Cybex Callisto G 360 Review

Crash Test

The Callisto did not impress us in its crash test results. While all seats are presumed safe and meet federal guidelines, we are specifically looking for seats that exceed those standards and stand out from the pack.

To this end, we run our crash tests slightly faster using a firmer crash sled, like those in modern cars. The Cybex performance was below average, with a HIC (head sensor) result just below average (lower is better) and the chest clip sensor recording g-forces significantly above average (fewer G-forces are better). Combined, they weren't the worst in the group, but several are better and cheaper.

The graph shows the Callisto HIC sensor results compared to one of the best in the group.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

The Callisto chest clip sensor results (black line) compared to those of a higher-ranking option. Lower lines indicate fewer G-forces and are therefore better.   Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

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Ease of Install - LATCH

Almost nothing is easier than installing the Callisto using the LATCH connectors. This seat is a one-time installation that is somewhat common in rotating seats. So you essentially install the base one way, and the seat rotates to the configuration indicated by your child's size: rear-facing or forward-facing.

This seat has an installation video, and the hardest part is getting the connectors out from under the base. The built-in tensioner is really nice and straightforward.

The Cybex LATCH connector strap slides behind the lock off in a similar way to the vehicle belt installation.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The LATCH strap on the Cybex only requires a snug tightening to close the lock-off and secure the seat.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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It has push-style connectors on a flexible strap. There is no level indicator. You only need to get the belt snug before using the tensioner/lock-off. The base shape acts as a sort of anti-rebound device, and the seat portion rotates on the base to the desired configuration. Uninstalling is equally easy.

Ease of Install - Belt

If we thought the LATCH installation was easy, the belt installation was the belle of the ball. It features a color-coded pathway, no level to worry about, and a useful lock-off.

The Cybex belt lock-off is easy to access and use.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Pressing the Cybex lock-off closed is easy, and the palm-sized door makes it user-friendly.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Installation requires threading the belt behind the lock-off, pulling it snug, and closing the lock. The manufacturer recommends using the tether belt in all configurations and installation methods.

The entire process is so easy that it almost feels like you didn't do everything, or there should be more. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you do every step, but there really isn't much to do here.

Ease of Use

While easier to use than the average seat, it isn't impressive for the price, and we suspect parents who shell out this kind of cash will be looking for more, as we were.

The Shoulder strap padding extends down behind the chest clip, which is a lovely addition.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Tightening the Cybex harness is easy and smooth with the tightening strap.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Harness

The buckle is just “better” than most. It has a quality that is hard to put a finger on, but side by side, we can tell something is different here. The latch plates slide into the buckle smoothly, and the button is easy to press. The chest clip is average; the sides don't need to be perfectly aligned to work, which is a godsend with fussy toddlers, but the release button is sort of a pain to open.

Adjusting the shoulder strap height is a non-rethread style by way of the headrest apparatus, moving up or down. There are 11 positions with a 12-inch range, and the crotch strap has two positions and moves with a twist and slide motion we love. The movement is smooth and easy to do with a child in the seat. Tightening is fairly easy, and slight adjustments are possible. The rubbery dots on the back of the padding can get caught on clothing, making it a little harder to tighten the harness without clothes shifting. Loosening is straightforward, but if the harness is tight, there is a “popping” when the release button is pressed.

LATCH Storage

LATCH connector storage is a messy operation, and we couldn't figure out an elegant way to stop the straps from ending up all over the place. it comes with a rubber band to wrap around the folded strap, but this seems like something parents are likely to throw away.

The connectors clip under the base; this step is easy, but the straps have nowhere to live. This solution will not serve you if you need to carry the seat. Carrying it will cause the straps to swing and try to trip you.

Cover

The manual offers directions on the cover removal, and they are okay with no real surprises. There are some snaps and loops to undo, but overall, it is intuitive and not arduous. It took us about 3.5 minutes to take it off. Putting it back on is more of a bear, with the main padding causing confusion and the headrest pad challenging to get around the handle at the top. It took 8 minutes to put it back on.

Comfort/Quality

When you show up to the party in the most expensive dress, people expect it to also be the best. The Callisto costs a pretty penny but fails to deliver for comfort and quality, earning an average score compared to seats that cost far less. To be clear, it isn't that anything is “wrong” so much as it isn't mind-blowing.

Most of the fabric is a mesh that breathes well, but isn't very soft and will likely collect gunk more easily. There is an abrasive quality to the material, and we don't know how it will feel on longer rides when bare skin rubs against it. However, we do suspect little ones will get less sweaty sitting on it. Coupled with the only canopy in a convertible seat we've ever seen, it could translate to better temperature regulation for passengers.

We think the mesh fabric on the Callisto is a mistake, as it is somewhat abrasive and full of small holes where food, liquids, and other gunk will collect, making it hard to clean.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Cybex has padding, but it isn't as supportive as we'd hoped. The fabric is a breathable mesh that could be irritating to the skin and collects grime and gunk easily.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The padding has a poufy, fluffy feel that is less supportive than we'd like. It isn't dense, and it compresses easily. The back padding is somewhat denser, so you can't feel the channels running behind it. While somewhat better than many contenders, it has more going on that requires some better padding. We really like that the shoulder padding on the straps also extends behind the chest clip. There are some rubbery dots on the back that help keep it in place, and we don't like them, but if little ones are wearing full shirts with sleeves, it is probably fine.

The shell and the rotating base are busy, with many features, stickers, and adjustment points. We worry about liquids and other food getting on the rotating track and causing issues with functionality. It would be hard to get all areas clean, and whether it is vomit, melted ice cream, or a spilled drink, it is not hard to imagine a mess at some point in the seat's lifetime.

The Callisto has dual cup holders.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The cup holders on the Cybex are wide but fairly shallow. Nothing fell out during testing.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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The Cybex has two cup holders that are fairly wide at the top, but they taper at the bottom. We couldn't fit our kids' Thermos all the way in, and while it didn't fall out, it was wobbly. More importantly, because children in convertible seats often use wide-bottomed sippy cups, we suspect most will not fit in the holders. In fairness to Cybex, many car seat manufacturers don't seem to care whether actual children's cups fit in their holders.

The infant insert is firm foam with more support than the seat padding. While the back portion is the same mesh as the main seat, the rest of the insert is softer, as if they knew infants would need more skin-friendly fabric.

Weight/Size

If you're looking for a seat that can beat up all the other seats thanks to its imposing size, the Callisto is a contender. This car seat is heavy and wide, making it a poor choice for car switching, carpools, or travel.

The Cybex weighs in at a whopping 35.8 lbs. For reference, the average seat is closer to 25 lbs, and the lighter, high-ranking seats are closer to 20 lbs. It also measures 19.5 inches wide. This is a full inch over the average and almost 3 inches over the narrower options. While this might not matter to everyone, those with smaller cars, three people in the back, or with taller front passengers, it could be a deal breaker.

Should You Buy the Cybex Callisto G 360?

The Calisto is a hard-to-love seat, but boy, did we try. It is cool-looking, has super-smooth rotation, and has some of the easiest installation we've ever had the pleasure of using. However, it didn't impress us in our crash testing with results below the average, and the quality and comfort were a disappointment, especially at this price. Speaking of price, this is one of the most expensive seats we've ever tested, which makes any of its shortcomings or foibles all the more unpalatable. The price is so high that you can buy two better-performing seats with some of the best crash test results, making the Calisto a no-go for us.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?