Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL Review [Safety Ratings & Specs]

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL is a secure, affordable, and easy-to-carry car seat with a base. It has six recline positions for added comfort, and you can easily attach it to a compatible stroller. This car seat is for the discerning parent who doesn’t mind paying more for extra safety and convenience. 

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL is one of the car seats I have had the pleasure of testing. To determine how comfortable a car seat is, I often pay attention to my child when she is sitting on it. I know the SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL is comfortable because we will have a peaceful ride whenever my child sits on it. I also know that Graco takes safety seriously.

The company once recalled 25,000 car seats in 2017 following a report that they may not properly restrain the child, so when I tested the ability to properly restrain the top of my list.  

If you’re a new parent and find selecting the best seat for your child overwhelming, don’t worry; when I tested the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL, I had you in mind.

In this review, I will focus on the seat’s main features, which it will be great for, why I recommend it, safety-related details, certifications, and other important information. I will also share details of two additional seats from Graco that you can go with if this one doesn’t quite tick all the boxes for you.   

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL Main Features 

If I could only give one reason why the SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL is my all-time favorite among the Graco products, the car seat has some of the most remarkable features any mother will want. You don’t need to take my word for it because Gracobaby.com lists all the features: 

Removable supports

These support the head and body to ensure your child’s comfort. The Canadian mental health site ementalhealth.ca advises that comfort makes a baby feel loved and respected.

Adjustable headrest and harness 

Adjusting the headrest and harness can be done while the child is seated. It uses the front-adjust No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System. 

One-step installation 

With the one step installation, you can connect and disconnect the car seat to strollers without a hustle. 

Front-adjust harness 

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL has five points that make getting your baby in and out of the seat easy. This also ensures that impact is distributed to the strongest parts of the baby’s body in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of serious injury. 

Energy absorbing foam 

When the parts of your infant car seats absorb energy, your baby’s comfort is enhanced. This car seat is made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam so that those bumps on the road don’t affect your baby.

Adjustable base 

Coupled with the level indicator, the flexible base ensures you know the seat is installed correctly.

Graco ProtectPlus Engineered 

This is a trademark of Graco, meaning that all their products have undergone rigorous tests in the company’s labs, so you can be assured that everything has been done to protect the occupant.

Silent Shade canopy 

When changing the shade, the quietly adjusting canopy means you will never disturb a sleeping baby again. The canopy rotates to protect your baby no matter where the sun’s rays come from.  

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL Specs at a Glance 

Here are the important product aspects provided by Gracobabay.com 

Specs	Measurements
Model number	#2163345
Color	Harleigh
Width	17.5″
Height	25″
Depth	27″
Weight with base	15 lbs
Weight without base	8.8 lbs
Weight of base	6.2 lbs

Why Buy A Graco Snugride 35?

From my experience with the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL, I am confident in recommending the product. After all, Graco car seats have been known to save the lives of infants and toddlers in accidents, wrapping them in soft, stable surroundings. 

When this seat is installed correctly and the infant is properly strapped in, Graco seats are hard to beat to ensure your baby has the best possible protection in the event of a crash.

Here are some specific reasons I would recommend the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL on any day: 

Safety 

I don’t care how well a car seat claims to be made. When I lay my hand on the product, I first want to learn about safety. 

According to Graco, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL met or exceeded all US standard FMVSS 213. The infant car seat was also side impact tested. These tests determine how effectively the seat will protect the child in a crash. In this case, the tests were primarily focused on the built-in 5-point harness system.  

While we are here, I need to refer to the incident in 2017, as reported by Dailymail.co.uk, when Graco recalled over 25,000 car seats because of “weak webbing.” However, I must say that the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL was not one of the brands named. 

Dailymail.co.uk adds that when Graco investigated, the experts traced the fault to a batch manufactured in July 2014. So, we can safely say this is no longer an issue with any of the company’s car seats. However, I must say that the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL was not one of the brands named. 

Like most car seats, you need to stop using this car seat seven years after the date of manufacture.  

I know that the safety of any product, including car seats, depends on how well you install and use it. Graco has provided a helpful video with details on how to install the SnugLock 35 DXL; take a look: 

Function

The Snuglock 35 DXL can be more challenging to use than some other similar models. The base straps have high resistance to tightening and loosening during installation. The push button anchors are excellent for easy installation and snap onto your car’s hooks.

Using the seatbelt for installation is a breeze with this seat because the lock-off feature on the base holds the belt firmly in place. Even if you choose not to take the base, this seat can be securely installed using the seatbelt system in any car or airplane.

Pros

• Features superior snug lock technology.
• Safety core frontal crash technology.
• Easily attaches to and removes from the base.
• Accommodates infants and toddlers 4-35 lbs and up to 32″.
• Highest ranking Graco product in safety tests.
• Push button LATCH system.
• 4-position adjustable base.
• Slider for shoulder height adjustment. 
• Superior comfort, after all, you have paid for it.
• Compatible with all Graco Click Connect strollers.
• Large canopy with a peekaboo window.

Cons

After testing dozens of car seats, I know there is no perfect product, so even with the SnugLock 35 DXL, there are a few things I did not quite enjoy: 

• Heavy at 15 lbs with the base.
• Needs an extra push to ensure base attachment.
• The chest clip is difficult to detach.
• Tightening strap has a high pull resistance.

Alternatives 

I know that the SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL is not the cheapest, so you may be asking if there could be something more affordable that comes with the same Graco quality. The great news is that there is.

Graco Click Connect 35 

The Click Connect 35 has strong crash test ratings. Like other Graco seats, it tests for safety above many other brands and models. The 5-point harness is easy to tighten and loosen, holding your infant in place during impact. The side cushioning keeps your precious cargo comfortable and safe, absorbing any force.

Function

The Snugride Click Connect 35 is easy to carry and an excellent choice for newborns and premature babies. It also grows with your child more than the 30 and 30LX because it supports up to 35 pounds and 32 inches. The LATCH system makes it easy to install.

One of the drawbacks is that the canopy is small and doesn’t shield the baby from all the sunlight like some other models. The straps on the base can be difficult to tighten and are a bit cumbersome to loosen. Graco Click Connect 35 can also be easily installed without the base using a lap belt or a lap/shoulder belt combo.

Pros

• Fits infants and toddlers 4-35 lbs and up to 32″.
• Lightweight.
• Removable newborn head support (great for premature babies).
• Six recline positions.
• Rotating canopy.
• Easy installation.
• Can be used with all Graco Click Connect strollers.
• Energy-absorbing foam provides comfortable padding.
• Strong crash test rating.
• The harness is easy to tighten and release.
• LATCH anchors can be stored in the base.

Cons

• The carrying handle sometimes sticks when moving.
• Sometimes I can hear a false click during installation when the seat is not attached.
• Wobbles slightly in the base.
• Canopy is small.
• Not compatible with old Graco bases.
• Base straps are difficult to tighten and loosen.
• No belt lock off in the base.
• Canopy gets in the way of the handle.

Graco Click Connect 35LX 

The Graco Snugride Click Connect 35LX is famous for its one-step connection to all compatible Grco connectors. One of the things I like about this seat is that it is compact, so it takes up less space in the car or when storing it at home. This makes it suitable for parents with smaller cars.   

Safety 

As with all Graco seats, the 35LX has performed well in crash tests and ranks very high for safety. It has performed well in all forward, rear, and side impact tests making it one of the premier infant car seats of its type.

The thick harness straps hold your baby safely in place. Furthermore, no-rethread adjustment options help you find the perfect fit.

Function

The 35LX is easy to install and install and can be seamlessly transferred from the base to any Graco Click Connect stroller. It is heavier than other similar seats making it challenging to carry.

The cover can be removed and is machine washable. An optional lower body insert adjusts the seat for premature and tiny newborns. The base has a convenient lock off the device, allowing for easy installation of seat belts if you choose not to use the LATCH system.

Pros

• Fits infants and toddlers 4-35 lbs and up to 32″.
• Removable newborn head support (great for premature babies).
• Six recline positions.
• Large, rotating canopy.
• Easy installation.
• Can be used with all Graco Click Connect strollers.
• Energy-absorbing foam provides comfortable padding.
• Strong crash test rating.
• The harness is easy to tighten and release.
• LATCH anchors can be stored in the base.
• Two crotch adjustment positions.
• 15 harness positions.
• Optional lower body insert.
• Lock off the device in the base for seat belt installation.

Cons

• Large and took up a significant amount of room.
• Heavy, weighing approximately 10 lbs.
• Cannot be used with old Graco strollers.
• Does not have push-on LATCH connectors.
• Harness straps cannot be replaced.
• Sometimes, I could hear a false click during installation when the seat was not attached.
• Wobbles slightly in the base.
• Canopy is small.
• Not compatible with old Graco bases.
• Base straps are difficult to tighten and loosen.
• No belt lock off in the base.
• Canopy gets in the way of the handle.

Great Value For Money 

You can’t go wrong buying the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 DXL. This car seat provides great value. The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX has many extra features and is considered a premier infant car seat. With all its models, Graco meets or exceeds the expected standards for safety and quality. Consider this seat if you prefer a little more comfort for your baby and slightly better ease of use.

If none of the above car seats tick enough boxes, but you still want to purchase a Graco car seat, don’t worry; we have compiled a list of the 15 best Graco case seats for 2023, which you should look at. Otherwise, if you are not into the Graco brand, we have a list of car seat brands from which you can choose the one you like.