The Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 (all-in-one) is an ideal budget-friendly convertible car seat. It’s best for kids of 4 to 80 pounds through transitions. However, while the cup holder, headrest, body pillow, and reclining orientations are the best benefits, it doesn’t sit level in the rear-facing position and has mixed reviews on durability. Still, it’s among the best budget-friendly options, selling for only $100.
Cosco has been my go-to brand for baby strollers, but I decided to try their Easy Elite 3-in-1 convertible car seat for two of my kids. Unfortunately, except for the incredibly affordable price point, there are not many outstanding features of this car seat compared to other popular options on the market that I’ve used.
In the rest of this article, I will walk you through the key features of the Cosco Easy Elite all-in-one car seat, its specifications, price comparisons, and pros and cons. As a bonus, I have reviewed worthy alternatives to help streamline your options to the best picks for your budget.
Overview Of Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1
Having used the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat for seven months, the time is ripe for me to say I’m pretty impressed—not necessarily in terms of features, but how it measures up despite the low price point.
The car seat isn’t much different from most other options regarding weight capacity. It accommodates children from 5 to 80 pounds, which is not up to par compared to many alternatives on the market. But it does a pretty good job from infancy until your child is ready for a belt-positioning booster.
The installation process wasn’t a hassle, thanks to the manual provided. After combing scores of reviews, I realized the Easy Elite 3-in-1 could sometimes be hard to install quickly and securely. But the manual is available for you.
The area I frown at is that you need to rethread the harness straps as your child grows, so you need to remove the car seat each time and the crotch strap too, which is easier said than done.
Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Specifications
Here are the specifications of the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 car seat:
| Seat weight | 16.32 pounds |
| Rear-facing weight limit | 5 – 40 pounds |
| Forward-facing weight limit | 22 – 50 pounds |
| Rear-facing height range | 19 – 40″ |
| Forward-facing height range | Up to a hair inch from 45″ |
| High back booster weight limit | 40 – 80 pounds |
| High back booster height range | up to 57″ |
| Lower anchor weight limit | 40 pounds |
| Lowest harness position | 10.5” |
| Highest harness position | 16.75″ |
| Price | $100 |
Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Features
The Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 is the same as other car seats as far as features go. The removable cup holder is the only outstanding benefit, as it creates more space for another car seat if you have multiple children.
This goes to say that, in terms of features, the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 doesn’t stand out, but it’s a quick fix that’ll keep your child safe and comfortable.
Here are other key features of this car seat:
| Feature | Why It Means | Benefit |
| Reclining orientations | The rear-facing and forward-facing car seats can hold children within a 5 to 40-pound and 22 and 50 pounds weight range, respectively. The belt-positioning is available for weights between 40 and 80 pounds. | It grows with your child, which means it serves for a long time. |
| Adjustable harness | The rear-facing and forward-facing car seats can hold children within a 5 to 40-pound and 22 and 50 pounds weight range, respectively. The belt-positioning is available for weights between 40 and 80 pounds. | Cool maneuverability options |
| Removable cup holder | A removable cup holder that makes keeping a sippy handy much easier. | Easy to maintain cup holder |
| Padded headrest | Plushy and well-padded sides of the headrest. | Car rides are much more enjoyable for kids in this car seat. |
| Padding | The car seat has a body pillow that doubles as an extra support in rear-facing mode. | It keeps babies safe and comfortable. |
| Washing machine friendly | The seat padding is machine washable | Stress-free maintenance |
Who Is The Cosco Easy Elite All-In-One Car Seat For?
Coso made the Easy Elite 3-in-1 car seat for budget-conscious parents. Considering the low price point compared to most other alternatives, the seat is perfect for families with multiple children who still need car seats or boosters at the same time.
It doesn’t have the best features and may not be a solid option if you’re interested in high-end car seat quality for your child. But if you’re on a budget and can’t get your hands on anything else, this quick fix will keep your child safe and comfortable.
What Comes With The Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat?
When you purchase the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat, it comes with the following items:
- Owner’s manual
- Car seat base
- Car seat assembly with an extra pillow
Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Pros and Cons
There is no perfect product out there. Like many car seats, the Cosco Elite All-in-one has good and bad points. But after combing through threads of reviews on major baby car forums, I observed that the positive reviews of Easy Elite 3-in-1 outweigh the negative comments. So before you get this product, keep the following pros and cons in mind:
| What I liked | What I did not like |
| Excellent price point | Not as durable as advertised |
| Soft padding for comfort | Difficult to use and adjust in the rear-facing position |
| Easy to use in the front-facing car seat and booster options | Does not sit level in the rear-facing position |
| Compact/ can fit three across a standard bench seat | Moves around in the rear-facing option |
| Bilingual instructions with photos and tips | Not enough padding on the headrest |
| Extra pillow for comfort | |
| The extended use allows you to pass it down to younger children. | |
| Machine washable and dryable padding |
How Does The Cosco Easy Elite All-in-One Convertible Car Seat Ensure Maximum Safety For Your Child?
Here are some ways this car seat ensures the highest safety for your child:
- Rear-facing safety usage: Cosco recommends children remain rear-facing for the entire first year, and this adjustable, reclining seat makes that possible while keeping your little one comfortable.
- Airplane: The Easy Elite is allowed on planes in harness mode only but may not fit well in rear-facing mode, especially for children under 22 pounds.
- With a height range of 19 to 52 inches, moving up according to how the car seat or booster is used, this car seat will keep your little one safe and secure in the case of an accident.
- Expiration date: The Easy Elite has a ten-year expiration date from the time of manufacturing.
How To Install Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat
Cosco says their Easy Elite All-in-one car seat is seamless to install. Still, many users are not hesitant to share their difficulty, especially when renting this model from car seat rental services.
Here is a video that demonstrates the proper installation procedure for the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 car seat:
You can also download a PDF copy of the owner’s instructional manual.
Does The Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 Car Seat Have Recalls?
Though some versions of car seats by Costco have had limited recalls, the Easy Elite 3-in-1 has no current recalls on record. If you correctly install the car seat and booster version, and the child falls within the correct height and weight range, this car seat is a safe option.
Comparing Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 with Worthy Alternatives
If, after considering the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1, you have a change of mind and are willing to shell out a bit more cash for better options, I strongly recommend you look into these two models:
- Graco 4ever All-in-One
- Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1
Here is a quick side-by-side comparison of these alternatives:
| Product Name | Price | Distinctive Benefit | Major Drawback | Weight limit (Rear-facing) | Weight limit (forward-facing) |
| Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 | $100 | Affordable and fits children of different sizes and ages | Sometimes challenging to install it correctly | 5 – 40 pounds | 22 to 50 pounds |
| Graco 4ever All-in-One | $300 – $350 | Weight limit up to 120 pounds and extended versatility | The bulky size makes it challenging to fit into smaller vehicles | 4 – 40 pounds | 22 – 65 pounds |
| Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 | $160 | QuickFit harness system for easy adjustment (both harness and headrest) | The relatively lower weight limit for rear-facing use | 5 – 40 pounds | 22 – 65 pounds |
1. Graco 4ever All-in-One vs. Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1
The Graco 4Ever All-in-One car seat offers superior safety features, durability, and ease of use.
While the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 car seat is more affordable, it lacks the same level of comfort and convenience. Ultimately, the Graco 4ever stands tall for families looking for a long-term investment in their child’s safety.
Key similarities
- You can convert both car seats from rear-facing infant car seats to forward-facing car seats and booster seats.
- Both are easy to install and adjust for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Both have multiple recline positions for maximum comfort.
Key differences
- The Graco 4ever All-in-One car seat is pricier, costing about twice the amount of the Easy Elite.
- The Easy Elite isn’t as heavy as the Graco 4ever.
- The additional padding and cushioning on Graco 4ever offer maximum comfort superior to Easy Elite.
- Grace 4ever has a built-in cup, while the one in Easy Elite is replaceable.
2. Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 vs. Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1
![Cosco Easy Elite All In One Review [Convertible Car Seat] 1](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mWq2ahufw3SjVrdKg5jrKxIwWBlo9_gU_YbSEfoZU8Ohx4lnAWZA14bvqiZXijudBudmvZdvieAWwJKmWBsU72rCjPAdms2egjBxvts8YbyQdd8CGhQxzGGw9OEUl9sIrbWLOhxSvfnOKyiaS4ItZ_I "Cosco Easy Elite All In One Review [Convertible Car Seat] 3")
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 has better crash test ratings and higher weight limits than Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1. So it is considered a safer and more versatile choice for growing children.
Key similarities
- They are both convertible car seats that modify into three reclining positions.
- You will find adjustable headrests and harness heights in these seats.
- The two products have removable, machine-washable covers.
Key differences
- The extra padding in Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 is plushier.
- Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 has higher weight limits and will accommodate your child if they are up to 100 pounds. Cosco Easy Elite’s limit is 80 pounds.
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
My Final Verdict
Overall, I’ll call the Cosco Easy Elite 3-in-1 an affordable option. At least, it’s adaptable for your child’s growth. I also like the prolonged expiration date. It’s a sign that the car seat will be worthwhile throughout your child’s transition from one stage to the next.
In all fairness, Cosco did a fantastic job with the Easy Elite all-in-one. The padding is easy to clean and has a built-in cup holder for convenience. My kids enjoyed snacks while on the go without leaving any lingering stains.
Still, Cosco Easy Elite is generally an average car seat. There’s nothing grand about the product. Of course, it is a secure and cost-effective choice for your family. But if you’re willing to spend a little more, consider better options, especially the Safety 1st Grow and Go.
Meanwhile, I’ve tested the Safety 1st Grow and Go. You can check my review of this alternative if you have time.
