In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
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 didn't impress in our commissioned crash tests, earning one of the lowest results in the lineup. It is also not comfortable, with almost no padding, and the quality makes the already low 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.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Lighter-weight
REASONS TO AVOID
Lower crash test analysis results
No back support
Free-floating if not buckled in
New Version
Graco has released version 2 of the TurboBooster, which looks largely to be the same thing with minor cosmetic differences. While we can't say it is, we think it is similar enough that our review of the original can be useful.
While the price is appealing, and the weight is light, it struggles to compete and disappointed in most metrics
A great overall option with better crash testing, tester-preferred comfort, and simple installation make it a favorite
A good all-around option with few flaws but some seats are better
The perfect choice for travel and carpooling, but its lower quality and average crash test result make it less ideal for everyday use
This travel choice is uncomfortable and harder to use than similar options that had lower prices and better crash test analysis
Rating Categories
Graco TurboBooster B...
Chicco KidFit Zip Ai...
Chicco KidFit ClearT...
BubbleBum
Hiccapop UberBoost I...
Crash Test(35%)
4.8
7.3
6.5
6.7
6.3
Ease of Use(25%)
7.5
8.3
8.3
8.0
6.3
Weight/Size(15%)
7.9
6.5
6.6
10.0
8.7
Comfort(15%)
3.2
7.3
6.8
4.4
4.9
Quality(10%)
3.6
7.8
7.0
3.6
3.6
Specifications
Graco TurboBooster B...
Chicco KidFit Zip Ai...
Chicco KidFit ClearT...
BubbleBum
Hiccapop UberBoost I...
Modes
Backless Booster
High Back Booster, Backless Booster
High Back Booster, Backless Booster
Backless Booster
Backless Booster
High Back Booster Weight Range
N/A
40-110 lb
40-100 lb
N/A
N/A
High Back Booster Height Range
N/A
38-57 in
38-57 in
N/A
N/A
Width
16.3 in
18.2 in
18.4 in
11.3 in
15.0 in
Weight
4.5 lb
11.8 lb
10.3 lb
0.9 lb
1.1 lb
Backless Booster Weight Range
40-100 lb
40-110 lb
40-110 lb
40-100 lb
40-110 lb
Backless Booster Height Range
43-57 in
38-58 in
38-57 in
40-57 in
38-62 in
5 Point Harness Weight Range
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5 Point Height Range
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
LATCH Equipped
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Recline Positions
N/A
2
2
N/A
N/A
Flame Retardant (FR)
Not Disclosed
Not Disclosed
100% FR-Free (ClearTex version only)
Not Disclosed
Not Disclosed
Foam Type
None
EPS
EPS
None
None
Seat Lifespan
10 Years
8 Years
8 Years
4 Years from purchase date
None
Aircraft Certified
No
No
No
No
No
Our Analysis and Test Results
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. The goal is the lowest g-forces.
While each booster in this review should be considered safe and is presumably compliant with federal guidelines, we ran our tests at hotter, looking for outliers and standout options.
The TurboBooster sensor data experienced more G-forces during crash testing than the sensor used when testing the Nuna. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
The TurboBooster sensor data shows more G-forces during crash testing than the sensor in the Nuna. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
This Graco has some 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 the difference is minuscule. 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, being easy to use should be no problem. The TurboBooster is 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; however, the shoulder belt became twisted. We believe this will sort itself out over time as children learn how it works and gain some practice.
The TurboBooster lap belt pathway is color-coded, and our tester had no trouble getting the belt buckled. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The shoulder guide positioner might require a little parent help as it can get twisted. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Some testers also struggled with determining what to pull and what to tighten after buckling, but again, this is a learning curve issue that we think will become 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 features two pull-out cup holders. 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 remove the entire seat to tip it over and remove crumbs. We were able to secure our test water bottle in the holder without it falling 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, weighing 4.5 lbs, mainly due to its lack of a back. While we prefer a backed booster, we know there are times when a smaller and lighter option is what you need. Despite its lighter weight, it would not be our choice for travel or carpooling, as it is harder to carry than some of its smaller competitors.
It is also pretty narrow, with a width of only 16.3 inches. A few competitors are narrower in the seat but have a wider back. The narrow seat width makes it good for multiple seats in a single row; however, combined with its disappointing crash analysis, we would still 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 that 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 features a jersey knit cover, and the padding is equivalent to that of a blanket. 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 the lack of back support 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 of 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 install in any way, so if there is no passenger, you'll need to buckle it in place to prevent it from moving around freely 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, such as armrests and cup holders. However, it is not our seat of choice for any use, whether daily or for travel, and given the lower crash testing results, we recommend that 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, better crash test results, and impressive features for comfort. Plus, it can go backless when you need it to. If you want the booster with the best crash test results and your budget can stretch, the Nuna AACE is our favorite. While it is more expensive than Graco, it remains reasonably priced compared to many competitors, and its price is justified by impressive test results across almost every metric.
