Peg Perego Viaggio Flex 120 Review

Crash Test

The Peg Perego offers some of the best crash-test results in the group, leading to one of the highest analysis scores in this lineup.

All of the boosters are considered safe and have passed the federal guidelines, but we ran our commissioned tests faster and used a different sled than the federal standard. We hoped to identify boosters that potentially offer an additional margin of safety. We believe the Peg is one of these boosters.

While the Peg performed well in our crash testing, the Nuna showed fewer g-forces in the HIC sensor.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Despite scoring well in our crash test analysis, the Peg couldn't keep up with the lower sensor recordings of the Nuna AACE.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

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This booster had some of the lowest-recorded G-forces in the group for the HIC (head sensor) and chest clip sensor. Both were relatively impressive, and together they created a booster we'd recommend for those seeking better crash-test performance.

Ease of Use

The Peg Perego earned one of the highest ease-of-use scores in the group, with an impressive showing in this metric. This option was super easy for a child tester to buckle themselves into.

It has a narrow seat bottom and no armrests to get in the way of buckling up. The shoulder guide requires a little bit of finesse, but it also didn't accidentally fall out, so we will take it. The shoulder belt sits in a nice position, and the lack of an armrest resulted in less lap belt shifting. The seat itself has loads of adjustability, including the torso/sides moving in and out and the headrest moving up and down.

With no arm rests on the Peg to work around, our tester had no trouble buckling the belt.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The shoulder positioner on the Peg places the belt in a comfortable position that is not too close to the passenger's neck.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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The lack of armrests helps make this option narrower and easier to maneuver. It has useful handles, and it folds in half for carrying. These features make it easier to maneuver in general.

The bottom has a handle to pop out rigid LATCH connectors. We like that they pop out and don't require pulling or adjusting. They have a color indicator that reassures the user that the connection with the anchors has been made correctly. It has an intuitive recline adjustment that works well.

This option has two cup holders with open bottoms. The open bottom reduces how quickly the holders collect gunk, and the water bottle's bottom rests easily on the car seat. This design worked well with our kids' water bottle, but it might not work well for shorter cups that can't touch the seat.

Weight and Size

The Peg is narrow but heavier than the average option in our group, weighing 15.7 lbs. While not prohibitive for moving from car to car in the same parking lot, it is likely too much to hold in line at TSA or to make a kid carry it for after-school pickup.

Its width is narrow for the group; however, perhaps in part due to the lack of armrests, it measures 16.3 inches at its widest point.

Comfort

The Peg is one of the most comfortable options in this test group, which says a lot since it doesn't even come with armrests. When you sit on this booster, your whole body will relax.

The cushioning is nice, and you can feel the difference between it and most of the competition. It is both giving and supportive in all the right places. It is almost as if someone considered how a passenger would feel riding in it.

There is also more adjustability in this seat with side supports that can be moved out and in in addition to the headrest moving up and down. Both features make this a good option for kids of varying sizes. This option also has back padding, which is oddly not a given in this category of safety seats.

The fabric is smooth and feels good on the face, and we think kids will agree. The headrest is snug to the back shell, and the sides are close to the head so that napping is comfortable and intuitive.

Quality

Given the higher price, it is good that the Peg has a higher-than-average performance for quality.

The padding offers resistance that indicates support but gives enough for comfort and to avoid pressure points. There is slightly more padding in the seating area than average, and the thickness extends to the torso “wings” and back.

The lack of armrest on the Peg appears to be deliberate choice that makes it both easier to use and brings the cup holder closer to smaller passengers.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

The materials and adjustability bring to mind an attention to detail that creates a higher quality seat than much of the competition.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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The cover tucks in for a sleek and finished look that is tight to the shell and padding. The racing strip gives it a high-end look. The seat feels svelte and not bulky, and we appreciate the adjustable features we didn't see elsewhere. It is not all plastic, and that means a lot in a category where many are flimsy plastic everywhere. It has no armrests, which is a choice, but our tester didn't seem to mind, and the lack of them might be good for larger children.

Should You Buy the Viaggio Flex 120?

Yes, perhaps. While we love this seat and its impressive crash-test results, it might not be the right option for all families. The Peg is a comfortable seat with impressive adjustability. It is easy to use and has features for both parents and passengers to swoon over. We suspect most families will love everything about this high-ranking booster seat and think it is one for most families to consider. However, this is a higher-priced option, and the price could be a deal-breaker for some families, making it a potential no-go for those with smaller budgets.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?

If your goal is the best crash test analysis results, the Nuna AACE is the one you should consider. This booster is less expensive than the Peg and offers better-quality materials. While it is also somewhat heavier, the ease of use is comparable. If the Peg and Nuna prices are out of your price range, the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1 is an impressive alternative that is nothing to sneeze at. This Chicco earned similar scores in most metrics to the Peg but has a price that is almost half that. We love the higher crash-test score, the overall comfort and ease of use, and we think many kids will swoon over the leg lounger padding. While the price might be half, you get so much more, and we think most families will be just as pleased with the Chicco and the extra money in their pocket as they would be with the Peg Perego.

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