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Car Seats · Head-to-head

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car vs Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car

Both made our Best Car Seats Under $150 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

Quick verdict

Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if you want lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal. Choose the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats Under $150 list.

Winner overall: Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat

Side by side

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat vs Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat versus Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat
Attribute
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat product photo
Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car SeatCheck price
Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat product photo
Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car SeatCheck price
Our ranking#1 of 3 in Best Car Seats Under $150#3 of 3 in Best Car Seats Under $150
Pick labelBest overallShortlisted
BrandEvenfloGraco
Key features8.7-pound carrier shell; Fits infants 4 to 35 pounds; Belt lock-off for base-free installationSee full details
Biggest strengthLightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminalLong rear-facing limit to 40 lb
Main trade-offStill needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel withBulky in compact cars
Best fortravelone-seat-for-years value
Decide

Which should you buy?

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat

#1 pick · Best overall

Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if…

  • Lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal
  • Belt lock-off means it installs securely in a rental car without needing to bring or check the base
  • Typically the least expensive seat here, lowering the stakes if travel handling causes wear

Best for: travel

Prefer the alternative? See the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat section.

Check price on AmazonFull details
Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

#3 pick

Choose the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat if…

  • Long rear-facing limit to 40 lb
  • Harness and headrest adjust together
  • Affordable convertible seat

Best for: one-seat-for-years value

Prefer the alternative? See the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat section.

Check price on AmazonFull details
The trade-offs

Pros and cons of each

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat

Pros

  • Lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal
  • Belt lock-off means it installs securely in a rental car without needing to bring or check the base
  • Typically the least expensive seat here, lowering the stakes if travel handling causes wear

Cons

  • Still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with
  • Fewer premium comfort features than the pricier picks
  • Height limit means it will not last as long for an older, taller toddler

Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

Pros

  • Long rear-facing limit to 40 lb
  • Harness and headrest adjust together
  • Affordable convertible seat
  • Machine-washable cover

Cons

  • Bulky in compact cars
  • Heavy to move between cars
  • No booster mode
Answers

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat vs Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat: common questions

Which is better, the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat or the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat?

Choose the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat if you want lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal. Choose the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat if you'd rather have long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. Overall we rank the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Car Seats Under $150 list.

What is the difference between the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat and the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat?

The Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat stands out because lightest carrier in this list, a real difference when carrying it through an airport terminal, while the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat stands out because long rear-facing limit to 40 lb. The trade-offs differ too: the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat's main caveat is that still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with, and the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat's is that bulky in compact cars.

Is the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat worth it over the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat instead if still needs to be checked or gate-checked without a base, since the base itself is bulky to travel with is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat instead of the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat?

The Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat suits one-seat-for-years value, while the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat is best for travel.

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