Do you have a couple of little ones at home and are looking for the best car seat for Hyundai Elantra? This article will give you the top 5 choices, along with pros and cons and detailed reviews.
As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s imperative to install a car seat at the rear of your car if you have kids below 12 years of age.
However, the maximum age for the kids to use a car seat varies from state to state. I live in Michigan, and here, the maximum age for kids to sit in a car seat is eight years or until they are 4 feet and 9 inches tall.
I have twin daughters, and recently they started going to their daycare. Hence I needed a comfortable and safe car seat for them. I spent days selecting the best car seat for my Hyundai Elantra.
Finally, I liked five options for my kids. I have carefully reviewed all the five products for your convenience so that you don’t waste much of your time selecting the best car seat for your kids.
I have also included:
- Answers to some questions related to the topic.
- Things to look for before you buy the best car seat for Hyundai Elantra, and
- In-depth review of five products and their pros, cons, technical specifications, and all the features in detail.
Take a look!
Things To Check Before You Buy A Car Seat For Hyundai Elantra
Safety
When we buy anything for our kids, we always have their safety in mind: their toys, food, or a car seat. A car seat must be safe for your kids. It must pass all the safety tests, including front, side, and rear crash tests.
Also, they must be FAA-approved, but some extra approvals from JPMA and ASTM do not harm. I selected only those seats on my list that were safe for kids and passed not all but almost some government approvals.
Installation
Car seats can be a real headache to install, and we all agree with that. Hence look for a car seat that suits your original car seat size. It must have an easy latch system to hold the seat tightly and click in for installation without any hassle.
They should come with a proper manual and instructions which could help you further in installation. All the seats on my list have this feature, and they all are easy to install.
You might also like to read: Which car seats did we find were the best for an Audi Q5?
Comfort
If the kids are not comfortable at the rear, your entire money and efforts will be vain. Hence it is imperative not to overlook the comfort of our children when it comes to their car seats. Look for extra paddings and breathable fabric all over the seat.
Also, it will be great if you get an extra insert pillow with the regular ones. And if we talk about the comfort of the front passenger, if he/she gets extra legroom, it’s an added advantage.
Not all car seats on my list give this extra legroom, but they indeed have extra padding for your child’s overall comfort.
Adjustability
It’s essential to have some adjustable features in your car seat. Firstly, the harness and the headrest must be flexible. Secondly, the reclining position must be adaptable.
These adjustable features enhance your child’s comfort, and they tend to wean less when they are comfortable. The car seats on my list have these comfortable features, and you must not ignore them.
Also read – How to remote start an older model Hyundai with no Bluelink
Other features
There is no harm if your child’s car seat has extra features such as long life, a warranty period, cup holders, infant to booster mode, and harness holders.
These features make your car seat a great car seat and enhance your child’s comfort. I have included only those seats in my list with these additional features.
Have a Jeep Wrangler? These convertible car seats will be ideal for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. Can you fit a car seat in a Hyundai Elantra?
Yes, you can easily fit a car seat in a Hyundai Elantra. If you buy a convertible seat, you can fit two of them. You can fit three of them in the rear of the seat is sleek, just like the Diono Radian.
#2. Can you fit two car seats in a Hyundai Elantra?
Yes, you can easily fit two car seats in a Hyundai Elantra.
The care has Latch anchors in the rear seats. While the lower Latch that is nearest to the door is hard to use, the other Latch is convenient. Some of the best car seats for Hyundai Elantra are Britax, Safety 1st Grow, Graco, and Maxi Cosi.
#3. Can you fit three car seats in a Hyundai Elantra?
No, the Hyundai Elantra does not support three car seats simultaneously.
#4. Where do you put the car seat in a 2017 Hyundai Elantra?
You put the car seat in the car’s rear in a 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The car has sufficient backspace to fit two to three seats in a row.
#5. What is the safest car seat in a car?
Safety 1st Grow And Go is one of the safest car seats on the market. This is one of the strongly built car seats, which is better than its counterparts.
The seats are mechanically engineered and have a reinforced steel core. The plastic materials all over it are also not any ordinary plastic but high-density automotive-grade plastic.
Looking to choose a car seat for Jeep Compass? Read our article here.
Best Car Seat For Hyundai Elantra: Our Top 5 Choices
#1 Safety 1st Grow And Go Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Safety: 9.9/10
- Installation: 9.7/10
- Comfort: 9.8/10
- Adjustability: 9.7/10
- Other features: 9.8/10
Technical Specifications
- Weight capacity: 5 to 100 pounds
- Expiration: 10 years
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.2 x 24.2 inches (L x W x H)
- Maintenance: machine washable seat cushion
- Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
- Harness type: 5 point harness
Bottom Line
Before making a purchase, I looked for a one-time investment thing, and Safety 1st is precisely what I needed. It has a ten year long expiration date. It grows with my kids. They can use it while they are infants, toddlers, and even when they have turned adults, whose height is a whopping 52 inches. No wonder it is an all-in-one convertible car seat.
Pros
- The seat pad is removable and replaceable, and machine washable.
- It is easy to adjust the headrest and the harness in a straightforward step.
- The seat is FAA-approved in harness mode.
- It does not occupy much legroom if you place it in the rear-facing position.
- While you put the kids in the seat, the harness holders hold the harness to make the entire process hassle-free.
- The 5-point harness ensures users’ safety.
- It’s possible to position the recliner in three comfortable positions.
- The latch system makes it easy to install the seat in the car.
- It comes with a one-year warranty.
- It has cup holders on both sides for spill-free rides.
Cons
- The booster mode is not FAA-approved.
- Some people might have issues while installing the seat.
Features in Detail
- Safety: Our child’s safety is our topmost priority when buying any stuff for them. Likewise, I wanted a safe car seat for my twins, and I am happy that till the time they are toddlers, I have nothing to worry about as the seat is FAA approved. Also, the seat meets or exceeds JPMA, ASTM, and federal safety standards.
- Installation: The seat comes with a latch system that makes it easy to install. Also, it’s hassle-free to install it with the car’s belt. I could install both the seats without any hassle in my Hyundai Elantra.
- Comfort: The front seat passenger has enough legroom even if you install it at the rear position for your infant. And if you talk about the kids’ comfort, they just enjoy their rides like never before. The extra insert pillow, the breathable seat fabric, and adequate padding all over the seat make it a very comfortable ride.
- Adjustability: You can easily adjust the seat in three reclining positions. Also, it is not challenging to adjust the harness and the headrest as per your child’s comfort.
- Other features: The seat offers a great weight capacity, it has a strong build, has two cup holders and removable seat pads. These additional features make this car seat one of the best car seats.
Looking for car seat covers to protect your leather seats? Read this article to find the best options
#2 Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat
Features
- Safety: 9.6/10
- Installation: 9.5/10
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Adjustability: 9.4/10
- Other features: 9.6/10
Technical Specifications
- Weight capacity: 5 to 100 pounds
- Expiration: 10 years
- Dimensions: 20 x 19 x 23.25 inches (L X W X H)
- Maintenance: Sear pad is machine washable
- Orientation: Rear-facing
- Harness type: 5 point
Bottom Line
The Graco TriRide car seat comprises polyester and alloy steel materials. These materials make the product sturdy, strong, yet comfortable. And the company is not blabbering, and these strong materials ensure that the seat lasts for ten years till your child doesn’t become an adult. Hence, if you search for a seat that does not compromise on its build, you must go for Graco TriRide.
Pros
- The seat comes with a cover that makes it stain-resistant and is machine washable.
- The no-rethread harness makes it easier to adjust the headrest and harness in 10 different positions.
- You can change the recliner to 6 comfortable positions.
- The upholstery material is breathable.
- It comes with an infant body support.
- The shoulder harness and leg straps have pads that enhance comfort.
- It is tested for side impacts hence safe for your child.
- It’s easy to buckle and unbuckle it.
- The seat is airplane approved.
- An Alloy steel frame ensures sturdy.
Cons
- Some parents complained that the seat pads slide a lot.
- A few consumers found the Latch system to be less compatible.
- Some complained that the child’s head keeps hanging nowhere even after six reclining positions.
Features in Detail
- Safety: Like any other Graco product, this car seat is FAA-approved. It has also been tested for all types of crashes, especially the side, front, rear, and rollover crashes. This is the major reason this seat has a place on my list.
- Installation: Some users had some installation issues. But this car seat comes with a manual and labels with instructions for quickly installing the seat and safely placing the kids. I had no issues with its Latch system, and the harness belts were easy to put on.
- Comfort: If I talk about comfort, the seat has many features that convey that it was designed keeping a child’s comfort in mind. Firstly, there is sufficient padding all over the seat. Secondly, there is padding in shoulder harnesses and leg straps, which do not rub through your kid’s skin. Lastly, the adjustable features enhance comfort.
- Adjustability: You can easily adjust the headrest and the harness in 10 unique positions with no-rethread technology. Also, you can recline the seat in 6 comfortable positions to enhance users’ comfort.
- Other features: The seat comes with cup holders that are easy to clean, and the removable cover is also machine washable. The seat has three mode settings; hence it grows with your child from the rear-facing harness to the high back booster. I found all these additional features highly attractive for the price.
Also read – When is it the right time to remove the infant insert from the car seat?
#3 Britax One4Life All-In-One Car Seat
Features
- Safety: 9.4/10
- Installation: 9.2/10
- Comfort: 9/10
- Adjustability: 9.3/10
- Other features: 9.4/10
Technical Specifications
- Weight capacity: 5 to 120 pounds
- Expiration: 10 years
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 19.5 x 25 inches (L X W X H)
- Maintenance: removable cover is machine washable
- Orientation: Rear-facing
- Harness type: 5 point
Bottom Line
Britax manufactures one of the safest car seats for its little customers. The SafeCell honeycomb designs, the top tethers, sturdy steel frames, EPS foam, and the anti-rebound bar ensure the utmost safety of the car seat users.
Pros
- The seat comes with 2 cup holders that are dishwasher safe.
- You can position the headrest in 15 unique positions
- It has an amazing maximum weight capacity of 120 pounds.
- The cover is removable and machine washable.
- It has several safety features that overall take care of your child.
- The shoulder harness and the leg harness are padded.
- There is a storage compartment for harnesses and anchors.
- The seat is ventilated, which increases comfort and airflow.
- It is easy to install with the latch system.
Cons
- You need to uninstall the car seat to change the reclining positions.
- Some users complained that the straps were flimsy.
Features in Detail
- Safety: The Britax car seat is FAA approved. The top tethers reduce the risk of head injuries. These seats are made using SafeCell Technology (honeycomb design), a sturdy steel frame, and you will find the EPS foam all over the body. The honeycomb design can sustain high-impact crashes and would only crumble in such scenarios. Additionally, the anti-rebound bar stabilizes the car seat in the rear-facing position in the case of a collision. Also, the diamond-weave pattern of the chest harness will prevent your child from moving. I am delighted with all these safety features.
- Installation: the seat’s color-coded belt path helps install the seat easily. The seat’s base is very smooth, which further enables a more straightforward installation. You can install the seat easily on an airplane seat, not just in a car. You get simple instructions from the manufacturer to do so.
- Comfort: Britax has taken utmost care of the convenience of the kids. The seats from all over are well padded. Also, the shoulder strap and the leg harness have padding that does cause any abrasion. After using this seat for long hours, my kids never had any belt marks on their bodies.
- Adjustability: it is easy to adjust the headrest and harness in 15 unique positions with the no-rethread hassle. Also, the seat is adjustable in 3 modes, from infant to booster. Also, the backrest is reclining.
- Other features: two removable cup holders, machine washable covers, ten years life span, and a convenient carry handle are some of the significant additional features this seat comes with. I am in total awe of this product.
#4 Diono Radian 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Safety: 8.7/10
- Installation: 8.6/10
- Comfort: 8.3/10
- Adjustability: 8.5/10
- Other features: 8.5/10
Technical Specifications
- Weight capacity: 5 to 120 pounds
- Expiration: 10 years
- Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 28.5 inches (L X W X H)
- Maintenance: cover is machine washable
- Orientation: convertible seat
- Harness type: 5 point
Bottom Line
This is one of the strongly built car seats, which is stronger than its counterparts. The seats are mechanically engineered and have a reinforced steel core. The plastic materials all over it are also not any ordinary plastic but high-density automotive-grade plastic. These high-grade materials ensure the child’s safety and the longevity of the product.
Pros
- The seat is pocket friendly.
- The Safe Stop Technology ensures kids’ safety.
- It’s an FAA-approved product.
- The seat is foldable and portable, and easy to store.
- It’s easy to install the seat with latch connectors with an audible click.
- The larger bottom and expandable sides offer comfort.
- You can use the rear-facing mode till your child is four years old.
- The upholstery includes 90% polyester and 10%spandex which makes it a durable seat.
Cons
- The seat misses an infant insert.
- It is pretty heavy to carry.
Features in Detail
- Safety: This seat is an FAA-approved seat, ensuring that its users stay safe even during high impacts. The material of the seat enhances its safety feature and makes it perfect for a car seat. The seat offers super side-impact safety. As it comprises of energy absorbing EPS foam.
- Installation: it is easy to install the seat with the help of the latch system. Also, you can hear a click after installing the seat, which ensures that the seat is properly placed and locked in the correct position.
- Comfort: the upholstery material is very breathable and enhances the airflow. Also, the polyester and spandex make it a comfortable seat. The belts and harness are padded and easy on your child’s skin.
- Adjustability: the seat is adjustable in 3 modes from birth to booster; hence you don’t need to go and hunt for a new seat when your child grows. This seat grows with your child. Also, the headrest is easily adjustable. Also, the harness can be easily adjusted without uninstalling your car seat to rethread it.
- Other features: the seat has a long life of 10 years, expandable seat width, 3-across setting at the rear, and high weight capacity are some of this seat’s great features.
You might also like to read: 6 Best Car Seat For Extended Cab Truck
#5 Maxi-Cosi Pria 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
Features
- Safety: 8.4/10
- Installation: 8.3/10
- Comfort: 8.2/10
- Adjustability: 8.4/10
- Other features: 8.3/10
Technical Specifications
- Weight capacity: 4 to 100 pounds
- Expiration: 10 Years
- Dimensions: 25.25 x 24 x 19.88 inches (L X W X H)
- Maintenance: car seat cover is washable
- Orientation: Forward Facing and Rear Facing
- Harness type: 5 point
Bottom Line
This is the most luxurious car seat on this list. Great safety features, world-class material, several adjustable features, and overall comfort and reliability make it one of the best car seats for Hyundai Elantra. I had no issues installing or using it, and it is perfect for my twins.
Pros
- You can easily fit the harness to adjust your kids’ height.
- It absorbs the crash force energy with its side impact protection.
- It’s a 3-in-1 car seat. Hence you won’t have to buy one when it’s time for your child’s transition from infant to the booster.
- The headrest is adjustable at five different positions.
- The recliner is also adjustable at three comfortable positions.
- It comes with an audible one-click latch system.
Cons
- The car seat is pretty heavy.
- It is not a very affordable product.
Features in Detail
- Safety: This car seat is an FAA-approved car seat. It absorbs the crash force energy with its side impact protection. Also, the materials made up of are highly durable and enhance the riders’ safety.
- Installation: the seat comes with a simple installation system. The latch system is easy to put on, and you can hear a click sound after installing the seat, ensuring safe locking.
- Comfort: The seat is comfortable from everywhere. First of all, the upholstery material is highly comfortable and is smooth on the skin. Secondly, the straps are padded, which ensures comfort. And lastly, the adjustable features enhance the users’ comfort.
- Adjustability: the headrest is adjustable in 5 different positions. Also, the recliner is adjustable in 3 comfortable positions. Hence it is perfect for a growing child.
- Other features: cup holders, harness holders, high weight capacity, and quickly lift shoulder harness are some of its high-class extra features. These features make this seat one of the best in the market.
My Top 3 Choices
A safe and comfortable car seat is all we need for our children for long journeys. In my opinion, the above five seats are the best in this category. However, if you don’t have much time to go through all five of them, here is a quick review of the top three car seats.
The best option is the Safety 1st Grow And Go Convertible Car Seat. This is because I have nothing to worry about as the seat is FAA approved. Also, the seat meets or exceeds JPMA, ASTM, and federal safety standards.
The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat is another great choice. It offers polyester and alloy steel materials. These materials make the product sturdy, strong, yet comfortable. And the company is not blabbering, and these strong materials ensure that the seat lasts for ten years till your child doesn’t become an adult.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the Diono Radian 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, which offers strongly built car seats, which is stronger than its counterparts. The seats are mechanically engineered and have a reinforced steel core. The plastic materials all over it are also not any ordinary plastic but high-density automotive-grade plastic at a very reasonable price point.
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Thank you for reading, I hope this helped. Make sure you get a great car seat from the choices above and always remember to keep you child in car seat until the age of 12!
