Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Review

Graco started in 1953 when Graco Metal Products hired an engineer to create new products. Rex Thomas and David Saint were inspired by a patio glider to design the first best baby swing. The unique swing went on to sell millions, creating brand recognition for Graco in the baby world. Graco continues to manufacture top-ranked car seats, strollers, play yards, and more.

Performance Comparison

Crash Test

The Graco Extend2Fit earned one of the highest crash test analysis scores in this lineup. The sensor data for this seat were impressive. They indicate a potential additional margin of protection over the average seat in this review, where all pass the federal minimum and should be considered safe.

The HIC and chest clip sensors in the Extend2Fit were some of the lowest in the group in a testing situation where lower is better.

The HIC was almost the lowest in the group! Considering these values, it is no wonder it excelled at the crash test analysis.

Ease of Install - LATCH

Installing the Extend2Fit is relatively easy using LATCH, earning an above-average result for this group, with only a handful of seats earning higher. There is no lock-off, a bubble indicator on one side (Rear-facing use only), and push-connectors on a flexible strap.

The recline adjustment handle is easier to use on this option than on other Gracos, and the range is adequately wide. The seat padding has a Velcro-style attachment that makes moving it out of the way a breeze, which you'll need to do to access the pathway. The LATCH connectors are readily available and easy to attach or remove. It takes little effort to tighten the strap, but nothing significant that would make it a deal-breaker. It feels stable once installed.

Forward-facing installation is also straightforward, with simple recline adjustments and velcro attachment on the padding. Threading was no problem, but we did have to stick a knee in the seat to get leverage for tightening. Pulling the strap didn't take much effort in the second car, but the knee was still helpful. A tensioner or lock-off might have made this all easier, but it wasn't tricky and felt stable.

Overall, nothing significant stood out for either installation direction, which is not something we can say about very many seats.

Ease of Install - Belt

Installing this Graco with the vehicle belt is more challenging than the other Gracos we tested, but it is better than average for the group. While installing with the belt isn't a standout in this metric, and we recommend LATCH if the manufacturer guidelines allow it in your situation, we think it is straightforward and won't lead to crying.

The Extend2Fit has a bubble indicator for rear-facing installation. Still, there is no color coding or a lock-off, which is a bummer as it traditionally makes installation easier and more stable. The rear-installation pathway is overshadowed by the forward-facing path with color coding, which feels like a poor design. Adjusting the recline moves smoother than some of the competition, but it is low on the seat, so you need to adjust before pressing the seat against the back of the vehicle seat. The seat material can get in the way, so it's up to the installer to handle this. It's really only about average in difficulty and stability, and we think a lock-off would go a long way in improving this process.

Still no lock-off or color coding on the forward-facing installation of the Extend2Fit. While the seat has some varying colors, it doesn't appear that they mean anything, and you'll need your manual nearby to reference.

The pathway, however, is unencumbered, and the belt is easy to thread. Shifting the recline angle is easier in this position, and it seemed to move smoother than rear-facing. We had some trouble tightening in both test cars, and a tensioner or lock-off would have been a huge benefit here, saving time and energy. It has more wiggle in the final installation test than seats with a lock-off, but it passed.

Ease of Use

This Graco earns an above-average score for ease of use but isn't the easiest Graco we've tested.

Harness

The harness buckle and chest clip are average, with no real struggles or standout features to rave about. The buckle is standard, and the button is square. Pushing in the pongs takes a little more force than the average option. The chest clip pinch release is on the left shoulder strap and is easy to use; while not in the usual location, it didn't hinder the process.

Tightening the harness on the Extend2Fit was more complicated than the average option. It kept getting caught on something, making it harder to pull for a snug fit. It is much easier to release, so whatever gets caught during tightening isn't involved in the release process.

Adjusting the Extend2Fit harness height is better than most with non-rethread adjustment on ten levels with two different buckle strap possibilities. The headrest comes out higher than the seat but moves smoothly. It goes up and down without resistance, but the pinch mechanism is slightly stiffer than competitors, but nothing you'd notice if you hadn't used all of the competition.

LATCH Storage

The LATCH storage is straightforward clips on the sides of the seat back. The location is open and easy to access and works well with a basic design that is only average.

Cover

This Graco has far fewer hooks and loops than some other Gracos. The seating area comes off separately to clean isolated messes more easily. Overall, it is a simple process.

Comfort/Quality

The Extend3Fit is a comfortable and better-quality option than most of the competition, and it is one of the best of the Graco options we tested.

The main seat material is one of the softest in the group and is what we think most parents would look for when shopping for a seat. Instructions for forward-facing installation are sewn onto the side of the outside of the seat, which we haven't seen before, but it keeps them out of the way but readily available. Unfortunately, the infant insert is the opposite of the main seat and similar to the fabric we disliked on a competing Graco. It is rough and not as skin-friendly as we'd like to see.

The headrest has a little more to it than some for better head and neck support. The foam feels like higher-quality padding than some of the competition. The amount of padding is about average, however.

The shell is more open than some that are encased in sleek plastic, and it could create more cleaning challenges. If you want a sharp-looking option, this will probably not meet your needs. It has two side cup holders that have a unique shape and somewhat make up the leg sides of the seat.

Weight/Size

The Extend2Fit splits the bill between the other Gracos we tested with a width and weight right in the middle, like a seat made for Goldielocks. It weighs 20.5 lbs and is 19 in wide. So it is lighter than the average seat but wider than several.

The average weight is 24.3 lbs, and the average width is 18.6 in.

Should You Buy the Extend2Fit?

The Extend2Fit is a great seat, and it earned a similar score to the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, which costs less. This is the only reason it failed to win an award. If your child is taller than average or you're looking for extended legroom, this might be the one for you. It has one of the best crash test analysis results in the group, is easy enough to install, and offers many comfort features. With features like dual cup holders and a padded headrest, this seat is sure to please.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?

Two other Graco options in this review earned awards, the already mentioned Graco SlimFit and the Graco 4Ever DLX. The SLimFit is similar to the Extend2Fit in scoring, with a slight edge for installation using LATCH. The 4Ever has the best crash test results in the group and a higher overall score thanks to impressive ease of use and installation using LATCH. Frankly, any of the three Gracos are sure to please, and which is right for you is likely a personal decision based on goals and needs.

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