A great booster seat should be practical, comfortable, and affordable. Fortunately, the Graco TurboBoost Booster has all of those features.
Graco has always been a name that can be trusted in every household. This transitioning booster holds true to that.
It has three modes of use which include a highback booster for kids 40-100 pounds, a backless belt-positioning booster for kids 40-100 pounds, and a RightGuide portable seat belt trainer for kids 50-120 pounds.
You can use two of the features at once for two separate kids, which I think is pretty awesome. One kid can use the booster itself and another can use the RightGuide portable seat belt trainer. It’s like you’re getting two products for the price of one.
The highback booster portion has a 7-position headrest that grows with your child. As your child grows upwards, you can reposition the headrest so they are comfortable and the seatbelt fits properly. Again, a great safety feature to ensure your child is safe while wearing the seatbelt.
Overall, it’s an affordable booster seat that accommodates more than one child at once, is lightweight, portable, and safe. The only issue that some people complained about was that in some vehicles, the high-back portion of the booster didn’t fit right.
First, we will review the pros/cons and unique features of each turbo booster. Then we will review the safety ratings, recalls, installation procedures, expiration information, and customer reviews.
Best Graco TurboBooster Car Seats
1.Graco TurboBooster Grow Highback Booster Seat
This RightGuide seat belt trainer is removable, so you can seat two children with this single car seat easily. With ProtectPlus engineering, the TurboBooster Grow also protects your child from every direction and rollovers.
The TurboBooster Grow is RollSafe tested and can withstand twice the impact force of the FMVSS 213 standard.
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Unique Features
- ProtectPlus Engineered
- 7 position headrest that you can adjust with one hand
- Latch system for self-buckling
- RightGuide Seat Belt Trainer
- Shoulder seat belt positioners
- 2 different colors/styles available
- Maintains integrity in extreme temperatures
Specifications
- Seats kids 40 to 110 lbs., 43 to 57 in. tall
- RightGuide Seat Belt Trainer seats kids 50 to 120 lbs., 43 to 60 in. tall
- Dimensions of 17.32 x 19.69 x 27.17 in.
- Weighs 11.73 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
2.Graco TurboBooster Highback Booster Seat
This product also comes with SafeSeat, which adds protection to your child’s car ride. On top of all this, the TurboBooster Glacier can withstand double U.S. impact standards to keep your child extra safe.
Unique Features:
- Adjustable armrests
- SafeSeat engineered
- Cup holders that “hide-away”
- Can handle extreme temperatures
- Can handle double the impact of U.S. standards
- Easy to self-buckle
Specifications:
- Seats kids 30 to 100 lbs.
- Dimensions of 15 x 16.5 x 26.5 in.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat. Pre-2011 models have an expiration of 6 years.
3.Graco TurboBooster TakeAlong Highback Booster Seat
The TurboBooster TakeAlong also has a FastAction booster seat that folds and comes with a handle. The TurboBooster TakeAlong has a narrow frame and is very lightweight, making it even easier to carry around.
Unique Features
- 6 position headrest that you can adjust with one hand
- Swiveling cup holders
- Carry bag
- FastAction for the booster seat
- 2 different colors/styles available
Specifications
- Seats kids 40 to 100 lbs.
- Dimensions of 15.75 x 16.93 x 27.17 in.
- Weighs 10.74 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
4.Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster Seat with TrueShield Technology
This car seat also seats larger children from 40 to 110 pounds, unlike the previous products. The LX TurboBooster is lightweight at only 9.19 pounds, and very narrow for easy use in smaller vehicles.
Unique Features
- TrueShield impact protection
- 7 position headrest that you can adjust with one hand
- Latch System for self-buckling
- Storage compartment that can “hide-away”
- 3 different colors/ styles available
Specifications
- Dimensions of 9.21 x 16.93 x 25.59 in.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
5.Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Booster with LATCH System
This highback seats children 30 to 100 pounds, and is nearly the same size as the LX with TrueShield technology. This Graco TurboBooster LX with LATCH also comes with a storage compartment for your child’s smaller items!
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Unique Features
- LATCH System
- Front adjustment for tightening the seat easily
- Connection stays secure even when the seat is empty
- Storage compartment that can “hide-away”
- 3 different colors/styles available
Specifications
- Dimensions of 10.5 x 16.75 x 25.4 in.
- Weighs 9.8 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
6.Graco TurboBooster LX Highback Car Seat
This car seat is ProtectPlus Engineered, so your child is protected 360 degrees and from rollover damage in an accident. For fast seat adjustments, the TurboBooster LX highback adjusts from the front for struggle-free tightening!
Unique Features
- Latch system for self-buckling
- Easily adjusts from the front to tighten the booster
- ProtectPlus Engineered
- Withstands extreme temperatures
Specifications
- Dimensions of 10.5 x 16.75 x 25.4 in
- Weighs 10.55 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
7.TurboBooster LX Highback Booster with Safety Surround
It even incorporates a storage compartment for your child to keep small items handy during the trip! With small dimensions, the TurboBooster LX with Safety Surround is perfect for tighter vehicles!
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Unique Features
- Safety Surround
- Removable seat cover for easy washing
- Latch system for self-buckling
- Storage compartment
Specifications
- Dimensions of 15 x 16.5 x 26.5 in.
- Weighs 9.02 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
8.Graco TurboBooster Elite Highback Car Seat
This TurboBooster only weighs 9 pounds, making it easy to move from car to car. Elite TurboBooster highback is also quite narrow, allowing it to fit easily into smaller backseats.
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Unique features
- Cup holders that can “hide-away” easily
- Adjustable armrests
- 7 different colors/styles available
Specifications
- Dimensions of 15.5 x 16.5 x 26.5 in
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat. Pre-2011 models have an expiration of 6 years.
TurboBooster Backless Booster Seats
TurboBooster backless booster seats are ideal for larger children about to graduate up to normal seat belt riding. These boosters seat children 40 to 100 pounds and are very simple to move from car-to-car. Each seat is very lightweight too, and much cheaper than the TurboBooster highback version.
Graco booster seats come with these features:
- Cup holders
- Removable seat pad for easy machine washing
Now let’s take a look at each model of the TurboBooster Backless series!
9.Graco TurboBooster TakeAlong – Backless Booster Seat
To make installation easier, this car seat comes with belt guides to help you install it correctly. This booster also comes with swiveling cup holders for added convenience!
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Unique Features
- FastAction engineering
- Seat belt guides for easy positioning
- Swiveling cup holders
- Carry bag
- 2 different colors/styles available
Specifications
- Dimensions of 15.75 x 16.14 x 9.45 in.
- Weighs 5.89 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
10.Graco TurboBooster LX – Best Backless Booster Seat
This seat also adjusts from the front for easier use. This booster seat also comes with a “hide-away” storage compartment for your child to keep their items!
Walmart.com
Unique Features
- LATCH system for one-handed adjustment
- Easy self-buckling
- Storage compartment that “hides-away”
- 4 different colors/styles available
Specifications
- Dimensions of 15.5 x 17.5 x 8.64 in.
- Weighs 5.51 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat.
11.Graco TurboBooster Backless Booster Seat
The TurboBooster booster seat also comes with “hide-away” cup holders for a narrower frame when needed. There are also four styles available to match any style preference!
Unique Features
- Adjustable armrests
- Cup holders that “hide-away”
- 4 different colors/styles available
Specifications
- Dimensions of 15.5 x 16.3 by 8.6 in.
- Weighs 5.1 lbs.
- Expires 10 years after manufacture date printed on the seat. Pre-2011 models have an expiration of 6 years.
12.Graco TurboBooster Youth Booster
For easier installation, the TurboBooster Youth Booster also comes with a removable seat belt guide. This booster has adjustable armrests to keep your child comfortable for longer trips, too!
Unique Features
- “Hide-away” cup holders
- Adjustable armrests
- Removable seatbelt guide
Specifications
- Weighs 7 lbs.
- Current expiration information is unavailable.
TurboBooster Expiration Information
For added reliability, the Graco TurboBooster attaches the expiration date directly to the car seat. This can be on a sticker or directly printed onto the seat, and lists the date of manufacture as well. If you can’t find this information, the year lifespan of the car seat appears in the owner’s manual. If you are ever in doubt about your car seat’s expiration, you can easily call Graco for fast assistance!
In 2011, the TurboBooster’s expiration switched from six years to ten years from the manufacture date TurboBoosters manufactured before 2011, such as old models of the TurboBooster highback and TurboBooster Glacier, expire in 6 years.
The TurboBooster highback and Glacier models manufactured after 2011 are more durable and have an expiration of 10 years. TurboBoosters released after 2011, such as the TurboBooster Grow highback, the TurboBooster LX highbacks and boosters, and the TakeAlong highback and boosters, have an expiration of 10 years.
You should always check your car seat’s expiration because car seats degrade over time. No two car seats are exactly alike, meaning that you should always double-check the expiration for your product.
Graco’s Reliability
With parents and children in mind, the American company Graco has created reliable childcare products for over 60 years. Graco innovatively focuses on every little feature to ensure safety and ease of use, especially with car seats.
As the world’s first manufacturer of automatic baby swings in 1955, Graco has maintained child safety leadership ever since.
One of Graco’s main goals is to provide reliability throughout all of their car seats. This has helped Graco become a trusted brand over the years. For reliability, Graco has strict requirements for all their car seats that must be met before releasing to the public.
Here are some features that Graco guarantees, which are part of the TurboBooster series:
- Crash testing to pass U.S. safety standards, including the FMVSS 213
- Side-Impact tested to ensure safety for your child with highback seats
- A manufacture label that lists the date the car seat was made and expiration date
- Energy-absorbing foam for added protection in highback seats
- Comfortable design to keep your child happy for hours
Graco promises reliability and life-saving protection in their car seats because Graco knows car rides can be incredibly dangerous. This trusted brand delivers on these promises and consequently is the number one most registered gear brand.
Two Types: Highback & BackLess
On top of all the features we mentioned previously, the TurboBooster series comes with additional features unique to this car seat line. The TurboBooster series comes in two styles: highback seats and booster seats, with different models in each. Below are the features unique to each model.
Highback Car Seats
Along with providing 2 in 1 use as a backless booster seat, TurboBooster highbacks have great connectivity for easy transporting. These car seats also have back support to protect your child from rear collisions. These highbacks also come with a comfortable, layered headrest for long car rides.
Graco TurboBooster highback car seats also come with these features:
- Cup holders
- Belt guides to help you easily position the seat belt
- A headrest that is adjustable to accommodate your child
- Removable seat pad for easy machine washing
All of these elements are present in every TurboBooster highback! Now let’s take a look at the specifics of the TurboBooster highback series!
Installing the TurboBooster Highback Car Seat with a Seat Belt
Let’s go step by step on how to install the TurboBooster highback with just a seat belt!
- Place assembled car seat into the backseat. Set the car seat into the vehicle back seat, ensuring that the bottom of the seat is sitting flat.
- Allow your child to sit in the seat. Let your child sit in the booster seat, and adjust the headrest so that your child sits comfortably.
- Follow the Seat Belt Guide that appears on the headrest. Thread the seatbelt through it carefully, ensuring that the seatbelt doesn’t twist.
- Make sure the placement of straps is correct as you buckle. The lap strap should go under both armrests of the seat. The shoulder strap should only go under the armrest closest to the buckle.
- Check belt placements. The shoulder strap should lie securely across your child’s shoulder next to the neck. If this is not the case, you should adjust the headrest until this is achieved. Belt guides should also be nearly or close to your child’s shoulders.
If you follow all these steps, your child should be secure for a safe car ride. Keep in mind that you should never only use the lap strap when securing a car seat. A car seat is more secure when the shoulder and lap straps are used.
Installing the TurboBooster Highback Car Seat with the LATCH system
Let’s take a look at how to install the TurboBooster highback with the LATCH system.
- Place assembled car seat into the backseat. Set the car seat into the vehicle back seat, ensuring that the bottom of the seat is sitting flat.
- Press the red button to extend anchor straps. As you press the red button in front of the car seat base, pull out the straps in the back.
- Find the lower anchor bars in the bottom of your vehicle’s seat. Hook these anchor straps to the bars, making sure that they don’t become twisted.
- Tighten the straps. Pull the anchor straps in front of the car seat, while pushing the car seat back with your other hand. Another way is to push the car seat back into the position you want it. Then place your knee in the seat to hold it still as you pull the front anchor straps firm. Both of these methods work well to tighten the straps.
- Allow your child to sit in the car seat. Adjust the headrest so that it is comfortable for your child.
- Follow the Seat Belt Guide on the car seat. Thread the seat belt through each guide, making sure the belt doesn’t twist.
- Make sure the placement of straps is correct. The lap strap should go under both armrests while the shoulder strap goes under the armrest closest to the buckle.
- Check belt placements. The shoulder strap should lie securely across your child’s shoulder next to the neck. The belt guides should also be close to your child’s shoulders. If this isn’t the case, adjust the headrest until this is achieved.
These steps should help you when installing the TurboBooster easily and securely. Always make sure that you use both the lap belt and shoulder strap with this car seat.
Installing the TurboBooster Backless Car Seat
Now let’s cover how to install the TurboBooster Backless car seat.
- Place the booster seat into the backseat. Make sure the bottom of the seat is sitting flat.
- If you have the LATCH system, extend the anchor straps. Press and hold the red button on the front of the seat, and pull the straps out of the back. Hook these straps to your vehicle’s anchor bars, making sure they don’t twist. Pull the straps at the front of the seat while pushing the seat back with your other hand. This tightens the seat and ensures it’s in the right position.
- Place your child in the seat and buckle. Buckle the seatbelt while ensuring that the lap strap goes under both armrests. The shoulder strap should go under the armrest closest to the buckle.
- If the shoulder strap does not lie flat against your child’s shoulder, you need to use the belt-positioning clip. Remove your child from the booster and locate the belt-positioning clip. Flip the car seat over and feed the loop of the belt-positioning clip through the clip’s slot.
- Push the clip and strap through the loop, and pull it tight to secure it. The strap’s free end should be facing the front of the car seat. If using the LATCH system, re-secure the base.
- Allow your child to sit in the seat, and thread the seatbelt through the belt-positioning clip at your child’s shoulder. You may need to lengthen or shorten the belt-positioning clip’s strap according to your child’s height. The clip should be at your child’s shoulder, which allows the seatbelt to lay flat. Then buckle your child.
- Check belt placements. The shoulder strap should lie securely across your child’s shoulder next to the neck. The lap strap should lie low and flat across your child’s hips.
These instructions should help you secure your child’s booster seat correctly in the vehicle. Always consult your owner’s manual for more specific instructions on how to install your TurboBooster booster seat correctly.
TurboBooster Recall and Solution
Graco’s TurboBooster has only had one recall since the product’s release. In 2016, Graco recalled manuals for seats manufactured between December 22, 2015, and April 5, 2016. These owner manuals had an omission that did not specify the seats had to be secured when not in use.
This posed a safety hazard in an accident, as the seat could strike other vehicle occupants if not secured. The car seats themselves still worked properly when used according to the instructions.
Affected Models: 1963973, 1963974, 1963975, 1963976, 1967886, 1975173
Solution: Graco reached out to registered owners of these TurboBoosters and supplied the corrected manuals. If an owner is not registered, they can easily reach Graco customer service for a corrected instruction manual.
Cleaning the TurboBooster
TurboBooster seat covers are removable for machine washing but must drip dry. You can wash the rest of the seat with a damp cloth and a mild soap. Keep in mind that you cannot immerse the lower anchor straps in water, because it weakens the straps!
Graco TurboBooster Customer Reviews
Many parents love the TurboBooster for its price point and versatility. It also has many optional features that raise or lower the price, which is great for larger families. Below are features customers responded to positively and negatively!
What parents love:
- Convertible – Since the TurboBooster can convert from a highback to a booster seat, it lasts a conveniently long time.
- Narrow and Lightweight – This build allows the TurboBooster to easily fit in smaller cars. This also makes traveling much easier.
- Great safety features – With a broad spectrum of safety features, parents liked how affordable and secure the TurboBooster is.
- “Hide-Away” Cup Holders and Storage Compartments – Many parents enjoyed that the cup holders and some TurboBooster storage compartments could “hide-away” easily.
What parents don’t like:
- Connectivity in models before 2015 – Sometimes parents with TurboBooster purchases before 2015 had issues with the seat’s connectivity when switching between vehicles. Graco mended the issue by including stronger connectivity in recent products.
- Not all TurboBoosters come with LATCH – Some parents also disliked that some of the TurboBoosters do not come with LATCH capabilities.
- Difficulty with Cup Holders and Storage Compartments – Some parents felt that the car seat’s cup holders should come out more easily from their “hide-away” position. Some reported that their child could not access these compartments while in the seat.
Graco TurboBooster – Accessories
The Graco TurboBooster series doesn’t have many accessories available because the car seats come very equipped as they are. Regardless, we’ve listed some accessories below that will help your child enjoy their car ride with the Graco TurboBooster!
1.Graco Backless TurboBooster Car Seat Replacement Cover
This seat cover is the perfect replacement for a stained or damaged cover. This product comes with the main seat pad and two arm pads for a uniform look. The replacement cover can save you money, too, by rejuvenating a still-functioning car seat. It can even attach to the multiple styles of TurboBooster car seats conveniently!
2. Seat Belt Pillow – For Kids Head Protector
These pillows are the perfect size for booster use and with highback car seats, too! With strong Velcro and a washable cover, these pillows are a great addition to the TurboBooster car seat.
3.KneeGuard Kids Footrest – For Easy Travel
This product easily attaches to a car seat with or without lower anchor bars for your convenience. The KneeGuard Kids footrest has an adjustable lever to work with bigger kids easily, too! This makes it a wonderful add-on for the TurboBooster seat!
4.Enovoe UV Sunshade – UV Rays Protection
The Enovoe sunshade also keeps your child’s skin healthy during long day trips. Installation is a breeze because the Enovoe sunshade sticks in your window, which works excellently with the TurboBoosters!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are TurboBooster Car Seats safe for Airplane Use?
No, because the Graco TurboBooster highback and backless seats need a shoulder strap to work properly. They are not FAA approved.
What is the Lifespan of the TurboBooster?
Current TurboBooster models have a lifespan of 10 years from the manufacture date.
Is Side overhang okay with the Graco TurboBooster?
No. All of the base must be in contact with the vehicle’s seat for the TurboBooster to work properly.
Should the Graco TurboBooster Be Replaced After An Accident?
Yes, the TurboBooster must be replaced if it has been in an accident because the car seat has been compromised. Even if the seat was empty at the time of the crash, it still needs to be replaced.
Optimal Protection
Graco places immense value on keeping children safe, which is why the TurboBooster comes with many different options for protection. You can choose what’s perfect for you and your child, with the Graco guarantee of reliability and durability!
All Graco TurboBoosters are crash and side-impact tested to meet and surpass U.S. safety standards. These car seats also come with energy-absorbing foam, which keeps your child safe and comfortable, too! Furthermore, Graco boosters are affordable for many parents out there.
Graco’s reliability, community awareness, and great customer service make the brand a wonderful choice for any parent! Which GracoTurbooster have you tried? Let us know in the comments section below!
