Graco is a well-known brand for baby products, so I was excited to test out the Graco My Ride 65 convertible car seat. However, I was disappointed with the results.
The installation was a pain. The car seat has the LATCH system to ensure proper installation, but the straps are hard to use. There is a level indicator that shows if the car seat is at the right angle as well.
I felt confident that my child was safe when using the car seat because it has EPS energy-absorbing foam and a 5-point harness system.
The built-in cup holders were a nice addition. My child spilled some juice on the seat, but I was able to easily remove the cover and wash it in the washing machine.
However, I found the seat to be frustrating in some areas. It is too wide for many vehicles and probably won’t work with multiple car seats in the same row. Additionally, the padding is severely lacking after removing the infant insert.
Other comparable car seats offer features such as harness padding and reclining options, but this one does not. This makes it not worth the price.
Overall, I do not recommend the Graco My Ride 65 convertible car seat. It lacks the features that more affordable car seats have and it is just too frustrating to use.
Graco My Ride 65 Basics – Quick Overview
The Graco My Ride 65 is a standard, two-way car seat, meaning you can use it in a rear-facing and a forward-facing (with harness) position.
This convertible car seat is not only easy to use, safe, and affordable, but it also comes in a variety of neutral fabric choices. Sully, Go Green, and Sylvia fabrics are sure to match most styles and tastes.
| Safety |
|---|
| Current AAP safety recommendations and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend that children ride in a rear-facing position until they are at least two years old. Furthermore, the AAP and NHTSA suggest that parents keep kids secured in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum height and weight limits for their seats. The My Ride 65 supports both recommendations by keeping kids in the rear-facing position up to 40 pounds and forward-facing (with harness) up to 65 pounds. Additional safety features help keep kids as protected as possible in case of a crash. EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam provides extra side-impact protection, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) straps also help ease installation. My Ride 65 also has a level indicator to make sure the seat is installed at the proper angle and is FAA-approved for airplane travel. |
| Key Safety Features |
| ✅ EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam ✅ LATCH ✅ Level indicator ✅ FAA approved |
| Safety Ratings |
| ✅ Rear-facing weight range = 4-40 pounds ✅ Forward-facing weight range = 20-65 pounds ✅ Height range = under 50 inches |
| User-Friendly Features |
|---|
| You’ll be happy to know that in addition to safety, the Graco My Ride 65 also comes with a slew of user-friendly features that parents love. A removable infant insert and toddler headrest keep smaller kids more comfortable, adjust the five-point harness from the front of the seat, and use the three harness length settings to help kids of different sizes fit snuggly. Graco Car Seat My Ride 65 includes two built-in cup holders to keep drinks and snacks within arm’s reach. The fabric cover can also be easily removed and washed when life inevitably happens. |
| Key User-Friendly Features |
| ✅Removable infant insert ✅Front-adjust harness ✅Three harness length settings ✅Two integrated cup holders ✅Machine-washable cover |
| Frustrations |
|---|
| As with any convertible car seat, the Graco My Ride 65 also has it’s set of difficulties. Parent reviews claim that the LATCH strap is hard to use, which makes installation challenging. Furthermore, many parents complain that they can’t get the LATCH strap tight enough for safety’s sake. Parents also mention that the My Ride 65 is unusually wide. It may not be a great choice for anyone with a compact car or for those of us who need to put multiple car seats in the same row. Parents also indicate that once you remove the infant insert, My Ride 65 doesn’t have enough padding. Since it’s on the inexpensive end of the spectrum, users also criticize that it lacks some of the comfort features that other seats have like recline options and harness padding. When choosing a convertible car seat, be aware that they have one similar pitfall, they are not compatible with any travel system or stroller. This will be a deal-breaker for parents with newborns. Having to wake a sleeping baby to take them out of a car isn’t anyone’s favorite pastime. |
| Key Frustrations |
| ❌Hard to install. ❌LATCH strap doesn’t tighten enough. ❌Unusually wide. ❌It lacks sufficient padding. ❌There are limited recline options. ❌Not compatible with any travel system. |
Graco My Ride 65 Car Unique Installation
Parents who utilize the My Ride 65 complain about how difficult it is to install. It’s important to mention the unique installation method used to make this seat work well.
First, note that the gray feet on the bottom of the seat must be flipped outward to install the My Ride 65 in a forward-facing position. Tuck in the same feet when installing the car seat in a rear-facing position.
Additionally, you should note that it’s easier to install the My Ride 65 rear-facing when you pull up the fabric cover by the cup holder. Pulling the seat belt or LATCH strap up through this hole will also give you a better angle when tightening.
- Rear-facing up to 40 pounds.
- Forward-facing up to 65 pounds.
- EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam.
- LATCH installation.
- FAA approved for airline travel.
- Infant insert included.
- Two integrated cup holders.
- Machine-washable cover and padding.
- Front-adjust five-point harness.
- Three harness length settings
- Hard to install.
- Difficult to tighten securely.
- Big and bulky.
- No recline options.
- Not compatible with strollers
| Expiration |
|---|
| An expiration date for the Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat can be found stamped on the bottom or on the back of the seat itself. All My Ride 65 models will expire six years from the date of manufacture. |
| Recalls |
|---|
| In 2017, Graco issued a massive recall on more than 25,000 My Ride 65 car seats. During a routine crash test, the webbing on specific seats did not meet federal requirements for break strength. This potential failure could cause the webbing to break, which wouldn’t keep children restrained if involved in a crash. Graco sent registered consumers a recall notice, a replacement harness, and instructions on how to install it. Those who didn’t register can find extensive recall information on the Graco website. If your model is under recall, you can contact the company directly for your replacement packet. |
Comparing the Car Seat to similar products
Graco offers an extensive line of convertible car seats for parents to choose from. We can be confident that all lines meet or exceed all federal safety standards.
They will also provide us with the multitude of features that we come to expect with Graco products, but what’s the difference? And why should we choose one model over another?
Graco My Ride 65 vs. Graco Contender 65
Another similar 2-in-1 option is the Graco Contender 65. While this seat has identical safety ratings as My Ride 65, it includes a few updated features that parents might enjoy.
The Contender 65 comes with the Simply Safe Harness System allowing parents to adjust the headrest and harness together in one fell swoop, without the pain of rethreading. It also has one additional recline position that may help ease installation and keep kids more comfortable when they’re on the go.
| Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|
| Use as a rear-facing and a forward-facing safety seat. Affordable EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam LATCH Level indicator FAA approved Removable infant insert Three harness length settings Machine-washable cover | Simply Safe Harness System One additional recline position One integrated cup holder. |
My Ride 65 Vs. My Ride 65 LX
The Graco My Ride 65 LX was released to complement the existing My Ride 65 line. These two virtually identical models are not only the same size but offer the same standard safety and use features that you see in the My Ride 65.
The only difference you’re going to find between these two convertible car seats lies on the inside.
As its name suggests, the My Ride 65 LX is the ‘luxury’ model sporting plush fabric and enhanced padding in the headrest to keep kiddos riding more comfortably. As you can imagine, the LX also comes at a higher price point.
| Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|
| Use as a rear-facing and a forward-facing safety seat. Affordable EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam LATCH Level indicator FAA approved Removable infant insert Front-adjust harness Three harness length settings Two integrated cup holders Machine-washable cover | Plush fabric. More padding in the headrest. Higher price point. |
My Ride 65 Vs. My Size 65
Graco Size 65 may come at a higher price point than the My Ride 65, but it also extends a few of the features.
Additional features include a three-position recline for easier installation and rear-facing comfort in addition to two upgraded safety components, a Simply Safe Harness System and the InRight LATCH system.
Simply Safe lets parents seamlessly adjust the harness and the headrest together in a straightforward motion. Complete InRight LATCH installation can in just one second, as opposed to the standard LATCH installation included on the My Right 65.
| Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|
| Use as a rear-facing and a forward-facing safety seat. Affordable EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam Level indicator FAA approved Removable infant insert Three harness length settings Machine-washable cover | Simply Safe Harness System InRight LATCH installation One integrated cup holder. |
Graco My Ride 65 Vs. Nautilus 65
Parents are going to find the most significant number of differences between the My Ride 65 and the Nautilus 65. First and foremost, the Nautilus 65 is a different type of safety seat.
Designed as a 3-in-1 convertible car seat, use the Nautilus 65 as a harnessed booster, a high-back booster, and a backless booster to accommodate toddlers and big kids from 22 to 100 pounds.
It’s important to note that the Nautilus 65 does not have a rear-facing option. Another big difference you’re going to see is that the Nautilus 65 has a steel-reinforced frame for increased strength and durability.
Weighing in at 20 pounds, it will give you a workout if you need to carry it around. You’re also going to find open-loop belt guides that will help simplify installation. The Nautilus 65 is also equipped with upgraded features like the Simply Safe Harness System and a three-position recline for extended comfort. Contoured armrests even include a cup holder and storage pockets.
| Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|
| Affordable EPS Energy-Absorbing Foam Level indicator FAA approved Machine-washable cover | 3-in-1 convertible car seat – harnessed booster, high-back booster, backless booster. Steel-reinforced frame. Open-loop belt guides for installation. Simply Safe Harness System. Three-position recline. Contoured armrests with one cup holder and storage. |
Conclusion
The Graco My Ride 65 is an excellent option for parents seeking a reliable, dependable, convertible car seat. It is easy to install and use, has a long lifespan, and has several features that make it comfortable and safe for your child. It is also reasonably priced, making it an accessible choice for families.
Overall, the Graco My Ride 65 is an outstanding choice for parents who want to ensure their child’s safety and comfort during car rides.Is the Graco My Ride 65 not the one for you? Then why don’t you head over and check out our comprehensive car seat reviews?
