Nuna AACE Review

Crash Test

The Nuna earned the highest crash test analysis score thanks to some of the lowest sensor data from crash tests that we've ever seen in booster seat tests.

All of the boosters in our review have passed federal guidelines to be sold in the US and, therefore, should be considered safe. We ran crash tests on sleds that better mimic modern car seats and go a bit faster than the federal guidelines require. Our goal is to identify seats that exceed the average test results.

The Nuna HIC sensor results were the lowest in the group, where fewer forces are better.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

The Nuna AACE had the lowest chest clip sensor g-forces in the group.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

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The Nuna is definitely a standout seat in this way. As a result, we believe it has the potential to offer an additional margin of protection over those with more average sensor data and crash test analysis results.

The AACE has a pop-out side-impact protection feature. How this impacts the seat's response during an actual crash is not something we can comment on, but we do appreciate safety considerations, and, theoretically, it could absorb forces from an impact under the right circumstances.

Ease of Use

The Nuna earned an impressive score for ease of use. While it isn't the highest score, it is high enough to ensure a smooth-operating seat. We think it is easier to use than most.

The Nuna has rigid LATCH connectors that press onto the car anchors with ease. They are stored folded under and slide on easily without much effort or pressure. We love a booster that attaches to the car so it isn't moving around loose in the vehicle when not in use. It comes with LATCH guides, but we don't think they are necessary in most cars.

The Nuna's headrest is easy to extend to the height you prefer. The lever is easy to squeeze, and the headrest moves up and down smoothly.

The headrest includes the shoulder belt positioner, which we had to raise to thread the belt and then lower for shorter passengers.

It also includes a lip on the back for carrying, which makes it easier to hold and carry when switching cars.

Buckling the seatbelt is easy for the passenger, but it isn't as easy as some competitors. We had to push the seat to the opposite side to get a clear shot.

The larger armrests also add an obstacle, but this wouldn't stop us from choosing or recommending the seat; given the better crash test results, it feels like a small price to pay.

The cup holder isn't the best on the Nuna. It has a minimalist design with not much going on, but it is too narrow for our test kids' water bottles. You can purchase additional cup holders from Nuna, but in our experience, most kids get by without a cup holder just fine.

Weight and Size

The Nuna is a beast, in good and bad ways. It weighed 15.9 lbs in our tests, which put it on the higher end of the scale. While the average is somewhat high, it was skewed by one competitor that weighed more than 25 lbs.

The Nuna is much lighter and smaller as a backless booster. While we prefer high-back options for regular use, there are times when a smaller booster is required.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Going backless with the Nuna can be useful for travel or carpooling.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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It is also skewed by an inflatable booster that weighs under a pound. While heavier, it can be converted to a backless booster for travel or carpooling, making it lighter for occasional use.

The Nuna width is 16 inches, which is neither super narrow or wide.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Nuna is 15.9 lbs, which is a lot compared to the inflatable boosters, but nowhere near as heavy as at least one booster that weighs over 25 lbs.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Nuna measures 16 inches on the seat at its widest point. This is fairly narrow for the group, with smaller options largely being inflatable backless boosters.

Comfort

The Nuna performed well in our comfort tests, ranking among the highest in the group.

The padding is lighter than that of some other Nuna-brand car seats we've tested, but it is still better than most other boosters.

Our child tester felt there wasn't enough padding, but the design is typical for this kind of seat, and while it isn't the thickest in the group, it is thicker than some competitors.

The seat has two different fabrics, both of which feel soft. They appear to strike a good balance between durability and comfort.

The side panel fabric is softer and somewhat silky, which is probably a choice made because it will see less direct and constant contact.

The headrest is substantial, with soft fabric and thick padding in all the right places for passenger comfort and napping. Our tester child liked it more than most competitors.

Quality

The AACE is a high-quality option that performed well in our quality tests. It earned one of the highest scores in the group and even outperformed some options that cost more, which is always cool.

The Nuna has firm and supportive padding throughout. The fabric and padding both feel durable and look well-made with no stray threads or poor stitching. The shell feels sturdy and includes substantial EPS foam in the side and head area.

Should You Buy the Nuna AACE?

Yes. Without question, if your budget allows it, we think you can't go wrong with the Nuna. This booster offers one of the best crash test analysis results in the booster lineup. It is easy to use, has a LATCH connection to keep it in place, and is of higher quality than many competitors. This option has a reasonable price tag compared to many and compared to convertible car seats we've tested. Given the potential years of use, we think it is a good use of your dollar if you can afford it. The Nuna is not ideal for those who need a travel or carpool option, and it might be too far of a budget stretch for those who need to make every dollar count.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?