REASONS TO BUY
Super adjustable
Very roomy
Nice armrests
High-quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Back sort of floppy
Tricky belt routing
Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 Review
While it has better crash test analysis, there are higher-ranking boosters that cost less
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ February 27, 2025
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
RELATED: Best Booster Seats | Crash Tested
Our Verdict
The Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 is an impressive booster seat with more adjustability than the competition. This high-ranking option includes some of the lowest combined crash test sensor data in the booster group, creating a seat we think could offer an additional margin of protection over the average seat. The Shuttle Plus 120 is a seat that grows with your child, featuring side wings that expand in width, a headrest/seatback that extends taller, and a removable back. We love the high-quality materials, the functional armrests, and the narrow width, which makes buckling easier for passengers. This seat features a rigid LATCH connection, ensuring it remains in place when a child is not on board. It also offers the flexibility to switch between a high-back configuration for everyday use and a backless configuration for travel and carpooling. While the Shuttle Plus is more expensive than its competitors, we believe it justifies its higher price due to its superior performance in most metrics. If your budget allows, we think you'll be pleased.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Shuttle Plus earned better than average crash test analysis results in our tests. Credit: MGA Research
Crash Test
The Shuttle Plus 120 earned one of the best results for our crash test analysis.
We commission professional crash testing through MGA with a test that is slightly faster and a more modern sled than the federal guidelines require. Our goal is to determine if any of the boosters stand out and could potentially offer an additional margin of protection over the average seat. As all of the boosters in this review are assumed to pass the federal guidelines, they are all considered safe.
The graph depicts the sensor data from the highest-scoring booster in the review compared to the Shuttle Plus 120. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
The Shuttle Plus 120 has a sensor data profile similar to that of the top performing Nuna. Credit: GearLab & MGA Research
The sensor data collected for the Shuttle Plus 120 showed fewer G-forces than many competitors. It has some of the lowest combined results for both the HIC and chest clip sensors in a competition where lower is better. We believe these results suggest that it could offer a margin of protection over most of the competitors in this review.
The LATCH connectors on the Shuttle Plus release is located under the seat bottom cushion. The rigid design is easy to push onto the vehicle LATCH anchors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Peg is one of the easier-to-use boosters in the group. It offers more features and adjustments than several competitors, yet remains straightforward and predictable in its operation.
The LATCH connectors on the shuttle Plus are easy to release. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Our test model had no problem connecting the vehicle buckle. While the seat bottom's width is reasonable, the armrests and cup holder can get in the way. However, with some practice, it was not hard to accomplish with the model in the seat.
Even the armrests and cup holder on the Shuttle Plus didn't interfere with the ability to buckle in. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The headrest adjusts to the child's height and keeps the belt correctly aligned. Threading the belt through the shoulder positioner is easy, but it takes some concentration to slide it around the curve. It might be hard for younger passengers, but it can also stay in the positioner between uses for threading. It is not an everyday occurrence.
The Shuttle has a rotating back dial that allows you to widen or narrow the side wings on this booster to better accommodate children of various sizes. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The headrest on the Shuttle Plus adjusts up and down based on the passenger's height. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Shuttle has rigid LATCH connectors that work well and are easy to apply. We love that the booster stays in place, even when a child is not in the seat. The Peg has two handles, one located at the back of the headrest and the other closer to the seat bottom. We aren't a big fan of the way the back flops around when you carry it, but it is a small price to pay for the adjustability, and you likely wouldn't be carrying it far or for very long.
Our water bottle barely fits in the cup holder on the Shuttle Plus, and you might need a narrower bottle better suited for regular use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The cup holder is well-made, stays in place, and is within reach of older children, but our Thermos kids' water bottle didn't fit, and younger passengers might not find it as useful. It comes with one cup holder, but you can purchase another if needed.
The Shuttle Plus is fairly narrow at 16 inches at the widest point. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Weight and Size
The Shuttle Plus is neither lightweight nor narrow. It is narrower than many competitors, measuring 16 inches wide.
The Shuttle Plus is relatively narrow near the place where the seat belt ties into the buckle. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The width can be a consideration depending on how many seats or people you need to fit in a single row. Still, it is a consideration because when a booster is too wide, it can be challenging to buckle the vehicle belt.
The Shuttle Plus is somewhat heavy, with a weight of 16.4 lbs only a handful of competitors weigh more. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Peg's weight in full back mode is 16.4 lbs, heavier than most competitors. This is important if you need to move the seat frequently or carry it any distance. However, it might not be a significant factor in your buying decision if it is going to sit in your car unmoved most of the time or shift between vehicles nearby.
The Shuttle Plus back is removable to create an easy-to-carry and transport backless booster for travel or carpooling. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you need to take this booster on the go, the back is removable, creating a significantly smaller and lighter booster that you can carry or stow in more places.
The bottom of the Shuttle Plus seat has a handle for carrying. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Shuttle Plus can be used without the back, making it lighter, smaller, and easier to manage for travel or carpool situations. Credit: Matt Lighthart
While we prefer a high-backed booster for everyday use, it is nice that the Shuttle Plus is versatile for occasional carpooling or travel.
The wings on the Shuttle Plus offer additional support and comfort. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Comfort
The Plus 120 is one of the more comfortable boosters and should be on your shortlist if you worry about chronic complaints from kids in boosters.
The seat has firm padding, and while it is more comfortable than those with primarily hard plastic and fabric over it, our kid tester found it bumpy but still gave it higher praise than others.
The Shuttle Plus does not have much padding in the seating area, like many of the competitors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This is another two-fabric seat, featuring a thicker and more durable fabric in the bottom area, where most wear and tear typically occurs. The fabric in the middle is softer with armrests that almost feel slippery. While none of the materials are the softest in the group, they are not uncomfortable, even when rubbed on the cheeks.
The Peg headrest has supportive and thicker padding to help stabliaze napping little ones. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The seat bottom of the Shuttle Plus is somewhat busy under the cover, which can be felt by the passenger. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The headrest is well-cushioned and soft enough for napping. Curiously, Peg chose to use the rougher fabric in the headrest than in the midsection. While it wouldn't have been our choice, we wouldn't count it out for this reason.
The components of the Shuttle Plus work well, and the materials feel durable and solid. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
The Shuttle Plus 120 is a higher-quality option compared to the competition. This Peg earned one of the highest scores in our quality testing.
The fabric on the Shuttle is soft yet durable. While not the softest option in the group, the head area is softer and doesn't feel like it would chafe. The padding is firm and supportive in the seat area, with softer padding around the headrest area, but minimal padding in the back. This is pretty standard in the high-backed booster arena.
Rotating the knob on the back of the Shuttle Plus widens the wings on the Shuttle for customization for the seatback width. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The features on the Shuttle Plus work as they should and feel solid. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Due to the adjustability of the back and wings on the Shuttle, the shell feels somewhat flimsy. The padding is minimal, and the ability to move in and out to suit the size of the passenger leaves it feeling less substantial than those that do not adjust. That said, it doesn't appear to impact performance or our confidence that it will remain a durable choice over time.
The Shuttle Plus is a great choice for those who favor adjustability, customization, and better crash test results. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Should You Buy the Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120?
While the Plus 120 did not win an award, it is a higher-ranked high-back booster that performed well in our tests. This Peg earned impressive results for crash test analysis and is easy to use, making it a compelling option for many parents. If you need adjustability for your child or want reclining options with armrests and your budget is bigger, then the Plus 120 might be for you. There is nothing wrong with this seat. However, there are lower-priced choices that earn better crash test analysis results and offer better comfort and quality in our tests.
What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?
We think the Nuna AACE is the booster for most families who can afford the mid-range price. This booster earned one of the group's highest scores in its crash test analysis. It is easy to use and has impressive comfort and quality. While it is a bigger, heavier seat, we think the savings are worth the added weight and believe most parents will be grateful for the better crash test score. If budget is a top priority, the UPPAbaby Alta v2 is a possible contender, with crash test results slightly lower than the Peg and a price tag often a hundred dollars lower. The Alta v2 is one of the easiest to use in our tests and provides better quality with a similar comfort level.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Peg Perego Viaggio Shuttle Plus 120 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $300 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | While it has better crash test analysis, there are higher-ranking boosters that cost less |
| Pros | Super adjustable, very roomy, nice armrests, high-quality |
| Cons | Back sort of floppy, tricky belt routing |
| Rating Categories | Peg Perego Viaggio S... |
| Crash Test (35%) | |
| Ease of Use (25%) | |
| Weight/Size (15%) | |
| Comfort (15%) | |
| Quality (10%) | |
| Specifications | Peg Perego Viaggio S... |
| Modes | High Back Booster, Backless Booster |
| High Back Booster Weight Range | 40-120 lb |
| High Back Booster Height Range | 39-63 in |
| Width | 16.0 in |
| Weight | 16.4 lb |
| Backless Booster Weight Range | 40-120 lb, at least 5 yrs |
| Backless Booster Height Range | 39-63 in, at least 5 yrs |
| 5 Point Harness Weight Range | N/A |
| 5 Point Height Range | N/A |
| LATCH Equipped | Yes |
| Recline Positions | Many |
| Foam Type | EPS |
| Seat Lifespan | 12 Years |
| Aircraft Certified | No |
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