REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Lighter-weight
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower crash test analysis results
No back support
Free-floating if not buckled in
Graco TurboBooster Backless Review
While the price is appealing, and the weight is light, it struggles to compete and disappointed in most metrics
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Our Verdict
The Graco TurboBooster Backless is a lightweight and smaller booster option from our booster seat review. This booster is basically a boosting seat bottom with armrests and a shoulder belt positioner. We can see how it would appeal to those looking for a straightforward carpooling or travel option who don't want the bulk or weight of a high-back booster. However, we don't see many redeeming qualities in the Turbo Booster that can't be found elsewhere done in a better way. This Graco did not perform well in our commissioned crash tests, with one of the lowest results in the group. It is also not comfortable, with almost no padding, and the quality makes the already cheap price feel like too much. Overall, we think there are better, lighter, more compact options for travel and better, potentially safer, high-backed options for everyday use in our lineup.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Graco TurboBooster Backless | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Booster for Most |  Best Booster for Travel and Carpooling |  Best Booster on a Budget | ||
| Price | $29 List $28.98 at Amazon | $160 List $159.99 at Amazon | $140 List $99.99 at Amazon | $40 List $37.98 at Amazon | $120 List $79.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This basic booster offers disappointing results in most metrics, including crash test analysis, making the low price less appealing | Great choice for most families with better crash testing analysis, easy installation, and cozy seating for kids | Easy installation and use make this a nicer seat, but there are some that offer better crash test analysis | Great for travel and carpooling, but the quality and crash results make it less appealing as an all-the-time booster | A comfy headrest and good crash test results make this lightweight choice an option that won't break the bank |
| Rating Categories | Graco TurboBooster... | Chicco KidFit Zip A... | Chicco KidFit | BubbleBum | Diono Cambria 2 |
| Crash Test (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight/Size (15%) | |||||
| Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Graco TurboBooster... | Chicco KidFit Zip A... | Chicco KidFit | BubbleBum | Diono Cambria 2 |
| Modes | Backless Booster | High Back Booster, Backless Booster | High Back Booster, Backless Booster | Backless Booster | High Back Booster, Backless Booster |
| High Back Booster Weight Range | N/A | 40-110 lb | 40-100 lb | N/A | 40-120 lb |
| High Back Booster Height Range | N/A | 38-57 in | 38-57 in | N/A | 38-63 in |
| Width | 16.3 in | 18.2 in | 18.4 in | 11.3 in | 19.9 in |
| Weight | 4.5 lb | 11.8 lb | 10.3 lb | 0.9 lb | 12.0 lb |
| Backless Booster Height Range | 43-57 in | 38-58 in | 38-57 in | 40-57 in | 38-63 in |
| 5 Point Harness Weight Range | N/A | N/A | #REF! | N/A | N/A |
| 5 Point Height Range | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| LATCH Equipped | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! | #REF! |
| Recline Positions | N/A | 2 | 2 | N/A | None |
| Foam Type | None | EPS | EPS | None | None |
| Seat Lifespan | 10 Years | 8 Years | 8 Years | 4 Years from purchase date | 8 Years |
| Aircraft Certified |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Graco company that creates baby gear launched din 1953, when they hired a new engineer to help create baby-centric products. With the launch of the first baby swing, Graco put itself on the map in the juvenile product world. They continue to make popular strollers, car seats, and more products that families are familiar with.
Performance Comparison
The TurboBooster has one of the lowest crash test analysis results in the group after analyzing the head and chest clip sensor data from the crash test dummy.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
Crash Test
The TurboBooster did not perform well in our crash tests, with some of the highest recorded g-forces for both the HIC (head) and chest clip sensors in the group.
While each booster in this review should be considered safe and presumably has passed the federal guidelines, we ran our tests hotter, looking for outliers and standout options.
This Graco has one of the worst sensor results for the head sensor in the review with recorded G-forces more than twice the next lowest-performing competitors. The chest clip results are somewhat better and manage to prevent this booster from earning the lowest analysis score in the group, but they are still below the average for the group. The HIC result is enough to give us pause, and we would not use this booster with our children.
The TurboBooster is an easier-to-use option, in large part because there is not a lot going on with it.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
When you don't have much going on, it isn't hard to be easier to use. The TurboBooster is pretty straightforward and earned a slightly higher-than-average ease of use score.
Our child tester had no trouble getting the seat belt buckled using the TurboBooster.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
This seat has no back and doesn't install in any way. Our tester was able to buckle the belt easily, but the shoulder belt did get twisted. We do think this will sort itself out over time as children learn how it works and get some practice under their belts.
Some testers also struggled with what to pull and what to tighten after buckling, but again, this is a learning curve issue we think will end up being intuitive and second nature quickly.
The cup holders on the TurboBooster pull out and are sort of stiff but work well and can be adjusted by children.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The TurboBooster has two cup holders you can pull out. They can be adjusted to keep them out of the way when not in use, which might make them easier to keep clean. However, they are not removable, so you'll need to take the entire seat out to tip it over to remove crumbs. We were able to get our test water bottle in the holder and not have it fall out.
The TurboBooster is light enough and small, so kids can manage it on their own if they need to.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Weight and Size
This Graco is one of the lightest in the group at 4.5 lbs, in large part due to its lack of back. While we prefer a backed booster, we know there are times when a smaller and lighter option is what you need. Despite the lighter weight, it would not be our choice for travel or carpooling as it is harder to carry than some smaller competitors.
It is also pretty narrow, with a width of only 16.3 inches. Only one option is narrower than this option, which is great for multiple seats in one row; however, combined with its disappointing crash analysis, we would look elsewhere.
The lack of a back and the hard seating area with limited padding make the TurboBooster less comfortable than most.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
As one of the few backless options we tested, it isn't a huge surprise it didn't score well for comfort compared to the competition. This Graco earned one of the lowest results for comfort. While it is obvious you won't have the nice side or support of competitors, what might not be obvious is the discomfort of the seat itself.
The only thing between the passenger tushie and the booster seat is a thin cover with minimal (non-existent) padding, and while probably okay for quick trips, it will not be comfortable for longer rides.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The hard plastic bottom has a jersey knit feeling cover and the padding is equivalent to a blanket covering. There is no padding to speak of, and while it might be okay for shorter trips, it won't be a favorite on longer drives. Our tester didn't mind there being no back and liked the armrests, but we suspect there would be significant complaining on any road trips.
The TruboBooster cannot be more basic than it is and it doesn't appear as if much thought was put into quality or design.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Quality
The TurboBooster is also poor quality. It is a basic plastic booster with a thicker cover that looks like padding but isn't. There isn't much to this, and even the armrests are attached with just Velcro, which we can't imagine will last over time. It also doesn't even install in any way, so if there is not passenger, you'll need to buckle it in place to prevent it from free roaming in your car.
Passengers of the TurboBooster are able to reach the cupholders, but they aren't super wide or deep and some larger bottles might not fit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Graco TurboBooster Backless?
Small and easy to carry is the name of the game when it comes to finding a boost for travel or everyday carpooling to school or camp. We see how the TurboBooster could end up on your shortlist, given its smaller size, lower weight, and additional features like armrests and cup holders. However, it is not our seat of choice for any use, be that every day or for travel, and given the lower crash testing results, we'd recommend parents look elsewhere for suitable options based on their goals.
What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?
If your goal is an excellent option for little ones to carry themselves or something compact you can use while traveling, then the BubbleBum is our favorite. This simple booster is an inflatable cushion with a shoulder belt positioner that can be quickly and easily deployed in almost any situation. The lower price and better crash test analysis results than the TurboBooster make it a great option for when a high-backed traditional booster would be impractical. If you need an everyday booster for regular car rides, the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is our favorite option. This booster has a below-average price, one of the best crash test results, and impressive features for comfort.
Manufacturer Video
—Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz
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