The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat storms the market with its extended rear-facing capabilities and adjustable features — a weight limit of up to 50 pounds (rear-facing) and 65 pounds (forward-facing) — while the seat’s 4-position extension panel provides additional legroom for growing toddlers. The Extend2Fit is great, but it isn’t perfect. Some owners find it bulky and challenging to install properly.
Graco brand needs no introduction in the car seat industry, and the Extend2Fit is one of the brand’s most popular models. Extend2Fit seems to win on many relevant levels – legroom, rear-facing weight limit, height limits, and even lifespan – making it inarguably an excellent option for car seats within the $200 budget range. But after purchasing and using the Extend2Fit for a few months, I realized there’s more than meets the eye.
In this review, I’ll dive deep into the Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat. I’ll walk you through its features, how to install it, unique advantages, and significant pitfalls of this model to keep in mind if you plan to get one. Remember to read this article to the end because I answer some of the most common questions about this product.
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds)
- Made of Steel reinforced
- Product dimensions – 21.5” D x 19.5” W x 23.5” H; Product weight – 19.25 pounds
Overview Of The Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat
This car seat is a versatile and reliable option for keeping your child safe and comfortable during car rides. It particularly excels in longevity and comfort. Extend2fit features a plush, padded seat with multiple recline positions, ensuring a cozy ride for your little one. The seat also has an extendable leg rest that provides extra legroom as your child grows, making long journeys more enjoyable.
I can easily tell that Graco was intent on advanced safety when rolling out the Extend2fit. Users adore the 5-point harness system that keeps children securely strapped in, and the car seat itself has been rigorously crash-tested to meet and exceed safety standards. The seat also includes side-impact protection to shield your child from potential collisions.
Utilizing the user-friendly LATCH system, the Extend2fit Car Seat is especially ideal for growing families since it accommodates children from 4 to 65 pounds. So whether you have a newborn or a preschooler, this car seat can adapt to your child’s changing needs.
According to Graco, the Extend2fit expires ten years from the date of manufacture, which aligns with Consumer Reports’ expert recommendation for forward-facing convertible seats. You’ll see this information on the manual or the sticker attached to the bottom of the seat.
I know what you’re thinking; you’re likely not going to use a single car seat until your child is 10 years old, but for $200, this incredibly long-lasting seat can serve multiple children.
Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Rear-facing weight limit | 4-50 lbs (1.8-22.7 kg) |
| Rear-facing height limit | Up to 45 inches (114 cm) |
| Forward-facing weight limit | 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg) |
| Forward-facing height limit | Up to 49 inches (124 cm) |
| Seat dimensions | 22.1 x 19.2 x 25.2 inches (56.1 x 48.8 x 64 cm) |
| Seat weight | 18.4 lbs (8.4 kg) |
| Adjustable recline positions | 6 positions (2 rear-facing, 4 forward-facing) |
| Side-impact protection | Yes |
| Crotch strap depths | 4.5 and 6.5 inches |
| Adjustable headrest | Yes (10 positions) |
| Harness system | 5-point |
| Installation | LATCH or vehicle seat belt |
| Integrated cup holders | Yes (2 cup holders) |
| Machine washable | Yes (seat cushion and cover) |
| Certified for air travel | Yes |
| Expiration date | 10 years from the date of manufacture |
| Price | $200 |
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds)
- Made of Steel reinforced
- Product dimensions – 21.5” D x 19.5” W x 23.5” H; Product weight – 19.25 pounds
Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat Features
The most talked-about feature of this Graco model is that it allows children to ride in the safer rear-facing position for an extended period, accommodating them up to 50 pounds. But other relevant features are often overlooked.
Here’s the full detail:
| Feature | What it means | Benefit |
| Convertible design | It can be used as a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat. | Accommodates your children as they grow from infant to toddler and childhood. |
| Extendable headrest | The adjustable headrest can extend to accommodate your growing child. | Provides additional head and neck support without spending extra accessories for comfortable usage. |
| InRight LATCH system | One-second attachment with an audible click to ensure a secure installation. | Makes it easier to properly install the car seat. |
| No-rethread harness | Harness straps can be adjusted without rethreading through the seat. | Seamless adjustments as your child grows instead of getting a new car seat. |
| 4-position recline | Multiple recline positions for optimal comfort and safety | You can achieve a comfortable fit for the child in various vehicle types, including Sedans, SUVs, Cabriolet, etc. |
| Side impact protection | There’s energy-absorbing foam at the reinforced sides to protect your child in the event of a side-impact collision. | This increases safety and minimizes the risk of injury |
| Dual cup holders | Two integrated cup holders (in square shape) for holding drinks and snacks | Convenient storage for your kid’s items during travel. |
| 10-position headrest | Adjustable headrest with 10 height positions. | You can have a customized fit and proper positioning for your child as they grow. |
| 6-position recline | Multiple recline positions to accommodate the child’s comfort. | This feature offers flexibility for a comfortable and safe seating position. |
| Machine washable | The seat pad and cover are machine washable for easy cleaning. | Makes cleaning and maintenance hassle-free |
Who Is Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat For?
The Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat best suits parents or caregivers who prioritize safety and value a versatile car seat that can accommodate their child’s growth from infancy to toddlerhood. It’s a perfect option if you are on a tight budget but looking for a seat that will last a long time.
With its rear-facing capability, it ensures the safety of infants, supporting their delicate heads and neck. This appeals to new parents because the seat can be adjusted to forward-facing mode as your child grows, providing additional legroom with the extendable panel.
Additionally, the Extend2Fit suits busy parents who frequently travel or commute. Its user-friendly features, such as the one-hand adjustable harness and easy installation system, provide convenience and time-saving benefits.
What Products Come With Graco Extend2fit?
- Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat (main seat)
- Removable infant body support cushions
- Extendable headrest and harness system
- Cup holder – while some models like the Extend2fit 2-in-1 include an integrated cup holder, others come with detached ones and can be added to the seat (the 3-in-1 model, for example)
- LATCH connectors (for installation)
- Instruction manual (this is located in the storage pocket at the lower back of the seat.)
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds)
- Made of Steel reinforced
- Product dimensions – 21.5” D x 19.5” W x 23.5” H; Product weight – 19.25 pounds
Pros And Cons of Graco Extend2fit Convertible Seat
The Graco Extend2fit is a great value for money, but it’s not a perfect product. To be fair, the downsides I observed while using the product are not a total turnoff. Despite these downsides, you will most likely have a wonderful experience using it, but they are worth noting for those intending to buy.
| What I Like About The Extend2fit | What I Don’t Like About The Extend2fit |
| Extended rear-facing up to 50 pounds! | The rear-facing position takes more space when you extend the leg rest panel |
| Extra leg room as the leg extension adjusts for 5 inches | No lock-off device to make seatbelts easier.
|
| Machine-washable cover | Compared to most other Graco convertibles, the Extend2fit requires more effort to tighten the harness. |
| LATCH install with push-on connectors | The cover is difficult to remove and reattach in front. |
| 6 recline positions and 10 headrest positions | You can’t use the harness strap covers when the child is in the forward-facing position |
| Two removable integrated cup holders | Cup holder is square, so a round bottle (which is the popular shape) may not fit into it. |
| Performed well in real-life crash scenarios. | |
| Tremendous value for the price. | |
| The buckle pockets keep buckles out of the way, making it easy to get your child in and out. |
Installation Process For Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat
When it comes to installation, the Graco Extend2fit car seat fits into the car either by lower anchors or the seat belt, both of which are easier to operate and more reliable than plain metal clips.
The Graco brand demonstrates how parents can properly install the Extend2fit (and its variant models) in their cars in the video below:
Graco Extend2fit User Manual
Like in most other baby gear, the manual that comes with the Extend2fit provides essential instructions for proper assembly, maintenance, and usage of the seat.
It’s like the bible you should follow for optimal safety and performance.
When you buy the product, you’ll find a physical copy in the seat’s storage compartment or attached to it.
You can download the PDF copy in case you lose the physical one with the product.
Comparing Graco Extend2fit With Worthy Alternatives
The Graco Extend2fit Convertible Car Seat is a popular choice, but if you’re on the verge of making a purchase decision, you may want to consider a few alternatives before you make the final choice.
The three popular comparable options are:
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 pounds) to forward-facing harness (22-65 pounds)
- Made of Steel reinforced
- Product dimensions – 21.5” D x 19.5” W x 23.5” H; Product weight – 19.25 pounds
Britax Boulevard ClickTight, like many models in the Britax’s ClickTight line, outshines the Extend2fit when it comes to ease of installation. I also like that it is a plushier and more comfy option. But it falls short for extended rear-facing use, where Extend2fit shines.
Comparing Graco Extend2Fit to Chicco NextFit convertible car seats throws a sharp contrast in size and recline levels. While both seats have a steel frame and 5-Point harness for safety, the Extend2Fit has more headrest levels (10 positions), and the NextFit has more recline levels (9 positions)
For the Evenflo Symphony Elite, it offers rear-facing capacity, accommodating children up to 40 pounds compared to Extend2fit’s 50 pounds.
The Extend2fit also has a longer forward-facing height limit and a higher weight limit for the harness when compared to Evenflo. So in terms of versatility and longevity, Extend2fit appears to be a better investment which makes me wonder why many people try to compare it with the Evenflo Symphony Elite in the first place.
When it comes to price, there’s not a huge gap between these three options. You can find the Chicco NextFit on Amazon within the range of $250 to $320, depending on the color, which is more than $50 costlier compared to the Extend2Fit ($200). On the other hand, the Britax Boulevard ClickTight sells for $370, which is almost double the price of Extend2fit.
Final Verdict
When you create a checklist of the relevant things to look out for when picking a convertible car seat, you’ll realize that the Graco Extend2fit ticks most boxes – legroom, height, and weight limits for rear-facing, affordability, extensive lifespan, comfy cushion, airplane-friendly, solid installation system. The Extend2fit is an all-rounder.
Of course, there’s the issue of square cup holders, incompatible harness straps in a forward-facing position, and difficulty in tightening the harness, especially when compared to other Graco convertibles, but in all fairness, these aren’t necessarily problems.
In the end, the Graco Extend2Fit is indeed the shut-up-and-take-my-money convertible car seat that many owners call it. In my honest opinion, it’s definitely worth the buy.
What do you think? Let me know in the comment section.
