required safety standards. It also offers side impact protection, and a “FlexTech” shock absorption system, which absorbs the impact instead of transferring it.
That said, 75-95% of car seats are not properly installed, and proper installation is crucial for protecting babies and children in accidents. Maxi Cosi offers a one-click LATCH installation system, but if your vehicle doesn’t have LATCH, the seat does not offer an easy, fail-safe installation system, leaving you to figure that out on your own (with help from the instruction manual).Regardless, it’s wise to call a car seat expert in your area to come and inspect your seat’s installation, and show you how to install the seat(s) properly.
When it comes to harness adjustment, the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is relatively easy to use, allowing parents to adjust the straps with one hand, and offering “micro adjustments” for the perfect fit.
Have there been any recalls?
There don’t seem to be any recalls for Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85. In fact, the seat is listed by SafetyBeltSafe USA as one of Dorel’s models that does not have any “recalls, replacement parts, or warnings.”
How long is Maxi Cosi Pria 85’s warranty good for?
Maxi Cosi offers a lifetime warranty on its car seats and bases, as well as a 24-month warranty on its other products.
To activate your warranty, you need to be product’s first owner and have proof of purchase. You’ll also need to register the within three months of its purchase, after which you’ll receive a “Lifetime Warranty” certificate.
If something goes wrong, you’ll take that certificate and the original proof of purchase to the store where you purchased the Pria 85.
The warranty covers manufacturing defects, but it does not cover normal wear and tear, or damage caused by car accidents.
Remember, “lifetime” does not mean that you can use your Pria 85 after it expires.
How wide is the Pria85, and when does it expire?
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is 20″ wide – admittedly not the slimmest out there. It needs to be replaced after ten years.
Can the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 be used on an airplane?
Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 is approved for use in aircraft. Remember, though, that you’ll need to purchase a seat for your child in order to use it on a plane.
What accessories does the Pria 85 offer?
Maxi Cosi offers a sun shade for its Pria seats, and the seat comes with an integrated cup holder. Also, Amazon offers the seat in several colors.
Also, this isn’t an accessory, but the Pria 85’s seat cover is machine washable and dryer-safe, and is relatively easy to snap on and off.
What is the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Special Edition?
Maxi Cosi offers “special” or “limited” editions of several seats. These are not different seats: They are simply new colors or patterns for the seat covers. If you want one, go for it – but know that it is an external difference only.
How does the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 compare to other car seats?
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max
Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 Max is, in essence, the same car seat but better: You won’t need to buy an infant car seat, since the Max is good for babies weighing 5 lbs (2.27kg) and up, and its chest clip is magnetic, making it easier and faster to use.
Also the Max’s fabric wicks away moisture.
Both seats rear-face until 40 lbs or 40 inches, and can forward-face from 22-85 lbs or until your child reaches 52 inches in height. Also, both seats’ covers are machine washable and dryer safe.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Maxi Cosi Pria 70
Both the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 and the Maxi Cosi Pria 70 have nine harness slots, side impact protection, and the FlexTech shock absorption system. The covers for both car seats are machine washable and dryer safe.
However, as their names imply, the Pria 85’s weight limit is 85 lbs, and the Pria 70’s weight limit is 70 lbs. Also, the Pria 70’s fabric wicks away moisture, and there’s an option to purchase a Pria 70 with “Tiny Fit” – the seat’s infant insert for babies weighing between 4-22 lbs (1.81-9.97 kg).
One other point: Maxi Cosi’s Pria 70 is cheaper than their Pria 85.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Britax Marathon ClickTight
There are several key differences between Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 and Britax’s Marathon ClickTight. The first difference is width: The Marathon ClickTight is just 17.5 inches wide, while the Pria 85 is a full 20 inches wide – a huge difference for families who need to fit three safety seats in the back row of a vehicle. The ClickTight weighs almost ten pounds more, but convertible car seats aren’t removed and installed every day.
Both seats will last ten years and have side impact protection, as well as impact/ shock absorption. Also, both seats rear-face until a child is 40 lbs. Maxi Cosi limits the standing height for a rear-facing child to 40 inches tall, and Britax limits the “shoulder to tush” height to 16.95″.
However, the Marathon ClickTight’s cover can be washed only by hand, and can’t be dried in the dryer. And the Pria 85 has a higher forward-facing weight limit, at 85 lbs (38.55 kg) instead of 65 lbs (29.4 kg). The Pria 85 has a higher height limit as well, at 52″ for the Pria 85 compared to 49″ for the Marathon ClickTight).
That said, even a 90th percentile boy will only reach 65 lbs at about six and a half years of age, and most children will be able to use the seat until age 8 or 9. And a boy who is 90th percentile in height will hit the Marathon ClickTight’s limit at age 6, and the Pria 85’s height limit at 7. Most kids, though, won’t hit the Marathon’s height limit until nearly seven, and they’ll hit the Pria 85’s height limit at about 8.
Britax’s main advantage over the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is that their ClickTight installation is *easy*. And I mean so easy it’s hard to go wrong. On the other hand, while the Pria 85’s installation isn’t superbly difficult, it’s by no means a one-step easy install.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Chicco NextFit
The height and weight limits on Chicco’s NextFit are the same as those for the Marathon ClickTight (65 lbs, 49 inches), and are lower than those for Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85. However, the NextFit can seat babies from five pounds , and its lowest harness position is 5.5 inches, instead of the Pria 85’s 9.5 inches. Also, the NextFit offers nine recline positions, compared to the Pria 85’s three.
Both seats have side impact protection and shock absorption, as well as an easy harness adjuster and a cup holder (the NextFit’s is removable), and both covers are machine washable, though it’s not clear if the NextFit’s can go in the dryer. Neither seat has an easy-installation system, though both claim easy installation when used with LATCH.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 vs Clek Fllo
Like the NextFit, Clek’s Fllo can seat babies from five pounds, and it has a weight limits of 65 lbs. However, the Fllo has a huge advantage over the Pria 85: It can rear-face up to 50 lbs, instead of the Pria’s 40 lbs. The Fllo also comes with an anti-rebound bar, which adds stability for a rear-facing seat in case of a crash.
Maxi Cosi’s Pria 85 weighs 18.8 lbs, whereas the Clek Fllo weighs 25 lbs. Also, the Fllo’s fabric is GreenGuard certified, meaning it has less chemicals than regular car seat fabrics. It’s also odor- and moisture-resistant and non-flammable. However, the Clek Fllo’s fabric is not machine washable (or dryer safe).
One important point is that the Clek Fllo is 13 inches wide – a big bonus for those families who need to fit three safety seats into a single back row.
Both seats have impact absorption and side impact protection, but the Pria 85 has easier harness adjustment.
How do you install the Maxi Cosi Pria 85?
Here’s how to install the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 in a rear-facing position using LATCH:
Here’s how to install the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 in a rear-facing position using a seatbelt:
Here’s how to install the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 in a forward-facing position, using either a seatbelt or LATCH:
What else do you need to know?
While it’s true that the Maxi Cosi Pria 85 has one of the highest forward-facing height limits, it’s important to note that the rear-facing limits are more important – and they’re not especially high at 40 lbs or 40 inches. It’s true, those aren’t super-low limits, but there are definitely seats offering higher rear-facing limits, allowing children to rear-face longer.
Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Review
It’s important to note that the rear-facing height and weight limits are either/ or: When your child *either* reaches the rear-facing weight limit, *or* reaches the rear-facing height limit, it’s time to switch to forward facing.
Also, don’t worry if your child’s feet seem squished when he’s rear-facing. Kids get used to having their feet squished, and there’s no evidence that a lack of foot room causes damage later on. Even if it did, in the case of an accident, a broken leg is definitely a better deal than a broken neck.
Children should remain in a rear-facing position until they are at least two years of age *or* weigh at least twenty pounds. Remember: There’s no obligation to switch your child to a forward-facing position just because he hit one of those milestones. The longer your child spends rear-facing, the less chance he has of being seriously injured in an accident.
Note that the Pria 85 isn’t a cheap car seat, and it’s not an all-in-one, since you’ll need an infant seat until your child reaches the minimum weight limit.
The bottom line?
The Maxi Cosi Pria 85 is a good, safe, seat, but it’s not perfect. If you need a high height or weight limit, live in an area where it’ll take days for your car seat cover to air dry, or are trying to avoid buying a booster later on, the Pria 85 is a good choice.
If you want all that, and you also want something that will fit your newborn, go for the Pria 85 Max.