In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Graco 4Ever DLX Review

One of the top crash test scores with no fuss installs are sure to make every parent happy
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Graco 4Ever DLX Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $330 List
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Manufacturer:   Graco
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 5, 2024
80
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 19
  • Crash Test - 35% 8.8
  • Ease of Installation - LATCH - 20% 7.9
  • Ease of Installation - Belt - 15% 7.1
  • Ease of Use - 15% 8.0
  • Comfort/Quality - 10% 6.5
  • Weight/ Size - 5% 7.5

Our Verdict

The Graco 4Ever DLX is a favorite convertible car seat in our review. This Graco seat has it all and does everything you need for a reasonable price. With one of the group's highest crash test analysis results, it stands out from the pack immediately. Combined with its easy LATCH installation and almost as straightforward belt installation, it is easy to like this simple convertible seat and what it offers. If offering an additional margin of protection wasn't enough, this Graco is also super easy to use and relatively lightweight compared to the competition. There is much to love about this seat; it offered more than enough to win top honors in our review.
REASONS TO BUY
Top crash test analysis
Easy LATCH install
Easy-to-use features
REASONS TO AVOID
Rough fabric
Hard-to-remove cover for cleaning
Editor's Note: We performed an extensive testing update of 20 popular brand seats for our updated convertible car seat review on January 5, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
graco 4ever dlx
This Product
Graco 4Ever DLX
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Convertible and Crash Testing
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer
Best Value Award
Best Value Convertible Seat
 Best Value Award
Best on the Tightest Budget
Price $330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$250 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$220 List
Check Price at Amazon
$320 List
$319.99 at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line Easy to install and use and one of the best crash test analysis scores make this seat a winner for most familiesBetter crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the markWallet-loving price on a seat that is easy to install and earned better crash test results than mostGetting the seat tight is a challenge despite the SuperCinch, but the better crash test results make it more compellingDespite a lack of padding and a harder LATCH install, this inexpensive option earned impressive crash test results, making it a winner for budget-limited families
Rating Categories Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Chicco NextFit Zip Evenflo Tribute 5
Crash Test (35%)
8.8
8.6
8.5
8.4
8.6
Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%)
7.9
7.8
7.9
6.1
4.3
Ease of Installation - Belt (15%)
7.1
6.4
6.5
6.1
5.6
Ease of Use (15%)
8.0
7.0
7.5
8.5
5.0
Comfort/Quality (10%)
6.5
8.5
8.0
7.0
3.0
Weight/ Size (5%)
7.5
7.5
7.1
7.1
7.8
Specs Graco 4Ever DLX Graco Extend2Fit 3... Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Chicco NextFit Zip Evenflo Tribute 5
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 4-40 lb 4-50 lb 5-40 lb 5-40 lb 5-40 lb
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 22-40 lb
Rear Facing Maximum Height Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle 43 in 37 in
Forward Facing Maximum Height 49 in 49 in 49 in 49 in 40 in
Weight 21.8 lb 20.5 lb 18.5 lb 25.8 lb 9.4 lb
Minimum Rear Facing Length 25 in 26 in 28 in 27 in 29 in
Minimum Seat Width 19 in 19 in 19 in 19 in 18 in
Number Of Recline positions 6 6 4 9 1
Shoulder Harness Positions 10 10 10 9 4
Crotch Strap Positions 2 2 3 2 2
Anti-rebound Device No Yes No No No
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Infant Positioning Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Harness Type No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat Bubble, one side Bubble, one side Bead, one side Bubble, both sides Line on decal, both sides
Booster Mode Available Yes Yes Yes No No
Foam Type Not mentioned Not mentioned EPS EPS EPS
Seat Lifespan 10 years 10 years 10 years 8 years 6 years
Aircraft Certified Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes Yes
Warranty 1 year limited 1 year limited 1 year limited Not mentioned on website 90 day limited

Our Analysis and Test Results

Graco Metal Products started making new gear in 1953 after bringing on a new engineer. Rex Thomas and David Saint created the first top-ranked baby swing with real-life inspiration from a patio glider. This new swing sold millions of units, launching the Graco name into the baby product universe. Graco continues to design swings, as well as baby walkers, favorite car seats, strollers, and more.

Performance Comparison



In our commissioned crash tests, the Graco 4Ever earned on of the best crash test analysis results based on the sensor data from the crash test dummy.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


The 4Ever is one of the highest-ranked for crash test analysis, with impressive sensor results for both the HIC and chest sensors in our hotter-running crash tests. All safety seats in our review meet federal guidelines and should be considered safe. However, we run a slightly faster test with a sled that more closely mimics a modern-day vehicle seat, looking for those seats that stand out compared to competitors. We are looking for seats that perform better than the average, and this one is stellar.


The 4Ever has one of the lowest recorded G-forces in our testing for the chest clip score. It is really an impressive result, considering some seats recorded force far higher.

The Graco 4Ever had some of the lowest sensor recordings of G-forces...
The Graco 4Ever had some of the lowest sensor recordings of G-forces on the crash dummy. The lower the forces, the better the score.
The Graco 4Ever head sensor data was some of the best in the test...
The Graco 4Ever head sensor data was some of the best in the test group.

The HIC or head sensor also recorded lower results, almost a third of the highest recorded forces (lower results are better for both). Overall, we believe the 4Ever test results and analysis indicate that this seat potentially offers an additional margin of protection.

The 4Ever lock-off is a two-part system that is straightforward but takes a flat strap and some pressure to accomplish.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - LATCH


The 4Ever is not the highest-scoring seat for LATCH installation, but it is straightforward and performed better than the average option we tested. It has a flexible strap with push-style LATCH connectors. There is no lock-off and a bubble indicator on one side only.


The 4Ever recline adjustment handle is on the foot of the chair...
The 4Ever recline adjustment handle is on the foot of the chair portion of the Graco.
The 4Ever has bubble-style level indicators that are easy to read...
The 4Ever has bubble-style level indicators that are easy to read and have a wide possible range.

The rear-facing installation of the 4Ever includes the foot recline handle position standard on many convertible seats. You need two hands to get the recline angle to change, and it felt like a forearm workout. The padding requires lifting out of the way, but it is attached with hook and loop closure, making it easy to move.

graco 4ever dlx - the 4ever uses push-style latch connectors that work well and are...
The 4Ever uses push-style LATCH connectors that work well and are far less frustrating than hook-style clip connectors.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Each connector is on its side, so no worries about twisting the strap. The strap is easy to thread with helpful color coding and easily fits in the holes. It is essential to follow the manual as there are parts you don't use until booster mode. The straps are easy to tighten with little effort, and the stability is great. Removing the connectors is easy with a push of a button.

The lock-off on the 4Ever helps stabilize the seat to prevent...
The lock-off on the 4Ever helps stabilize the seat to prevent excessive wiggle.
The recline adjustment on the 4Ever has clearly marked options on...
The recline adjustment on the 4Ever has clearly marked options on the base for each configuration installation and use.

Forward-facing lacks an indicator and lock-off, but it does have color coding. Keep your manual handy for the details. The pathway for forward-facing is different than rear-facing, so you need to move the strap with forward-facing being orange, blue for rear-facing, and yellow for booster mode. Tightening the strap is easy but requires threading back on the same path (read your manual!). The final product feels stable.

The 4Ever recline moves smoothly and is straightforward to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - Belt


The 4Ever belt installation is about as straightforward as the LATCH method. Neither is challenging, both are better than the average, and either method will likely appeal to parents.


graco 4ever dlx - the 4ever has a recline adjustment handle on the foot of the seat...
The 4Ever has a recline adjustment handle on the foot of the seat, which is common in convertible sats but it is not the easiest location to reach when the seat is installed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This Graco splits the difference of desirable attributes with a bubble indicator on one side and no color-coding or lock-off. Adjusting the reliance on the4Ever is clunky and lacks fine finesse or design.

The 4Ever belt pathways are clearly marked with arrows and stickers...
The 4Ever belt pathways are clearly marked with arrows and stickers, but the rear-facing pathway is not crowded.
The rear-facing configuration for the 4Ever is also not color-coded...
The rear-facing configuration for the 4Ever is also not color-coded, but it does have a sticker, arrows, and instructions right on the side.

Threading the belt is average. The pathway is easy to thread and pull across for buckling. Despite no actual process for tightening the belt or getting a stable installation, we didn't struggle with this seat. A lock-off would be nice, but it isn't necessary with this Graco. Overall, it was a positive experience, but we weren't super impressed by the final stability.

graco 4ever dlx - threading the belt on the 4ever is easy enough, but we would have...
Threading the belt on the 4Ever is easy enough, but we would have loved a lock-off to make tightening easier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Lifting the Velcro flap to undo the belt and unthread it is straightforward on the 4Ever and has no hiccups to hinder the process. We could remove it and reach the buckle to disconnect without getting in the car.

The forward-facing installation of the 4Ever does provide a lock-off, which is fantastic and makes getting a stable seat easier. Moving the headrest out of the way is easy, and the pathway is apparent through larger-than-average holes. Overall, installation is easy, but the lock-off is harder to use than it needs to be; while we are glad it is there, we wish it weren't such a pain. The lock-off looks like a toy, and it takes extra pressure to get it to close. The seat feels sturdy and passed the wiggle test once installed.

Releasing the buckle from the car is the best way to ease tension on the lock-off for trouble-free removal.

The 4Ever harness is easy to tighten and release with a mechanism that works well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The 4Ever earned one of the best scores for ease of use of everyday features in the group.


graco 4ever dlx - the 4ever buckle and chest clip are relatively standard with no...
The 4Ever buckle and chest clip are relatively standard with no issues.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


Everything on this Graco for the harness is average or good enough, which matches its price point. The buckle is relatively standard and similar to competitors, with a square button and prongs that require a little force but nothing prohibitive. The chest clip pinch is on the left side of the clip and not the center, which is odd in this group, but it wasn't hard to use and didn't seem to impact operation during our testing.

graco 4ever dlx - the 4ever has shoulder padding on the straps that help make it more...
The 4Ever has shoulder padding on the straps that help make it more comfortable when tightening and loosening the harness, so it doesn't rub against sensitive skin.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Tightening the harness on the 4Ever is straightforward, with an easy-to-pull strap and easy-to-access button under a flap of material.

graco 4ever dlx - the 4ever has ten possible height positions that you adjust using...
The 4Ever has ten possible height positions that you adjust using the pinch mechanism to move the entire headrest assembly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The 4Ever harness height adjustment is a no-rethread process with ten possible levels and two placements for the buckle strap. Moving from one level to another is easier than the average option. The headrest comes out from the seat and moves smoothly up and down, but the pinch mechanism is slightly harder than others.

The LATCH connectors on the 4Ever clip onto the sides to keep them...
The LATCH connectors on the 4Ever clip onto the sides to keep them out of the way.
The 4Ever manual tucks into a slot on the bottom of the base.
The 4Ever manual tucks into a slot on the bottom of the base.

LATCH Storage


LATCh storage on this Graco are simple clips on the side. They are open access and get the job done, even if they are uninspired.

Cover


The cover on this Graco takes some effort and time to remove. There are hooks and loops to remove, and putting it back on was a chore as we couldn't remember which one went where. Some components come off easily for quicker messes, but until you have a mess, it is hard to say how helpful this design will be.

The 4Ever cup holders are integrated and have a rim that helps buffer them from cup use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


Given the higher price of this Graco over the others, we would have expected a little more for comfort and quality, but it is the lowest-scoring Graco in this review metric. However, it is close to the average for the group, suffering a big loss for the roughness of the fabric.


This main seat fabric is exponentially rougher than most of the competition when you touch it, and the feeling gets worse when you rub it on sensitive skin, like face cheeks. We aren't sure why this fabric was chosen, and it is a step down from the infant insert and the fabric on competing Graco models. The headrest and the infant insert material are much nicer, with a soft and somewhat cooling feel. The insert doesn't offer much additional padding, and the headrest is wider than most, which causes somewhat of a lack of support. The headrest has foam padding, but the space between the two sides is very wide. The thickness and quality are good, but maybe a slight step down from a higher-quality memory foam.

The 4Ever has a nice overall look that is neither cheap nor fancy...
The 4Ever has a nice overall look that is neither cheap nor fancy, and it hits the mark of what you'd expect for the price.
The 4Ever has adequate padding for comfort and napping without being...
The 4Ever has adequate padding for comfort and napping without being overly padded.

The shell back on this seat is exposed, and a lot is going on back there that could make cleaning harder than usual. It is a cheaper-looking plastic that scratches easily during testing and moving the seats around the office. Many sides are covered in warning stickers, reducing where scratches can happen, but overall, it is not a stylish, sleek seat if that is your hope. It also comes with two semi-integrated cup holders, which are too small for sippy cups and larger water bottles.

graco 4ever dlx - the 4ever is a manageable seat for most parents with a...
The 4Ever is a manageable seat for most parents with a lower-than-average weight and an average width.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The average weight for this group of safety seats is 24.3 lbs, making the weight of the 4Ever at 21.4 lbs. This weight makes it one of the lighter, high-scoring options in the group.


The 4Ever is 19.3 inches wide, which is almost the widest width in the group, measuring 19.6 inches. The average is closer to 18.6 inches, so you'll need to measure before purchasing if you need to fit three of anything across one row in your car.

graco 4ever dlx - there is so much to love about the 4ever that we think it should be...
There is so much to love about the 4Ever that we think it should be a top consideration for almost every family.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Graco 4Ever DLX ?


If you want a great all-around seat or the best crash test results in the group, then the 4Ever is the seat for you. With an easy installation using LATCH and comfort and convenience features like a padded headrest and dual cup holders, it will surely please everyone.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


If this Graco is somewhat out of your price range, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is also worth considering. This seat also impressed during crash testing. It is easy to install with LATCH, easy to use and offers more comfort and quality than the other 4Ever. With a price that can save you around a hundred dollars, it is worth comparing the two seats to see which fits your needs best.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz